INDIAN JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING

Notification and germplasm registration

2024-08-29T10:05:29+00:00

VL VitA is a single-cross maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid variety developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research -Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora. It was released and notified by the Central Subcommittee on Crop Standards, Notification and Release of Varieties for Agricultural Crops (CSC on CSN & RVAC) vide notification number S.O. 1560 (E). dated 26.03.24 for cultivation in the states of north-western hill region, namely, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, as well as north-eastern hill region comprising the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura of India.

Marker-assisted introgression of leaf rust resistance from Triticum turgidum cv. Trinakria to bread wheat variety HD3086

2023-07-28T12:07:24+00:00

Using marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB), the extensively cultivated but vulnerable to leaf rust Indian bread wheat variety HD3086 was improved with the LrTrk leaf rust resistance gene. After its release, HD3086 developed a vulnerability against leaf rust. In the present study, HD3086 was introgressed with LrTrk, a leaf rust resistance gene from the Trinakria genotype of durum wheat. The population comprising F₁, BC₁F₁, BC₂F₁, and BC₂F₂plants was developed by crossing and backcrossing Trinakria with HD3086. Foreground selection targeting LrTrk and background analysis for recovering the recurrent parent genome (RPG) were conducted in the BC₁F₁ and successive generations. The LrTrk-linked SSR marker, Xgwm234, was utilized for foreground analysis, while SSRs exhibiting significant polymorphism between parents were used to determine the background recovery in all generations. Finally, 20 LrTrk positive BC₂F₃ NILs displaying the highest background recovery with RPG (97.23-98.67%) also showed differential leaf rust response with pathotype 77-5 of P. triticina. Based on the RPG recovery and leaf rust score, BC₂F₃ NILs have also been subjected to field evaluation for yield and yield-contributing traits. The study revealed non-significant differences in PH, SL, TN, SPS, and GYs of most BC₂F₃ NILs compared to recurrent parent HD3086. Overall, the study unveils the practical utility of MABB in leaf rust breeding for developing resistant cultivars in the background of elite and popular wheat varieties with relatively higher precision and speed.

Marker-trait association of the major pyruvate pathway genes regulating yield related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

2023-06-07T07:40:53+00:00

Pyruvate is the primary respiratory substrate used to provide energy for growth and development in plants. The role of genetic variants of pyruvate pathway genes with yield and its attributing traits in rice is not properly understood. In this study, association of sixteen yield traits with SNPs and In/Dels of nine pyruvate metabolism pathway genes (Os01g0649100, Os01g0743500, Os04g0671700, Os05g0186300, Os06g0246500, Os07g0630800, Os10g0159800, Os11g0210300 and Os11g0216000) were analyzed using the mixed linear models with principal component analysis (MLM+PCA) based population correction approach. The majority of the traits were found to follow a normal distribution pattern. Besides, MLM+PCA analysis showed a significant association of five markers with six different yield-related traits and the proportion of phenotypic variation explained ranged from 3.56 to 4.56%. Furthermore, the pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha subunit (Os06g0246500) gene (Chr06:7602782) showed the highest mean percent difference (19.36%) for plant height. Moreover, most of the IRRI elite lines possessed favorable alleles for plant height (74.55%) and flag leaf area (79.28%) and in contrast, popular varieties like Swarna have inferior alleles for the yield trait-associated SNPs. Thus, genetic variation in the pyruvate pathway genes associated with yield-related traits could be exploited in rice improvement programs.

A combination of analytical methods dissects genotype × environment interaction precisely and facilitates the selection of potential new field corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids.

