Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding ISSN 0975-928X NAAS Rating (2024): 5.60 Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding (EJPB) is an official online publication of Indian Society of Plant Breeders (ISPB) initiated in 2009. The main aim of this journal is to promote the general advancement of plant breeding and to create a forum to bring together and facilitate the exchange of information amongst plant breeders involved in the genetic improvement of agricultural, horticultural crops and forest trees. This journal is published as a quarterly with four issues (March, June, September and December) per year. Articles in "Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding" are Open Access articles published under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC License — Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International License . This license permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial purposes only, provided the original work and source is properly cited.
Pflp gene transformation in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) resistance to bacterial blight disease (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae)
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a woody perennial fruit crop grown in arid zones of India, the state of Maharashtra being considered as pomegranate basket contributes to 70 % of the total area followed by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Protection of crops against bacterial disease is an important issue in agricultural production. Pomegranate production in India is severely hampered by the high incidence of bacterial blight disease caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae is air borne, the conventional ways and means of controlling this disease have failed. Evolving a resistant genotype using resistant variety through conventional breeding may be a way out but it is a time consuming process. Transgenic approach appears to be promising to minimize the losses caused by disease. In the present investigation efficient protocols were developed to get healthy and well-formed plants from juvenile and mature-origin explants of the pomegranate cv. „Bhagwa‟ and transformants with FLP gene. One of the strategies to lead plants become resistant against bacterial pathogens is employing a transgene, like plant ferredoxin-like protein (PFLP). Different treatment combinations of hormonal concentrations were taken for leaf, petal, nodes and cotyledonary explants to standardize an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol and find out the best treatment for faster regeneration. Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying gene pCAMBIA construct with the constitutive CaMV35S promoter, PFLP gene, terminator and nptII selectable marker (Kanamycin resistance), was used for transformation of explants. Putative transformants were identified on selection medium containing kanamycin at different concentration. Integration of transgene and expression at various levels were confirmed using PCR. Out of 4 putative transformants analyzed, three plants showed amplification for PFLP gene specific primer.
In vitro, Pflp gene, transformation, bacterial blight disease, putative transformants, Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Stability for grain yield and its contributing traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
In this study, a set of seventeen genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) were evaluated over three years from 2012-13 to 2014-15 to assess the stability of these genotypes for yield and its contributing traits over years and environments. Analysis of variance for stability with respect to 8 traits revealed highly significant variation due to environment for all traits which indicated differential effect of different seasons. The variance for genotypic effect was highly significant for all the traits observed, indicating thereby differential response of all the genotypes. Genotype × environment (linear) interaction was significant for seven traits namely; days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), days to maturity, branches/plant, capsule /plant, capsule length (cm) and seed yield (g) indicating substantial amount of predictable G×E interaction. Environmental indices indicated that performance of genotypes over three environments varied apparently and environment E1 showed highest favourable impact on grain yield. The varieties TKG-478, TKG-501, TKG-503, TKG-506, TKG-306 and TKG-512 with superior mean performance, regression coefficient near to one and non-significant S2di values showed average stability for grain yield. Based on stability parameters these varieties can be considered as stable performers and may be utilized for hybridization programmes to improve sesame yields. This indicates that these genotypes performed better across environments. The stability of different yield contributing traits varied in compensating manner in different genotypes imparted grain yield stability.
