PLANT CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Elucidating Diversity of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Germplasms by Applying DUS Guideline to Examine Morphological Features

Shruti Paliwal, Manoj Kumar Tripathi, R. S. Sikarwar — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Flax, or Linum usitatissimum, is a multipurpose crop that may be produced in a variety of climates for use in industry, feed, fibre, and food. It is crucial to characterize and assess an array of genotypes to comprehend the potential of linseed in agriculture. The present investigation focused on agro-morphological characteristics to identify the best germplasm that may be utilized as future donors for linseed breeding. The goal of this study was to find the best germplasm to be used as future donors for linseed breeding by focusing on agro-morphological traits. In the current study, an expanded design was used to test 92 genotypes in total, both alien and native, throughout the course of two seasons, Rabi 2022-23 and Rabi 2023-24. The ninety-two genotypes were found to be organized into seven primary clusters by cluster analysis. Cluster I consist of twenty-four genotypes. Whereas cluster II and cluster III each encompass one genotype i.e., IC394118 and IC0599415 respectively. While cluster IV consists of seventeen genotypes, cluster V contain thirty-one genotypes. Cluster VI consist of seven genotypes. Whereas cluster VII which is the last cluster included eleven genotypes. A broad variation of genetic diversity was found using cluster analysis. The findings of this study open the door for focused breeding initiatives and environmentally friendly farming methods by offering insightful information about the genetic diversity and phenotypic variability of linseed.

Biofortification for Enhancement of Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): A Comprehensive Review

Kalapa Swarna Latha, Satya Prakash — Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Micronutrient deficiency, often termed "hidden hunger," is a significant global health issue affecting over three billion people worldwide. Given that wheat is a primary staple grain in many developing countries, it is crucial to focus on enhancing its nutritional content, as it often lacks essential micronutrients. Biofortification offers a promising solution to this problem by increasing the levels of key nutrients in the edible parts of crops through both agronomic and genetic approaches. This article examines the potential of biofortification in wheat, targeting vital micronutrients like iron and zinc. By employing traditional breeding methods alongside modern genetic techniques such as genome sequencing, Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), researchers aim to boost the bioavailability and concentration of these nutrients in wheat varieties. The genetic variability observed in wild wheat relatives plays a significant role in identifying traits that can enhance the nutritional profile of wheat. The benefits of biofortified wheat are numerous, especially for resource-limited consumers who rely heavily on cereal-based diets. Increased concentrations of iron and zinc in wheat could improve the health and well-being of these populations, helping to combat hidden hunger on a global scale. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of agronomic and genetic strategies for wheat biofortification, with a specific focus on increasing zinc and iron content in wheat grains. It discusses the progress made in biofortification research and outlines the various breeding approaches and genetic tools used to enhance wheat's nutritional content. By leveraging these strategies, wheat biofortification has the potential to address micronutrient deficiencies and contribute to improved public health outcomes worldwide.

Advances in Breeding for Oil Quality Enhancement in Indian Mustard (Brassica spp. L.): Achievements, Challenges, and Research Opportunities

Prity Kumari Singh, Satya Prakash — Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Major objectives in oil crop improvement are enhancement of seed and oil yield, quality of oil according to its use, i.e. edible or industrial uses, breeding of varieties that fit in different cropping systems and breeding biotic and abiotic stress resistant/tolerant varieties. Despite traditional breeding approaches, including pure line breeding, yielding only modest gains in productivity, recent advancements in mustard breeding have led to significant breakthroughs in both productivity and oil quality. This review discusses the innovative breeding strategies that have contributed to these advancements, with a focus on hybrid development, oil quality enhancement, and biotechnological approaches. To enhance productivity, researchers at the University of Delhi have developed hybrid seed production techniques using transgenic Barnase-barstar systems and cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) systems. These systems enable large-scale hybrid seed production, with field trials demonstrating significant yield heterosis ranging from 31% to 55% compared to national check varieties. In addition to productivity, improving oil and meal quality has been a key objective. By integrating genes from canola-quality mustard lines, breeders have achieved reductions in erucic acid and glucosinolates, enhancing the health profile and industrial applicability of mustard oil. A high-density linkage map developed using an F1 double haploid mapping population has facilitated the marker-assisted backcross breeding of desirable traits, enabling precise transfer of key quality traits. Transgenic approaches, such as antisense RNA technology, have led to the development of high-oleic, low-linoleic mustard lines with improved fatty acid profiles. These advancements reflect a strategic combination of conventional and biotechnological methods, demonstrating a clear pathway for boosting mustard yields while enhancing oil quality. Molecular markers reported for genetic diversity assessment, mapping and tagging genes/QTLs for different qualitative and quantitative traits and their use in marker-assisted selection have been presented. This progress not only addresses current challenges but also sets the stage for future research aimed at further optimizing productivity, oil quality, and resistance to pests and diseases in mustard cultivation.

