INDIAN JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING

Notification and germplasm registration

Suman Bala Singh — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Photoperiodism and plant growth regulators: optimized callus induction and regeneration in Dendrobium orchid var. earsakul

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Orchids are highly valued for their beauty, diversity, and commercial importance. This study examines Dendrobium Orchid var. Earsakul, a unique mutant with significant conservation and market value, to develop faster and more efficient propagation methods than conventional techniques. Tissue culture experiments were conducted using MS medium with different combinations of plant growth regulators under varied light conditions. Kinetin with NAA produced the fastest callus induction (4 days) and highest callus biomass, while light significantly enhanced callus formation compared to darkness. For shoot regeneration, BAP with NAA resulted in the earliest shoot initiation, highest shoot number, and better shoot growth. Rooting was most effective with BAP and IBA, giving early root initiation and maximum root length. Overall, the study demonstrates the crucial interaction between light and hormones in improving micropropagation and supporting conservation and commercial production of Dendrobium Earsakul.

Tissue culture system for Fraxinus velutina Toor

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study established an efficient in-vitro regeneration system for Fraxinus velutina Torr. Embryonic axes and cotyledons were identified as the optimal explants. The highest callus induction rate of 98.43% was achieved using MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L TDZ and 0.25 mg/L 6-BA (30 g/L sucrose, 8 g/L agar). For cotyledon explants, this same medium produced a 92.54% induction rate. The optimal adventitious shoot differentiation medium consisted of MS with 2 mg/L TDZ and 0.5 mg/L 6-BA, yielding a 90.28% differentiation rate. Rooting was most successful with 96.4% on MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L NAA. Transplanted seedlings showed a 97.8% survival rate. These findings provide technical support for large-scale propagation and genetic transformation of F. velutina.

Chromosome identification and karyotype analysis of rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi et Ohashi] using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Pooja Pathania, Dhammaprakash P Wankhede, Gayacharan, Rajkumar Subramani — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rice bean (Vigna umbellata), an underutilized climate-resilient legume, includes the high-yielding, leaf spot resistance variety VRB-3 (Him Shakti). In the present study, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, one pair each of 45S and 5S rRNA gene loci was localized to the terminal region of the chromosomes and the estimated genome content for VRB-3 is 1.35pg against the reference standard Solanum lycopersicum cv. Stupicke.

Transfer of GA-sensitive dwarfing gene Rht18 by marker assisted breeding in HD3086 (Triticum aestivum L.) and multi-environment trials under varying seedling emergence regimes

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The height reduction caused by the prevalent semi-dwarfing GA-insensitive gene Rht-B1b is associated with numerous negative pleiotropic effects, the major ones being reduced coleoptile lengths and lower early establishment rates, especially in moisture-stressed environments worldwide. Hence, breeding for wheat varieties with alternate GA-responsive (GAR) semi-dwarfing genes, such as Rht18, is an efficient approach for developing varieties for the moisture-stressed regimes globally. In this study, a structured marker-assisted backcross (MABC) breeding program was conducted to transfer the Rht18 gene into the mega wheat variety, HD3086. A total of 46 Rht18 positive BC2F5 lines were identified with an average background genome recovery of 88.34% using Wheat Breeder’s 35K Axiom SNP Array. Multi-environment trials were carried out at three locations under two conditions, i.e., stubble retained (SR) and rainfed (RF). ANOVA revealed significant differences for most of the traits in these trials. Plant height (PH) reduction in Rht18 introgressed lines ranged from 8.25–12.97 cm under SR and 5.25–10.15 cm under RF regimes. GGE biplots indicated specifically adapted and stable genotypes for yield in stubble-retained and rainfed regimes. These Rht18 lines hold strong potential for varietal release with further multi-location and multi-season trials. Ultimately, they will contribute to broadening the genetic base of Rht genes, especially for improving wheat adaptation in moisture-stressed environments.

Maximizing genetic gain for rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain yield by implementing genomic selection

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Improving a quantitative trait like grain yield in rice using conventional breeding approaches is time- and resource-demanding. Utilizing genomic selection for improving grain yield in rice is assumed to be promising. Our objective in the present investigation was to integrate genomic selection approach into the current breeding program to improve genetic gain. A founder population genotyped with novel genomic markers was used as a training population. The training population was phenotyped over three years for grain yield. A bi-parental population developed from parents from the founder population genotyped with the same markers was used as the testing population. Four different predictive models were used on the training population at different marker densities. The results indicate that poor marker density leads to poor predictive abilities among all models. Increasing marker density improves the prediction ability; however, the increment in predictive ability over the mid-density of markers was relatively low. The candidate genotypes selected based on predicted performance in the testing population showed a 20% higher genetic gain over the testing population, a 16% higher gain over the training population, and a 150% higher gain over the mid-parent value. The mid-density markers covering the rice genome uniformly are sufficient to implement genomic selection in rice. Integrating genomic selection into ongoing breeding programs would benefit the breeder in selecting potential candidates for improving grain yield in rice.

