PLANT CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

In vitro Regeneration and Genetic Transformation for Enhanced Stress Resistance in Chickpea Plants

Prafull Kumar — 2026-08-01

Abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, and heat, and biotic stresses such as Fusarium wilt substantially reduce the productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an important grain legume for human nutrition. Efficient regeneration and genetic transformation systems are essential for accelerating crop improvement and generating climate-resilient cultivars. In this study, an optimised in vitro regeneration system combined with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was developed to transfer the stress-responsive AtDREB1A gene into chickpea. Cotyledonary nodes and cuttings produced 7.2 ± 0.5 and 7.0 ± 0.3 shoots per plant, respectively. Shoots cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.5 mg L⁻¹ kinetin, and 0.2 mg L⁻¹ α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) showed the highest regeneration frequency (94.7 ± 1.8%). The highest rooting frequency (91.6 ± 1.7%) was obtained on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L⁻¹ indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 0.2 mg L⁻¹ NAA. A transformation efficiency of 10.25 ± 0.8% was obtained using A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 carrying the construct pCAMBIA1301::AtDREB1A. Stable transgene integration and expression were confirmed by PCR, Southern blot hybridisation, and quantitative real-time PCR, with the highest transgene accumulation detected in transgenic line T3 (8.11 ± 0.48-fold). Under drought, salinity, and Fusarium wilt stress, transgenic plants performed significantly better than wild-type plants in terms of relative water content, drought survival, salinity survival, membrane stability index, and disease incidence (p ≤ 0.05). The optimised regeneration and transformation platform offers a robust and reproducible approach for chickpea genetic improvement and supports molecular breeding, functional genomics, CRISPR/Cas genome engineering, and the development of climate-smart chickpea cultivars for sustainable crop production.

Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis for Fruit Yield Improvement in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Madduri Usha Sri — 2026-07-31

Genetic variability and trait associations are essential for improving fruit yield in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). The present study was conducted during Kharif 2025 at the Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, to evaluate 17 diverse okra genotypes using a randomised block design with three replications. Thirteen quantitative traits were recorded and analysed for genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, and path coefficient analysis. Significant differences among genotypes for most traits indicated considerable genetic variability. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all traits, reflecting environmental influences on trait expression. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for days to 50% flowering, days to first flowering, days to first picking, and plant height, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action. Fruit yield per plant showed significant positive associations with the number of fruits per plant, fruit width, fruit weight, days to first picking, and days to 50% flowering. Path coefficient analysis revealed that days to first flowering had the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield, followed by plant height and fruit width. These traits may therefore serve as useful selection criteria for improving fruit yield and developing high-yielding okra cultivars.

Isolation and Enumeration of Soil Bacterial Population Associated with Rhizosphere Soils of Yellow Leaf Disease of Arecanut

K. Premalatha — 2026-07-31

Yellow Leaf Disease (YLD) is one of the most destructive diseases affecting arecanut, causing severe yield reduction and a decline in palm vigour. The present study was undertaken to isolate, enumerate, and characterise culturable rhizosphere bacterial communities associated with healthy and YLD-affected arecanut palms. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from healthy and diseased gardens, and bacterial colonies were isolated using serial dilution and the spread-plate technique on nutrient agar medium. The purified isolates were characterised based on colony morphology, Gram reaction, and cell morphology. A total of 33 bacterial isolates were obtained and characterised. Of these, 29 isolates (87.88%) were Gram-positive, whereas only four isolates (12.12%) were Gram-negative, indicating the predominance of Gram-positive bacteria in the arecanut rhizosphere. Colony morphology exhibited considerable diversity in colour and shape, with predominantly circular (73%) and serrated (27%) colonies. Microscopic examination revealed both cocci and rod-shaped bacterial cells. The predominance of Gram-positive bacteria and the higher culturable bacterial population in healthy rhizosphere soils suggest the presence of microbial communities that may contribute to nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion, and the suppression of soil-borne pathogens. These findings provide baseline information on culturable bacterial diversity associated with healthy and YLD-affected arecanut rhizospheres.

Genetic Analysis of Yield and Associated Traits through Combining Ability and Gene Action in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Surya Prakash Sharma — 2026-07-27

Aims: To evaluate the combining ability, determine the nature of gene action governing yield, oil content and associated traits, and identify superior parents and promising hybrid combinations for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) improvement.

Study Design: Line × tester mating design.

Place and Duration of Study: Oilseeds Research Station, Latur, Maharashtra, India, during kharif 2025 (hybrid development) and rabi 2025–26 (field evaluation).

Methodology: Six cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines and seven restorer lines were crossed in a line × tester mating design to generate 42 hybrids. The resulting hybrids, along with their 13 parents and three standard checks, were evaluated in a randomised block design with two replications for ten agro-morphological and quality traits. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, line × tester analysis to estimate general and specific combining ability, and assessment of gene action following the method of Kempthorne (1957).

