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.
Effect of pre sowing seed treatments on germination and seedling growth parameters of Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch. Ham.) Oken
An experiment was carried out to standardize seed propagation techniques in Hydnocarpus pentandra(Buch. Ham.) Oken at Division of Plant Genetic Resources, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research,Bengaluru during 2018-19. Seeds were extracted from the fully matured fruits and treated with differentreatments like GA3, Kinetin, Ethylene and KNO3. Seed coat removed seeds were used for the treatment.Among the different treatments, seeds treated with GA3 350 ppm showed maximum germination, theminimum number of days taken to initiate germination, maximum number of leaves and seedling height.The dry weight and fresh weight of the plant is also highest in this treatment. Maximum number of leaves,fresh and dry weight of roots was highest in KNO3 1.0 per cent treatment.
Hydnocarpus pentandra, Seed germination, GA3 , Seed coat, Seedling vigour
Study of genetic variability and heritability in Indian bean (Lablab purpureus L.)
The investigation was carried out at Vegetable Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh(Gujarat) during late Kharif 2017-18 in Randomized Block Design with three replications to assess geneticvariability in Indian bean comprised of 36 genotypes and 4 check varieties. The analysis of variance revealedthat the mean sum of squares due to genotypes were highly significant for all the twelve characters. Highphenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variations and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance asper cent of mean were observed for the number of primary branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, podlength, 10- green pod weight, green pod yield per plant and length of twig.
Genetic variability, heritability, GCV, PCV, Indian bean
Studies on genetic diversity for yield, quality and yield attributing traits in cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] genotypes
The study was carried out to assess the genetic divergence among 56 cluster bean genotypes using MahalanobisD2. Fifty-six genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters based on 11 characters. The intra-cluster distances wereseen to be lower than the inter-cluster distances. The maximum inter-cluster distance was noticed betweencluster VI and VII whereas, inter-cluster D2 value was least between cluster I and V. The maximum intra-clustedistance was observed in cluster IV. Clusters V, VII and VIII had only one genotype each and hence intra-clusterdistance was 0.00. The per cent contribution towards genetic diversity was maximum in 100 seed weight (52.08%followed by the protein content of pods (45.19%). On the basis of inter-cluster distances observed,the genotypeswith specific characters can be utilized for the hybridization programme.
Genetic divergence, cluster bean, Mahalanobis D2, cluster distance
Studies on genetic variability and response to selection for quantitative and qualitative traits over environments in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
The present study was conducted during the Rabi-2017-18 over three environments with 21 hybrids and theirseven parents. The characters viz., the number of fruits per cluster, fruit width (cm), fruit length to girth ratio,average fruit weight (g) and the total number of fruits per plant recorded high GCV and PCV values and differencesbetween these two parameters also less indicates presence of high genetic variability for these traits among thegenotypes. Heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean for aforesaid traits also recorded high values; itmeans direct selection for these characters may be an effective and further evaluation for knowing the type of geneaction actually involved in the phenotypic expression of these traits may be confirmed by estimating GCA and SCAvariances by using any mating design
Brinjal, Genetic variability, Quantitative and qualitative characters and Over environments
Selection indices for yield improvement in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
The discriminant-function technique was used to construct selection indices in 48 genotypes of bread wheat (Triticumaestivum L.). Sixty-three selection indices involving grain yield per plant and its five components were constructeusing the discriminant function technique. The efficiency of selection increased with the inclusion of more charactersin the selection index. The index based on four characters viz., grain yield per plant, the number of grains per mainspike, grain weight per main spike and biological yield per plant recorded the highest genetic gain and relativeefficiency. The use of these indices is advocated for selecting high yielding genotypes of bread wheat.