Exploring the Genetic Diversity and Agronomic Performance of Okra Varieties Using Variance Analysis

Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Genetics and Plant Breeding Department of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka Bangladesh during March 2017 to July 2017. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. Twenty eight genotypes of okra were used in this study which was collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur and local market. The extent of diversity present between genotypes determines the extent of improvement gained through selection and hybridization. The more divergent the two genotypes are the more will be the probability of improving through selection and hybridization. Mean square of most of the characters studied revealed that genotypes showed highly significant (P< 0.01) differences for all the traits studied. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for primary branches (43.91 and 33.64) and fruit yield per plant (37.51 and 32.48). So, divergent genotypes are recommended to use as parents in future hybridization program.

Advances in DNA Extraction Techniques: A Comprehensive Review of Methods and Applications

Samilla Sheershika, Mukh Ram — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The extraction of DNA is a fundamental process in molecular biology, underpinning a wide range of applications from genetic research to forensic science and medical diagnostics. This review aims to explore the latest advancements in DNA extraction techniques, highlighting their principles, applications, and suitability for various types of biological samples. Traditional DNA extraction methods, such as phenol-chloroform and ethanol precipitation, have served as the backbone of DNA isolation for decades. However, these techniques often involve hazardous chemicals and can be time-consuming. Recent advancements have focused on developing safer, faster, and more efficient methods, with a focus on automation and scalability. Innovations such as magnetic bead-based extraction, silica column purification, and specialized kits have greatly simplified the process, allowing for high-throughput applications in clinical and research settings. In addition to these technical improvements, new approaches have emerged to address specific challenges, such as extracting DNA from degraded or trace samples, as seen in forensic investigations, or isolating cell-free DNA for non-invasive prenatal testing and cancer diagnostics. Moreover, microfluidic devices and lab-on-a-chip technologies are transforming the landscape by enabling DNA extraction from minute samples with minimal reagent consumption. This review discusses the principles underlying these advanced techniques, their benefits and limitations, and the specific contexts in which they excel. It also considers future trends, including further automation, integration with sequencing platforms, and the potential for point-of-care applications. By examining the current state of DNA extraction technology, this review aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive guide to the best methods for their specific needs.

Genomic and Molecular Outlook of Host-pathogen Interaction and Resistance Strategies against White Rust in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Kirandeep Kaur , Shiv Prakash Shrivastav — Sat, 04 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

White rust, caused by the oomycete pathogen Albugo candida, poses a significant threat to mustard cultivation, leading to reduced yields and compromised oilseed quality. This study explores the genomic and molecular mechanisms underlying the host-pathogen interaction in B. juncea and outlines resistance strategies to counter white rust. While it is the predominant oilseed Brassica species in India, it is cultivated on a smaller scale in China and Australia. Due to its drought-hardy nature, B. juncea is being bred for canola-quality traits to expand its cultivation into lower rainfall regions. Research has demonstrated that resistance to white rust in B. juncea is regulated by a single dominant gene, and numerous lines, such as 'Bio-YSR', 'BEC-144', and 'JM-1', exhibit this trait. Comparative proteomic studies identified 19 proteins with significant expression changes between resistant and susceptible varieties. One key protein, PR-5, a thaumatin-like protein, has been linked to the resistance mechanism. Recent advances in genomic research, including the use of AFLPs, intron polymorphic markers, and SSRs, have enabled breeders to track and validate resistance traits. Enrichment of NLR repertoire, over-expression of R genes, silencing of avirulent and disease susceptibility genes through RNA interference and CRSPR-Cas are technologies which have been successfully applied against pathogen-resistance mechanism. These findings pave the way for genetic-based approaches to develop white rust-resistant B. juncea cultivars, providing a sustainable strategy to protect oilseed production in diverse climatic conditions. This study's insights contribute to a deeper understanding of host-pathogen interactions and offer promising solutions to mitigate the impact of white rust on mustard crops.