Unraveling the influence of kernel row number and cob-related traits on the expression of heterosis in field corn (Zea mays L.)

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kernel row number (KRN) is an important agronomic trait of the female inflorescence and it is a significant breeding target. In the investigation, a set of 280 inbred lines derived from multiple disease-resistant pools was characterized for KRN and other cob-related traits. Out of 280 inbred lines, 45 lines differing for KRN were selected and evaluated at two locations and three environments. The inbred lines showed significant variation in yield and yield contributing traits at both locations and all the environments considered for evaluation. The KRN and other traits showed a high phenotypic coefficient of variation (ranged 6.47–24.39), genotypic coefficient of variation (ranged 6.47–24.39), and heritability (ranged 71.5–99.6), which were consistent across environments, suggesting the stability of performance of inbred lines and the possibility of genetic gain through selection for these traits. Further, the contrast inbred lines for the KRN trait were identified, which ranged from 10-12 rows (AI 504, AI 505, AI 515, AI 516, AI 518, and AI 519 low KRN) to 18-24 rows (AI 545, AI 536, AI 537, AI 542, AI 543, and AI 544 high KRN). These selected lines (six lines each) were crossed in a diallel fashion and generated 144 F1 combinations. Hybrids so obtained showed significant variation for KRN and other yield component traits, coupled with significant general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variances and effects. The ratio of GCA/SCA variance and effect suggested that all the traits, including KRN, are governed by additive gene action. The combinations having low × low KRN have not expressed any significant heterosis, but the cross involving low × high KRN, and high ×high KRN showed significant heterosis for grain yield of hybrids viz., AH-4271, AH-4152, AH-4139, AH-4072, and AH-4039. Hence, the parental lines of these selected hybrids have the potential to improve the productivity of field corn and are also sources for future heterosis breeding programs.

Multivariate analysis for grain yield and yield attributing traits in maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines under acidic and neutral soil conditions

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Evaluating maize genotypes under varying environmental conditions is essential for identifying stable genotypes with high yield potential. This study investigated the multivariate relationships of grain yield and key agronomic traits in 110 maize inbred lines grown in field conditions under both neutral (pH 6.7) and acidic (pH 4.8) soils. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the genotypes for all traits except anthesis-silking interval. The correlation analysis indicated that under neutral soil, yield per plant showed a positive but weak association with traits such as days to 50% silk emergence, anthesis-silking interval, days to 75% maturity, plant height and ear height. Under acidic soil conditions, however, yield exhibited negligible positive correlations with all traits. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three components explained 81.6% of the total variation. Hierarchical clustering classified the genotypes into four distinct clusters, with genotypes P53, P66, P37, P100, P60, P90, P59 and P36 showing superior performance under acidic conditions. These genotypes demonstrated higher grain yield, plant height, ear height and a shorter anthesis-silking interval, and all are promising parents for breeding programs targeting improved performance under acidic soil conditions. The findings provide valuable insights for maize breeding strategies aimed at improving performance across different soil pH environments.

Marker assisted introgression of stay green QTLs and identification of stable high yielding stay green genotypes using AMMI based selection indices in rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sorghum is a key cereal crop in Asia and African regions, valued for its resilience in dryland regions and used for food, fodder, and biofuel. However, in the post-rainy season, sorghum production is impacted by terminal drought stress. The stay-green trait enhances its adaptability to drought, making it a vital focus in breeding efforts. This study aimed to identify stable, high-yielding stay-green sorghum lines through marker-assisted backcross breeding. Three farmer-preferred, non-stay-green varieties viz., SPV2217, BJV44, and SVD0806 were crossed with stay-green donors K260 and K359w, which carry the stg3A and stg3B QTLs, respectively. Analysis of the BC2F2 populations of six crosses revealed high heritability, variability and genetic advance for yield traits. Foreground selection with 10 SNP markers confirmed the presence of stay-green alleles. Further evaluation in the BC2F3 and BC2F4 generations validated consistent stay-green expression. In BC2F4 generation, positive significant correlations were seen between most of the stay-green traits and grain yield, except rate of leaf senescence, which had a negative correlation. Field trials at four locations in the northern zones of Karnataka i.e., Dharwad, Bailhongal, Hukkeri, and Vijayapura identified genotype STG 1 as the most stable, high-yielding line, based on AMMI stability indices ASTABi and ssiASTABi, making it promising for drought-prone regions in Karnataka.