Selection indices, discriminant function, relative efficiency, and bread wheat
Genetic diversity in pearl millet inbred restorers for agro morphological and grain quality traits
Genetic diversity was assessed in 60 pearl millet inbred restorers for 10 agro-morphological and six seed qualitytraits. High range of variation was observed and trait contribution to genetic diversity depicted that panicle lengtcontributed the maximum (19.04 %) followed by panicle girth (18.76 %). Based on the clustering pattern, a total of09 clusters were obtained of which Cluster II was the largest and comprised of 39 inbreds followed by cluster IIIwith 10. Cluster mean depicted that cluster I, III and IX comprised of potential lines having a desirable meanperformance for the traits studied. Cluster distance was also high among these aforesaid clusters thus suggestingtheir use in hybrid development as well as in recombination breeding for generating better inbreds in pearl millet
Pearl millet, inbred restorers, agro-morphological, seed quality, genetic diversity
Correlation and path coefficient analysis of various sorghum genotypes (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) for quality traits
The study was conducted on 25 sorghum genotypes grown in Randomized Block Design during Kharif 2015 toevaluate, categorize and classify them for fodder yield and quality traits. Correlation and path analysis studieswere conducted to determine the association among various fodder yield and its component traits, and the directand indirect contribution towards fodder yield in 25 sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) genotypes grown atforage section in CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana, India) during Kharif, 2015. Plant heightup to the base of flag leaf was positively associated with green fodder yield (0.30), dry fodder yield(0.91),digestible dry matter(0.96), IVDMD(0.54), and negatively associated with the time of panicle emergence. Thenumber of tillers per plant was found to be positively associated with the number of leaves(0.37), crudeprotein(0.25), green fodder yield(0.26), dry fodder yield(0.30), and lignin content and negatively with stem girth.Green fodder yield was positively associated with plant height(0.30), the no. of leaves(0.27), stem girth, dryfodder yield, IVDMD, DDM and protein yield. Dry fodder yield was positively associated with GFY, plant height,stem girth, the no. of tillers, IVDMD, DDM and protein yield and negatively with panicle length visible abovesheath. Lignin was positively associated with plant height and the no. of tillers and negatively with ADF, IVDMDand stem girth. The IVDMD content was positively associated with GFY, DFY, the no. of leaves, DDM and proteinyield while, negatively with lignin. Crude protein was positively associated with the no. of leaves, stem girth, theno. of tillers, lignin, IVDMD and protein yield and negatively with ADF. The NDF was positively associated withcrude protein. The DDM was positively associated with GFY, stem girth, DFY, IVDMD and protein yield. Proteinyield was positively associated with GFY, the no. of leaves, stem girth, DFY, IVDMD, crude protein and DDM annegatively with stigma length. Therefore, these traits could be considered as the best selection criteria in sorghumbreeding programmes for the development of high yielding varieties.
Sorghum, Correlation coefficient, Path coefficient, IVDMD
Genetic variability studies for yield and its component traits in newly developed sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) hybrids
The present study was conducted in order to estimate the genetic variability and variability parameters amongthe parental lines and crosses for 18 characters in sunflower. The investigation was carried out at RegionalAgricultural Research Station, Nandyal during rabi, 2018-19, in a Randomized block design with two replications.ANOVA studies reported highly significant differences for all the traits. High GCV and PCV recorded for oilyield, leaf area index, seed yield, autogamy per cent, number of seeds per head and specific leaf areaindicating more variability of these traits and less influence of environment. High heritability and geneticadvance noted for the traits viz., leaf area index, plant height, specific leaf area, the number of leaves perplant, oil yield, seed set per cent, seed yield, 100 seed weight, the number of seeds per head, head diameterand autogamy per cent indicates these traits were governed by additive gene action and selection will berewarding for the crop improvement. The traits days to 50 per cent flowering, oil content, volume weight,SPAD chlorophyll meter reading and hull content reported high heritability coupled with moderate geneticadvance indicating the role of both additive and non-additive gene action and population improvement byreciprocal recurrent selection can be useful.