Sesame, Sesamum indicum L. G×E interaction, Regression coefficient, Stability analysis, yield
Assessment of Genotype-Environment Interaction Using Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction Model (AMMI) in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids
The present study was performed to analyze the Genotype-Environment (G x E) interaction for 21 maize hybrids over 3 locations to identify suitable and stable hybrids. Grain yield data were subjected to the AMMI analysis. Analysis revealed significant G x E interaction which could be attributed to differential ranking of the genotypes across the environments. The G x E interaction was further axis captured into PCA axes, of which the first PCA 52-69% to the total G x E variance. Perusal of the biplot analysis indicated that five hybrids Viz., Seed tech, Super-36, Vivek QPM-9, Prakash and Vivek hybrid-33 were identified as having general adaptability with high mean yields and PCA scores nearer to zero
G x E interaction, AMMI, Stability, Hybrid, Maize
Combining ability analysis for yield and its component traits in sesame (Sesamum indicum L)
Combining ability analysis was carried out in 8 x 8 half diallel mating system for ten quantitative characters in sesame (Sesamum indicum L). The present study revealed the importance of both additive as well as non-additive genetic components for yield and its contributing characters. Among the parents, JLT-9707-2 was one of the best general combiners as it depicted high gca for length of capsule, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight, and oil content. Another parent VRI (sv)2 was found to be good general combiner for plant height, number of branches per plant and number of capsules per plant. These parents displayed good per se performance for most of the characters suggesting scope for their use in further breeding programme. The cross JLT-408 x VS- 07-23 evinced significant sca effects for most of the yield and yield contributing characters. This revealed that high x high gca combinations need not necessarily result in high sca effects. The presence of additive and non additive genetic components for yield and its contributing characters was observed.
Identification of restorers and maintainers among the locally adapted genotypes for hybrid development in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Two cytoplasmic genic male sterile lines of rice viz., CO MS 24A and TNAU CMS 2A having wild abortive source were crossed with 20 testers to identify their restorer/maintainer nature. Total of 40 hybrids were subjected to pollen and spikelet fertility analysis along with their parents. Six effective restorers and eight maintainers were identified among the 20 genotypes. TKM 9 was found to be a common maintainer for CGMS lines TNAU CMS 2A and COMS 24A and the genotype ADT 37 was identified as restorer for both the CGMS lines COMS 24A and TNAU CMS 2A. The identified restorers and maintainers could be utilized for development of new rice hybrids and CMS lines in future.
Genetic variability for yield and yield attributing traits in F4 generation of Lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet)
Ninety one progenies from F4 generation along with one check of Lablab bean were evaluated to study the genetic variability for yield and yield attributing traits. The highest and lowest coefficient of variation was observed for hundred seed weight and days to maturity respectively. Little or close deviation was noticed in between PCV and GCV in the expression of various traits viz; days to maturity, days to 50 per cent flowering and number of seeds per plant. A wide range of variation exhibited for yield and yield attributing traits among the progenies under study. In general PCV was higher in magnitude than GCV. The traits viz; hundred seed weight, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, plant height and number of peduncles per plant recorded high magnitude of GCV and PCV along with high to moderate estimates of heritability. The high estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was noticed for hundred seed weight and plant height which indicate additive gene action and more reliable for effective selection in improvement of lablab bean.
Genetic variability, GCV, PCV, heritability, genetic advance
Studies on Genotype x Environment interaction and stability for yield in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
The present investigation was carried out to study stability performance over three environments for yield and its components in seven elite pipeline soybean genotypes using a randomized complete block design. The mean sum of squares due to genotype and environments (linear) differed significantly. However, higher magnitude of mean squares due to environments indicated considerable differences between environments for all traits. Similarly, the MSS for Genotype x Environment was found to be significant for all the traits expect for number of pods per plant. Based on the stability parameters the genotype Dsb-21 was found to be widely adapated whereas Dsb-19 and JSS-335 a popular variety among the farmers performed better under favorable conditions.
Soybean, G X E interaction, stability analysis, regression, yield.
