Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding

**Elucidating the genetic potential of hybrids derived from elite maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds for economic traits under North-Western Himalayan condition**

Gaurav Sharma — 2024-10-04

This study was conducted to evaluate the combining ability of newly acquired maize inbred lines over the environments. Twenty-eight crosses developed by crossing eight elite inbreds in a half-diallel mating design were evaluated during kharif, 2019 for 12 agro-morphological traits in RBD with two replications at two different environments reflecting diverse agro-climatic and ecological conditions of North-Western Himalayas (SAREC, Kangra and HAREC, Bajaura). Analysis of variance showed that there was sufficient amount of genetic variability in the material studied. In accordance to Bartlett’s test, error variance was homogeneous only for six traits. Estimates of σ²SCA were higher as compared to σ²GCA both within and across environments for all the traits, except days to 75 per cent brown husk at Kangra, representing prevalence of non-additive gene action for these traits. The inbred line B73 at Bajaura, and LM14 at Kangra were found to be good general combiner for most traits. The inbreds with good GCA can be used as potential parents for the development of high yielding single cross maize hybrids. The hybrid combinations namely, B73 × BAJIM1811 and BAJIM1522 × BAJIM1811 were identified as potentially superior ones at Kangra and Bajaura environments. The identified promising hybrids need further assessment for their superiority in performance across the locations and over years.

Keywords: General combining ability, specific combining ability, gene action and maize

**Comparison of residual heterosis in F₂ and F₃ segregating generations of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] crosses**

Avralima Sarkar — 2024-10-04

The present investigation was undertaken to study the residual heterosis in F₂ and F₃ populations of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]. The study material included eight parents and the 28 crosses of Indian mustard in two generations, namely F₂ and F₃. The experiment was conducted over two years at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, during Rabi season 2020-21 and 2021-22. Out of the 28 crosses, three crosses namely, Npj-194 × DRMR-15-16, Npj-194 × RW- 85-59 (Sarma) and Npj-194 × SKJM-05 were found to show significantly positive residual standard heterosis over the standard variety (SKJM-05) for both the characters siliquae per plant and seed yield per plant. This provides us evidence that by improving siliquae per plant, the character seed yield per plant can be improved. The promising cross populations which have shown significant standard heterosis for seed yield in F₂and F₃, can be utilized for the development of hybrid varieties, which would be very much beneficial to the marginal farmers of our country as they would be able to use the F₂ and F₃ seeds of the hybrid varieties without any compromise with seed yield.

Keywords: Residual relative heterosis, Residual heterobeltiosis, Residual standard heterosis, Indian Mustard, Segregating generations

Molecular diversiry studies among blackgram genotypes for yellow mosaic virus resistance

V. Roja, J. Sateesh Babu, N. Hari Satyanarayana, G. Bindumadhavi — 2024-10-04

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD), incited by a geminivirus. Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV), is transmitted by whiteflies, poses a significant threat to various leguminous crops in India. This study focuses on identifying resistant sources and validating molecular markers for their efficacy in detecting YMV resistance in blackgram. In the present study, 150 blackgram genotypes were evaluated to identify resistant sources for YMD under natural field conditions and through molecular markers. Among the 150 genotypes, 22 (both resistant and susceptible) were selected based on field screening. These genotypes were validated using 15 molecular markers, including 8 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 7 gene-specific markers linked to MYMV resistance. The markers amplified a total of 48 alleles, with polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.82 (CEDG67) to 0.21 (HSP), with an average value of 0.55. The highest PIC values were exhibited by markers CEDG67 (0.82), CEDG115 (0.81), and CEDG20 (0.74). Cluster analysis using DARWIN revealed that most phenotypically resistant genotypes grouped together, while susceptible genotypes formed separate clusters. The genotypes LBG 904, LBG 932, LBG 884, PU 1815, PU 1808, PU 1803, MASH 1008, MASH 114, VBN 10, and PU 31 exhibited resistance to YMV phenotypically. Among these, LBG 904, LBG 932, PU 1815, PU 31, and MASH 1008 produced a 162 bp resistant allele using the marker CEDG180. Similarly, the gene-specific marker DEF produced a 190 bp resistant allele in all the resistant genotypes, whereas the susceptible genotypes produced both 190 and 250 bp alleles. These identified genotypes can serve as valuable sources for MYMV resistance in blackgram breeding programs.

Keywords: SSR markers, Blackgram, Diversity, MYMV

Estimation of genetic components and assessing heterosis association with molecular markers in half diallel derived rice hybrids developed with landraces of NE India

2024-10-04

Combining ability and heterosis were estimated in 45 rice hybrids generated by mating 10 parents, comprising both land races and advance breeding lines, in half diallel fashion. Hayman’s graphical analysis showed that all the twelve morphological traits studied had significant positive dominance variance. Narrow sense heritability was high for Days to fifty percentage flowering, Plant height, Panicle length and Test weight (> 30 %), and low for Grain yield per plant. According to the VrWr graph, traits like GYPP, PL, PH, TN and plot yield showed partial dominance, whereas traits like Blast disease index showed overdominance. A significant improvement over check was observed for heterosis and the crosses Mynri x CAUS103, Joha x CAUS107, CAUS 126 x CAUS107 and CAUS103 x CP, exhibited significantly positive standard heterosis for GYPP (>80 %) and PY (>100 %). Genetic distance based on fourteen markers revealed significant positive association with mid parent and better parent heterosis for Spikelet’s per plant, Filled grains per plant, Harvest index, Grain yield per plant, Panicle number and Plot yield. Therefore, it is evident that crosses with larger genetic distance between the parents gave hybrids with higher heterosis.