Results: Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied, indicating substantial genetic variability. Line × tester analysis showed significant GCA and SCA effects for most traits, with non-additive gene action predominating for seed yield and several associated traits. Among the parents, NDCMS 2A and CMS 597A were identified as good general combiners among the lines, while NDL20, NDL3 and GMU847 were the most desirable testers for seed yield, oil content and associated traits. The crosses NDCMS 2A × NDL20, CMS 597A × NDL20, CMS 597A × NDL3, CMS 852A × GMU847 and CMS 597A × HOCL-20R exhibited desirable specific combining ability effects coupled with superior per se performance, indicating their potential for exploitation in sunflower hybrid breeding.

Conclusion: The findings indicated the involvement of both additive and non-additive gene action in the inheritance of yield, oil content and associated traits in sunflower, with the predominance of non-additive gene action for most of the characters. The identified superior combiners and promising hybrid combinations provide valuable genetic resources for the development of high-yielding and high-oil sunflower hybrids and can be effectively utilised in future sunflower breeding programmes.

Evaluation of Trichoderma spp. against Macrophominaphaseolina Causing Dry Root Rot in Blackgram

B. Mounika — 2026-07-24

Dry root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is an important constraint on blackgram productivity, particularly under high-temperature and moisture-stress conditions. This study evaluated the antagonistic potential of 20 Trichoderma isolates against M. phaseolina under in vitro conditions using a dual-culture assay and assessed their effects on blackgram seed germination and early seedling growth following seed biopriming. The isolates differed significantly in their capacity to inhibit pathogen mycelial growth. TPP-15 produced the highest inhibition (80.1%), followed by TPP-10 (79.6%) and TPP-2 (78.1%), whereas TPP-6 produced the lowest inhibition (64.9%). Several additional isolates showed inhibition above 73%. Seed biopriming with the isolates improved germination, root and shoot growth, vigour index, and seedling biomass relative to the control. TPP-15 recorded the highest seed germination (93.6%) and vigour index (3969.6), while TPP-1 recorded the lowest values among the treatments, although these remained above the control. The combined performance of TPP-15 in pathogen suppression and seedling growth promotion identifies it as the most promising isolate under the experimental conditions. However, the findings are limited to controlled assays, and efficacy against dry root rot must be validated in pathogen-infested soil, greenhouse, and field environments before practical application. Overall, selected Trichoderma isolates show potential for further development as biological components of dry root rot management in blackgram.

Genetic Diversity Analysis for Yield-attributing Traits in Durum Wheat (Triticum durum L.)

Narendra Singh — 2026-07-24

Durum wheat, a highly valued cereal characterised by its hard, vitreous grain and superior protein content, is the second most widely cultivated wheat type globally and requires continuous genetic improvement to enhance yield stability. Identifying highly divergent parents is essential for strategic hybridisation aimed at maximising heterosis and yield potential. This study evaluated genetic diversity among 130 durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) genotypes for 13 yield-attributing traits during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 at Prayagraj, India. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) for most traits, confirming substantial genetic variability. Correlation analysis showed important positive associations between grain yield per spike and the number of tillers per plant, number of spikelets per spike, and flag leaf width. Spike length was also significantly correlated with 1000-grain weight, while plant height was significantly correlated with biological yield. Cluster analysis grouped the 130 genotypes into eight distinct clusters. Cluster 3 contained 43 genotypes and Cluster 1 contained 39 genotypes; Clusters 2 and 6 contained 16 genotypes each, whereas Clusters 4, 5, and 8 each contained one genotype. The high inter-clusterdivergence indicates potential for selecting diverse parental lines from contrasting clusters (e.g. Cluster 4, 5, or 8 x Cluster 2 or 3). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the overall variation was associated mainly with spike architecture, biomass, and grain weight. These genetically divergent genotypes may be used in future hybridisation programmes to exploit heterosis and support genetic improvement for grain yield in durum wheat.

Impact of Integrated Use of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers on Growth, Flowering, Yield and Quality Parameters of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. Azad Gol Type-3