Marker assisted selection of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for bacterial leaf blight disease resistance
Majority of the cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties are susceptible to Bacterial Leaf Blight disease (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae. Since effective chemical and biological methods are not available, the preferred strategy for disease management is through varietal resistance. To develop BLB resistant varieties, identifying resistance genes in the available germplasm is an urgent need. Molecular characterisation using microsatellite markers is a powerful tool for screening germplasm for resistance gene. Among the various resistance genes, Xa5 is an important recessive bacterial blight resistant gene, which is effective and important in Asian rice breeding programmes. Hence main objective of the present study was marker assisted selection of rice germplasm accessions for Xa5 gene, using RM122, a closely linked microsatellite marker. Forty traditional rice genotypes from the germplasm of Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi, were initially screened in field for BLB resistance. Out of them, only twenty genotypes which had either no or less symptoms of BLB disease, were utilized for marker assisted selection. The PCR products were subjected to gel Agarose electrophoresis (1.5%). Among the thirteen genotypes which displayed marker specific bands during gel electrophoresis, five genotypes viz., Karuthakuruka, Kuruva, Kokkankoli, Kochuvithu (Thamarakulam) and Punjaparathu had no symptoms of BLB, indicating that BLB resistance in these genotypes is due to the gene Xa5. Hence these five resistant genotypes can be utilised as donors for Marker Assisted Breeding, to develop BLB resistant rice varieties.
Rice, disease, gene, marker, Xa5, Bacterial leaf blight, microsatellite, resistance
G x E interaction and stability analysis of promising rice cultures under different sowing dates during kharif
A field experiment was conducted with six advanced Rajendranagar rice cultures along with three popular varieties (BPT 5204, JGL-11470 and MTU-1010) as checks to estimate the stability parameters. The linear part of GxE interactions was significant for plant height, grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight and kernel length. Whereas, non linear part was significant for grain yield, for which prediction of performance is not possible. Higher stability was noticed for grain dimensions in a relative comparison to grain yield and its components, which indicated that the time of planting had less influence on physical grain characters. Considering the three stability parameters RNR 15028 for grain dimensions, RNR 15038 for yield potential and RNR 15048 for grain fineness as well as for yield were identified as promising genotypes in comparison to popular check varieties of the region viz., BPT-5204, JGL 11470 and MTU 1010.
Rice, GxE interaction, Stability Analysis
Combining ability and heterosis for yield and its attributes in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Five lines were crossed with four testers in line × tester fashion to determine the nature of gene action, combining ability and heterosis for yield and yield contributing traits in greengram. Analysis of variance for combining ability suggested the preponderance of non-additive type of gene action for majority of the traits except for tolerance to MYMV. Based on the per se performance and gca effects, the parents viz., TM-96-2, LGG-460, MGG-351, WGG-37 and PM-112 were found to be the best general combiners. The per se, sca effects and standard heterosis indicated that the crosses LGG-460 × WGG-37, TM-96-2 × WGG-37 and MGG-351 × WGG-37 may be exploited through recombination breeding programme, while the crosses MGG-351 × PM-115, TM-96-2 × PM-112 and LGG-460 × PM-112 are the promising crosses for hybrid breeding programme. Biparental mating or diallel selective mating, followed by pedigree method of selection would be effective alternate approaches for the improvement of productivity in greengram
Combining ability, greengram, hybrid vigour and tolerance to MYMV
Identification of fertility restorers and maintainers in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) from gene pools and exotic material
Diversification of parental base in any hybrid breeding programme is an important step to sustain the crop. For considering above was taken up to explore the possibilities of finding out good restorers and maintainers of sunflower based on sterility and pollen fertility. Thirty two inbreds of sunflower from gene pool (GP lines) and fourteen exotic collection (EC lines) inbreds of economic importance were crossed with six cytoplasmic male sterile lines viz., CMS-17A, CMS-2A, CMS-10A, CMS-234A, CMS-852A and CMS-7-1A in a Line x Tester fashion to study their maintainer or restorer reaction during kharif-2014. The accessions from gene pool, GP6-1051 acted as restorers for all six CMS lines. GP6-46 and GP6-236 were acted as restorers for CMS-10A, CMS-234A, CMS-852A and CMS-7-1A. It was found that GP6-54 of the restorer for CMS-10A and CMS-852A and maintainer for other CMS lines. From exotic collection EC-601622, EC-601664, EC-601666, EC-601672, EC-601691, EC-601726, EC-601821, EC-601848 and EC-601711-1 were acted as restorers for all six CMS lines. Majority of the gene pool lines and exotic collection were behaved as maintainer for all the CMS. The range of fertility restoration in different cross combinations was between 93.1 and 97.8 per cent. In the present study maximum frequency of pollen fertility restoration was reported for CMS-7-1A (41.3%) followed by CMS-852 (36.95%), CMS-234A (36.95%) and CMS-10A (34.78%). However, lowest frequency of pollen fertility restoration was observed for CMS-17A (28.26%).From the study it was evident that among the six CMS lines, restorers for CMS-17A are rather scarce. Efforts should be made to locate restorers for CMS-17A for its utilization in breeding of more productive sunflower hybrids.