Keywords: Landraces, Hayman’s graphical analysis, Heterosis, Genetic distance

Exploring genetic variability in fodder quality of forage sorghum in the North – Eastern regions of India

Partha Pratim Behera — 2024-10-04

This study investigated genetic variability, character association, and genetic diversity in ninety-five forage sorghum genotypes, evaluated using a randomized block design for seven fodder quality traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all traits. Genotypes such as G90 (424B), G23 (334B), G87 (CSV21F), G76 (330B), and G45 (373B) exhibit desirable fodder quality traits. Notably, G90 (424B) and G47 (NSS5B) stand out for their superior green forage yield per plant and fodder quality, making them prime candidates for varietal development programs. Crude protein emerged as a crucial selection factor for fodder quality. Green forage yield per plant showed minimal association with the other quality traits. A strong positive correlation was observed among in vitro organic matter digestibility, metabolic energy, crude protein, and ash content. D² analysis identified five clusters, with genotypes from clusters V and IV recommended for crossing to produce superior transgressive segregants for fodder quality. Acid detergent fibre, crude protein, and ash content significantly contributed to genetic divergence. Considering these selected traits and genotypes, they could be invaluable in future sorghum forage breeding programs aimed at enhancing fodder quality traits.

Keywords: Correlation, genetic diversity, Path analysis, Sorghum Fodder quality

Improving the process of identification of superior pearl millet populations using Genotype by Yield × Trait (GYT) biplot

2024-10-04

Utilizing a trait-based breeding approach is crucial for developing diverse materials with various agronomic traits, emphasizing a common focus on achieving high grain yield, as seen in many breeding programs. Genotype evaluation based on yield × trait combinations is essential, with yield as the primary variable. Genotype by yield × traits biplot analysis was used in pearl millet to assess associations among yield-trait combinations, trait profiles, and superiority rankings. The Biplot analysis reveals prevalent positive associations among yield-trait combinations, implying that selecting multiple traits can augment grain yield productivity. Notably, ICMV 221 and Dhanashakti exhibit elevated levels of YLD×Fe and YLD×Zn, while SOSAT C88, EC C6, Raj 171, and CZIC 618 excel in combining grain yield with traits such as plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), and days to maturity (DM). Based on overall superiority in yield-trait combinations, populations were ranked as follows: AIMP 92901 > ICMV 221 > SOSAT C88 > CZIC 618 > Raj 171 > ICMP 87307 > EC C6. This study demonstrates the practical utility of the genotype by yield × traits biplot approach for selecting pearl millet germplasm with diverse trait combinations, enhancing the breeding program's effectiveness.

Keywords: Trait Association, Trait Profile, Selection Index, Multiple Trait-Based Selection, GYT-Biplot

Exploring the usefulness of drought tolerance indices in screening of maize inter-racial derivatives

R. Jaishreepriyanka, R. Ravikesavan, K. Iyanar, D. Uma and N. Senthil — 2024-10-04

Among all the abiotic factors affecting maize yield, drought stress is the most destructive one. Since drought tolerance is a complicated trait that is difficult to quantify, screening for stress involves measuring the effects of stress on several traits, most notably plant yield. Selection using the drought tolerance indices is an easy way to identify the stable and tolerant genotypes based on yield performances alone. The current study aims to identify suitable maize hybrids with high drought tolerance. A total of 30 maize-teosinte hybrids and 3 checks were raised under optimal and water-stressed environments and were screened using twelve different drought tolerance indices. It was observed that the inter-racial hybrids viz., G24, G27, and G29 were better than the drought tolerant Zea mays ssp. mays check C3 for yield and most of the indices. The indices STI, TOL, GMP, MP, YI, DI, SSPI, K₁STI, and K₂STI were observed to be significantly correlated with yield under stress and optimal environments. Based on the yield both environments, the genotypes were classified under four groups, with Group A consisting of genotypes with high yields under both environments. The indices Stress Tolerance Index (STI), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP), Yield Index (YI), and Modified Stress Tolerance Index (K₂STI)were identified for their ability to discriminate Group A from the other genotypes and these indices could be utilized to screen for drought tolerance with high yield.Component Analysis revealed two principal components contributing up to 98.15 percent of the cumulative variation. The PCA biplot identified the hybrids viz., G24, G27, G14, G19, and G25 as tolerant ones. Based on the index scores, the hybrids viz., G27, G29, G17, G20,and G24were identified as the top-ranking genotypes, with high and more stable yields under both stress and optimal environments.

Keywords: Drought index, maize, 3D plot, inter-racial hybrids, teosinte

Genetic inheritance studies in rice (Oryza sativa L.) for grain protein, quality and yield

V. Bharali — 2024-10-04

The present study was undertaken to investigate the genetic parameters of yield component and quality traits of the F₃ population from BPT 5204 and JAK-686 cross in rice. High heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were recorded for productive tillers per plant, grains per panicle, panicle length and grain yield per plant indicating the effectiveness of direct phenotypic selection for improvement of these traits. For traits such as grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight, amylose content and grain protein content, the magnitude of additive (d) effects surpassed dominance (h) gene effects. This implies that phenotypic selection using methods like pureline selection, mass selection would be beneficial. Gel consistency exhibited complimentary gene interaction. Furthermore, duplicate gene interaction was prevalent in traits like days to 50% flowering, productive tillers per plant, plant height, panicle length, grain yield per plant, kernel length, kernel breadth, and kernel L/B ratio, making selection in later generations more effective. The inheritance studies highlighted the importance of selecting desired recombinants from the segregating population to enhance rice quality as well as grain yield.