Sonal Singh — 2026-07-23

The present investigation was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, during 2025-26 to evaluate the influence of integrated nutrient management on the growth, flowering, yield and quality attributes of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. Azad Gol Type-3. The experiment comprised nine treatments, viz., T₁ (absolute control), T₂ (100% RDF; NPK 120:85:50 kg/ha), T₃ (vermicompost @ 6 t/ha), T₄ (FYM @ 25 t/ha), T₅ (FYM @ 12.5 t/ha + 50% RDF), T₆ (vermicompost @ 3 t/ha + 50% RDF), T₇ (FYM @ 18.75 t/ha + 25% RDF), T₈ (vermicompost @ 4.5 t/ha + 25% RDF) and T₉ (vermicompost @ 3 t/ha + FYM @ 6.25 t/ha + 50% RDF), with three replications. Treatment T₉ was the most effective for most traits, recording maximum plant height (62.59 cm at 90 DAT), number of leaves (54.10), branches (12.93), stem girth (3.18 cm), flowers per plant (46.55), fruits per plant (10.33), fruit length (8.24 cm), fruit yield per plant (1661.71 g), yield per hectare (615.45 q/ha) and TSS (4.63 °Brix), along with minimum days to first flowering (47.33 days). Treatment T₆ recorded the highest individual fruit weight (174.60 g), fruit diameter (7.45 cm), ascorbic acid (12.62 mg/100 g) and anthocyanin content (22.35 mg/100 g). The control produced the lowest values for most parameters. Overall, the integrated use of vermicompost, FYM and reduced RDF improved the physical and biochemical quality of brinjal fruits under the tested conditions.

Evaluation of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Hybrids against Alternaria Blight Incited by Alternaria brassicae under Artificial Inoculation Conditions

Manish Dhakar — 2026-07-18

Alternaria blight is a destructive disease of Indian mustard caused principally by Alternaria brassicae. The present investigation evaluated 50 mustard hybrids for their reactions to the disease under artificial inoculation conditions during the 2025–26 Rabi season. The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design with two replications. Disease severity was assessed using a modified 0–9 rating scale, and percent disease intensity (PDI) was calculated for each hybrid. Disease reactions were classified according to the corresponding PDI ranges. None of the tested hybrids was immune or highly resistant. PDI ranged from 8.65% to 51.15%. Rohini × PAB-2017-22 recorded the lowest PDI (8.65%), whereas Krishna × PAB-2014-4, JM-1 × PAB-2014-7, and Bio-Y-SR × PAB-2014-4 recorded the highest PDI (51.15%). Five hybrids were classified as resistant, 21 as moderately resistant, 18 as susceptible, and six as highly susceptible. The resistant group comprised Rohini × PAB-2017-22, Vasundhara × PAB-2017-1, RVM-1 × PAB-2017-22, GM-1 × PAB-2017-18, and Rajat (PCR-7) × PAB-2014-18. The observed variation indicates that the evaluated hybrid combinations differ in their responses to Alternaria blight under uniform disease pressure. The resistant and moderately resistant hybrids provide preliminary material for further validation under controlled conditions and across seasons and locations before their use in resistance-breeding programmes.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield-contributing Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes

Avinash Pandey — 2026-07-18

Improving grain yield in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) requires a clear understanding of the relationships between yield and its component traits because grain yield is governed by the combined action of several quantitative characters. The present study was undertaken to identify key yield-contributing traits through phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analyses using a diverse set of bread wheat genotypes. The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–2026 at the Experimental Farm of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 47 bread wheat genotypes, including four standard check varieties, were evaluated in an Augmented Block Design. Data were recorded for thirteen agronomic and yield-related traits, and phenotypic correlation coefficients and path coefficient analysis were used to assess the relationships among these characters and their contributions to grain yield. The analysis revealed that biological yield per plant exhibited the highest positive correlation with grain yield per plant (r = 0.998), followed by the number of effective tillers per plant (r = 0.521) and flag leaf area (r = 0.388). Path analysis indicated that biological yield had the highest positive direct effect (0.9860). Among all the characters studied, biological yield per plant exerted the highest positive direct effect on grain yield, followed by spike length and the number of effective tillers per plant, indicating their important roles in determining productivity. In contrast, plant height and peduncle length showed negative relationships with grain yield, suggesting that excessive vegetative growth was not advantageous under the experimental conditions. The findings suggest that biological yield per plant, productive tillering ability, flag leaf area, spike length, and harvest index are useful traits for indirect selection aimed at improving grain yield. Simultaneous consideration of these characters in breeding programmes may enhance selection efficiency and facilitate the development of high-yielding bread wheat cultivars under agro-climatic conditions similar to those of the present study. Further validation across multiple environments is required before broader recommendations can be made.

Generation Mean Analysis of Yield and Yield Component Traits in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. & Coss.)

Kajal Mehra — 2026-07-16

Understanding the genetic basis of seed yield and component traits is essential for developing efficient breeding strategies in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. & Coss.), where yield is governed by multiple genes and their interactions. The present study was undertaken to estimate the nature and magnitude of gene effects controlling seed yield and component traits in the cross PYR 2021-5 × PYR 2021-6 using generation mean analysis. Six basic generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁ and BC₂) were evaluated in a Compact Family Block Design with three replications during the Rabi 2025-26 season. Sixteen quantitative traits were recorded and genetic parameters were estimated using scaling tests, joint scaling analysis and Hayman's six-parameter model. Scaling tests revealed epistasis for all traits except siliqua length, while joint scaling analysis showed that fourteen traits required four-, five-, or six-parameter digenic interaction models, highlighting the importance of epistatic interactions in their inheritance. Significant additive and dominance effects were detected for most traits, with additive × additive and dominance × dominance interactions contributing substantially to their inheritance. Duplicate epistasis was observed for ten economically important traits, including seed yield per plant, thousand-seed weight and oil content, indicating complex inheritance. The findings demonstrate that both additive and non-additive gene effects govern yield and component traits, suggesting that delayed selection combined with pedigree breeding or recurrent selection may be effective for developing improved mustard genotypes.