Sunflower CMS sources, inbreds, maintainer, restorer
Assessment of yield and yield related traits to determine earliness in Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense, L).
A field experiment was conducted to identify elite early maturing G. barbadense genotypes by evaluating morphological and fibre quality traits advanced genotypes developed at CICR, Regional Station, Coimbatore. Ten advanced genotypes of G. barbadense genotypes viz., CCB-5, CCB-11, CCB-17, CCB-26, CCB-27, CCB-28, CCB-29, CCB-30, CCB-33 and CCB-36 were used in this study. In the present study, analysis of variance of genotypes was highly significant for all the traits studied. Three genotypes viz,. CCB-29, CCB-36 and CCB-5 were found to be early maturing in terms of days to first flower, lower node no to first sympodial branch, boll formation in 90, 120 and 150 days after sowing and opening of bolls in 120 and 150 days after sowing. Regarding yield traits, maximum number of bolls per plant and higher seed cotton yield were recorded in the genotypes CCB-29, CCB-36 and CCB-5. It was also observed that maximum staple length, strength and desirable micronaire were registered in CCB-29, CCB-36, CCB-5 and CCB-11. The correlation coefficients showed that the days taken to first flower, number of nodes in lower first sympodial branch, bolls formed at 150 days, number of bolls per plant have significant positive correlations with seed cotton yield. The positive correlations of yield components with seed cotton yield are reliable and more effective and efficient indicators for selecting early maturing genotypes in Egyptian cotton.
Gossypium barbadense, genotypes, traits, staple length, earliness
Morphological diversity study in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc) based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
Horsegram is an important arid legume known to grow in the tropical countries of Asia and Africa. A total of 500 accessions from NBPGR regional center, Thrissur and landraces maintained in AICRP on arid legumes UAS, Bangalore were evaluated for seven different quantitative traits and screened for Yellow Mosaic Virus disease resistance. The data collected on seven quantitative parameters and YMV reactions were subjected for Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and eight Principal Components (PC) explained the total (100%) variation in the entire collection. Based on PCA the accessions were grouped into seven clusters. Among them, cluster II had maximum number of accessions followed by cluster V. An over view of the seven clusters indicated that genotypes coming under cluster I had better performance for days to 50% flowering, pods per plant, seeds per pod. Cultivars PHG 9, BGM 1 and DPI 2278 categorized under cluster II had better performance for plant height, branches per plant, seeds per pod, and 100 seed weight.
Horsegram, Macrotyloma, genetic Diversity, PCA (Principal Component Analysis)
Combining ability analysis for growth, yield and quality traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon (Mill.)Wettsd.) genotypes
Combining ability of thirteen lines for growth, yield and quality traits was conducted through a line × tester analysis. The analysis of variances mean sum of squares for combining ability revealed that the partitioning of variances due to lines × testers showed highly significant differences for all the characters except fruit length and pericarp thickness. Mean sum of squares due to lines were found highly significant for plant height followed by ascorbic acid, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, number of fruits per cluster, fruit length, total fruit yield per plant, marketable fruit yield per plant and pericarp thickness. The estimate of variance of GCA and SCA and their ratio indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action for most of the traits. Based on the mean performance and gca effects, male parents H-86 and NDT-4 were found as good general combiner for fruit yield per plant and number of fruits per plant, while female parents Arka Ahuti, Arka Abha and Azad T-6 were better for fruit yield per plant.
