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.
Identification of best combiners for development of castor hybrids under irrigated conditions
Sixty hybrids developed from 6 lines and 10 testers in a line x tester mating design were evaluated under irrigated and intensive cultivation at Regional Research Station, Anand Agriculture University, Anand, Gujarat. Analysis of variance for combining ability depicted considerable variation among the lines and testers and also lines x testers for seed yield and yield attributing characters. The ratio of GCA and SCA variance was low and close to unity for all the characters studied, indicating the predominance of the non-additive gene action for all the characters studied. DPC-21 was the best general combiner for seed yield, early maturity, effective primary spike length, hundred seed weight and oil content. Among 10 testers, PMC-55, PMC-9 and PMC-18 were good combiners for seed yield. Five of the crosses JP-77-1 x PMC-4, M-619 x PMC-11, JP-77-1 x PMC-19, SKP-84 x PMC-9 and DPC-21 x PMC-11 were found to be superior combinations for seed yield responding better to irrigated and high intensive cropping conditions.
Castor, Combining ability, GCA, Irrigated, Line x Tester and SCA
Gene action for oil yield contributing characters in backcross population of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
An investigation was carried out to study the measure of symmetry (skewness) in BC2F1 population of a cross involving TNHSF 239-61-2-4-1, an elite restorer line with low oleic content and HO 5-13, a high oleic inbred line. Analysis for third order statistics was done for the traits, viz., plant height, head diameter, volume weight, seed yield, oil content, oil yield and oleic acid content. Skewness and kurtosis estimates were calculated to study the gene action. The traits viz., seed yield and oil yield recorded positive skewness. This indicates the presence of complementary epistatic gene action for these traits and if selection is made intensively in the segregating generations, the gain will be faster and mild selection results in slower gain
Sunflower, backcross, skewness, kurtosis, gene action
Genetic variability heritability and genetic advance studies in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum l.)
The present experiment was carried out at research farm of Cotton Research Station, Srivilliputtur, to determine genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance estimates in upland cotton. The analysis of variance involving a set of fourty two improved hirsutum genotypes received from various research institutes under AICRP on Cotton for eleven characters viz., Days to 50 % flowering, Plant height, Number of monopodia per plant, Number of sympodia per plant, Number of bolls per plant, Boll weight, Ginning percentage, Upper Half Mean Length, Bundle strength, Micronaire value, and Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) revealed highly significant mean sum of squares for all the characters indicating greater diversity among the genotypes. The value of Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) is greater than Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV); it means that the apparent variation is not only due to genotypes but also due to influence of environment. The difference between the estimates of PCV and GCV were low for all the characters except number of monopodia per plant, number of sympodia per plant and number of bolls per plant thereby indicating that lesser role played by the environment in the expression of these characters. The traits like Days to 50% flowering, Plant height, Boll weight, Seed cotton yield (kg/ha), Upper half mean length, Micronaire value and Bundle strength exhibited high broad sense of heritability and moderate sense of heritability was observed for Number of monopodia per plant, Number of sympodia per plant, Number of bolls per plant and Ginning percentage. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percent of mean was recorded for boll weight, seed cotton yield and micronaire value indicated the major role of additive gene action in the inheritance of these characters. Thus, these characters may serve as an effective selection parameter during breeding programme in the upland cotton.
Variability, Heritability, Seed Cotton Yield, Gossypium hirsutum.
Simple and quick method of DNA extraction from different parts of plant for PCR amplification
Various protocols are usually used for extracting genomic DNA from plants for genetic analysis. Majority of currently used DNA extraction methods and commercially available kits are multi-stepped, time consuming, expensive especially when dealing with large number of samples. In the present study, we have developed a universal method for extracting DNA from various parts of different plants which is inexpensive, quick and easy. In this method, to extract the DNA, 0.5% SDS, 0.5 M NaCl, 0.5% PVP and 100mM Tris HCl (pH 8.0) were used in the buffer. Leaf samples were ground with 50µL of buffer in 1.5 ml tube and was stabilised with 1000µL of 100mM Tris-HCl buffer. 2µL of lysate from this extract was used for setting PCR. The method doesn’t require hazardous chemicals or purification procedures. The DNA extracted was found to be sufficient and suitable for PCR amplification with high reproducibility.