Keywords: Rice, Grain protein content, Quality, Variability, Heritability, Gene action

**Elucidation of gene action and estimation of combining ability effects for fruit yield attributes and biochemical traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)**

Kuldeep N. Dudhatra — 2024-10-04

The present investigation was undertaken in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) to estimate combining ability and gene action following a half diallel mating design using ten parents. The ratio of genetic variance components, σ²_gca/σ²_sca and σ²_D/σ²_A, showed dominant gene action, indicating the presence of non-additive genetic variance for days to 50% flowering, fruit yield per plant, total phenol, antioxidant activity and total soluble sugar. The traits fruits per plant, fruit girth, and fruit weight showed additive genetic variance. Among the parental genotypes, AB 15-08, ABSR 2 and AB 20-13 were found to be good general combiners for fruit yield, fruits per plant, and total soluble solids. The three highest-ranking hybrids were AB 15-08 × AB 20-13, AB 15-08 × AB 20-03 and AB 20-07 × GP BRJ 224. The above hybrids would be rewarding for harnessing heterosis.

Keywords: Diallel cross, brinjal, combining ability, fruit yield, antioxidant activity

**Organoleptic profiling for demand led breeding of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) suitable for Kerala market**

Kasireddy Sivasankarreddy — 2024-10-04

In order to develop eggplant hybrids with consumer acceptance, an organoleptic evaluation of fruits in two different sets of eggplant genotypes was conducted by a panel of 15 judges with 21 descriptors, following a quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA). In 2023, twenty genotypes were evaluated as the first set to identify suitable parents for hybridization. The results showed significant variation in odour, appearance, texture, flavor and taste, and overall quality attributes. From the first set, five genotypes (Ponni, Vengeri, IC618016, IC636521, and IC624240) were selected to produce ten F₁ hybrids, and they were further evaluated, along with parents and three popular varieties as check in 2024. In the second set, many descriptors showed no significant variation. F₁ hybrid, Vengeri x IC636521, showed higher yield and overall quality attributes, and most of the other hybrids (seven) were high yielders over popular checks with on par for overall quality. The findings suggest the role of organoleptic evaluation in selection and development of quality breeding materials.

Keywords: Odour, Appearance, Texture, Flavour, Taste, Overall quality

**Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and correlation in advanced breeding lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) under heat stress condition**

D. M. Kiranakumara — 2024-10-04

An experiment was conducted under normal (with six irrigation during crop period) and stressed condition during Rabi 2019 in All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Wheat, MARS, Dharwad, Karnataka with the view of assessing genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic advance in 104 F₄families of the cross HD2864 × DBW14. The progenies exhibited wide range of variation for all the traits indicating the presence of enough genetic variability in the material under study. Under timely sown condition, the traits like leaf waxyness, NDVI at different stages, SPAD at different stages, number of productive tillers per plant, seeds per spike, grain filling duration, spike length, thousand grains weight and seed set percentage showed high variability. The traits like plant height, canopy temperature at different stages and membrane stability index showed low variability. Under late sown condition, the traits like leaf waxyness, plant height, NDVI at different stages, SPAD at different stages, number of productive tillers per plant, seeds per spike, yield per plant, row bulk yield and seed set percentage showed high variability. The traits like days to maturity, spike length and membrane stability index showed low variability. The findings shows that all traits related to crop yield are positively linked, except for canopy temperature at different growth stages. Promising lines identified through Heat susceptibility index (HSI) and Heat tolerance index (HTI) can be utilized in future breeding programs to enhance crop productivity.

Keywords: Variability, Coefficient of variation, Heritability, Genetic advance

**Unveiling genetic basis of yield and salinity tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through insights from generation mean analysis**

K. Pravin Kumar — 2024-10-04

Rice (Oryza sativa L) serves as a primary food source for over a billion people worldwide and is encountering challenges in yield due to the increasing global population and climate changes. Understanding the genetic variations that underlie complex traits is crucial for its enhancement and this can be accomplished through generation mean analysis. In this study, investigation was made to study the genetic mechanisms governing important quantitative traits, specifically yield and salinity tolerance in rice. The study involved six generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, B₁ and B₂) resulting from two crosses between three parents. The investigation specifically focused on generation mean analysis, assessing twelve traits includes days to flowering, plant height , total number of tillers , number of productive tillers , panicle length, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, number of filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, thousand-grain weight and single plant yield in the two crosses. In Cross I (ADT 45 × APD 19002), traits such as plant height, days to fifty percent flowering, total number of tillers and total number of grains per panicle exhibited opposing signs for dominance × dominance (l) and dominance (h), indicating a prevalence of duplicate epistasis. At the same time, additive and additive × additive gene effects influenced total number of tillers, plant height, total number of grains per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle and spikelet fertility. In Cross II (CO 54 × APD 19002), total number of tillers, plant height, flag leaf length, total number of grains per panicle, spikelet fertility and single plant yield suggested a predominance of duplicate epistasis. Further, the total number of grains per panicle, total number of tillers per plant, spikelet fertility and thousand-grain weight were primarily governed by additive and additive × additive gene effects. These observations show the feasibility of enhancement through selection in subsequent generations, emphasizing the necessity of integrating selection with salinity tolerance screening for the development of high-yield, salinity-tolerant rice varieties.