2024-04-10T05:25:31+00:00

Grain yield is influenced by environmental interactions. Multi-Environment Testing (MET) is vital to validate the performance of hybrids. To understand the grain yield and stability performance of hybrids across the major corn (Zea mays L.) growing regions in India, thirty field corn hybrids were grown in five diverse environments in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) during Kharif, 2021. The grain yield data from all five environments showed highly significant (p<0.01) variance due to genotype, environment, and G×E interaction. AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) analysis illustrated the relationship between high-yielding hybrids and the test environments of different corn-growing ecologies. The results of the Jharkhand and Dharwad environments exhibited short vectors which were very close to the point of origin implying the weak interactive forces. New Delhi, Mandsaur, and Bhubaneswar are distant from the origin and possessed long vectors, suggesting strong interactive forces. From GGE analysis (Genotypic main effect plus Genotype-by-Environment interaction), the first two IPCAs (Initial Principal Component Axis) account for 67% of the total variance by GEI (Genotype-Environment Interaction), with PC1 (Principle Component) (39.68%) and PC2 (27.32%). The hybrids, AH-8127 possess least AMMI Stability Value (ASV) of 0.09 attributing the highest stability, followed by AH-4551 (0.13). High and stable performing hybrids have been identified through Yield Stability Index (YSI), AH-8127, AH-4551, and AH-8089 which are suitable for all environments.

Genotypic variation in diverse bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for photosynthesis related traits, biomass and yield in response to low phosphorus stress

2024-08-29T09:31:20+00:00

Phosphorus (P) is an indispensable nutrient for plant growth and development. Deficiency of P adversely affects photosynthesis, biomass accumulation and yield potential in wheat. We evaluated 103 diverse bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under low P (LP) and optimum P (OP) conditions in terms of photosynthetic traits, biomass, and yield. Results revealed that under LP, transpiration rate (E) significantly increased while net assimilation or photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), instantaneous-water use efficiency (IWUE), biomass, yield, and harvest index (HI) decreased. The LP stress tolerant and sensitive genotypes were identified using principal component analysis (PCA) ranking values of genotypes based on the relative values of six most contributing traits. Further, hierarchical cluster analysis also validated the variability among the genotypes and grouped P stress-tolerant and sensitive genotypes into distinct clusters. The P stress-tolerant genotypes exhibited a relatively lesser reduction in photosynthetic rate, gs, yield, and HI as compared to P stress-sensitive genotypes in response to LP. Our results substantiate the genetic potential inherent in Indian bread wheat genotypes, which can be used as donors in breeding programs to develop P-efficient wheat varieties.

Allelic distribution and association of key gene specific markers with rice yield under acidic soil.

2022-09-26T06:44:16+00:00

Rice blast disease and soil acidity related phosphorus deficiency and mineral toxicities are the major issue observed in rice growing ecosystems across the world, especially in North Eastern Hill (NEH) region of India. The present study aimed to check the allelic distribution for major genes for blast resistance, low P tolerance, grain yield and their association with increasing grain yield under acidic soils in NEH region. A set of 75 genotypes including parental lines, advanced breeding lines and landraces were evaluated and a significant association of SPIKE allele (Type-5) with spikelets per panicle, grain yield per panicle and plot yield was recorded. Gn1a-InDel3 allele was significantly associated with increased spikelets and grain number per panicle. The gene PSTOL1 showed a significant association with tiller number at 30 and 60 days after transplanting but not with plot yield. The genotypes carrying desirable allele for Pi9, Pi2 and Pi-ta recorded lower disease scores but none of them individually were significantly associated with blast resistance. Genotypes carrying these genes together had significantly lower blast disease scores. The study also identified advanced breeding lines ULRC24-48-5-1, ULRC24-57-1-1-1, ULRC24-49-5-1-1, ULRC24-99-3-1-1, ULRC26-11-2-1-1 and ULRC26-1-1-1 carrying six to eight favourable allelic combinations with high plot yield under acidic soil conditions. These lines can be used as potential donors in breeding pipeline for enhancing genetic gain under low input acidic soil conditions

Genetic and Phyto-Morphological Diversity Analysis in the advanced breeding lines of Chickpea for Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) Resistance Traits

2023-08-28T09:25:42+00:00

The pod borer Helicoverpa armigera is a major constraint to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production worldwide, affecting the crop most severely during pod formation stage leading to reduced crop yield up to approximately 90% - 95 %. The objective of the current study is to find characteristics associated with resistance to pod borer infestation by analysing several morphological and phytochemical attributes in 200 advance breeding lines of chickpea and four checks. ANOVA elucidated the presence of significant difference among genotypes for all quantitative as well as qualitative traits. Traits such as the number of pods per plant, plant height, total antioxidant activity, and presence of trichomes were identified as key contributors to resistance. Cluster analysis based on Euclidean Distance revealed the categorization of genotypes into distinct groups based on their traits, allowing breeders to focus on specific groups for targeted breeding efforts. The study also emphasised the significance of phytochemical features in improving resistance to pod borer, such as trichome density, flavonoid concentration, and tannin content. Overall, this study concludes that exploring the wild progenitors and advanced progeny will help in increasing the diversity among cultivated chickpeas and help in developing resistant varieties in future.