DNA extraction, SDS (Sodium dodecyl sulphate), PCR (Polymerase chain Reaction), high reproducibility
Effectiveness of selection response on F3 and F4 generations for grain yield and yield attributing traits in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Genetic variability present in the F2 generation originating from ten crosses of rice genotypes, selection was practiced for high grain yield. Expected selection response was estimated in F3 generations and compared with F2 generation. Similar selection practices were made in F3 generation and selection response was estimated in F4 generation. F3 generation showed significant positive selection response for grain yield, number of panicles per plant, plant height and days to 50 % flowering thus indicating the effectiveness of selection for these traits. Grain yield showed non-significant response in F2 generation which indicates straight selection for this trait during early generation may not be effective. F4 generation showed significant positive selection response for the entire traits viz. grain yield, number of panicles per plant, plant height, number of grains per panicle and days to 50 % flowering this indicating the effectiveness of selection for these traits in F3 or latter generation. The regression coefficient between F2 and F3 generation and F3 and F4 generations was significant for all the traits. However, selection for plant height, number of panicles per plant and days to 50 % flowering could be made in early segregating generation while grain yield per plant and number of grains per panicle were effective for selection in latter generation.
Rice, selection response, variability, regression coefficient, segregation generations
Evaluation of genetic divergence in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm
In the present study, twenty seven genotypes of wheat genotypes were evaluated for assessing genetic divergence for 14 different characters. The genetic diversity analysis revealed the formation of five clusters suggested the presence of wide genetic diversity among the 27 genotypes studied. The clustering pattern indicated that geographic diversity was not associated with genetic diversity. The maximum inter-cluster distance (D) was observed between clusters II and IV (D=43.62) followed by clusters IV and V (D=35.49) and II and III (D=34.68). The minimum inter-cluster distance (D=23.10) was found between clusters III and IV. Grains per spike, plant height, biological yield per plant, harvest index, days to heading and test weight contributed maximum towards total genetic divergence. Based on the maximum genetic distance, it is advisable to attempt crossing of the genotypes from cluster II with the genotypes of cluster IV, which may lead to the generation of broad spectrum of favorable genetic variability for yield improvement in bread wheat. Noteworthy is that cluster IV and V reflected high cluster means for days to heading, days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, grains per spike, grain yield per plant, biological yield per plant, grain filling period, tiller per plant and plant height these clusters can be successfully utilized in hybridization programmes to get desirable transgressive segregants.
Wheat, Genetic divergence, Inter-cluster and Intra-cluster distance
Assessment of genetic diversity for yield and seedling traits in soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)
Forty five germplasm accessions of soybean were selected at CCSHAU, Hisar during kharif, 2014 to study genetic diversity utilizing Mahalanobis D2 statistic. The analysis suggested considerable genetic divergence among the material for all the character studied. Based on Mahalanobis D2 statistic, the 45 accessions were grouped into 8 cluster, wherein cluster II was the largest one having 11 accessions. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and VII. Intra-cluster distance was maximum for cluster V, indicating the existence of high variability within the cluster. Cluster mean values for yield and seedling traits revealed considerable differences between the clusters for all characters under study. Among the 15 characters studied, the most important character contributing to the total divergence was number of pods per plant (42.75%) followed by seed yield per plant (22.10%) and root length (19.70). So, these characters should be given due consideration while selecting parents for hybridization
Soybean, genetic diversity, cluster analysis, D2 statistic
Genetic divergence among greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) germplasm collections
Four hundred and forty five genotypes of greengram were evaluated for eight quantitative traits viz. plant height, number of branches/plant, number of clusters/plant, number of pods /clusters, number of pods/plant, pod length, 100- seed weight and seed yield /plant. The data was subjected to cluster analysis, and the genotypes were grouped under three discrete clusters. This study concluded that an effective hybridization programme including the genotypes between the clusters I, II and III would produce wider segregation that might be used for development of improved greengram varieties.