Keywords: Scaling test, genetic effects, salinity tolerance

**Identification of foxtail millet (Seteria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) genotypes for multi-season adaptability using GGE biplot analysis in Foothills of Nagaland**

D. Purushotama Rao and — 2024-10-04

Foxtail millet is a main millets crop of Northeastern region of India. The genotype-by-environment analyses assist in understanding the potential performance of the genotypes over environments. The present study aimed to investigate the 30 foxtail genotypes over the four different environments to identify the genotypes with stable yield in this region. The investigation was carried out during July 2022 to May 2023 for four different dates of sowing with fifty-five days interval. Two environments maintained under rainfed condition and the remaining two environments are maintained under irrigated condition with seven days interval. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications in all environments. Genotype-environment interactions significantly influenced grain yield across four environments, while replicates were non-significant. Pooled analysis revealed significant genotypic effects and seasonal impacts. The “discriminating power vs. representativeness” GGE biplot showed that E4 (showing dates in January 2^ndfort night) is the most ideal test environment for foxtail millet elite line selection based on discriminative ability and representativeness. The accessions that performed best in each environment based on “which-won-where” polygon biplot, genotypes G19 (FOX 4392) and G27 (FOX 4420) showed superior and stable performance in E1, however G25 (FOX 4341) and G1 (ELS 20) excelled in E2, E3, and E4.Mean vs stability biplots exposed G1 (ELS 20) is stable and high yielding performance. Ranking genotypes GGE biplot identify the G25 (FOX 4341) is an ideal genotype due to its higher yield and stability compared to the other genotypes.

Keywords: GGE Biplots, Foxtail millet, Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) Test

**Stability analysis on elite genotypes of Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) in Terai Agro-Climatic Region**

2024-10-04

Among the oilseed crops, mustard has gained precedence in the human diet due to its superior oil quality. Genotype × environment interactions have a significant effect on plant breeding because it reduces the stability of the genotypes in diverse environments. In order to assess the impact of environments on genotypes and determine the stable genotypes in terms of seed yield and yield attributing characters in the terai agro-climatic zone, seventy-one Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated during two consecutive years,namely, 2017-18 and 2018-19, focusing on nine quantitative characters across six environments. Eberhart and Russell model (1966) of stability analysis revealed that various genotypes exhibited adaptability to favourable and unfavourable environments for different characters, influenced by the different sowing dates over the two years. However, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 to be well adapted in terai agro-climatic zone in respect to seed yield and plant height, while Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) were adapted to specifically favorable (rich) environment for the seed yield. In terms of secondary branches per plant and number of siliquae on branches, Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) showed adaptability across all types of environments. Therefore, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 were identified as stable genotypes for optimum seed yield across different environmental conditions.

Keyword: Mustard, G × E interaction, stability, , Regression, Deviation from regression, Brassica juncea

**Identification of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] genotypes with wider adaptability to rainfed environments through stability analysis**

Manish Sharma — 2024-10-04

The stability and yield of guar genotypes are important factors for the long-term development of this gum-producing industrial crop. A study was undertaken to assess the impact of the G × E interaction on yield stability in guar genotypes at seven distinct sites. Yield and its component traits such as the total number of pods per plant, pod length and seeds per pod were evaluated in the kharif season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 resulting in 14 environments. Stability tests for multivariate stability parameters were performed based on analyses of variance. For all the traits, the pooled analysis of variance revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) variations which provided sound evidence for the validity of the experiments. Genotypes KGG 6 and KGG 5 had desirable stability parameters for the number of pods per plant and pod length respectively. KGG 12 and KGG 3 were stable under all environments for number of seeds per pod. In the case of yield per hectare , the genotype KGG 6 recorded highest yield followed by KGG 4 and KGG 1. Among the tested genotypes, KGG 1 and KGG 2 were highly stable with average yield performance. AMMI biplots identified genotypes KGG 11 and KGG 12 as stable ones but these genotypes exhibited low-yield. The high-yielding stable genotypes identified in the present study could be recommended for commercial production in guar-growing areas of arid and semi-arid regions. Aside from these, the genotypes KGG 6 and KGG 4 were suited for exploiting better environmental conditions and genotype KGG 7 recorded more pod yield per plant and bi value less than one, explaining its suitability in poor environments. However, these genotypes could be incorporated into breeding strategy for yield enhancement in targeted environments.

Keywords: Guar, Genotypes, Environments, G×E interaction, Stability.

Assessment stability and G x E interactions of baby corn hybrids for yield and yield contributing traits

Sandeep Kumar Bangarwa, R. B. Dubey, Rubby Sandhu and Raval Kalpesh — 2024-10-04

The present study consisted of total 45 hybrids along with 18 parents and 2 checks. These entries were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications over three locations. Observations were recorded on ten characters to study per se performance, estimates genotype × environment interaction and stability parameters. The crosses × environment interactions were significant for all the characters indicating existence of non-linear response of crosses to the changing environments. The analysis of variance for individual environment indicated significant differences among genotypes for all the traits indicating the heritable nature of inheritance of these traits. The crosses EIQ-103 × EI-2156, EIQ-180 × EI-2518-4, and EIQ-103 × EI-670-2 were found to perform well across different environmental conditions for yield and yield-contributing traits. Specifically, the crosses EIQ-103 × EI-2156 and EI-1104-1 × EI-2156 demonstrated stability across various environments, while the crosses EI-2173 × EI-2156 and EIQ-235 × EI-2518-4 were particularly suitable for unfavourable conditions.