Assessing genetic variability and identifying stable soybean genotypes across rainfed and irrigated planting conditions using multi-trait stability index (MTSI)

2024-05-19T05:55:00+00:00

Soybean's constrained genetic diversity renders it particularly vulnerable to environmental influences. However, genetic variability and stability across diverse planting conditions are essential prerequisites for effective soybean breeding programs. The aim of this study was to assess genetic variability and identify stable-performing soybean genotypes suitable for both rainfed and irrigated planting conditions of central India, with the goal of enhancing soybean breeding efforts. Advanced soybean breeding lines were evaluated under rainfed and irrigated conditions using a randomized complete block design. Phenotypic assessments were conducted to analyse genetic variability, associations, direct and indirect effects, employing multiple regression analysis and determining multi-trait stability index (MTSI). Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits across all the environments. The high heritability (h²) was combined with substantial genetic advance, for pods per plant, seeds per plant, seed weight, biological yield, and seed yield. Correlation and regression analyses revealed consistent positive associations of biological yield and harvest index with seed yield under both the planting condition. Path analysis identified biological yield as having the highest direct effect on seed yield in rainfed and irrigated planting conditions. MTSI identified JS 22-101is the most stable and superior genotypes for rainfed and irrigated planting conditions of central India. Biological yield emerged as the primary yield-contributing trait identified through holistic approaches employed in this study. Across all traits examined JS 22-101 demonstrated stability in both rainfed and irrigated planting conditions. This study underscores the importance of refining selection criteria for optimizing soybean breeding programs, contributing to agricultural genetic enhancement.

Diversity of Heading date 1 (Hd1) gene that conditions flowering time in traditional tropical japonica and traditional indica rice from Thailand

2024-01-03T06:11:06+00:00

The traditional rice cultivars are genetic resources in breeding programs that possess variable of DNA sequence of genes, but variants of gene of these resources have been limited in Thailand. Therefore, DNA sequence variation of the heading date 1 (Hd1) gene was explored in these rice cultivars collected from north (tropical japonica rice) and northeastern (indica rice) regions of the country. Results from re-sequencing of the Hd1 gene identified 3 nonsynonymous SNPs in coding sequence (exon2) and there are four SNPs in noncoding sequence of the gene. For coding sequences, first nonsynonymous SNP, AGT/GGT leading to amino acid sequence changes in Hd1 protein at position 339 of 407 residues. The allele S (AGT:Serine) of Hd1 gene were dominant in tropical japonica rice in northern region. Whereas the allele G (GGT:Glycine) was mostly found in indica rice from northeastern region. In addition, two traditional cultivars from the northern, a premature stop codon at exon2 was identified. Furthermore, 2 others nonsynonymous SNPs was distributed in both populations, including allele S (AGC:Serine) was dominant in tropical japonica rice, while the allele A (AGA:Arginine) were mostly found in indica rice.

Morphological characterization and DNA barcoding of farmers’ varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) of central India

2024-08-29T09:23:16+00:00

Assessment of variety distinctness is important for the registration and protection of traditional rice landraces. The present study was conducted to develop a procedure for the assessment of genetic diversity and relatedness among farmers’ varieties of rice collected from tribal farmers of Madhya Pradesh. To distinguish and characterize the 100 rice genotypes, 22 SSR markers were applied, which detected a total of 67 polymorphic alleles. The results suggested that the primer RM144, followed by RM263, RM16, RM341, RM122, RM11 and RM234, maybe the best markers for identification and estimating diversity. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.02 (RM8 and RM510) to 0.617 (RM144), with an average of 0.255. The allelic richness per locus varied from 2 (about 10) to 6 (RM144), with an average of 3.05 alleles per locus. The major allele frequency per locus varied from 45% (RM341 and RM144) to 99% (RM8 and RM510), with an average of 80.7%. The pairwise genetic dissimilarity indices revealed the highest genetic dissimilarity of 72.7% between Khuddi and Pasai Dhan and the lowest genetic dissimilarity of 3.4% was recorded between Bhata makadas and Ranikajal. Colored DNA fingerprint was produced by 22 SSR markers, which can identify the 100 farmers’ varieties of rice under study

Heterotic grouping methods reveal differential breeding efficiencies and season-specific categorization of inbreds in tropical maize (Zea mays L.)