Sunflower, genetic variability and variability parameters
Correlation studies in elite lines of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Yield is a complex character which is contributed by a large number of components. Therefore, to determinethe relative importance of the component characters and to initiate an effective selection programme,correlation studies were done. In cotton, seed cotton yield is an important and of economically valuedcharacter. Hence, the seed cotton yield per plant was taken as dependent character for correlation studiesin this investigation. Seed cotton yield expressed a significant positive association with the plant height(0.2458 and 0.4348), the number of monopods per plant (0.2821 and 5.9365), the number of bolls per plant(0.8606 and 0.8558), boll weight per boll (0.5077 and 0.5137), lint index (0.3382 and 0.4409), ginning outturn (0.2794 and 0.4566), seed index (0.1826 and 0.2117),the number of seeds per locule (0.1826) and0.2117), at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Number of locules per boll (1.5872) showed a significantcorrelation at the genotypic level with seed cotton yield. A significant negative correlation was observed withdays to 50% flowering (-0.2222 and -0.2931) at both levels
Association and path co-efficient analysis among leaf yield and it’s component in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) genotypes
An investigation was carried out in Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,Coimbatore during 2015- 2016 rabi season for evaluation of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) genotypes forgrowth, leaf yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in the Randomized Block Design with 30 genotypesand replicated thrice. The study revealed that the relationship of characters implied that plant weight showed asignificant positive association with the number of shoots per plant and leaf weight. Maximum significant positivegenotypic and the phenotypic correlation coefficient was significantly recorded for leaf weight and stem weightwith the number of shoots per plant respectively. Path analysis investigation on plant weight revealed that theleaf weight and the number of shoots per plant recorded very high positive direct effect on plant weight. But forthe traits, stem weight, plant height and the number of leaves registered negative direct effect.The residual effect was observed to be high. Therefore, greater emphasis should be given on these characterswhile selecting for higher leaf yield and related traits.
Coriander, Correlation Coefficient, Path analysis and Leaf Yield, Residual effect
Callus induction in Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch. Ham.) Oken using shoot tips
Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch. Ham.) Oken is a Vulnerable medicinal tree found in Western Ghats ofIndia. It is highly exploited due to its medicinal properties and it is mainly used in leprosy treatment. Anexperiment was undertaken at Division of Plant Genetic Resources, ICAR-Indian Institute of HorticulturalSciences, Bengaluru during 2018-19. The experiment was laid down in Completely Randomized Design(CRD) with 16 treatments and three replications. Shoot tips from young seedlings were used as explantand treated in MS media with a different hormonal combination like Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP), IndoleAcetic Acid (IAA), Kinetin and Thiaduzerol (TDZ). Among the treatments, highest shoot length (2.06 cm)and maximum number of shoots produced per explant (3.86) were found in the treatment combination ofBAP (1.0 mg/l) and TDZ (0.5 mg/l) followed by the treatment combination of BAP (2.4 mg/l) and IAA (0.05mg/l). Few treatments showed callus formation but no shoots were developed in these treatments.
Vulnerable medicinal tree, Growth hormones, Explant, Callus induction
Association analysis of F2 generation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under salinity condition
Rice occupies a pivotal place in the Indian agriculture and has been grown under diverse ecological conditionsand gets exposed to different environmental stresses like drought, salinity and submergence. Development ofrice varieties for salinity affected areas is emphasized on the improvement of rice yield potential in a specificenvironment. Information related to the relationship between yield and its components in the breeding programmparticularly for salinity is very limited. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to study the correlationand path analysis in F2 generation derived from two crosses namely ADT 43 x FL478 (Cross 1) and ImprovedWhite Ponni x FL478 (Cross 2) were evaluated at a farmer’s field at Vedapatti village, Tuticorin district of TamilNadu which is a saline track. Another rice variety FL478 (IR 66946-3R-178-1-1, derived from crossing betweenPokkali and IR 29), has been promoted as an improved donor for breeding programs, as it has a high level ofseedling stage salinity tolerance and is photoperiod insensitive, shorter and ûowers earlier than the originalPokkali. FL478 also maintains a lower Na+/K+ ratio than both the parent lines (Gregorio et al. 2002). Based on itsability to tiller well and maintain high potassium content under salinity stress, FL478 appears to be a good candidatefor salinity stress tolerance in rice, particularly at the vegetative stage of growth. In Vedapatti village of Tuticorindistrict, due to over-pumping of groundwater in the past several years, normal irrigation water has become salinewater. Moreover, this village is considered as a hot spot area for the saline condition. Hence, the six generationsdeveloped through hybridization techniques were evaluated for salinity tolerance at Vedapatti village. The soiland water samples were collected from the field to analyze the EC and pH. The soil salinity and water quality inthe experimental plot were 4.82 ECdSm-1 and 8.09 (pH) for soil and 4.78 ECdSm-1 and 8.19 (pH) for waterrespectively. From the present findings, it is clear that the characters viz., number of tillers per plant, number ofproductive tillers per plant, number of filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle and spikelefertility have to be given prime importance during selection since they expressed significant and positive correlationwith single plant yield and also a positive inter-correlation among themselves. Therefore, selection for anyone ofthe above characters would bring in the simultaneous improvement of other traits and also finally resort to improvethe grain yield under salinity condition. Path analysis also revealed that selection for the number of productivetillers per plant and the number of filled grains per panicle are to be given prior importance during selection sincethey had a positive correlation and high direct and indirect effect on grain yield under salinity condition in rice.
Rice, Salinity, Correlation, Direct effect, Filled grains per panicle
Evaluation of genetic parameters of agro-morpho-quality traits in American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
In the present study, forty American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes of diverse origin were evaluated to observe the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and fibre quality traits. The analysis ovariance study indicated the presence of significant difference among all the traits. The highest PCV and GCVwere observed for the number of monopodia per plant, followed by seed cotton yield per plant. Genotypic coefficientsof variation had a similar trend as the phenotypic coefficient of variation indicating a less environmental effect onthe expression of the traits. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed in seed cotton yield perplant. The high heritability was recorded for the traits viz., days to 50% flowering, the number of monopodia perplant, the number of sympodia per plant, boll weight, seed index, ginning outturn, 2.5% span length, bundle strengthand seed cotton yield per plant. The high genetic advance was also observed for seed cotton yield per plantindicating the use of simple selection for the improvement of this character in the future breeding programmes
genetic variability, cotton, heritability, genetic advance
Morphologically elite genotype in gymnema TNGSy-55-IC-0630558
Sixty-six accessions of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br were characterized for morphological, yield and quality traits.Among the accessions,TNGSy-55-IC-0630558 was found to be an elite for leaf traits viz., leaf shape and basewhich is elliptic and obtuse base.
Elite genotype, leaf traits, TNGSy-55-IC-0630558
Interspecific hybridization and crossability studies of cultivated varieties of Vigna mungo L. Hepper with Vignamungo var silvestris
Interspecific hybridization was carried out with two cultivars (CO 6 and VBN8) and one wild species Vignamungo var. silvestris22/10 in black gram. The crossability and pollen fertility studies were conducted duringinvestigation. Qualitative traits are recorded in the F1 generation. The hybrid from CO 6 cross had twiningtendency, terminal leaflet shape, petiole colour, pod pubescence, and growth pattern similar to Vignamungo var.silvestris22/10 (male parent). The hybrid from VBN8 cross resembled the male parent for the characters viz.,twining tendency and growth pattern. Hence,these qualitative traits can be used to confirm hybridity at the earlystage of the crop
black gram, crossability, pollen fertility, and qualitative traits.