Solanum lycopersicon (Mill.)Wettsd., combining ability, fruit yield per plant
Estimation of heterosis in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] for yield and quality traits
Five CMS lines were crossed with nine testers in a line x tester design to study the extent of heterosis in pearl millet for yield and quality traits. Heterosis was observed in both directions for most of the characters. High magnitude of heterosis was observed for plant height, ear head girth, ear head weight, grain yield per plant and harvest index. The heterosis was moderate for Fe content, Zn content and test weight. The heterobeltiosis for grain yield per plant ranged from -26.50 to 200.00 per cent, while the standard heterosis ranged from -53.38 to 37.79 per cent. The highest heterobeltiosis was recorded by cross JMSA1 20141 x 149-SB-14 and JMSA5 20142 x J-2340 followed by JMSA1 20141 x 81-SB-14, ICMA4 10444 x 149-SB-14. The cross JMSA5 20142 x J-2340, ICMA4 10444 x J-2340 and ICMA4 10444 x 149-SB-14 recorded the highest standard heterosis for grain yield per plant. These crosses also exhibited desirable heterosis for important yield attributes suggesting that the heterosis for grain yield per plant was associated with heterosis for component character. Thus, these hybrids can be commercially exploited through heterosis breeding programme after testing in multilocational trial to work out its stability and in diseases screening trial to find out its resistance capacity against major pearl millet diseases in order to achieve hybrids with high grain yield in pearl millet.
Grain yield, heterosis, Pennisetum glaucum, line x tester
Character association and path analysis studies for yield and its components in pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Twenty six varieties of pea were evaluated for morphological characters, yield and its components. Association analysis of various morphological traits through correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out among the varieties. Statistically significant and positive correlation (genotypic and phenotypic) was observed for days to 50 per cent flowering, pod length, pod girth, number of seeds per pod, individual pod weight, individual seed weight, pod coat weight, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and pod yield per plant. Statistically significant negative correlation (genotypic and phenotypic) was registered for plant height, number of leaves, first node bearing tendril, number of tendrils at the terminal end, days to first flowering, plant height at flowering stage, number of branches at flowering stage, first node bearing pod, leaf area, number of pods per plant and shelling percentage. The genotypic and phenotypic path coefficient revealed that plant height, days to 50% flowering, pod girth, individual pod weight, individual seed weight, leaf area, number of pods per plant and shelling percentage had high direct positive effect. Therefore these characters should be considered as the selection criterion to improve the pod yield per plant.
Pea, correlation, path analysis, pod yield
Morphological characterization of newly introduced lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) germplasm through principal component and regression analyses
Twenty seven newly introduced genotypes of lettuce collected from different indigenous and exotic sources were characterized with respect to economically important traits by using principle component and regression analyses. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all the characters under study. CGN-10944 performed best among all the genotypes for most of the traits under study. Principal component analysis indicated that the first five factors had variances of 3.88, 2.78, 1.47, 1.42 and 1.24 with 25.87%, 18.57%, 9.81%, 9.49% and 8.26% of total variation, respectively and aggregating to 72.01% of total variation. The highest positive values of different traits in different components indicated that main emphasis should be given on the gross head weight (X2), polar (X6) & equatorial diameter (X7) and seed vigour index-I (X12) & II (X13) to have higher yields in lettuce. To quantify the importance of each variable in predicting yield, multiple linear regression model was developed. The coefficient of determination (R2) in linear regression model revealed that 94% of total variation in yield per plot (X15) was influenced by days to marketable maturity (X1), gross head weight (X2), heading percentage (X4), seed germination (X11), seed vigour index-II (X13) and severity of bacterial soft rot (X14). Therefore, main emphasis should be given on days to marketable maturity, gross head weight, polar & equatorial diameter, heading percentage, seed germination, seed vigour index-I & II and severity of bacterial soft rot during selection and hybridization programmes for yield improvement in lettuce.
Principal component, regression analysis, morphological characterization lettuce, Lactuca sativa L.