Keywords: Baby Corn, Stability Analysis, Eberhart & Russell, G x E Interactions

Deciphering the estimates of combining ability and heterosis for selecting superior parents and hybrids in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

L. Krishna — 2024-10-07

Twenty F₁s, parents and checks viz., MTU 1010 and RNR 15048 were assessed for grain yield and its contributing attributes to study combining ability and heterosis. The mean of hybrids was greater than that of the parents except for days to 50% flowering and plant height. For majority of the investigated characters, the analysis of variance indicated considerable variations among parents and hybrids. Degree of dominance was more than unity for majority of traits including grain yield. For the examined characters, SCA variances were equal to GCA variances, indicating the dominance of additive and non-additive gene activity. The traits days to 50 % flowering, plant height, panicle length, test weight, kernel length and kernel length/breadth ratio showed additive gene action whereas the remaining traits showed non-additive gene action. The gca effects revealed that among the lines IR 72 had significant gca effects in desired direction for yield and yield attributing traits. Among the 20 hybrids, MTU 1001 x Akshyadhan was found to be a good specific combiner for grain yield per plant. Similarly, the hybrids NLR 34449 x IR10N270 and IR 72 x IR10N270 were found to be good specific combiners for grain yield and yield contributing characters. The standard heterosis of these three hybrids was positively significant over the check varieties MTU 1010 and RNR 15048. Based on mean, sca and heterosis estimates, MTU 1001 x Akshyadhan, NLR 34449 x IR10N270 and IR 72 x IR10N270 were identified as promising hybrids.

Keywords: Combining ability, gene action, heterosis and hybrid rice

**Impact of starch profile on glycemic index of coloured and non-pigmented genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.)**

B. Krishna Veni — 2024-10-04

Rice serves as a crucial staple food, supplying energy and nutrients to roughly half the global population. Consumers prefer to take mostly the white rice, but pigmented rice is enriched with anthocyanin and has potential health benefits. The study of 27 rice genotypes consisting of eight non-pigmented and 19 pigmented genotypes were estimated for protein content, antioxidant activity and starch profile including total starch(TS), Resistant Starch(RS), Slowly Digestible Starch(SDS), Rapidly Digestible Starch(RDS), Amylose content(AC), and Glycemic Index (GI). This study shows that RS and SDS levels have a negative correlation with GI, whereas RDS has a positive association with the glycemic index. The starch content and amylose content were not showing any direct relation with the GI. There was minimal variation in the glycemic index between pigmented and non-pigmented rice varieties.

Keywords: Antioxidant activity, glycemic index, pigmented rice, resistant starch, slowly digestible starch, starch profile

**Genetic variability, diversity and principal component analysis in B and R lines of rabi sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]**

K. O. Swaroop — 2024-10-04

Hybrid technology is exploited in kharif (rainy) sorghum while the same is not the scenario in Rabi sorghum which is still dominated by landraces and varieties which have poor yield potentiality. Considering the necessity of development of heterotic hybrids, an attempt was made to screen hybrid parents (B and R lines) to assess variability and genetic diversity, for productivity traits. The study was conducted with 32 B and R lines at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapur during 2021-22. PCV was observed to surpass GCV across all traits. The traits grain yield per plant, fodder yield per plant, grain number per plant, and harvest index exhibited notably high PCV and GCV. Plant height, panicle length, panicle harvest index, and harvest index recorded high heritability and genetic advance, suggesting their control by additive gene action and potential for improvement via selection. Cluster analysis classified the 32 genotypes into four groups. PCA condensed 14 traits into five principal components, capturing 81.50% of total variation. The genotypes remained scattered in all four quadrants in PCA- Biplot, showing large genetic variability in quantitative traits studied.

Keywords: Genetic variability, heritability, diversity, clusters, PCA and rabi sorghum

**Estimation of genetic variability and association of yield and related traits in indigenous grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) genotypes**

P. M. Savaliya, N. N. Prajapati, R. S. Solanki and Ravinder Kumar — 2024-10-04

Twenty-five genotypes of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) were tested during the rabi 2019-20, for genetic factors such as genetic variability, correlation, and path analysis. For each of the 13 characters under study, the results of the analysis of variance revealed a significant variation among the genotypes. Characteristics with high GCV and PCV were the leaf area, biological yield per plant, number of branches per plant, harvest index, plant height, stem diameter and grain yield per plant. The biological yield per plant, leaf area, number of branches per plant, harvest index, length of inflorescence, girth of inflorescence, stem diameter, plant height, grain yield per plant, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity showed high estimates of heritability along with high genetic advance. Therefore, choosing such traits will be more beneficial. At the genotypic and phenotypic levels, there was a positive and highly significant correlation between the characters days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, length of inflorescence, stem diameter, leaf area, biological yield per plant and grain yield per plant. Based on the results of the path co-efficient analysis high direct influence was observed between grain yield and the days to 50% flowering, plant height, inflorescence length and girth of inflorescence, number of branches per plant, and biological yield per plant.