Green leafy mustard: A healthy alternative
Peppery, crispy mustard greens are indeed one of the most nutritious green leafy vegetable available during thewinter season. The mustard greens similar to spinach and fenugreek are the storehouse of the number ofphytonutrients and have health promotional and disease prevention properties. Five selections from germplasmlines from Uttarakhand hills were evaluated for leaf traits, micronutrient profile and anti-oxidative properties. Theselines were very tall, late maturing and slow-growing. The maximum leaf area was found in EEC-1 (590.42 cm2) byvirtue of its broadleaf (21.89cm) with high protein (26.68%) and zinc content (2.73mg). EEC-5 showed the highestfresh leaf weight (66.53g) and maximum content of iron (20.23mg). With maximum leaf length (40.72cm), EEC-4was identified as an excellent source of â-carotene (6480µg) which is precursor of vitamin A. Leafy mustard selectionEEC-3 possessed the highest amount of micronutrients like phosphorous (720mg), calcium (240mg) and manganese(6.49mg). Fresh mustard greens were found to be an excellent source of antioxidant like flavonoids (EEC-4, 4.88mg)and also show very high total antioxidative activity (EEC-5, 20.09mg). Therefore, from the above investigation, itwas found that green mustard leaves can serve as a healthy alternative to most of the winter season leafy vegetableswith their high nutraceutical and disease defensive role.
Brassica rugosa, Nutritional profile, Phenol, Anti-oxidative
Genetic divergence in advanced breeding lines and varieties of mungbean
The present investigation was carried out to study the genetic divergence of 100 mungbean genotypes using Mahalanobis D2 analysis. Among the traits studied, the number of branches contributed maximum percentagetowards the total genetic divergence. The genotypes were grouped into fifteen clusters, with cluster I having themaximum number of genotypes. Maximum intra-cluster distance was recorded in cluster I indicating higher diversityamong genotypes of this cluster. Cluster V and XV recorded maximum inter-cluster distance indicating widerdivergence between genotypes of these clusters. Likewise, clusters III and XII also recorded wider divergence.Hybridization between genotypes of cluster V (VGG 16-035, VGG 17- 004) and cluster XV (VGG 17-009) followedby cluster III (VGG 18-012) and cluster XII (ADT 3) could yield better segregants. High mean performances for thenumber of clusters per plant, the number of pods per cluster, the total number of pods per plant and seed yield perplant was observed in cluster XIII (VGG 15-030). This genotype can be utilised for further crop improvement programmes in mungbean.
Mungbean, diversity, clusters, hybridization
Character association and principal component analysis for seed yield and its contributing characters in greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
principal component analysis for determining the pattern of genetic diversity. Eight quantitative parameters viz.,plant height, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number ofpods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and single plant yield were measured. The largest variationwas observed for plant height with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 58.98% followed by the number of pods perplant (35.16). The number of pods per cluster has shown the least variation with a CV of 0.50 %. Estimates ofcorrelation coefficient showed a positive significant association of single yield with the number of pods per clusterand the number of pods per plant. The principal component analysis was used to assess the genetic diversityamong the 74 germplasm collections. The results of PCA revealed that the cumulative variance of 79.90% by thefirst four axes with an Eigenvalue of 1.0 indicates that the identified traits within the axes exhibited greaterinfluence on the phenotype. Amongst the first four PCs, PC1 accounted for a high proportion of total variance(32.60%) and the remaining three principal components viz., PC2, PC3, and PC4 revealed 20.70, 14.30 and12.30% of the total variance, respectively. Hence, it is suggested that the traits such as pod length, number ofseeds per pod (PC 2), number of pods per cluster (PC 3) and single plant yield (PC 4) in the first four principalcomponents contributed to major variation among germplasm collections. Hence, these traits are considered askey traits for selection criteria for developing high yielding cultivars of green gram.
Green Gram - character association - principal component analysis - grain yield
Assessment of genetic diversity of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids under water logging condition
The screening of fifty five CIMMYT maize hybrids was carried out to estimate the genetic diversity which wasevaluated undermanaged waterlogged or excess soil moisture condition, indicated presence of considerablediversity. The experiment was conducted in an alpha lattice design with two replication and phenotypic datawere analyzed using fifteen agro-morphological traits. The fifty five maize single cross hybrids grouped into eightclusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistic. Among them cluster I accommodated maximum number of inbredlines (41) followed by cluster V (8). Presence of six solitary clusters indicated larger genetic diversity. Thecharacter plant height showed highest contribution towards genetic divergence followed by number of kernel perrow, ear height, number of rows per ear, grain weight per plot and 100 seed weight. Based upon the divergencestudies suggesting crossing may be made between genotypes of cluster II (P3502) and V (ZH17505, ZH17507,ZH17497, ZH15567, ZH15557, ZH15564, ZH15563 and ZH15562), and the hybrid in these cluster could beused as donor parents for new double cross maize hybrid development for improving yield under water loggingcondition.