Heterosis Study for Morphological and Yield Traits under ChiLCV in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

P. N. Mule — 2026-07-14

The present investigation was conducted to estimate heterosis for yield, yield-attributing traits and chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) resistance in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) using a line × tester mating design. Five female lines and six male testers were crossed to produce 30 F₁ hybrids, which were evaluated along with their parents and two commercial check hybrids. Heterosis was estimated over the mid-parent, better parent and standard checks. Significant variation was observed among the hybrids for all studied traits. The hybrids L5 × T2, L3 × T3, L5 × T3, L4 × T6 and L1 × T6 exhibited significant positive standard heterosis for green fruit yield and several yield-contributing traits. The cross L4 × T6 recorded the highest heterosis over the mid-parent and better parent for plant height, whereas L5 × T3 showed superior performance over both commercial checks. For number of branches per plant, L2 × T3, L1 × T6 and L2 × T6 were the best-performing hybrids across different heterosis estimates. Earliness was observed in L3 × T6, L1 × T2 and L3 × T3, as indicated by significant negative heterosis for days to 50% flowering. Hybrids L1 × T6, L5 × T3 and L4 × T6 expressed superior heterosis for fruit length, while L3 × T6, L3 × T5 and L1 × T6 performed best for fruit diameter. The hybrids L2 × T6, L2 × T2 and L1 × T6 showed the highest heterosis for fruit weight. Cross L3 × T5 recorded superior performance for number of fruits per plant, whereas L5 × T2 exhibited the highest positive heterosis for green fruit yield. For ChiLCV disease severity, L3 × T5 expressed significant negative heterosis over the mid-parent and better parent, while L1 × T6 showed the lowest disease incidence compared with both commercial checks. These hybrids may serve as promising genetic resources for developing high-yielding and ChiLCV-tolerant chilli hybrids.

Harnessing Combining Ability and Multi-environment Evaluation to Identify Superior Parents and Heterotic Hybrids for Sustainable Rice Yield Improvement

K. Rajendra Prasad — 2026-07-09

The present investigation was conducted to assess combining ability, gene action and promising hybrid combinations for grain yield and associated traits in rice across multiple environments. Four WA-CMS lines, namely APMS 6A, IR79156A, IR68897A and PUSA 5A, were crossed with twelve elite restorer lines to generate 48 F1 hybrids. The hybrids, parents and three standard checks were evaluated during Rabi 2016-17 at Rudrur, Warangal and Rajendranagar using a randomised complete block design with two replications. Observations were recorded for eleven agronomic traits, including days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, panicle weight, total tillers per plant, productive tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, 1000-grain weight, grain yield per plant and days to maturity. Combining ability analysis indicated substantial variability among lines, testers and hybrids. Specific combining ability variance was greater than general combining ability variance for most yield and yield-contributing traits, suggesting the predominance of non-additive gene action. In contrast, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity showed a greater influence of additive gene action. Among the CMS lines, APMS 6A and IR79156A were identified as useful general combiners for grain yield and related traits, while TCP-718, TCP-783, TCP-963 and PSV-49 were promising restorers. The hybrids APMS 6A × TCP-718, PUSA 5A × TCP-795, APMS 6A × PSV-49, IR79156A × TCP-964 and IR68897A × TCP-783 showed desirable specific combining ability and favourable performance for grain yield and associated traits. These parental lines and hybrid combinations may be useful in further hybrid rice breeding and evaluation programmes.

Improvement in Yield and Fruit Quality of Banana by Pre-harvest Treatment of GA3 and Chitosan

Naimur Rahman — 2026-07-09

The present study evaluated the influence of pre-harvest application of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and chitosan on yield-contributing traits and fruit quality of banana cv. BARI Banana 1. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2024 to June 2025. Treatments comprised three GA₃ levels (control, 100 ppm and 200 ppm) and three chitosan levels (control, 1 g/L and 2 g/L), arranged in nine combinations. Sprays were applied twice, at bunch emergence and 15 days after the first application. The combined application of GA₃ and chitosan influenced yield and quality attributes. Among the treatment combinations, GA₃ at 100 ppm with chitosan at 2 g/L produced the highest bunch weight (24.77 kg), bunch length (89.67 cm), number of fingers per bunch (145.00), total soluble solids (28.00 °Brix), vitamin C content (13.72 mg/100 g), reducing sugar content (10.85 mg/g), phenol content (20.45 mg/g) and improved peel colour values. The same treatment also recorded low titratable acidity (0.08%) and pH (4.48). Untreated plants generally showed the lowest values for most yield and quality parameters. These findings indicate that pre-harvest spraying of GA₃ at 100 ppm combined with chitosan at 2 g/L may improve banana yield and selected fruit quality attributes under the conditions of the present study.