Greengram, diversity, seed yield, clustering
Genetic variability and correlation in pigeonpea genotypes
Forty nine pigeon pea genotypes were evaluated at Agricultural Research Station Tandur during kharif 2015-16. Genotypes were grouped into six clusters based on Mahalonobis D2 statistics. Days to maturity contributed to maximum genetic divergence followed by days to 50% flowering. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between clusters II and VI and intra cluster distance in cluster I and II. Genotypes in cluster V recorded highest mean values for number of secondary branches/plant and number of pods/plant and seed yield. Broad sense heritability estimates were highest for days to maturity and days to 50% flowering. Significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation was observed between seed yield and number of pods/plant and number of secondary branches/plant. The range of GCV observed was 4.55 to 22.07% for the traits under study indicating the extent of variability present among the pigeon pea genotypes. Path coefficient analysis revealed that days to maturity exhibited maximum direct effect followed by number of pods/plant.
Pigeon pea, Genetic divergence, Correlation, Heritability
Biometrical studies on genetic variability and diversity in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)
The study was conducted with thirty seven advanced rice cultures during Rabi 2016-17 under upland rice ecosystem. The analysis of variance revealed that all the treatments were significant for various characters viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, number of panicles/m2, panicle length, number of filled grains per panicle, grain yield/ha, straw yield/ha and harvest index. The higher magnitude of PCV and GCV were recorded for number of panicles /m2, grain yield/ha and straw yield/ha. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for number of panicles/m2 which indicated the major role of additive gene action in the inheritance of this trait. Based on the D2 analysis, the genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Maximum number of genotypes (21 genotypes) was grouped in cluster I. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster III and VIII (7.75) followed by between cluster III and VI (7.11) indicating wider genetic diversity between genotypes. The intra cluster distance was maximum in cluster I (4.07) followed by cluster II (3.88) indicates hybridization involving genotypes within the same clusters may result in good cross combinations. Among the nine traits studied, number of panicles/m2 has contributed maximum divergence (22.22%) followed by panicle length (17.12%), plant height (14.41%), filled grains per panicle (11.26%) and days to fifty per cent flowering (10.96%). Hence these altogether contribute more than seventy five per cent towards total divergence. Therefore these characters may be given importance during selection programme in upland rice ecosystem.
Variability, heritability, genetic advance, diversity, upland rice.
Genetic analysis on genotype x environment interaction for seed yield in greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Nineteen cultures of greengram including two check varieties viz. CO 8 and VBN (Gg) 3 were evaluated for four seasons at NPRC, Vamban. The data on seed yield were subjected to genotype x environment interaction analysis to identify high yielding stable greengram culture. Significant G x E interaction depicted differential performance of the cultures over environments. Based on stability analysis, it was concluded that the genotype VGG 15-030 was found to be a high yielder, stable performer with no response to environments. It can be recommended for both kharif and rabi seasons. The genotype, VGG 15-035 was found to be high yielder, stable performer with above average response to environments. Hence this culture can be recommended to favourable environments.