Genetic diversity, Mahalanobis D2 statistic, water logging and clusters
Standardization of vitrification treatments for safe cryo conservation of banana (Musa acuminata Colla) cultivars using differential scanning calorimetry
Cryo-conservation is the most promising approach and reliable method for long term conservation of banana and plantain genetic resources. Prior to the development of a safe cryo-conservation procedure for highly hydratetissues of any vegetatively propagated crop species such as banana, suitable vitrification treatments involvingloading solution in combination with Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) solution have to be standardized. In thepresent study, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) technique was attempted to identify the best vitrificationtreatment using shoot apices as storage explants in two banana cultivars namely Grand Naine and Red banana.The results showed that DSC thermogram curves detected the formation of ice nucleation at a temperature of 18.67°C for Grand Naine and -19.16°C for Red banana in the control shoot apices. Among the sixteen vitrificationtreatment combinations tested, the treatments, LP6, LP7, LP10, LP11, LP14 and LP15 were judged as besttreatments for cryo-conservation of both banana cultivars as revealed by the formation of glass transition eventsin the vitrified shoot apices. This information obtained through DSC experiments would further provide scope fordesigning safe cryo-conservation system for banana. This is the first report to demonstrate the application ofDSC to optimize the vitrification treatments that would be adopted for developing cryo-conservation protocol forMusa germplasm.
Banana, shoot apices, Cryo-conservation, vitrification, Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Determination of optimum dose of chemical mutagen for large scale seed treatment of white seeded sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties
In the present study two white seeded sesame varieties VRI 3 and SVPR 1 were treated with sevendifferent concentration viz., 0.2 %, 0.4 %, 0.6 %, 0.8 %, 1 %, 1.2 % and 1.4 % of chemical mutagen EthylMethane Sulphonate (EMS). Germination percentage and germination index were tested using two differentgermination methods. Seed germination percentage and germination index was decreased with increaseddoses of EMS in both the varieties. The higher concentration of EMS completely arrested the seedgermination. The optimum dose of the mutagen should be tested to maintain the require plant populatioin the M1 generation and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the mutagen. LD 50 value wasdetermined using probit analysis. For SVPR 1 and VRI 3, LD 50 value was found to be 0.36% and 0.44 %respectively. For fixing the lethal dose for the chemical mutagen, Pro tray method of germination test wasfound to be reliable than germination paper method.
White seeded sesame, EMS, Optimum dose, Germination percentage, Germination Index
Correlation, path analysis and stress indices studies of Saltol introgressed lines of rice for salinity tolerance
The correlation, path analysis and stress indices for yield and its component traits were studied in Saltol introgressedbackcross inbred lines (BILs) developed in the background of ADT 37 and CR 1009 Sub 1 under normal andsaline conditions. The score of seedling stage salinity tolerance indicated that the line BIL 1102 was tolerant tosalinity. Correlation studies indicated positive association of number of total grains per panicle and number offilled grains per panicle with grain yield in both saline and normal conditions. The direct positive effects of traitslike number of productive tillers and panicle length would be effective for selection on grain yield improvementunder both environments.The characters viz., days to fifty percent flowering, number of filled grains per panicleand thousand grain weightalso had direct effects on grain yield under salinity condition. The lines viz., BIL 1102,BIL 752 and BIL 1094 were selected as saline tolerant lines based on stress susceptibility index (SSI) and stresstolerance index (STI).