Influence of Pre and Post Planting Application of Plant Growth Regulators on Bulb Sprouting and Plant Height of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal

Nasima — 2026-07-08

The present investigation was conducted at the Experimental Orchard, Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India, during 2024–25 and 2025–26 to evaluate the influence of pre- and post-planting application of plant growth regulators on bulb sprouting and plant height of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomised block design. The treatments comprised gibberellic acid (150, 250 and 350 ppm), salicylic acid (150, 250 and 350 ppm) and benzyl adenine (50, 100 and 150 ppm), along with a control. The application methods included bulb dipping, foliar spray and bulb dipping + foliar spray. Among the treatments, GA₃ at 350 ppm recorded the earliest initiation of sprouting (10.56 and 5.78 days) and complete sprouting (33.11 and 21.56 days) in the fresh and ratoon crops, respectively. The maximum bulb sprouting percentage (85.78 and 92.44%) and plant height (79.51 and 74.64 cm) were recorded with salicylic acid at 350 ppm in the fresh and ratoon crops, respectively. Among the application methods, bulb dipping + foliar spray resulted in the earliest sprouting initiation (12.47 and 6.93 days), complete sprouting (35.27 and 22.90 days), maximum bulb sprouting percentage (80.67 and 87.23%) and plant height (76.18 and 71.02 cm) during the fresh and ratoon crops, respectively. The findings indicate that the combined use of 350 ppm GA₃ for sprouting traits and 350 ppm salicylic acid for bulb sprouting percentage and plant height, applied through bulb dipping and foliar spray, improved sprouting behaviour and plant height in tuberose cv. Prajwal.

Study of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Pusa Desi

Rupesh Prajapati — 2026-07-03

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025-2026 at the Horticulture Experimental Field, Department of Horticulture, School of Advanced Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on growth, yield and quality attributes of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Pusa Desi. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments included the recommended dose of inorganic fertilisers, organic nitrogen sources through farmyard manure, vermicompost and plant-based compost, and their combinations with phosphate-solubilising bacteria. Integrated nutrient application improved most growth and yield traits compared with sole organic nutrient sources. Among the treatments, T6, consisting of 75% NPK + 25% nitrogen through vermicompost + phosphate-solubilising bacteria at 25 ml/kg, recorded the highest plant height (34.91 cm), leaf length (32.25 cm), number of leaves per plant (15.11), shoot dry weight (16.13 g), shoot fresh weight (213.58 g), root length (24.42 cm), root diameter (3.77 cm), average root weight (113.19 g) and root yield (285.29 q/ha). Quality attributes varied among treatments. T7, consisting of 75% NPK + 25% nitrogen through plant-based compost + phosphate-solubilising bacteria at 25 ml/kg, recorded the highest total soluble solids (5.33 °Brix) and ascorbic acid content (15.58 mg/100 g). The findings indicate that integrated use of inorganic fertilisers, organic nutrient sources and phosphate-solubilising bacteria can improve radish growth, yield and selected quality parameters under the agro-climatic conditions of Kanpur.

Androgenesis and Embryogenesis in Rice: Mechanisms, Biotechnological Applications, and Breeding Prospects

P. Sharmela — 2026-07-02

Rice improvement increasingly depends on the rapid generation of homozygous lines and on a deeper understanding of the cellular pathways that govern embryo formation, whether from gametes, somatic tissue, or engineered reproductive systems. Androgenesis, the redirection of the male gametophyte towards a sporophytic, embryogenic fate, has underpinned doubled haploid breeding in rice for more than five decades, yet its practical value remains constrained by strong genotype dependence, persistent albinism among regenerated plantlets, and the comparative recalcitrance of indica backgrounds relative to japonica. Parallel advances in the molecular dissection of embryogenesis, particularly the elucidation of the BABY BOOM–auxin module governing zygotic and somatic embryo initiation and the identification of phospholipase genes and gamete-fusion-associated DMP genes that contribute to in vivo haploid induction, have opened a second, genetically tractable route to haploid and doubled haploid production that largely bypasses tissue culture. This review traces the cellular, physiological and molecular basis of androgenesis and embryogenesis in rice, critically appraises the principal in vitro and in vivo platforms used to generate haploid and doubled haploid material, and evaluates how these technologies intersect with contemporary efforts to engineer synthetic apomixis for the fixation of hybrid vigour. Particular attention is given to the comparative efficiency, fertility costs, and genomic stability of competing haploid-induction strategies, to the persistent biological barriers that limit indica responsiveness, and to the breeding outcomes—ranging from quantitative trait locus mapping populations to improved parental and restorer lines—that these technologies have enabled. The review concludes that, while in vitro androgenesis remains an indispensable tool for several rice breeding programmes, the convergence of haploid-inducer genetics, genome editing, and embryogenic trigger genes is reshaping the field towards genotype-independent, in vivo systems whose translation into widely deployable commercial technology will depend on resolving trade-offs between induction frequency, seed fertility, and regulatory acceptance.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Mulches on Fruit Quality Attributes of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Azad T-6