2024-08-29T09:35:12+00:00

The selection of diverse parents is a prerequisite for the exploitation of grain yield heterosis and is a real challenge to maize breeders. Heterotic grouping assists the breeder in selecting such diverse parents, which reduces the number of crosses to be made by avoiding intra-group crosses. An investigation was carried out to evaluate 54 inbreds along with two testers (LM 13 and LM14) and 108 hybrids derived using two testers with hybrid checks during the rainy and post-rainy seasons of 2019. Heterotic grouping based on three biometrical methods, viz., Specific Combining Ability combined with line Pedigree and hybrid Yield information (SCA-PY), Heterotic groups Specific and General Combining Ability (HSGCA), and Heterotic grouping by GCA of Multiple Traits (HGCAMT (HGCAMT) was inconsistent between the seasons and showed similar but not identical trends within a season. The HSGCA method could classify all the inbreds studied in both seasons. The SCA-PY and HGCAMT methods could classify 49 and 31 inbreds, respectively in the rainy season and 43 and 40 inbreds, respectively, in the post-rainy season. Only 10 inbreds were grouped identically in both seasons by all three methods and 15 inbreds were assigned to different groups between the seasons by all three methods. Besides, 44 lines (81.5%) were inconsistently grouped by at least one of the methods between the seasons, implying the season-specific response by the hybrids. The SCA-PY method was 2.2 and 6.2% more efficient than HSGCA and 10 and 18.1% more efficient than HGCAMT during rainy and post-rainy seasons, respectively. Thus, the results of the study revealed differential breeding efficiencies of grouping methods and suggested to have season-specific heterotic grouping in maize.

Response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes to high temperature under late sown condition.

2024-01-19T05:49:02+00:00

Abstract

Global warming and fluctuating cropping conditions pose significant threats to food security in developing nations. Increased temperatures during reproductive phases, such as flowering, podding, and grain filling, in chickpea cause severe yield loss due to flower dropping and poor seed set. The heat stress (>35⁰C) at flowering and podding results in drastic reduction in seed yield. It has been reported by researcher that with increase of per 1°C temperature there is loss of 53 kg yield (Karla et al. 2008). To overcome this issue, it is crucial to screen and identify heat stress tolerance chickpea lines that can be used in breeding programs. This study evaluated 113 elite chickpea genotypes, including release varieties, land races, exotic collection, and advance breeding lines, at the research farm of ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur, during Rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21 under timely and late sown cropping environments. Analysis of variance of heat tolerance indices varied significantly and exhibited that high temperature has a direct impact on seed yield, with a reduction in mean seed yield of all genotypes under high temperature stress condition compared to non-stress conditions.

The study analyzed the correlation between seed yield under non-stress and stress-sown conditions and heat tolerance indices. Results showed a significant correlation between seed yield under non-stress conditions and heat tolerance indices like YI, STI, MP, MRP, GMP, and TOL. However, there was no significant correlation with HIS, RSI, and PYR. Seed yield (YP and YS) was positively correlated with heat tolerance indices viz., YI (1.00), YSI (0.714**), STI (0.969**), MP (0.946**), MPR (0.965**) and GMP (0.963**) under both non stress and stress conditions but negatively correlated with TOL, HIS, RSI, and PYR. Selection based on these indices could enhance grain production under non-stress and stress conditions (Table 5).

Through the interpretation of the result of Heat stress tolerance indices, PCA, Biplot and Clustering analysis some genotypes viz., IPC17-129 (6.71 %), IPC18-131 (7.46 %), IPC17-143 (8.73 %), IPC16-136 (9.05%) and IPC17-351 (9.16) exhibited very less reduction % in seed yield under high temperature stress condition as compared to suitable heat tolerance (ICC1205, ICC7110, ICC15614 and JG14) and susceptible (DCP92-3) checks. So, these genotypes may be considered as suitable heat stress tolerance genotypes. It can be used for cultivation or it could be used as parent in breeding program for transferring heat stress tolerance gene to suitable agronomic background.