Greengram, stability analysis, G x E interaction, seed yield
Combining ability for yield and yield components characters of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
An investigation was carried out to study the genetics of fruit yield and its components characters. The present study was made with eight genotypes selected based on D2 Analysis and the parents were crossed to develop fifty six hybrids to estimate mean, general and specific combining ability effect for identifying the best combiners for eight traits, viz.,days to first flowering, plant height, number of branch per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. The general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) mean squares were highly significant for all the studied characters.The parents P7, Parbhani Kranti and Girijavikas were adjudged as superior for fruit yield per plant and most of the characters. Among the fifty six hybrids. Three hybrids viz,. Parbhani Kranti X Naveena, Naveena X Girijavikas and Arka Abhay X P7 required significant sca effects for six others traits. In the cross revealed combination based on gca and sca effects four crosses namely Parbhani Kranti X P7 (high X high gca parents), Arka Abhay X P7 (low X high gca parents), Parbhani Kranti X Naveena (high X low gca parents) and Naveena X Girijavikas (low X low gca parents) are suggested to improve the fruit yield per plant through heterosis breeding and their use in commercial cultivation.
Microsatellite based mutant characterization for high tillering architect of foxtail millet variety srilakshmi
The present investigation targeted the foxtail millet Var. Srilakshmi for a high yielding attributes. The Variety Srilakshmi was irradiated with lethal dose of 400 Gy and post treated with 0.1% EMS at different time intervals of 6,12,18,24 hrs. The mutagenic concentration, (400 Gy + 18 hrs 0.1% EMS) found to be the best which leads significant increase in tiller and panicle number. The molecular profiling of selected promising mutants for tillering architect were then characterized using 27 SSR primers with 17.33% polymorphism, PIC (Polymorphic Information Content) value ranged from 0.37 to 0.69 with an average value of 0.31 and marker named SiGMS 12845 showed 100% polymorphism. The dendrogram was constructed based on SSR’s profiling and mutants were grouped into three cluster. The SSR’s markers were found to be helpful to determining the genetic diversity among mutants.
Foxtail millet, EMS mutagen, SSR- Simple Sequence Repeat, cluster analysis, Dendrogram.
Genetic analysis and variability studies in mutants induced through electron beam and gamma rays in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Induced mutation is useful to create genetic variability in mungbean. The present study was conducted to assess the amount of genetic variation present among 17 mutants developed through electron beam and gamma rays. The experiment was carried out in two replications and observations were recorded for ten different traits. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability, genetic advance (GA) and correlations were estimated by standard methods. Highest GCV was recorded for seed yield plant-1 followed by pods cluster-1 and clusters plant-1. Heritability was highest for seeds pod-1 (0.92), followed by pod length (0.89), branches plant-1 (0.88), 100- seed weight (0.88). Highest GA as per cent of mean was estimated for seed yield plant-1. Seed yield plant-1 showed significant positive correlation with cluster plant-1, pods cluster-1 and seeds pod-1. A cluster analysis grouped 17 mutants into six clusters. Considerable genetic variability was present in mutants which can be used in mungbean improvement.
Mungbean, induced mutation, heritability, correlation, genetic variability
Variability and association analysis of curcumin content with yield components in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Variability, correlation and path analysis of 24 yield and quality characters were assessed in turmeric using 15 genotypes. Wide genetic variability was observed among the genotypes for most of the characters studied. High GCV and PCV was observed for 17 characters except for plant height, leaf length, leaf width, primary rhizome length, secondary rhizome girth, diameter of inner core of primary rhizome and diameter of primary rhizome. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for 23 characters except secondary rhizome girth. Simple correlation analysis revealed that fresh rhizome yield per plant showed positive and significant correlation with collar girth, length of mother rhizome, girth of mother rhizome, weight of mother rhizome, number of primary rhizome, weight of primary rhizome and number of secondary rhizome. From path analysis, it is understood that fresh rhizome yield exhibited high direct positive effect on girth of mother rhizome, weight of mother rhizome, weight of primary rhizome, number of secondary rhizome and curcumin content
Turmeric, variability, correlation, path analysis, rhizome yield
Genetic analysis of oleic acid and linoleic acid content in relation to oil quality in groundnut
The present study was conducted to estimate the heritability as well as relationship of oleic acid and linoleic acid with oil quality parameters among the backcross progenies in BC1F4 and BC1F5 generation of groundnut. The linoleic acid, oleic to linoleic acid ratio and polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio exhibited high PCV and PCV estimates as well as high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean in both generations. The strong negative relationship between oleic acid and linoleic acid was observed in virtual elimination of linoleic acid from seed lipids is accompanied by an equivalent increase in the content of oleic acid, the proportion of other fatty acids remained unchanged, indicate that the mutation blocks the desaturation of oleic to linoleic acid in high oleate advance backcross progenies.