Ankit Kumar — 2026-07-02

The present field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2025–26 at the Horticulture Experiment Field, School of Advanced Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SAAST), Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur (U.P.). Eight mulching treatments, namely T1: Control (No Mulch), T2: Dry Grass, T3: Paddy Straw, T4: Saw Dust, T5: Dry Leaves, T6: Transparent Plastic Mulch (50 micron), T7: Black Plastic Mulch (50 micron), and T8: Wheat Hay, were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications. The assessed quality characters included total soluble solids (TSS), lycopene content, fruit juice pH, and titratable acidity, together with physical fruit characters, namely polar diameter, equatorial diameter, average fruit weight, number of locules per fruit, and pericarp thickness. Black Plastic Mulch (T7) recorded the highest TSS (5.12 °Brix), lycopene content (2.58 mg/100 g), and fruit juice pH (5.01), along with the lowest titratable acidity (0.48%), indicating better biochemical quality. T7 also recorded the maximum polar diameter (5.72 cm), equatorial diameter (5.20 cm), average fruit weight (58.57 g), number of locules (4.60), and pericarp thickness (7.73 mm) among all treatments. Organic mulches, particularly Paddy Straw (T3) and Dry Leaves (T5), performed better than the unmulched control for all quality parameters. All mulching treatments were significantly superior to the control (T1), which recorded the minimum values for all quality traits. Based on these findings, Black Plastic Mulch may be considered for improving tomato fruit quality under the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Seed Yield and Its Component Traits in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) F₁ Hybrids

Rajbeer Singh Gaur — 2026-07-01

The present investigation was conducted to assess the association between seed yield and its component traits in F₁ hybrids of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and to identify important characters for selection. Forty-eight F₁ hybrids were evaluated during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with three replications, and observations were recorded for thirteen phenological, morphological, yield-attributing, and quality traits. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among the genotypes for all traits, suggesting the presence of sufficient variability for selection. Genotypic correlations were generally higher than phenotypic correlations, indicating that the observed associations were largely influenced by genetic factors. Seed yield per plant showed a positive association with harvest index, number of primary branches per plant, oil content, test weight, number of siliquae on the main raceme, and number of seeds per siliqua. Days to 50% flowering and days to maturity showed negative associations with seed yield, indicating the relative advantage of early flowering and early maturing hybrids under the experimental conditions. Path coefficient analysis showed that the number of siliquae on the main raceme exerted the highest positive direct effect on seed yield at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Test weight, number of primary branches per plant, main raceme length, siliqua length, and days to maturity also showed positive direct effects. The study indicates that selection based on the number of siliquae on the main raceme, test weight, primary branches per plant, main raceme length, and siliqua length may be useful for improving seed yield in Indian mustard.

Trait Association and Path Coefficient Analysis for Seed Yield Improvement in Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids

Ayodhya Prasad Pandey — 2026-06-29

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate trait association and the direct and indirect effects of yield-contributing characters on seed yield in maize (Zea mays L.) crosses. A total of 55 maize crosses were evaluated during Kharif 2024-25 at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Observations were recorded for phenological, vegetative, ear, yield and quality-related traits. Analysis of variance showed highly significant treatment differences for all studied traits, indicating substantial variability among the evaluated crosses. At the genotypic level, seed yield per plant showed significant positive correlations with seed index (r = 0.7993), number of seeds per cob (r = 0.7789), days to maturity (r = 0.6770), number of cobs per plant (r = 0.4827), days to anthesis (r = 0.4371) and cob length (r = 0.3735). Significant negative associations were observed with days to 50% silking (r = −0.5773) and protein content (r = −0.4509). At the phenotypic level, seed yield per plant was positively associated with cob diameter, seed index, cob weight, number of cobs per plant, days to anthesis, number of seeds per cob and protein content. Path coefficient analysis indicated that shelling percentage, cob length, number of internodes per plant, carbohydrate content, days to 50% silking and days to maturity had important positive direct effects at the genotypic level, while cob diameter, tassel length, days to maturity, number of seeds per cob and number of internodes per plant were important at the phenotypic level. These results suggest that selection based on yield-associated traits, particularly seed index, number of seeds per cob, cob diameter, cob length, shelling percentage and maturity duration, may support seed yield improvement in maize.