Key words: Chickpea, Heat stress, Seed yield, Heat tolerance indices, PCA, Bilot, Clustering

Discerning of Ahu rice (Oryza sativa L) landraces of Assam for Phosphorus deficiency tolerance using molecular and morphological approaches

2024-01-23T07:53:53+00:00

A set of thirty two Ahu rice landraces were analyzed for identification of P-efficient genotypes. Based on molecular data of 7 Pup1 markers, the genotypes were grouped into two major clusters. Out of the 32 genotypes, 13 genotypes having consistent amplification of the entire 7 Pup1 markers and grouped in same subcluster with Kasalath were identified as Pup1 positive group. Field evaluation was conducted in three different levels of P (0, 20 and 40KgP₂O₅/ha). Pool mean analysis showed high significant genotypic variations (P≤0.01 or 0.05) with G X E interaction for various yield traits, P-uptake and use efficiency. Heatmap quantitative clustering group the genotypes into 4 major clusters indicating wide variation in response to differential P- levels environment. Analysis of genetic variability revealed moderate to high PCV, GCV, heritability and GAM for various critical yield contributing traits. The PCA analysis extracted 4 principal components in which the first two components accounted for 71.50 % of the total variance. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed significant positive association of grain yield with various yield parameters, P-uptake and use efficiency. While traits like sterility percent, plant height and days to flowering exhibits negative correlation with grain yield. Path co-efficient analysis using yield per plant as resultant dependent variable revealed direct positive effects by 11 traits with negligible residual effect of (0.0077). The present inquest revealed that genotypes with Pup1 gene have lesser percent yield reduction than Pup1 devoid genotypes. However, landraces like Gopinath with devoid Pup1 gene exhibit at par yield potential with Pup1 positive genotypes. This indicates the probable presence of unidentified P-deficiency tolerance locus among the landraces. Landraces like Kolong, Ikhojoi, Koimurali and Sadakara with Pup1 positive were identified as promising in P-use efficiency.

Identification of fodder cowpea genotypes by leveraging GGE Biplot under multi-environment

2023-12-05T02:01:24+00:00

Cowpea has the immense potential to be used as an important fodder crop under future climate scenarios due to its adaptability. Hence, it necessary to study on different fodder cowpea genotypes x environment interaction. In this context, an experiment was carried out with thirty fodder cowpea genotypes (G) containing check Bundel Lobia-1 at Pusa farm of Dr. RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar during kharif season of 2019 and 2020. Randomized Block Design was used with three replications and spacing 45 x 10 cm. The environment combinations were E₁ [Date of sowing (DOS) 15^th July 2019 in irrigated open field condition], E₂ (DOS- 26^th July 2019 in irrigated open field condition), E₃ (DOS- 15^th July 2019 in rain out shelter for drought condition), E₄ (DOS- 15^th July 2020 in irrigated open field condition), E₅ (DOS- 26^th July 2020 in irrigated open field condition) and E₆ (DOS- 15^th July 2020 in rain out shelter for drought condition). Ideal genotypes on the basis of GGE biplot “genotype view” was genotype G₃ for highest production efficiency (gm/m²/day) and G₂₉ for highest green fodder yield (gm/plant). “What – Won – Where” GGE biplot results showed existence of two mega environment, where genotype G₃ was winner in both E₃ and E₆ environment for production efficiency; whereas for green fodder yield also two mega environments were existed where G₃ was winner in E₆ and G₂₉ in E₄. The environment E₅ was found as best for identifying cowpea genotype adapted for the region for production efficiency and E₄ was best for green fodder yield.