Performance of Enriched Organic Manures on Head Quality, Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea Var. italica)

Sindhu V, Ranjit Chatterjee, Santhoshkumar G M, Eggadi Ramesh — Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present field experiment was carried out to study the performance of enriched organic manures containing farmyard manure, vermicompost and poultry manure on head quality, nutrient uptake and economics of sprouting broccoli during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at UBKV, West Bengal, India, which comprised of 8 treatment combinations in randomized block design with 3 replications. The results of the field experiment showed that the use of Azophos biofertilizer enriched vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha along with Azophos biofertilizer enriched poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha as basal + top dressing of Azophos biofertilizer enriched vermicompost @ 0.5 t/ha along with Azophos biofertilizer enriched poultry manure @ 0.5 t/ha each (T₇) significantly improved the head yield (20.47 t/ha) and superior head quality in terms of the maximum TSS (8.14^°Brix), vitamin A (288.97 IU/100 g) and vitamin C (90.00 mg/100 g) of organic broccoli. The greatest benefit to cost ratio (1.93) was also obtained from the treatment T₇. Hence, the treatment T₇ can be recommended for sustainable production of organic sprouting broccoli under terai region of West Bengal.

Heat Stress in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.): A Critical Review of Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

Anagha J Pillai, Puneet Walia — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Indian mustard, a member of the Brassicaceae family, is a cool-season crop cultivated extensively in various agro-ecological conditions, contributing significantly to vegetable oilseed production. However, being a thermosensitive and C3 plant [1], Indian mustard is highly susceptible to high-temperature stress, particularly during critical developmental stages [2]. High temperatures disrupt physiological, morphological, and biochemical mechanisms essential for plant growth and development. From altered chlorophyll content and osmotic water potential to impaired photosynthesis and reduced seed oil accumulation, heat stress detrimentally affects various aspects of Indian mustard physiology. This comprehensive review examines the impacts of heat stress on Indian mustard, a significant oilseed crop, and explores adaptation strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Additionally, heat stress during reproductive stages leads to flower abortion, reduced fertility, and poor seed development, significantly impacting yield potential. To cope with heat stress, plant response mechanisms involve intricate signaling pathways, leading to cellular readjustments at transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome levels. Breeding approaches, including conventional techniques and advanced molecular tools like CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, offer promising avenues for developing heat-tolerant cultivars. Integration of multi-omics approaches aids in identifying stress-responsive genes and metabolic pathways crucial for adaptation. Agronomic strategies, such as nutrient management and microbial inoculation, play vital roles in mitigating heat stress effects and enhancing plant resilience. Collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary research are essential to deepen our understanding of heat stress responses and develop sustainable solutions to ensure oilseed crop productivity and food security in the face of climate change. This review underscores the urgency of addressing heat stress challenges in Indian mustard cultivation and highlights the need for concerted efforts to develop effective adaptation strategies for sustainable agriculture.

Molecular Identification and Characterization of Indigenous Rhizobacteria from Haryana and Punjab and Their Inoculation Effect on Prosopis cineraria

Parul Bhatt Kotiyal , Shivam Kumar Sharma — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

India grapples with escalating soil salinity, projected to afflict 16.2 million hectares by 2050. Reforestation, vital in North India's sodic wastelands, counters severe degradation. Rhizobacteria that promote plant growth (PGPR) are essential for managing forests sustainably. These microbes help rhizosphere plants form symbiotic relationships that promote hormone production, nitrogen fixation, increased phosphate availability, iron sequestration, and defense against outside threats. The study aimed to isolate halo-tolerant microbial strains from salt-affected areas and studied their effect on tree species to alleviate their overall growth in Punjab and Haryana. We isolated 880 bacterial isolates from salt-affected areas in Punjab and Haryana; they have a variety of metabolic capabilities and are resistant to both salty and alkaline environments. Pot studies with a range of tree species verify the beneficial effects of particular bacterial strains, such as Pseudomonas mosselli and Klebsiella aerogenes, on soil &plant development metrics. Validation of these results by 16S rRNA gene sequencing highlights the potential of these isolates for soil remediation in salt-affected areas. The study highlighted the importance of microbial interventions in alleviating soil deterioration and fostering sustainable land use practices, and it suggests more field studies with different varieties of trees.