Genetic and Genomic Approaches in Hybrid Breeding of Vegetable Crops: From Male Sterility and Self-Incompatibility to Modern Genomic Application

Aditya Patil — 2026-06-27

Hybrid breeding is an important approach for improving productivity, uniformity, quality, and adaptability in vegetable crops. This review discusses the genetic and genomic mechanisms used to support hybrid development, with emphasis on heterosis, self-incompatibility, male sterility systems, gynoecism, and recent molecular breeding tools. Heterosis provides a practical basis for exploiting superior performance in hybrid progenies, particularly for yield, earliness, stress tolerance, and marketable traits. However, efficient hybrid seed production depends on reliable control of self-pollination and pollen fertility. Self-incompatibility promotes cross-pollination by preventing self-fertilisation and is useful in crops such as Brassica vegetables and radish. Male sterility systems, including genetic, cytoplasmic, and cytoplasmic-genic male sterility, reduce the need for manual emasculation and support large-scale hybrid seed production in several vegetable crops. Gynoecism is especially valuable in cucurbits because the predominance of female flowers improves hybrid seed production efficiency and fruiting potential. The review also highlights the role of marker-assisted selection, genomic analysis, genome-wide association studies, genomic selection, gene editing, tissue culture, doubled haploid technology, and protoplast fusion in improving breeding precision. These tools help identify fertility-related genes, maintain sterile lines, select restorers, and accelerate the development of superior hybrids. Despite these advances, hybrid breeding still faces challenges such as environmental sensitivity of sterility systems, complex inheritance of heterosis, high technology costs, and regulatory concerns related to advanced biotechnological approaches. The integration of conventional breeding with molecular and genomic tools can improve the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of hybrid vegetable breeding programmes.

Next-Generation Crop Breeding: Harnessing Genomics, Phenomics and Machine Learning: A Review

Namita Singh — 2026-06-23

Global food security requires crop improvement strategies that can respond to population growth, climate variability and increasing constraints on agricultural resources. Conventional plant breeding has contributed substantially to crop productivity, yet long selection cycles and dependence on extensive field evaluation can limit the rate of genetic gain. This review synthesises advances in genomics, phenomics and machine learning for next-generation crop breeding, with emphasis on their combined contribution to selection accuracy and breeding efficiency. Key genomic approaches discussed include whole-genome sequencing, reference and pan-genome resources, genome-wide association studies, genomic selection and CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing. The review also examines high-throughput phenotyping platforms, including controlled-environment systems, ground-based robots, UAV-based remote sensing and root phenotyping tools. Machine learning approaches, ranging from random forest and support vector machines to convolutional neural networks, recurrent networks, transformers and explainable artificial intelligence, are considered in relation to genomic prediction, image analysis and breeding decision support. Multi-omics integration, data management, FAIR principles and an integrated genomics-phenomics-ML breeding pipeline are reviewed as enabling components for practical deployment. Crop-specific examples from wheat, rice, maize, soybean and legumes illustrate the potential and constraints of these technologies. The review further identifies key challenges, including phenotyping bottlenecks, genotype-environment interaction, data governance, model interpretability and regulatory uncertainty.

Dynamics of Physico-Chemical, Quality Parameters of Cherry Tomato as Influenced by Pruning Intensities and Transplanting Dates under Controlled Conditions in the Subtropical Region of North-Western Himalayas

Vimal Kumar Naga — 2026-06-23

Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) is a high-value vegetable valued for its taste, nutritional attributes and market preference, but quality-oriented management under protected subtropical cultivation requires further refinement. This study evaluated the effects of pruning intensity and transplanting date on physico-chemical quality attributes of cherry tomato grown under a low-cost polyhouse during Rabi season at SKUAST-J. The experiment was arranged in a factorial randomised block design with three pruning intensities, three transplanting dates and three replications. Two-stem pruning improved fruit quality by recording higher fruit size (27.84 mm), ascorbic acid (37.16 mg 100 g⁻¹), lycopene (6.10 mg 100 g⁻¹) and sugar–acid ratio (26.40), along with lower titratable acidity (0.29%), compared with other pruning treatments. Transplanting on 15 October recorded higher ascorbic acid (40.76 mg 100 g⁻¹), lycopene (6.73 mg 100 g⁻¹), sugar–acid ratio (28.59) and lower acidity (0.28%), whereas transplanting on 30 October recorded the highest total soluble solids (8.37 °Brix). The interaction between pruning and transplanting date showed that two-stem pruning combined with 15 October transplanting (P₂D₁) gave the best overall fruit-quality response, including the largest fruit size (28.76 mm) and favourable biochemical balance. Principal component analysis further supported the superiority of P₂D₁ for integrated fruit quality. The findings indicate that two-stem pruning with mid-October transplanting can improve cherry tomato quality under protected subtropical conditions.