Understanding the number of genes governing fertility restoration and isolation of potential restorers on maldandi source of male sterility in rabi sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

2024-08-29T09:48:35+00:00

DSMR-4 and DSMR-8, two promising restores, were crossed with M 31-2A maldandi cytoplasm. The obtained hybrids were assessed in three sets of tests, F2: BC1F1, F2: F3, and F4 kharif: F4 rabi generation, in order to determine the number of genes driving the segregating pattern. Three genes are involved in the initial set of segregation patterns for both crosses: in the F2 generation, there were 54 fertile: 10 sterile and in the BC1F1 generation, there was 1 fertile: 1 sterile. Two of these genes are required for the restoration and function in a duplicate complimentary manner. Further, both the crosses were grown in F3 generation to confirm the stability of restorers. They were segregated in the ratio of 10 true-breeding families and 44 segregating families, which confirmed F2 ratio. Further, only true breeding 49 to 54 families of both the crosses were forwarded to F4 generation and evaluated in both kharif and rabi seasons. In both seasons, they segregated in the ratio of 4 true-breeding families and 6 segregating families. The current study revealed the reliability of gene action for fertility restoration increased from F2 to F4 because of the fixation of alleles.

Unveiling Genotype × Environment Dynamics for Grain Yield in QPM Hybrids through AMMI, GGE Biplot, and MTSI approach

2024-01-26T21:10:57+00:00

The study meticulously assessed 77 experimental and eight commercial QPM hybrids across three distinct Indian locales employing statistical tools: AMMI, GGE, and MTSI to identify the best-suited hybrids for all these regions as well as to identify the mega-environment. The environment predominantly shaped hybrid performance, influencing 4.24-68.12% of the variance, while genotype and genotype-environment interaction ranged from 13.43-37.76% and 18.45-57.99%, respectively. GGE biplots identified hybrids G77 (DQL 2490 × DQL 2709) and G85 (DQL 2513 × DQL 2709) as exemplary in yield and stability, surpassing commercial checks. Impressively, the MTSI technique highlighted these hybrids, alongside 11 others, as elite performers, aligning closely with anticipated stability and mean values. Furthermore, environmental stratification amalgamated the test locales into a singular mega-environmental category. AMMI-derived Yield Stability indices unequivocally endorsed hybrids G77 and G85 for their exemplary stability profiles. Crucially, these high-yielding, resilient hybrids not only promise to fortify food and nutritional security but also resonate with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), exemplifying their pivotal role in advancing national nutritional objectives and broader global sustainability targets.

Enhancing tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum L.) breeding efficiency utilizing GBLUP through SSR markers for superior parental selection based on leaf quality traits

2024-08-29T09:54:46+00:00

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum L.) is considered to be an industrial and medicinal plant that plays an important role in the economies of most countries. The present study demonstrated how the genomic best linear unbiased predictor (GBLUP) method could determine the future breeding potential of a tobacco panel by means of 26 SSR fingerprinting data. A set of 71 genotypes of tobacco considering 11 agro-morphological and leaf chloride content of a qualitative character were assessed during two consecutive years under field conditions. Results revealed that GBLUP could efficiently predict the breeding value (BV) of studied characters. Considering the total ranks of each genotype across studied characters, genotypes, C.H.T.269-12e”, C.H.T.266-6, SS298-2, C.H.T.209.12e, Triumph, and Ohdaruma had the highest predicted BVs and, therefore, these genotypes are good candidates for parental selection. Based on BVs data, the studied characters were classified into groups whose chemical characteristics were distinguished from others. Cluster analysis of this tobacco panel based on BVs leads to four heterotic groups, and the combination of their information with the total ranks of each genotype across studied characters can guide tobacco breeders in selecting desirable and effective parents.

Pathogenic and genetic variation among Fusarium graminearum isolates causing head scab of wheat in India

2023-12-28T08:19:35+00:00

Fusarium head blight (FHB) or head scab of wheat caused by Fusarium spp., is a global concern as recent outbreaks reported in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. Presently, FHB is a minor disease in India but can cause significant yield loss if rain occurs during mid anthesis in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, the foot hills of Punjab and hilly areas in Tamil Nadu. Among head scab infected wheat ear heads collected from Dalang Maidan, Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh and Wellington, Nilgiris hills, Tamil Nadu, dominance of F. graminearum was observed. Twenty-nine Fusarium isolates were identified as F. graminearum based on morphological, cultural and molecular approaches. Pathogenic variation among 29 F. graminearum isolates was observed on wheat varieties (UP 2338, PBW 343, Sonalika, HD 2967, HD 3086, HD 29, MACS 5049, HS 645, VL 1013). After 7 and 14 days of inoculation, isolates from Wellington (Fg-W10 and Fg-W24) were found highly pathogenic while isolates Fg-W7 and Fg-W26 were found least pathogenic. Out of 23 SSR markers designed using whole genome sequence of F. graminearum PH-1 strain, 21 SSRs amplified F. graminearum isolates. Cluster analysis separated the isolates into two main groups. Group A consisting two isolates one from Wellington (Fg-W27) and another from Lahaul Spiti (Fg-L2). Group B contained all other 27 isolates. This study has shown that there is considerable pathogenic and genetic variability among F. graminearum isolates obtained from infected wheat ear heads from different geographic regions of India.