Effect of Media and Calcium on the Micropropagation of Rudrakhsa (Eleocarpus ganitrus Roxb.)

Manisha Chaudhary , Mujeeb Ur Rehman , Maya Datt Joshi , Sandeep Kumar — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Rudraksha tree, scientifically known as Eleocarpus ganitrus Roxb., holds significant religious and medicinal value in India, making it a threatened species. This study was conducted to assess the support of the five different media on the in vitro micropropagation of E. ganitrus using nodal segments as explants. The media; Murashige and Skoog (MS), Lloyd and McCown (WPM) Anderson (AM), Gupta and Durzan (DCR) and Gamborg (B₅) were supplemented with antioxidants (citric acid 10mg/l, ascorbic acid 50mg/l, activated carbon (AC) 500mg/l and polyvinyl pyrrolidine (PVP) 100mg/l), BAP (0.0,0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 mg/l) NAA (0, 1,0, 2 mg/l) to promote plant growth. The optimal proliferation of shoots was attained by combining BAP (0.5 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l) in the MS medium, with or without CaCl₂·2H₂O (ranging from 1.25 to 10.0 mM/l). The calcium content was assessed accordingly. Elevated concentrations of CaCl₂·2H₂O in the medium mitigated hyper-hydration, with necrosis of the shoot tip notably reduced at 6.5 mM/l CaCl₂·2H₂O. Healthy shoots were transferred to MS medium supplemented with NAA (1.0 mg/l) to induce root initiation and multiplication. The addition of CaCl₂·2H₂O (5.0 mM/l) resulted in the highest recorded root multiplication. Plants that underwent successful acclimatization (80%) exhibited regular growth patterns under favorable environmental conditions.

Studies on In vitro Surface Sterilisation and Antioxidants on Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pomegranate, regarded as the “Fruit of Paradise”, is one of the important fruit crops of tropical and subtropical regions. Pomegranate fruits are delicious and possess significant nutritional and medicinal benefits. Due to the increase in demand, the proliferation of pomegranate through tissue culture is essential to get high-quality planting material. However, microbial contamination in plant tissue culture is one of the bottlenecks for establishing aseptic cultures. Although multiple explant sterilisation methods have been developed for pomegranate, explant sterilisation methods can indeed vary from region to region due to the local environment and the mother plant. In the present study, 1-2 drops of tween 20 (20 min) + 500 mg/L carbendazim (30 min) + 500 mg/L streptomycin sulphate (10 min) + 100 mg/L citric acid (30 min) + 100 mg/L tebuconazole (folicur) (30 min) + 0.1% HgCl₂ (1 min) + dipping explant after cutting the edges in sterile water (30 min) + dipping in 500 mg/L PVP (5 min) was found to be optimum in the prevention of microbial contamination with minimal cell death. Nodal segments-initiated callus at 54 days after culture, showing a callus induction percentage of 55.55% and a calli weight of 80 mg/explant.

Impact of Urdbean Leaf Crinkle Disease on Growth and Yield of Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) Genotypes

Shalini Devi, Gurpreet Kaur, Anju Pathania , Reenu Kumari , Lakhmir Singh — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper), also known as urdbean, stands as a significant pulse crop cultivated globally. Among the viral diseases documented in blackgram, Urdbean Leaf Crinkle Disease (ULCD) emerges as particularly devastating, leading to substantial economic losses contingent upon factors such as seasonal variations and cultivated varieties. In this study, six cultivars of urdbean (M114, M218, M338, T9, N7, and M1008) were subjected to scrutiny regarding their growth and yield-related attributes under ULCD infection. Employing a randomized block design (RBD), data pertaining to each yield-contributing factor were meticulously recorded from both healthy and infected urdbean plants and analysed using two way ANOVA. A pronounced reduction across all yield parameters was noted in virus-infected plants, manifesting in diminished plant height by 2.02-37.01%, pod size by 1.10-51.30%, seed/pod ratio by 4.41-61.46%, 100-seed weight by 2.73%-51.37%, pod number per plant by 3.72-63.86%, and number of branches per plant ranging from 0.84 to 48.43%. Upon comparative analysis of all urdbean genotypes, it can be deduced that genotypes M114, M218, and M338 exhibit lesser susceptibility to urdbean leaf crinkle disease, thereby positioning them as promising candidates for breeding programs and cultivation endeavors aimed at achieving higher yields.