Detect the Effect of Western Himalayan Conditions on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Core Set Germplasm and Seed Physical Traits

Deepak Bijarniya — 2026-06-22

Seed physical traits are important determinants of yield-related attributes, seed appearance and consumer market preference in cowpea. The present investigation was conducted under Western Himalayan conditions to assess variability and trait associations for ten physical seed traits in 254 diverse cowpea genotypes, including four checks, and to identify promising lines for future breeding programmes. Considerable variability was observed across all studied traits, indicating substantial diversity among the evaluated genotypes. Seed length, seed breadth, seed width, breadth/width ratio and aspect ratio ranged from 5.33 to 11.67 mm, 3.87 to 9.80 mm, 3.03 to 18.60 mm, 0.87 to 2.13 and 0.30 to 2.31, respectively. The ranges for equivalent diameter, sphericity, seed volume and surface area also indicated clear phenotypic variation. Seed volume and surface area ranged from 25.17 to 256.17 mm³ and 46.01 to 196.59 mm², respectively, with mean values of 69.82 and 95.76. The coefficient of variation was highest for seed volume (38.39%), followed by 100-seed weight (34.05%) and surface area (25.97%), suggesting comparatively greater scope for selection in these traits. Correlation analysis showed positive associations among several seed physical traits. Seed length was positively correlated with seed breadth, aspect ratio, surface area, seed volume and equivalent diameter, while seed breadth was positively associated with seed thickness, breadth/thickness ratio, surface area, volume and aspect ratio. The first two principal components of the PCA biplot explained 80% of the total variation, supporting visual interpretation of trait relationships and their contributions to variability. These findings show that the cowpea core set contains useful variability for selecting genotypes with desirable seed physical traits.

Phenotypic Evaluation of Advanced Breeding Lines for Introgression of Blast Resistance Genes in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

V. Srujana — 2026-06-22

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, remains a major fungal disease affecting rice productivity worldwide, and the development of resistant cultivars is an economical and environmentally sustainable approach for its management. The present investigation evaluated fifty advanced breeding lines derived from the cross MTU1010 NIL × Akshayadhan NIL for resistance to blast under Uniform Blast Nursery (UBN) conditions during Rabi 2020–21 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Jagtial, Telangana, India. Phenotypic screening was performed using the virulent local isolate SPI-40 of M. oryzae, and disease reactions were recorded according to the Standard Evaluation System (SES) scale. The breeding lines showed clear variation in response to blast infection under the imposed disease pressure. Of the fifty lines evaluated, thirty-six exhibited resistant reactions with a disease score of 3, thirteen showed moderately resistant reactions with a disease score of 5, and one line, VSR-49, was susceptible with a score of 7. The susceptible parent MTU1010 NIL and the susceptible check TN1 recorded highly susceptible reactions, each with a score of 9. In contrast, the resistant parent Akshayadhan NIL and the resistant check NLR34449 expressed resistant responses, with scores of 3 and 1, respectively. The high frequency of resistant lines indicates successful recovery of blast-resistant breeding material in the MTU1010 genetic background. The results also support the usefulness of UBN-based phenotypic screening for identifying promising lines under controlled disease pressure. These resistant lines may be useful genetic resources for further varietal evaluation, marker-assisted selection and breeding programmes aimed at developing blast-resistant rice cultivars for blast-endemic regions.

Screening and Identification of Cellulolytic Bacteria from Organic Waste for Antifungal Applications

Toiba Gul — 2026-06-17

Municipal solid waste and related organic residues contain lignocellulosic materials that support the growth of cellulose-degrading microorganisms. In the present study, cellulolytic bacteria were isolated from organic waste collected from different locations in Dal Lake and the SKUAST-K Shalimar campus, Srinagar, and their antifungal activity was evaluated under in vitro conditions. A total of 27 samples representing agricultural waste, aquatic weeds and kitchen waste were processed through serial dilution and cultured on nutrient agar. The isolates were subsequently screened for cellulolytic activity on carboxymethyl cellulose agar using Congo red staining. Twenty-eight cellulolytic bacterial isolates were obtained, of which five isolates showing the highest zones of hydrolysis were selected for further study. These isolates, designated CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 and CB5, were characterised using colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests. All selected isolates were Gram-positive, rod-shaped and catalase-positive, and were tentatively identified as belonging to the genus Bacillus. Their antagonistic activity was tested against Fusarium oxysporum and Venturia inaequalis. All five isolates inhibited the growth of both fungal pathogens. Against Fusarium oxysporum, inhibition ranged from 33.35% to 61.02%, with isolate CB2 showing the highest inhibition. Against Venturia inaequalis, inhibition ranged from 14.6% to 21.34%, and CB2 again showed the highest inhibition. The findings indicate that organic waste can serve as a source of cellulolytic bacterial isolates with measurable antifungal activity under laboratory conditions. These isolates may be useful for further evaluation in cellulose degradation and preliminary biocontrol studies, although their field-level performance requires validation through additional targeted testing under controlled conditions.