Characterization of vegetable soybean (Edamame) germplasm and assessment of optimal food quality traits

2024-08-29T09:59:57+00:00

Vegetable soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) stands out among pulse crops, boasting high protein content and serving as a rich source of iron and zinc. Recognizing its potential to address malnutrition and enhance nutritional security in India, the present study was conducted to screen vegetable soybean germplasm based on yield and quality attributes. A set of 35 genotypes, including advanced lines derived from the crossbreeding of grain and vegetable soybeans and varieties both types. Comparative analyses of nutritional traits at the R6 and R8 stages, as well as organoleptic parameters, were conducted. Genotypes VS-1-17-17, VS-2-141-17, and VS-5-265-17 displayed superior quality traits as compared to traditional grain-type soybeans. Notably, VS-2-141-17 stood out for exceptional nutritional and sensory attributes. Organoleptic assessments identified AGS-459, AGS-457, and AGS-450 as superior in taste, texture, and overall acceptability. The present findings offer valuable insights for future vegetable soybean cultivation and breeding in India, contributing to enhanced breeding practices. The present study may be relevant for breeders, researchers, and farmers exploring the potential of vegetable soybeans.

An approach to identify stable genotypes based on MTSI and MGDII indexes in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

2023-03-02T14:22:26+00:00

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench) is an annual vegetable crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Okra genotypes perform differently under different environmental conditions. Plant breeders have long struggled with the phenomena of genotype x environment interaction, which is a prevalent issue in plant breeding programmes. The main aim of genotype selection is to find okra genotypes with productive traits that might perform better under varied environmental conditions. The Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) and Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) were employed for identifying high-performing stable genotypes exhibiting multiple traits. In the current investigation, 42 okra accessions grown in different seasons were assessed for 12 morphological traits. The results obtained by MTSI and MGIDI indexes revealed that, out of 42, only 4 genotypes performed better across the seasons and the four genotypes (UAHS-8, UAHS-10, UAHS-11 and UAHS-19) were selected in the indexes. View on strengths and weakness as described by the MGIDI and MTSI reveals the strength of the ideal genotypes in the present work is mainly focused on average fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. Due to their distinctiveness and ease of use in interpreting data with minimal multicollinearity difficulties, MTSI and MGIDI serve as novel tool for simultaneous genotype selection processes in plant breeding programmes across multi environments.

Developing synthetics as a byproduct of hybrid maize breeding

2024-02-23T04:26:08+00:00

All-India Coordinated Research Project on maize breeding, established in 1957, started a large-scale multi-parent hybrid breeding and later focused on composite breeding. The improved cultivars did create an impact but not on the expected scale in spite of the development of some outstanding cultivars. Meanwhile, the cultivation of single-cross hybrids became popular in a large number of countries. The breeding programme in India was accordingly reoriented in the late 1980s with an almost exclusive focus on single crosses. These hybrids have created a remarkable impact by accelerating area expansion and yield enhancement in rabi/spring season, but the impact is lower and also variable across regions during kharif. The Project has developed and recommended 35 cultivars of field corn during 5 years (2017-2021) for cultivation during kharif. These include nine composites (including improved locals) meant for the states generally having difficult ecologies and resource-constrained farmers. Evidently, some centers are working on hybrid and composite breeding, and thus are practically conducting two independent breeding programmes. In such situations, an alternative is breeding synthetic varieties rather than undertaking population improvement, as an adjunct of single-cross breeding. Synthetics, being genotypically heterogeneous populations, are expected to have higher stability of performance than genotypically homogenous single-cross hybrids. These also have the advantage that farmers can produce seed at their own level, which is expected to enable synthetics to have a place in some constrained ecologies in the transient phase. However, single-cross breeding should continue to be the ultimate goal as single crosses have the highest performance potential among various cultivar types.