Univariate parametric and nonparametric techniques for analyzing fiber quality and yield stability in Sea Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.)

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The techniques used to evaluate the stability and adaptability of genotypes across environments and to study genotype-by-environment interactions (GEIs) are ever-evolving. In this sense, employing multiple approaches to measure the nature of the GEI from multiple aspects is frequently preferable rather than relying solely on a single analysis. A panel of 50 Gossypium barbadense genotypes was assessed over three years at the research sites using a randomized full-block design. The results of the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model indicated that the number of bolls (NB), single plant yield (SPY), fiber length (UHML), and fiber strength (FS) were significantly impacted by genotype, environment, and GEI. Based on the multiplicative effects analysis of AMMI into interaction principal components (IPCs), the studied traits had two significant components. The AMMI model predicted that the stable genotypes for NB were G30 (ICB13), G10 (ICB35), and G31 (ICB176), while those for SPY were G38 (ICB16), G34 (ICB244), G19 (ICB73), G29 (ICB207), and G41 (CCB11A). Genotypes, G23 (ICB262), G29 (ICB207), G7 (ICB220), and G21 (ICB143) for UHML and G19 (ICB73) and G39 (ICB39) for FS were considered to be stable. In this study, for yield traits, the E1 environment better differentiated the genotypes, whereas for quality traits, all three environments showed their discriminativeness. In terms of identifying highly stable and high-yielding genotypes, all of the SSI models were performed, which revealed that genotype G41 (CCB 41), an advanced breeding line, had good stability across environments with relatively high yields coupled with good fiber quality.

Identification, mapping of the genomic regions and mining of the candidate genes for Hundred Seed Weight (HSW) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

Dr. Manisha Saini, Akshay Talukdar, R. Ambika Rajendran, S.K. Lal — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hundred seed weight (HSW) in soybean is an important trait determining yield and quality and is also desirable for specialty soy foods like tofu, natto, miso, and edamame. In order to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and mining of the candidate genes for HSW in soybean (Glycine max.), the current study was conducted on bold seeded soybean genotype EC1023 and VLS61, a medium seeded soybean genotypes derived F2 and F2:3 mapping populations. Genetic polymorphism studied with 517 SSR markers indicated the significant polymorphism between the parental genotypes to be 19.95% (103 markers); however, distribution of the polymorphism was not uniform across the chromosomes; Chr. 14 had 30.00 % polymorphism as against 7.14 % on Chrs.12. Through inclusive composite interval mapping approach, two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) viz., qHSW-5.1 (PVE=10.70%) and qHSW-17.1 (PVE=19.86%) were mapped on Chr. 5 and Chr.17, respectively. The mapped QTLs were validated on interspecific RILs with varying level of HSW. QTL (qHSW-17.1) on Chr. 17 in the marker region Satt301-Sat_326 overlapped with the previously reported QTL for seed viability in soybean. Based on Protein Analysis Through Evolutionary Relationships (PANTHER), gene annotation information, andliterature search, 64 genes within two QTLs were predicted to be possible candidate genes that might regulate the HSW in soybean. The current study identified the two major QTLs and key candidate genes which govern the HSW in soybean, paving the way for developing soybean varieties with improved HSW through marker-assisted breeding.

Identification of potential alleles contributing for yield attributing traits in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown under Western Himalayan Kashmir Valley

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Common bean is increasingly recognized as a highly beneficial global food source due to its rich nutritional and medicinal properties. The present study assessed the genetic variability among unexplored common bean germplasm using morphological parameters. Phenotypic coefficient of variation values were consistently greater than genotypic coefficient of variation values in both the locations, Wadura and Shuhama emphasized the significant variation. For genotyping and association analysis, 100 SSR markers spanning all chromosomes were employed, which resulted in the amplification of 534 alleles, with an average of 5.34 alleles per marker. The Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values ranged from 0.5325 to 0.8926, averaging 0.7553. Using both the Mixed Linear Model (MLM) and General Linear Model (GLM) approaches, 4 SSR markers were found to be associated with days to flowering, number of pods per plant, and harvest index, explaining 14-48% of phenotypic variation. Notably, markers BM185 and BMB742 were identified as common in both models. The findings provide valuable genetic insights that can support breeding programs focused on enhancing yield-related traits in the North-Indian Himalayan region.