Groundnut, backcross progenies, fatty acid, oil quality
Marker-assisted selection for biotic stress (Bacterial leaf blight and gall midge) tolerance in Bc4F4 generation of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Bacterial blight (BB) of rice caused by the pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and the insect gall midge (GM) (Orseolia oryzae) are two major limitations of rice production. The present study was carried out to improve CO 43 a popular variety of Tamil Nadu for BB and GM resistance through marker assisted backcross breeding. Two sets of genes Xa21 and xa13 for bacterial blight resistance and Gm1 and Gm4 for gall midge resistance were used for this study. A total of 95 plants in BC4F4 generation were genotyped with SSR markers RM1328, RM22550, xa13 prom and pTA248 for the genes Gm1, Gm4, xa13 and Xa21 respectively. Artificial screening for bacterial blight screening was conducted in glass house condition and gall midge screening was conducted in the field condition. The lines selected for bacterial blight and gall midge resistance genes recorded a high level of resistance than the recurrent parent CO43.
Bacterial blight, gall midge, foreground selection, marker assisted selection
Genetic analysis of yield contributing traits and mapping of QTLs in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
A population of 188 RIL’s derived from a cross involving progenitor species Sesamum malabaricum Burm. was used for genetic analysis and mapping of QTLs for yield contributing traits. A total of 60 SSR markers were developed through genomic hybridization assay, of which 12 were found to be polymorphic. Of the total 101 SSR markers screened, 35 markers were found segregating in expected 1:1 ratio and were selected for mapping. The linkage map constructed contained 26 markers in three linkage groups covering a distance of 298.6cM, 694.4cM and 86.4cM respectively. Analysis of population structure identified the presence of 3 clusters (K=3) of parents and recombinants. QTLs for branches/plant, days to 50% flowering, capsules/ node, seed weight per capsule, seed yield per plant, 100 seed weight, internode lengths, stem girth, capsules/ node, days to maturity and node with capsules were mapped.
Linkage map - Quantitative Trait Loci- Sesamum indicum-Yield
Cotton hybrid SVPR 1 (TSHH 0629) – A high yielding long staple intra hirsutum cotton hybrid for southern zone of India and winter/summer irrigated tracts of Tamil Nadu
Cotton Hybrid SVPR 1 is a promising long staple intra hirsutum hybrid developed at Cotton Research Station, Srivilliputtur. It was identified by the Central Varietal Identification Committee in the year of 2015 and notified in 2016 for kharif season of southern zone of India for irrigated condition and winter/summer irrigated tracts of Tamil Nadu. It is a cross between cultures TSH 311 and TSH 306. Cotton Hybrid SVPR 1 is open type in architecture with determinant growth habit and maturing in 165 days. It has recorded a mean seed cotton yield of 2216 kg/ha which is 16.4 % increase over the check Bunny (1904 kg/ha). This hybrid comes under the long staple category with 2.5% span length of 28.5 mm, fibre strength of 21.9 g/tex and micronaire value of 4.0. It can spin to 40’s counts. It is moderately resistant to leaf hopper, Bacterial Leaf Blight and Alternaria Leaf Spot. Hence, the cotton hybrid SVPR 1 (TSHH 0629) was released for the winter/summer irrigated areas of Tamil Nadu and Kharif season of South Zone of India
Cotton hybrid, long staple, intra hirsutum, 40’s counts
Combining ability and heterosis studies for grain yield and its components in hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)