Genetic variability studies for yield and yield components in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Genetic variability is a crucial tool for improvement of seed yield in sunflower. The analysis of variance of 23 hybrids revealed significant differences for all nine characters studied. The genotypic and phenotypic variation was high for seed yield per plant, head diameter and test weight indicating these characters were amenable for improvement by selection. All characters studied were least affected by environment as shown by correspondence between phenotypic co-variance (PCV) and genotypic covariance (GCV). High heritability coupled with the high genetic advance was recorded for plant height, test weight, seed yield per plant, volume weight and head diameter. High heritability along with moderate genetic advance was observed for days to 50 per cent flowering and oil content indicating additive gene action controlling these traits.
Genetic variability, genetic advance, heritability, sunflower
Heterosis studies for grain yield, fodder yield and their parameters in rabi sorghum hybrids (Sorghum biocolor (L.) Monech)
The present investigation involved the assessment of heterosis for grain yield and yield attributing traits in rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) hybrids by line x tester analysis. Parental material (three females and five males) was planted to undertake crossing programme following line x tester mating design and the seeds of fifteen hybrids were obtained. The experiment on line x tester was confined to fifteen hybrids with eight parents i.e. three female and five males and one check (SPV-1595) by taking ten yield contributing characters. The high heterotic effects and the highest per se performance for grain yield and its attributes were noted in the crosses Phule Anuradha x 10593 and Phule Anuradha x 10515. The hybrid M-35-1 x 10593, Phule Anuradha x 10593 have high mean and high heterosis for fodder yield and other important yield parameters. Testers 10515 and 10593 and crosses Phule Anuradha x 10515, Phule Anuradha x 10538 and M-35-1 x 10593 show higher chlorophyll content. The hybrids showing high per se mean and higher heterosis may be tested at multilocations to study their stability performance for yield and yield contributing traits.
Sorghum, Heterosis, line x tester analysis.
Correlation studies among pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] hybrids
Fifty pearl millet [ Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] diverse genotypes were analysed to estimate correlation among seed yield per plant and its ten component characters. The seed yield per plant had significant and positive correlation with number of effective tillers per plant (0.643, 0.534) and harvest index (0.563, 0.554) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels.
Pearl millet, Correlation co-efficient, Genotypic and Phenotypic, Yield component.
Evaluation of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] hybrids for heterosis, combining ability, wilt and sterility mosaic diseases
An experiment was carried out using three cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile (CGMS) lines as females and four diversified testers as males in a line × tester design. The analysis of variance for combining ability showed that the mean squares due to general and specific combining ability effects indicated involvement of both additive and non additive gene action. The mean sum of squares due to lines × testers and their interactions were highly significant for seed yield and it’s component characters further indicated the importance of sca variance, and consequently the non-additive genetic variation in the inheritance of these characters are more likely to be improved through heterosis breeding. The gca effects of parents revealed that female lineTS-3RA was good general combiners with JKM-197 and ASHA for seed yield and it’s direct components. Crosses exhibiting high specific combing ability effects along with their per se performance, standard heterosis and gca status of the parents indicated that the cross combinations MARUTI-A x ASHA, WRP-1A x GC-11-39 and TS-3RA x JKM-197 were good specific combiners for seed yield. These parental combinations are being used for exploitation of hybrid vigour.Two hybrids TS-3RA x GRG-2009 and WRP-1A x GRG-2009 were moderately resistant for both the diseases with per cent disease incidence value of 3.57 and 25.00 for Fusarium wilt and 16.00 and 15.79 for sterility mosaic disease (SMD) respectively.
Pigeonpea, combining ability and heterosis, wilt, SMD
Stability of fibre yield and its component traits in tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)
Stability study for fibre yield and its attributing traits was carried out in six tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) genotypes including two checks under four different ecological conditions of India over two consecutive years 2005 and 2006, I under All India Network Project on Jute and Allied Fibres. Six experimental entries in AVT-I and AVT-II responded differentially to the different environments as evidenced by their non significant difference for the different traits in the different environments. On the basis of the stability parameters Wi (Wricke’s Ecovalence) and Di (Hanson’s genotypic stability) the genotype JRO-524 (standard check) was identified as stable for fibre yield and its attributing traits over the environments. It was followed by the genotype CO-56 with high fibre yield and moderate Wi (%) and Di values. These two genotypes were identified to be suitable for high input conditions of cultivation.