Resistance gene analogue assisted screening for mung bean yellow mosaic virus in mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) genotypes

R Nandini, Mariyappan S B, Ambika, Ananthu Rajagopal, Sowmya H H — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mung bean production is severely constrained by mung bean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) disease, making host resistance a priority for sustainable crop improvement. Resistance gene analogue (RGA) primers serve as effective molecular tools for identifying MYMV-resistant genotypes. The present study was carried out to screen 302 mung bean genotypes using RGA primers to identify resistant genotypes and validate their field performance under hotspot conditions. Among the four tested RGA primers, only two primers viz., CYR-1 (1236 bp) and VMR-1 (445bp) were successful in amplifying MYMV resistance related sequences. Among 25 genotypes, 13 were amplified by CYR-1and 24 genotypes were amplified by VMR-1. Further, thirteen genotypes showed amplification for both the primers in common, indicating the presence of resistance genes for both MYMV and mung bean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). These results were confirmed by t test indicating significant (p = 0.001) association of these two markers with MYMV disease in mung bean. The findings highlight the efficiency of CYR-1 and VMR-1 primers as reliable markers for screening MYMV resistance. Their integration into marker-assisted selection (MAS) can accelerate breeding programs aimed at developing resistant mung bean varieties.

Unveiling a novel gene inheritance model for peduncle length in moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia L.)

Hansraj Mahla, Khushwant B. Choudhary, Ramavtar Sharma — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Understanding the inheritance patterns of specific traits related to plant architecture is crucial for selecting appropriate breeding methods. Crosses were conducted between RMO-257 (short peduncle, female parent) and CZMO-18-4 (long peduncle, male parent), as well as between CZM-45 (short peduncle, female parent) and CZMO-20-2-2 (long peduncle, male parent) for peduncle length, an important trait for plant architecture. The results revealed that peduncle length follows a ratio of 2.82:1 and 3.28:1 in the respective crosses, indicating control by a major gene, with minor genes or environmental factors contributing to its continuous variation. Although peduncles are categorized as either long or short, the long peduncle phenotype ranges from 5 cm to 15 cm, suggesting the involvement of multiple factors influencing the dominant gene. The short peduncle trait was found to be recessive. Non-significant χ2 values further confirmed that the observed results adhered to Mendelian inheritance patterns. This pioneering study on moth bean provides novel insights into the genetic control of peduncle length, offering a foundation for the development of improved breeding approaches in this underutilized crop. The above elucidation is a first report on the genetic inheritance of peduncle length or any trait in the orphan legume moth bean.

Introgression and evaluation of glyphosate tolerance gene EPSPS into the Indian soybean (Glycine max L.) variety JS9560 through marker assisted backcross breeding

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Weeds are becoming increasingly prevalent, which poses a serious threat to soybean production in India and results in significant yield losses. Developing herbicide-tolerant soybean cultivars, when coupled with a lack of novel herbicides, increases the herbicidal spectrum and reduces crop phytotoxicity, making it an efficient weed management method. Currently, no Indian soybean is herbicide-tolerant, and no study on the development of herbicide-tolerant soybeans has been executed in India. Introgression of an herbicide-tolerant gene into the genetic background of popular Indian soybean is an effective strategy to develop novel soybean cultivars. Therefore, the molecular marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) approach was adopted in the current study for the genetic introgression of a glyphosate-tolerant gene, EPSPS, to develop herbicide-tolerant soybean. The introgression of the glyphosate-tolerant gene, EPSPS, from an American herbicide-tolerant soybean variety (S14-9017GT) into the genetic background of the elite popular Indian soybean variety, JS 9560 (the recurrent parent), was done using MABB. Foreground selection was done using the EPSPS gene-linked Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) marker EPSPS2, and background selection was performed using 124 genome-wide SSR markers polymorphic between S14-9017GT and JS 9560. Selection of glyphosate-Tolerant lines in each generation until BC2F2 was carried out to improve the recovery of the recurrent parent genome (RPG). About 38 BC2F2 plants were developed and found to recover 94.35 to 98.77% of the recurrent parent genome. The improved BC2F2 population was evaluated for herbicide tolerant using glyphosate spray (3 ml/litre), and it was found that fourteen (14) BC2F2 plants were homozygous (EPSPS/EPSPS) for the glyphosate Tolerant trait, in which P-11-09 is showing the highest recurrent parent genome recovery (98.77%). Selfing of positive BC2F2 plants resulted in 583 BC2F3 population. Phenotypic selection for agronomic traits in the Tolerant BC2F3 generation was carried out, and it was recorded that the performance of BC2F3 plants was like that of the recurrent parent, JS 9560. Overall, the study showed that the glyphosate-tolerant EPSPS allele was successfully introgressed into the genetic background of the popular soybean variety JS 9560, resulting in the development of herbicide-tolerant (HT) BC2F3 lines. This is the first study on the breeding of herbicide-tolerant soybeans in India. The superior plants developed will be tested in further breeding programs to develop soybean cultivars with glyphosate tolerant in India.