The study was conducted to know the nature of gene action and level of heterosis in rice hybrids. Analysis of variance revealed the prevalence of non-additive gene action for the traits studied except for days to 50% flowering. The CMS lines IR-79156A and IR-58025A and testers WGL-3962, RNR-15038 and RNR-2781 were best combiners for most important yield contributing traits, like number of productive tillers per plant, number of filled grains per panicle and grain yield per plant by exhibiting positive gca effects. The hybrids, IR-58025A x RNR-15038, IR-79156A x NWGR-3132, IR-58025A x RNR-2781, IR-79156A x RNR-2781 and APMS-6A x RNR-15038 were considered as potential cross combinations for grain yield and its attributes based on per se performance, sca effects, gca effects of parents and standard heterosis. These hybrids could be further evaluated in multi locational trials for commercial use
Hybrid rice, combining ability, heterosis, grain yield
Genetic diversity studies among maintainers and restorers on milo and maldandi cytoplasm from minicore collection of sorghum using D2 statistics
Sorghum is the important cereal crop around the world and hence understanding and utilizing the genetic variation in sorghum accessions are essential for improving the crop. The D2 statistics was applied to assess the diversity among 41 B-lines and 43 R lines of sorghum identified from minicore collection. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters under study. The genotypes were grouped into 13 clusters, where cluster III comprised maximum of 14 genotypes followed by cluster IV with 7 genotypes each among R-lines whereas B-lines grouped into 6 clusters with cluster I with 22 genotypes followed by cluster II with 9 genotypes. Inter-cluster distance was maximum between the clusters IX and X with 648.07 among R-lines and in B-lines maximum intercluster distance was between I and VI with 1136.00 which indicated that genotypes included in these clusters may give heterotic response and thus better segregants. Regarding genetic divergence of the genotypes, panicle weight (32.07 %), SPAD readings at maturity stage (29.76 ) and 100 seed weight (20.49 %) contributed major share among R-lines and incase of B-lines panicle weight (49.49 %), primaries per panicle (25.13 % ) and 100 seed weight (10.77 %) contributed high towards genetics. These traits can be utilized for selection of individual B-lines and individual R-lines for future crop improvement programme.
Sorghum, Intercluster, Minicore, Genetic divergence and D2 statistics
Character association for yield traits in Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. : A vulnerable medicinal tree
Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. is an important threatened medicinal tree. An experiment was undertaken to study the correlation and path analysis in Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. accessions during 2016-17. Correlation study revealed that number of pods per plant, leaf area, leaf width and petiole length had significant positive correlation with pod yield per plant. According to path analysis, number of pods per plant, leaf length, plant height, pod width, number of seeds per pod and number of pods per plant recorded positive and high direct effect on pod yield per plant. Thus, based on correlation and path analysis, traits viz. number of pods per plant and pod length can be considered as selection indices for high pod yield in this species.
Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent., Correlation, Path analysis, Pod yield.
Identification of parents and hybrids for yield and its components using line x tester analysis in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Combining ability analysis for yield and its component traits was carried out in rice through line x tester analysis of 20 hybrids developed by crossing 5 females with 4 male lines along with parents and checks at Agricultural Rice Research Station, Nellore, ANGRAU, AP during kharif 2014. The estimates of gca effects indicated that, among females, BPT 5204 and among males IR 64, were good general combiners for grain yield per plant. High sca effects were observed in the crosses, WGL 48684 x IR 36 and RNR 2465 x IR 36 and they were found to be best combinations for grain yield per plant.