Jute, Corchorus olitorius, stability, fibre
Inheritance study of qualitative and quantitative characters in cowpea varieties (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)
Two parents namely Konkan Safed and Konkan Sadabahar were used to study inheritance of four qualitative characters (i.e., growth habit, flower colour, seed coat colour and seed coat colour pattern) and four quantitative characters i.e. pod length (centimeters), number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod and 100 seed weight (gm). The qualitative characters were studied using chi-square test. The results showed monogenic inheritance for all four qualitative traits. Joint segregation was studied and linkage was revealed. The quantitative characters were studied by comparison of range, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation in parents, F1 and F2 generation. The amount of variability generated in F2 for pod length was more than both the parents and F1. This result can be used for further selection of plant progenies for crop improvement programme.
Cowpea, quantitative traits, joint segregation, 2 test, qualitative traits
Genetic variability and genetic diversity in sunflower
One hundred and seventy four accessions of sunflower were evaluated in a randomized block design with two replications during Kharif 2010-11 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh to investigate the extent of genetic variability and genetic diversity. The Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits indicating considerable magnitude of genetic variability of the material used for the study. Low heritability coupled with high GAM was observed for seed yield per plant due to high environmental effects and selection is effective. The genetic divergence study infers the grouping of 174 accessions in 13 clusters which indicates prevalence of good extent of diversity in the material. Cluster I had more no. of genotypes followed by clusters IV, VII and VIII. Cluster X had higher mean value for plant height and head diameter, cluster XII had higher test weight and cluster XI had high seed yield per plant. The maximum inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster XI and XII followed by cluster X and XII and clusters V and XII. Hence, it is suggested that if the diverse accessions from these diverse groups are used in the breeding programme, it is expected to produce a wide range of genetic variability in the population. The traits, 100 seed weight, plant height and days to maturity were the major causing genetic divergence among the accessions.
Sunflower, variability, genetic divergence
Heterosis and Combining ability studies in intra-specific derivatives of Wal (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet)
Eight genotypes of Wal viz., DPLW-46, DPLW-61, DPLW-10, DPLW-31, DPLW-15, DPLW-48, DPLW-51, DPLW-29 and their crosses made in half diallel fashion were evaluated to estimate the combining ability and heterosis effects for yield and yield component characters. The proportion of δ2g/δ2s revealed preponderance of non additive gene action for inheritance of all the characters. All the parents exhibit significant estimates for combining ability for one or more characters. The parents viz., DPLW-29, DPLW-15 and DPLW-51 were good combiner for most of the characters. Among the crosses DPLW -46 X DPLW-29, DPLW-51 X DPLW-29, DPLW-46 X DPLW-61, DPLW-15 X DPLW-51 and DPLW-46 X DPLW-10 were identified as promising cross combinations and recorded highest significant positive heterosis over mid and better-parents for seed yield per plant. These heterotic cross combinations could be exploited to get superior segregants.
Wal, GCA, SCA, heterosis and Gene action
Character association and path co-efficient analysis studies on yield and attributing characters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
The correlation studies in thirty four genotypes of brinjal comprising ten parents, twenty one F1 hybrids and three checks during summer season of 2014 indicated strong positive correlation of primary branches per plant, days to final harvest, flowers per cluster, fruits per cluster, fruit length, average fruit weight and fruits per plant with fruit yield per. However, a significant negative correlation of fruit yield per plant was observed with days to 50% flowering. The path analysis study revealed that the fruits length is the most important yield determinant, because of its high direct effect and indirectly influence the yield through primary branches per plant, days to final harvest, fruits per cluster, average fruit weight and fruits per plant followed by fruits per plant is the another most important yield determinant thus, these characters should be given importance in selection programme for yield improvement in brinjal.