Dissecting the genetic basis of fruit quality traits in muskmelon using crosses with Cucumis melo var. callosus and C. melo var. momordica

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Fruit quality is an important component in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) breeding due to its direct influence on consumer preference and market value. The majority of commercial varieties of muskmelon are highly susceptible to various diseases and pests. Consequently, researchers increasingly rely on wild relatives as critical genetic resources for introgressing resistance in breeding programmes. In this context, the present study aimed to elucidate the genetic control of eight fruit quality traits: fruit length, fruit diameter, flesh thickness, cavity width, fruit shape index, average fruit weight, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity using generation mean analysis. Two inter-varietal crosses were developed involving wild relatives, DSM 132 (C. melo var. callosus) and DSM 19 (C. melo var. momordica), with a commercial variety, Hara Madhu, as the common recurrent parent. Six segregating populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1P1, BC1P2) were evaluated across multiple seasons (2022–2024). Scaling and joint scaling tests revealed that the additive-dominance model alone was insufficient, suggesting the involvement of non-allelic interactions. Six-parametric model analysis showed that dominance (h) and dominance × dominance (l) interactions were most significant for most of the fruit quality traits. Duplicate epistasis was observed for most of the quality traits, including TSS, average fruit weight, flesh thicknessand titratable acidity, suggesting the potential for heterosis breeding or recurrent selection to improve these traits. Overall, the present findings provided insights into the genetic architecture of fruit quality traits in muskmelon and paved the way for the strategic use of wild relatives in breeding programmes.

Stability analysis and G×E interaction study in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids for yield across different environments using AMMI and GGE models

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Stability analysis plays a vital role in plant breeding and this involves the evaluation of the genetic performance of genotypes under varying environmental conditions. Sunflower, a valuable oilseed crop primarily cultivated for its edible oil and confectionary purposes, is known for its high yield potential. However, the performance of sunflower is significantly influenced by genotype-environment interactions. Thereby, here in this study, a set of thirty-three hybrids along with three checks were evaluated across three different seasons, viz., kharif 2023, rabi 2023-2024, and summer 2024. Analysis on hybrid performance revealed that, kharif followed by rabi and summer was identified to be the most favourable. The AMMI biplots highlighted the stability of hybrids namely, H9, H22, H19, H23, H16, and checks C3, C1. Hence, based on their comparative performance, the hybrids viz., H13 and H24 exhibited higher yields in AMMI biplots across environments. Moreover, the GGE biplots, portrayed the higher stable performance of the check C1 and the hybrid H13 across environments. The hybrids, viz., H24, H13, and H32 were also identified for their high yield and moderate stability, making them desirable choices for further evaluation.In conclusion, from the «which won where» biplot it was indicated that the hybrids H13 and H24 were the stable cum desirable performers from all locations. Therefore, these genotypes could be forwarded for developing stable and high-yielding sunflower hybrids in future breeding programs.

Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of barnyard millet [Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link.] genotypes for yield and quality traits

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Barnyard millet is an important minor millet crop that is valued for its superior nutritional qualities and short duration. The studies on genetic diversity aimed at exploring diversity within genotypes through morphological, molecular, and nutritional profiles (Fe and Zn) were undertaken to assess significant variation among 30 barnyard millet genotypes. The genotypes were categorized for qualitative and quantitative traits based on the Shannon diversity index and D2 analysis, respectively. Thirty genotypes were grouped into four clusters, wherein Cluster I and Cluster IV comprised 19 and 9 genotypes, respectively; Cluster II and Cluster III each had a single genotype only. The genetic diversity analysis using 14 SSR markers on 12 genotypes of barnyard millet showed polymorphism. The highest number of alleles per locus was generated by BMESSR 16, BMESSR 19, and BMESSR 28. The higher PIC value (0.63) was found to be of the BMESSR 19 marker. The cluster analysis for both molecular and morphological analyses grouped the genotypes into two clusters. The first Cluster comprised 20 genotypes, and the other comprised 10 from the Jammu region, suggesting the presence of diversity among the genotypes. All the genotypes were stratified into 2 groups (K=2) in population structure analysis. The results of micronutrient content analysis showed the highest amount of iron content in IEC-217 (26.24 mg/100g) and the highest zinc content in BAR 1012 (6.35 mg/100g). The study highlighted the presence of genetic diversity in diverse barnyard millet genotypes for conservation and further use in crop improvement.