Rice, combining ability, line x tester, grain yield per plant
Genetic diversity analysis in selected germplasm lines of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
In the present study, a total of 155 genotypes along with five checks 'A-1, PBNS-12, AKS-207, PKV Pink, Bhima' were assessed to study the genetic diversity among the genotypes. These genotypes were grouped into eleven clusters based on the measurements of genetic divergence obtained by means of Mahalanobis distance (D2) and in the grouping by Tocher optimization method. The average inter cluster distance was maximum between clusters VI and IX (7037.21) followed by clusters III and IX (6895.24), clusters IX and XI (6756.33), clusters IX and X (5760.02), clusters VII and IX (5724.53) which indicated that the genotypes included in these clusters may give high heterotic responses and thus better segregants. The present study projected the importance of GMU-4502, GMU-4934, GMU-4507 as parents for higher heterosis in F1 and potential transgressive segregants in subsequent generations as they have least mean values for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity whereas high mean values of GMU-4839, GMU-4934, GMU-40, GMU-5032, GMU-2969, GMU-5663 and GMU-3740 for characters viz. plant height, number of primary branch per plant, number of capitula per plant, volume weight, 100- seed weight, seed yield per plant and oil content respectively suggest their further improvement in respect to these yield attributing characters.
Safflower, Germplasm, Cluster analysis, Genetic divergence.
Association analysis of native rice (Oryza sativa L.) of Bastar
The present investigation was carried out at S.G. College of Agriculture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The experimental materials used were 94 local landraces of rice and three popular standard checks. The experiment was conducted during kharif 2016 in RBD. Observations were recorded for 16 qualitative and 20 qualitative characters and analysis of variance for characters showed differences for various characters. Correlation analysis revealed positive and highly significant correlation of total number of filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle, plant height and number of effective tiller per plant, harvest index, test weight, flag leaf length and days to maturity had positive highly significant correlation with grain yield per plant. According to the direct effects on grain yield, the order of yield components was direct selection for characters viz. flag leaf length, days to maturity, plant height, number of effective tillers per plant, harvest index, and total number of grains per panicle will be very effective for increasing grain yield.
Rice, correlation, path analysis, grain yield
Studies on genetic variability parameters and character association in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under timely and late sown environments of irrigated condition
Sixteen diverse bread wheat genotypes studied at Agharkar Research Institute, Pune (Hol Farm) during rabi season of 2016-17. The present study revealed that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes was recorded significant for all the traits studied except grain yield per plot and harvest index in timely and late sown condition. The treatment versus genotype found significant among the traits days to heading and biomass per plot. The estimates of GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance were high to moderate in both conditions for the days to heading, productive tillers per meter, TGW, grain per spike, grain weight per spike, biomass per plot and grain yield per plot. Correlation coefficient reveled that, biomass per plot, productive tiller per meter, days to maturity gave the positive association with grain yield per plot in both the environments. One genotype was tolerant to grain yield per plot viz., HD 3219 (TS = 1052, LS = 934) under timely sown and late sown environments. It has been found that wheat genotypes differ their ability to respond to heat, there by tolerance, which could be useful as a genetic stock to develop wheat tolerant genotypes in wheat.
Bread wheat, heritability, genetic advance, association
Screening of tropical inbred lines for drought tolerance based on secondary traits in maize (Zea mays L.)
In the present study, 63 tropical maize inbred lines were screened for four drought related traits viz., relative water content, root volume, root length and anthesis silking interval at three different stages of induced stress at vegetative, pre anthesis and at anthesis stages. Where earliness for avoiding terminal drought is desired, the genotypes with short ASI could be used. In the present investigation, fourteen inbreds showed < 2 days, anthesis silking interval when compared with parental means (5.45 days). Among them seven inbreds viz., UMI 285, UMI 917, UMI 1024, UMI 1056, UMI 1060 and UMI 1096 had reduced ASI of one day. The anthesis silking interval became shorter under drought and selection seemed to have led to significantly faster spikelet and ear growth at flowering, but also to reduction in final spikelet number. Relative Water Content (%) was more during vegetative stage stress compared to pre anthesis and at anthesis stages. The comparison of RWC means in all three stages showed that the level of RWC of leaves were significantly increased in nine genotypes and UMI 233 recorded the highest RWC (87.27%). Considering root length and root volume across the stages, root length was increased slightly in pre and at anthesis stages but root volume decreased during post anthesis stage among the genotypes. In the present investigation, sixty three tropical inbreds screened for drought tolerance, a total of 14 inbred lines were selected based on RWC (%), root length, root volume and anthesis silking interval (<3 days) for utilizing in hybridization.