Salt stress, Seedling stage tolerance, Correlation, Path analysis, STI
Assessment of combining ability for yield and yield contributing traits in sweet corn
An investigation was carried out to assess the combining ability and nature of gene action in sweet corn genotypesusing Line x Tester mating design using ten lines and five testers. Investigation on combining ability indicated thepredominance of non-additive gene action for all the traits under study. The variance due to genotypes was highlysignificant among the parents and hybrids for all the traits studied. This result strongly suggests the utilisation ofheterosis breeding methods to exploit hybrid vigour. The lines L1, L8, L7, L10 and testers T1, T5 had superior per seperformance for yield and yield contributing traits. The results also revealed that, the lines L1, L7 and testers T1, T5had high per se performance coupled with high gca for most of the yield attributing traits. Based on per seperformance and sca effects, the hybrids L2 x T2, L1 x T1, L1 x T5, L7x T4and L4x T1 were found to be good. Amongthese hybrids,L2 x T2 was considered best because it recorded highest per se performance coupled with high scafor yield and yield contributing traits.
Sweet corn, line x tester analysis, combining ability
Deciphering drought tolerance potential of sweet corn genotypes through polyethylene glycol induced drought stress
Drought is a restraining factor for the major dependent factors like yield. Pertaining to this issue, analyzing thedrought potential of the sweet corn is a major concern. The present investigation was carried out to reveal thdrought tolerant potential of sweet corn genotypes by invitro screening under four levels of osmotic stress (0, -2,-4 and -6 bar) using PEG. The material used for the study included six lines and five testers and their correspondingthirty hybrids synthesized in a line x tester mating design. The seedlings exhibited a significant variation for all thetraits and indices analyzed. Under high stress, SVI of the selected entries were found to be higher because ofincrease in germination percentage and seedling length which would ultimately lead to better field emergence.Performance of the hybrids WNC12039-1× 45503, WNC12039-1×45678 and SC11-2×45679 excelled over thecommercial check i.e. Misthi when subjected to lower water potential. Based on the preliminary study, the identifiedinbreds WNC 12069-2, SC 11-2 and the hybrids WNC12039-1×45503, WNC12039-1×45678 and SC11-2×45679could be further evaluated in the field.
Drought, sweet corn, PEG 6000 and Seedling Vigour index
Genetic variability and association analysis in barnyard millet mutants
The present study was carried out using 40 mutants along with two check varieties CO(Kv)2 and MDU1 duringKharif 2019. Sixteen characters were studied and out of which only 11 traits showed significant variation.Correlation and path analysis were done for 11 traits viz., number of basal tillers, days to fifty percent flowering,flag leaf length, panicle length, plant height, number of raceme, number of productive tillers, number of leavesin main tiller, average leaves in side tiller, single ear head weight and single plant yield. Among the elevenbiometrical traits, high heritability was recorded by traits such as number of basal tillers, days to fifty percentflowering, flag leaf length, plant height, number of racemes, number of productive tillers, number of leaves inmain tiller, single ear head weight and single plant yield. Correlation studies showed that number of productivetillers, single ear head weight and plant height possess significant positive correlation with yield at both genotypicand phenotypic level. Path analysis showed that traits like number of basal tillers, single ear head weight andpanicle length had high direct effect on yield. Thus, selection of these traits would be rewarding for yieldimprovement in barnyard millet.
Barnyard millet, variability, genetic parameters, correlation, path analysis.
Breeding system study in sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) A stepping stone in crop improvement
Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) belonging to the family Fabaceae is having wide range of industrial utilizationas fibre crop, fodder crop and green manure. Pollination is the key mutualism between two kingdoms of organisms.The ambiguity of whether sunnhemp is self-pollinated or cross-pollinated crop paved the way for our study. Thesimplest and most efficient approach to investigate the breeding system of C. juncea would be the combinationof controlled hand pollination followed by pod set analysis. Floral biology study revealed the protandrouscharacteristics of sunnhemp flowers. Flowers are zygomorphic and complete with dimorphic anthers. Breedingsystem study confirmed the prevalence of cross pollination in sunnhemp by higher per cent pod set in crosspollination in comparison with self-pollination.