Keywords: Correlation, Grain amaranth, Genetic variability, Heritability, Path co-efficient analysis

**Marker assisted selection and genome recovery for heat tolerance in segregants of rice (Oryza sativa L.)**

V. Silpa — 2024-10-04

In the present global warming scenario, it is urgent to impart heat tolerance into the popular high yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties to reduce yield loss to a great extent. Uma (a prevalent red-grained rice variety in Kerala) was crossed with Nagina 22 (N22), the popular donor for heat tolerance. From the seven promising heat-tolerant F₃ plants previously identified through marker assisted selection and field screening, F₄ lines (58 nos.) were raised and characterised morphologically. Heat tolerance was scored under natural heat stress during hot summer months in field conditions. Among the evaluated F₄ progenies, 26 promising plants registered >75% spikelet fertility. Double panicles were observed in some of the tillers of fourteen F₄plants. During the selection with reported polymorphic markers between parents, all the 26 F₄ plants produced the corresponding amplicon for RM5749 (linked marker for heat tolerance in the parental cross Uma x N22) and also for RM9, RM201, RM208, RM225, RM242, RM495, RM3586, RM6100, RM6836, and RM26212, corresponding to the heat tolerant parent N22. Genomic analysis revealed 64% recovery of the Uma genome in seven F₄ plants, with maximum genomic regions of Uma on the chromosomes 3 and 5. These promising F₄ plants could be forwarded to generate stable and high yielding heat tolerant rice varieties. The identified markers could be used for linkage analysis and QTL mapping in future.

Keywords: Heat stress; Rice; spikelet fertility; SSR; QTL

Inter and intra cross variability analysis in F₃ generation of mung bean **[Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]**

P. K. Nayak, C. L. Khatik, M. Khan, Kailash Chandra, J. Lal — 2024-10-04

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate 12 crosses of mungbean genotypes for 11 characters to access the extent of genetic variability and to comprehend the heritable aspect of variation for grain yield and its related characters. All the 12 crosses were raised in a compact family block design with three replications in two environments during the kharif season of 2022. The analysis of variance indicated significant variations among the families for grain yield and all other characters in both environments. Conversely, differences among the progenies within a family varied depending on specific trait and environment (E1) to environment (E2). Inter cross variability revealed high GCV and PCV for primary branches per plant in both environments. High estimates of PCV were recorded for pods per plant and grain yield per plant in both environments and for clusters per plant in E2. High estimates of heritability were exhibited by primary branches per plant in both the environments and plant height in E1. High estimates of genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed for primary branches per plant and plant height in both environments. Inter cross variability revealed that the highest magnitude of heritability was recorded by family C1 and C7 for grain yield per plant in E1 and E2 respectively. The highest magnitude of genetic advance as per cent of mean was exhibited by family C3 for primary branches per plant in E1 and by family C12 for clusters per plant in E2.

Keywords: Genetic variability, Inter cross variability, Heritability, Mungbean

**Genetic diversity study and estimation of iron and zinc content in red sorghum genotypes (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench)**

Koppeti Vinodhini T. Kalaimagal, D. Kavithamani and A. Senthil — 2024-10-04

A study involving 72 red sorghum genotypes was carried out during Rabi, 2021-22 with the objective of identifying high yielding red sorghum accessions with superior Fe and Zn content. These 72 genotypes were grouped into 10 clusters. All the four checks used in the study were grouped in cluster VIII (CO 4, Paiyur 2, Usilampatti local and AURS 013). Based on single plant yield, CO 4 was identified as the best check. Genotypes IS 29630, IS 30536 and 38 CS were grouped under cluster IX, and were better than the best check with respect to yield. These genotypes could be used in further breeding programmes. PCA identified five principal components that had Eigen value greater than one and accounted for about 72.5% of the total variation. Based on the mean performance, the genotypes viz., IS 14775, IS 29630, 38 CS, IS 29322, IS 30536, 34 CS, IS 23390, SD 8348, IS 4966 and IS 21544, which had recorded high single plant yield were used for the estimation of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content. High Fe and Zn were recorded in IS 21544 and IS 4966.

Keywords: Red sorghum, clustering, PCA, mean performance, Fe and Zn.

Multivariate analysis in chickpea genotypes under timely sown condition

Karishma Behera, Anita Babbar, Shrikant Yankanchi and R. G. Vyshnavi — 2024-10-04

Yield, a multifaceted trait influenced by genetic and environmental factors, requires a comprehensive assessment beyond emphasizing only on yield alone. Thus, understanding the intricate relationship between yield and its associated traits across diverse chickpea genotypes is essential. The current investigation was undertaken at the Breeder seed production unit, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during the 2021-22 cropping season. Significant variations were found by analysis of variance (ANOVA) among the 40 genotypes under study, indicating substantial variability. Post hoc DMRT analysis further confirmed notable genetic diversity across all traits. Regression and Principal component analysis highlighted the significance of optimizing biological yield per plant, effective pods, total number of pods, and secondary branches to enhance grain yield. Strategic selection prioritizing these traits can facilitate the development of high-yielding chickpea varieties with enhanced agronomic characteristics. This analysis identified five principal components explaining 80.74% of genotypic variability. Ultimately, the genotypes ICCV 211210, RVG-204, and ICCV 211206 emerged as promising based on PC scores.