Brinjal, Character association, Correlation, Path analysis
Study of genotype x environment interactions and stability among diverse Gossypium arboreum L. genotypes for yield and related traits under North Western Plains
The present investigation was undertaken with an objective to determine the effect of genotype × environment (GE) interactions and stability on Gossypium arboreum genotypes belonging to different part of country for seed cotton yield and related traits. Seventeen Asiatic cotton genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design at Ludhiana, for two years (2010 and 2011) and at Faridkot for one year (2010). The significant genotypes, environments, genotype × environment interactions were observed for all traits. Stability parameters revealed LD694 and LD902 were most stable and significantly outperforming for most of the traits except halo length where DLsa1001 was ahead. Genotypes developed at Punjab were found to be more stable for most of the traits whereas genotypes from other centers can be used as germplasm for pre-breeding programmes.
Gossypium arboreum, cotton, genotype x environment interactions, stability, Punjab
Seventy three genotypes selected from the first clonal stage were evaluated for diversified uses viz., biomass per cane, fibre yield, theoretical yield of alcohol, commercial cane sugar (CCS) yield and cane yield in second clonal stage during 2011-12. Based on the mean performance of the genotypes viz., 2010T-152 and 2010T-53 showing high performance for biomass, fibre yield, CCS yield, theoretical yield of alcohol and cane yield; the genotypes viz., 2010T-146 and 2010T-84 showing higher performance for biomass, fibre yield, CCS yield and cane yield; the genotypes viz., 2010T-4, 2010T-103, 2010T-72 showing higher performance for fibre yield, CCS yield, theoretical yield of alcohol and cane yield; the genotypes viz., 2010T-115, 2010T-387 and 2010T-285 showing higher performance for fibre yield, CCS yield and cane yield could be suggested for promotion as varieties for respective diversified uses. The genotypes 2010T-16, 2010T-18, 2010T-82, 2010T-88, 2010T-103, 2010T-124, 2010T-153, 2010T-229, 2010T-239, 2010T-344, 2010T-347 and 2010T-416 selected by the index method could serve as potential genetic stocks in sugarcane breeding for diversified uses.
Studies on heterosis in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)
A field experiment was conducted with thirty hybrids of eleven parents (six lines and five testers in ‘Line x Tester’ mating design) along with a check variety ‘MDU 1’. The aim is to estimate the magnitude of economic heterosis which is considered for exploitation of hybrid vigour for higher yield and early maturity. Negative heterosis for three traits viz., plant height, days to 50 % flowering and days to maturity is desirable for early maturation of crop. Based on experimental results of this investigation four crosses viz., MDU 1/ VBN (Bg) 6, MDU 1/ PU 31, MDU 1/ Mash-114 and MDU 1/ Uttara had exhibited higher positive significant standard heterosis for eight yield and yield attributing traits in positive direction and negative heterosis for two traits viz., days to 50 % flowering and days to maturity. The presence of magnitude of standard heterosis was higher in these crosses for yield and yield attributes. Hence, exploitation of hybrid vigour could be done in these crosses and it might be helpful in the improvement of this crop.
Standard heterosis, Single plant yield, Line x Tester and Selection index
Correlation and path analysis in rainy season sorghum [Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench]
Association and path analysis was attempted for five traits viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, days to maturity, test weight and grain yield per plant. Thirty sorghum hybrids their respective parents and three checks were studied. Grain yield had expressed highly significant and positive correlation with plant height, panicle length, days to maturity and test weight at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The characters that had positive direct effects on grain yield at both phenotypic and genotypic levels were test weight (0.543, 0.557), panicle length (0.352, 0.354) days to 50%flowering (0.169, 0.206) and days to maturity (0.113, 0.084). Plant height (-0.108,-0.0829) had direct effect in negative direction at both phenotypic level and genotypic level. The inter-relationship among these characters might be used in the breeding programme to exploit the yield potential and to develop high yielding improved varieties with ease and target oriented research.
Hybrids, Correlation, Path coefficient, Sorghum