Crotalaria juncea, Pollination mechanism, Cross-pollination
Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of sodium azide in rice varieties
This study was taken up to assess the chlorophyll spectrum induced by Sodium Azide mutagen in two ricecultivars- BPT 2231 and CO 51. The mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of Sodium Azide across the twogenotypes were also observed. The chlorophyll spectrum observed in M2 generation of BPT 2231 is consistedof albino, xantha, chlorina, striata and xantha viridis. In CO 51, albino and xantha occupied the entire chlorophyllspectrum. Albino was predominant in both the varieties with 1.2 per cent in BPT 2231 and 1.15 per cent in CO51 at 1mM concentration. The mutagenic frequency was higher in BPT 2231 (7.8) than CO 51 (4.0). Considerinthe efficiency of a mutagen based on lethality, seedling injury and pollen sterility, BPT 2231 recorded highervalues 2.79, 1.10 and 0.26 respectively. Like mutagenic frequency, the mutation rate of Sodium Azide washigher in BPT 2231(0.90) than CO 51 (0.40).
Rice, Mutagenic effectiveness, Mutagenic efficiency, Sodium Azide, Mutation Breeding
Association studies in barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link) for early maturity and yield contributing traits at high altitude region
Barnyard millet is an under-utilized minor millet which is being popularized nowadays bestowing with high nutrientcontent in grains. Fourty genotypes were evaluated in high altitude region to determine the correlation and pathcoefficient among the yield and yield attributing traits. Correlation analysis evinced that grain yield per plant hadpositive significant correlation with agro-morphological traits viz., plant height, days to flowering, days to maturity,number of nodes, stem diameter, length of flag leaf, width of flag leaf, length of inflorescence, width of inflorescence,length of lower racemes, number of racemes and thousand grain weight. The trait length of peduncle aloneexpressed negative significance with grain yield. The path coefficient estimation indicated that stem diameter hadexposed high magnitude of direct effect on grain yield. Henceforth, the direct selection based on the flawlessrelationship between grain yield and these traits would benefit in selecting high yielding genotypes.
Correlation coefficient, Path analysis, Barnyard millet
Genotype-by-environment interaction and yield stability of maize (Zea Mays L.) single cross hybrids
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops of India in terms of production and consumption.Maize is called as Queen of cereal crops. Currently, it is produced in all the agro-ecological zones of the countryIn India, Genotype by Environment interactions (GxE) effects on maize grain yield is usually significant due to thediverse environmental conditions at growing sites. A proper understanding of the effects of GxE on variety evaluationand cultivar recommendations is vital. The study was conducted in 2019 at four locations in India to (i) determinethe presence of G x E of 106single cross maize genotypes and (ii) To use the GGE biplot methodology to determinegrain yield performance and stability of the genotypes evaluated across four environments. The effects of genotypeand environment were significant (P < 0.01) for grain yield. Also, GxE was significant for the same trait. G44,G105, G86, G97, G65 and G76 were identified as high yielding and most stable hybrids. Therefore, these hybridshave the potential for production across the test locations. On the contrary, G26, G10, G81, G102, G96 and G22were not only low yielding but also among the least stable genotypes
Multivariate analysis of 102 Indian cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) germplasm
Better understanding of genetic resources available in the crop is the crucial and foremost step in any breedingprogram. In the present study, 102 cowpea germplasm based on twelve quantitative characters were subjecteto Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The PCA analysis dissected the total variation into five major principalcomponents which accounted for 76.53 per cent of total variation. First two PC’s were used to construct the biplotin which the genotypes viz., VCP-12-008, PG-CP- 1, TY 1145, ACM 0505 are scattered apart in all the fourquadrates representing maximum genetic divergence. Single plant yield followed by number of clusters per plant,number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod contributes maximum divergence in the first PC. Hence,genetic and phenotypic variations exist among 102 cowpea genotypes could be used in genetic improvement ofthe cowpea through simple selection and crossing potential parents.
Cowpea, Germplasm, PCA and Genetic divergence.