Keywords: Chickpea, DMRT, Regression, PCA, Yield

**Standardization of EMS doses for mutagenesis in strawberry (Fragaria x Ananassa Duch) cv. winter dawn**

Rahul R. Rodge, Rajni Rajan, Harjinder Kaur, Khan Jabroot and Kuldeep Pandey — 2024-10-04

Induced mutation by Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) has been found to be a very useful technique for crop improvement. Chemical mutagens, such as EMS, have been widely used to induce a variety of practical variations in several fruit crops. Therefore, a study was undertaken to determine the LD₅₀ and the effects of mutagens on growth-related, yield-related, and quality-related observations, as well as the mortality percentage of runners derived from the Winter Dawn variety of strawberry using EMS to create variability for desirable traits. The runners were treated with EMS. The treated runners, along with a control group, were planted for growth in pots under a polytunnel. Based on the probit curve derived from the survival of the treated plant, the LD₅₀ dose for EMS was found to be 3%. The 0.1% and 0.2% EMS doses showed good results in terms of growth, yield, and quality. An increase in the concentration of EMS resulted in a decrease in plant survival rate.

Keywords: EMS, Chemical mutagen, strawberry

**Selection parameters for the improvement of seed yield and attributes in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)**

M. Gnanasekaran, P. Shanthi, M. Gunasekaran, K. Thiyagu and A. Yuvaraja — 2024-10-04

The present investigation was carried out with 53 genotypes of cowpea to study association among yield contributing traits. The genotypes were sown in a randomized block design replicated with three replications at the National Pulse Research Centre, TNAU , Vamban, Pudukkottai, during Kharif,2022. Observations on ten traits were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. The coefficient of phenotypic differences was substantially greater than the genotypic variation for all the characters under study, showing that the prevailing variation is mainly governed by the genotypic factor and substantial environmental factors. High heritability and genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed for the traits seed yield and 100 seed weight. This showed the role of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits which gives the best chance of their improvement through simple selection. Association analysis revealed that number of cluster/plant and number of pods/plant had a significant and positive correlation on seed yield. Yield component traits viz., plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/cluster, number of pods/plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield were high inter-correlated among themselves. Furthermore, it was observed that the number of pods/plant, pod length, and 100 seed weight had the maximum positive direct effects on seed yield. So direct selection for these three traits could help to improve the seed yield potential of cowpea.

Keywords: Cowpea, heritability, genetic advance, association analysis.

**Combining ability and gene action analysis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)**

2024-10-04

The present research was conducted in Okra to study combining ability and gene action in a set of 28 F₁s developed by crossing seven lines and four testers. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications and observations were recorded on 12 traits viz. days to 50% flowering, days to first picking, number of internodes, number of branches plant^-1, fruit length at maturity and harvest, number of fruits plant^-1, number of seeds fruit^-1, seed index, fruit weight, yield per plant and plant height. The results revealed that two lines viz., VRO-4 and Sel-2 were excellent general combiners for most of the traits in both positive and negative direction as per desirable traits. Cross VRO-6 x Varsha Uphar recorded highly significant SCA effects for eight traits and GAO-5 x GJO-3 for yield trait. Variance due to GCA was less than SCA, and the GCA/SCA ratio was less than unity indicating preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the traits. This suggested the feasibility of exploitation of heterosis.

Keywords: Gene action, Fruit yield, Okra, GCA and SCA

**Heterosis and combining ability analysis for yield contributing traits and fibre quality in GMS based G.hirsutum L. x G.barbadense L. hybrids**

S. D. Sanmugapriya — 2024-10-04

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the level of heterosis and combining ability in cotton. Thirty five interspecific hybrids were generated by crossing five lines viz., GMS 14, GMS 17, GMS 19, GMS 21 and GMS 27 with seven testers namely CCB26, CCB51, DB1901, CCB2, CCB6, CO18 and Suvin in line x tester mating fashion. Twelve parents along with 35 hybrids and a standard check (DCH 32) were raised in a randomized block design with two replications to evaluate the combining ability and heterosis to identify good combiners and the best hybrids with high yield and fibre quality. The lines viz., GMS 14 and GMS 17 and the testers viz., CO 18 and Suvin were found to record significant gca effects for yield and fibre quality traits. Out of the 35 hybrids, GMS 14 x CO18, GMS 27 x Suvin and GMS 17 x CO18 recorded highly positive significant sca effects for most of the traits. The ratio between additive and dominant genetic variance was less than one for all the traits, indicating the preponderance of dominant gene action or non-additive gene action. The above three crosses also exhibited high heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check. Hence, these hybrids could be harnessed after analyzing their performance in yield trials.

Keywords: Cotton, combining ability, heterosis, high yield, fibre quality.

Study on gene action, combining ability and heterosis for different traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Cxern & Coss)

Bharath Kumar Margam and — 2024-10-04

Combining ability and heterosis was investigated in mustard hybrids obtained from 7 × 7 half diallel cross. Twenty one F_1s along with seven parents were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design. The combined analysis of variance revealed very significant differences among the parents for all morphological variables with the exception of secondary branches and siliqua length, indicating wide diversity among the parental material used in the present study. Significant GCA and SCA variance indicated additive and non-additive gene action across all the characters. The SCA variance components were larger than the GCA variance components for most traits indicating the prevalence of non-additive gene effects. Jawahar mustard × PM-30, showed a significantly positive SCA and better parent heterosis for seed yield per plant whereas five hybrids (Kranti × PM-30, Gujarat Mustard-3 × Pusa Mahak, Jawahar Mustard × PM-30, Jawahar Mustard × Pusa Mahak and PM-30 × Pusa Mahak) exhibited significant positive SCA effect for number of siliqua/ plant. Jawahar Mustard × PM-30, Varuna×Jawahar Mustard, Gujarat Mustard-3 × PM-30, exhibited highly significant heterosis over the mid-parent.