Maize, inbred lines, moisture stress, screening
Genetic variability and association analysis in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch)
Thirteen genotypes of strawberry were subjected to genetic variability and association analysis. The study revealed highly significant differences for all the characters studied, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variability. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV) was maximum for yield/hectare (42.58 and 42.27) followed by yield /plant (42.57 and 42.26), non-reducing sugar (34.44 and 34.39), number of flower/plant (29.37 and 29.09). While high heritability found in non-reducing sugar (99.7%) followed by fruit initiation (98.6%), yield/plant (98.6%), yield/hectare (98.6 %),average berry weight (98.4%), flower /plant (98.1%), fruit/plant (97.9%), TSS (97.6%), titratable acidity (97.6%), days taken from planting to harvest (96.4%) and anthocyanin content (95.2 %). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for yield/hectare (86.55%) among fruit yield followed by yield/plant (86.43%), non-reducing sugar (70.75%). However, significant positive correlation on yield/plant was recorded with plant spread, plant height, leaves/plant, petiole length, days taken from planting to harvest, flower/plant, fruit length, fruit breadth, fruit /plant, titratable acidity, non-reducing sugar and average berry weight. Whereas, positive direct effect on yield/plant was found to be highest for number of flower /plant (0.949) followed by fruit breadth (0.206), anthocyanin content (0.103), fruit length (0.100), average berry weight (0.097) and plant spread (0.068) indicating that these should be considered as selection criteria for increasing fruit yield/plant in a breeding program.
Genetic Variability, Correlation, Path Coefficient, Strawberry, Yield
Stability analysis for yield and quality traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Experiment was conducted with eleven varieties of wheat for fourteen qualitative and quantitative traits in three date of sowing with 15 days interval viz., 08th Nov. (Early sown as E1), 23rdNov. (Normal sown as E2), 08th Dec. (Late sown as E3) during Rabi-2016-17 season at Experimental Farm of Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra. Highly significant variations due to genotypes against pooled error revealed the presence of genetic variability for all the traits except yield per plant under study. The component G x E interaction being highly significant indicated that genotypes interacted considerably to environmental conditions in different environments. The predominance of linear component would help in predicting the performance of genotypes across environment. For yield per plant the genotypes, MACS-6222, PBN-3958 and GW-480 exhibited higher mean, bi near to unity and non-significant deviation from regression line, that genotype was stable under all environments. However, the genotypes MP-1323 for number of tillers per plant and harvest index (%), MACS-6222 for protein content (%) were stable over all environment. November 23rd normal sown was the most optimum time of sowing for wheat crop.
Wheat, stability analysis, G x E interaction, yield per plant.
GJT 5 - Region specific high yielding sesame variety suitable for summer irrigated ecosystem
Sesame culture AT 231 was derived from hybridization between AT 90 and AT 104 followed by pedigree method of breeding. This culture was identified owing to its superior performance in the State trials conducted during summer irrigated conditions from 2010 to 2014 and released as Gujarat Junagadh Til 5(GJT 5) by 46th State Variety Release Committee (SVRC) during 2015. This culture recorded an average yield of 1241 kg/ha with the yield advantage of 22.39 per cent over the check G. Til 3 (1014 kg/ha). Besides its high yielding ability, Oil yield was 22.22 % higher than G. Til 3. It matured in 91 days and contains 46.98 per cent oil in its seeds, which are whitish in colour and bolder in size. This variety is best suited for summer irrigated conditions in Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
Sesamum indicum, Gujarat Junagadh Til 5, seed yield, medium duration