Keywords: Brassica juncea, GCA, SCA, gene action, Heterosis

**Variability assessment and screening of superior rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for grain micronutrients and yield components**

Bishawajit Kumar — 2024-10-04

The present study was carried out to assess the genetic parameters and divergence in 38 rice genotypes for important yield and grain quality traits. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits taken for the study, while high heritability was recorded for all the traits, except kernel length to breadth ratio and grain iron content. The trait number of grains per panicle exhibited high heritability (91.00%) and high genetic advance as a percentage of mean suggesting simple selection may be followed to improve the traits. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into seven clusters. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters VII and IV (537.17). Five genotypes excelled in grain yield, ten genotypes for grain zinc content and one genotype for grain iron content over the check variety Rajendra Bhagwati. Despite high variability in grain zinc and iron content, no genotype surpassed the check variety for all three crucial attributes i.e. grain yield, grain zinc and iron content. The experimental material's variability for grain nutrient status suggests their potential use in biofortification programs.

Keywords: Rice, biofortification, micronutrients, variability, genetic diversity, heritability

Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding

Elucidating the genetic potential of hybrids derived from elite maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds for economic traits under North-Western Himalayan condition

Comparison of residual heterosis in F2 and F3 segregating generations of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] crosses

Molecular diversiry studies among blackgram genotypes for yellow mosaic virus resistance

Estimation of genetic components and assessing heterosis association with molecular markers in half diallel derived rice hybrids developed with landraces of NE India

Exploring genetic variability in fodder quality of forage sorghum in the North – Eastern regions of India

Improving the process of identification of superior pearl millet populations using Genotype by Yield × Trait (GYT) biplot

Exploring the usefulness of drought tolerance indices in screening of maize inter-racial derivatives

Genetic inheritance studies in rice (Oryza sativa L.) for grain protein, quality and yield

Elucidation of gene action and estimation of combining ability effects for fruit yield attributes and biochemical traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Organoleptic profiling for demand led breeding of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) suitable for Kerala market

Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and correlation in advanced breeding lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) under heat stress condition

Unveiling genetic basis of yield and salinity tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through insights from generation mean analysis

Identification of foxtail millet (Seteria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) genotypes for multi-season adaptability using GGE biplot analysis in Foothills of Nagaland

Stability analysis on elite genotypes of Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) in Terai Agro-Climatic Region

Identification of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] genotypes with wider adaptability to rainfed environments through stability analysis

Assessment stability and G x E interactions of baby corn hybrids for yield and yield contributing traits

Deciphering the estimates of combining ability and heterosis for selecting superior parents and hybrids in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Impact of starch profile on glycemic index of coloured and non-pigmented genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Genetic variability, diversity and principal component analysis in B and R lines of rabi sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Estimation of genetic variability and association of yield and related traits in indigenous grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) genotypes

Marker assisted selection and genome recovery for heat tolerance in segregants of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Inter and intra cross variability analysis in F3 generation of mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

Genetic diversity study and estimation of iron and zinc content in red sorghum genotypes (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench)

Multivariate analysis in chickpea genotypes under timely sown condition

Standardization of EMS doses for mutagenesis in strawberry (Fragaria x Ananassa Duch) cv. winter dawn

Selection parameters for the improvement of seed yield and attributes in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

Combining ability and gene action analysis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Heterosis and combining ability analysis for yield contributing traits and fibre quality in GMS based G.hirsutum L. x G.barbadense L. hybrids

Study on gene action, combining ability and heterosis for different traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Cxern & Coss)

Variability assessment and screening of superior rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for grain micronutrients and yield components

**Elucidating the genetic potential of hybrids derived from elite maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds for economic traits under North-Western Himalayan condition**

**Comparison of residual heterosis in F₂ and F₃ segregating generations of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.] crosses**

**Elucidation of gene action and estimation of combining ability effects for fruit yield attributes and biochemical traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)**

**Organoleptic profiling for demand led breeding of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) suitable for Kerala market**

**Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and correlation in advanced breeding lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) under heat stress condition**

**Unveiling genetic basis of yield and salinity tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through insights from generation mean analysis**

**Identification of foxtail millet (Seteria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) genotypes for multi-season adaptability using GGE biplot analysis in Foothills of Nagaland**

**Stability analysis on elite genotypes of Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea L.) in Terai Agro-Climatic Region**

**Identification of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] genotypes with wider adaptability to rainfed environments through stability analysis**

**Impact of starch profile on glycemic index of coloured and non-pigmented genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.)**

**Genetic variability, diversity and principal component analysis in B and R lines of rabi sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]**

**Estimation of genetic variability and association of yield and related traits in indigenous grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) genotypes**

**Marker assisted selection and genome recovery for heat tolerance in segregants of rice (Oryza sativa L.)**

Inter and intra cross variability analysis in F₃ generation of mung bean **[Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]**

**Genetic diversity study and estimation of iron and zinc content in red sorghum genotypes (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench)**

**Standardization of EMS doses for mutagenesis in strawberry (Fragaria x Ananassa Duch) cv. winter dawn**

**Selection parameters for the improvement of seed yield and attributes in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)**

**Combining ability and gene action analysis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)**

**Heterosis and combining ability analysis for yield contributing traits and fibre quality in GMS based G.hirsutum L. x G.barbadense L. hybrids**

**Variability assessment and screening of superior rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for grain micronutrients and yield components**