Estimates Indirect Selection Parameters Through Correlation and Path Analysis in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

An important rabi oilseed crop, linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) has diploid chromosomal number 2n=30. According to Tadesse et al. (2009), L. usitatissimum is a single species in the Linaceae family of commercial value. According to correlation coefficient analyses, there is a strong intrinsic inherent between the different qualities because the genotypic correlation values were larger than the equivalent phenotypic correlation values. The biological yield per plant, 1000 seed weight, and seed yield per plant all shown a highly significant and favorable correlation. It suggested that grain yield might be enhanced under selection by enhancing these features. The results of the genotypic path coefficient analysis of seed yield and its contributing characters showed that harvest index, days to 50% flowering, number of secondary branches per plant, and number of primary branches per plant were the next most important factors that positively influenced grain yield per plant. These findings suggested that selection based on these traits could increase yield. The biological yield per plant, harvest index, number of primary branches per plant, days to maturity, and days to 50% flowering were found to have the greatest positive direct effects on seed yield per plant based on phenotypic path coefficient analysis of grain yield and its contributing features.

Unraveling Human Chimerism: Contemporary Perspective on Embryonic Development by Cellular Fusion and Artificial Methods

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Chimerism, a fascinating biological occurrence, occurs when an organism possesses cells from two or more individuals, often stemming from the death of a fraternal twin. This phenomenon plays a role in stem cell biology, where pluripotent stem cells combine with embryos, influencing cancerous cell development. Human chimerism is observed in 5–15% of people, and artificial chimeras are created in stem cell research for organ development studies. Macrochimeras, with a hermaphrodite phenotype, are associated with sexuality and transgender identity. Tetragametic chimerism involves an unknown fraternal twin inside an individual, resulting in a unique mix of sexes. Research on chimerism in transplantation models contributes to regenerative medicine and disease-resistant crops, albeit with ethical concerns. In summary, chimerism is significant for understanding development, studying diseases, and advancing regenerative medicine, despite ethical considerations.

Characterization and Assessment of Genetic Divergence in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation entitled “Characterization and Assessment of Genetic Divergence in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” involving forty four genotypes was aim to study the genetic divergence analysis. The traits under study were days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, spike length, total number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, biological yield per plant, grain yield per plant, harvest index, 1000 seed weight and protein content. The maximum inter cluster D2 value observed between cluster I and VI followed by cluster II and III, cluster III and VI, cluster II and V, cluster IV and V, cluster II and VI, cluster II and IV, cluster IV and VI, cluster III and IV, cluster V and VI, cluster I and IV, cluster I and II, cluster III and V, cluster I and III and lowest was recorded between cluster I and V. The plant height contributed maximum divergence followed by number of grains per spike, harvest index, days to 50% flowering, 1000 seed weight, grain yield per plant, days to maturity, spikelets per spike, productive tillers per plant, protein content and spike length can be used for selecting parents from distinctly placed clusters to obtain high heterotic effects and transgressive segregants.

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill): A Multipurpose Legume Shaping Our World

Riya Mishra, M. K. Tripathi , R. S. Sikarwar, Yogendra Singh, Niraj Tripathi — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill), indigenous to East Asia, has assumed a pivotal role as a global substantial crop, substantially contributing to food security, a wide spectrum of product lines and rigorous scientific exploration. This unassuming legume, bearing the scientific nomenclature Glycine max L. Merrill, has transcended its East Asian origins to become a cornerstone in supplying 25% of the world's edible oil and approximately two-thirds of the global livestock protein concentrate. The significance of soybeans extends beyond their utility in direct human consumption; they serve as an indispensable component in crop rotation, thereby fostering soil health and averting erosion. This comprehensive review embarks on a profound exploration of soybeans, encompassing their historical significance, botanical attributes, geographical distribution, climatic influence and reproductive biology. Furthermore, it provides a detailed account of advancements in genetic enhancement and biotechnological applications within soybean breeding, emphasizing the importance of transgenic soybean production. Disease resistance efforts, including the identification of resistance loci, markers and mutations, are thoroughly discussed, with a specific focus on the improvement of Indian soybean varieties.

Estimation of Correlation Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Component Traits in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation entitled “Estimation of Correlation Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Component Traits in field pea (Pisum sativum L.)” for 10 characters. The experiment comprising of 23 genotypes of pea were grown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with three replications at Research Farm, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, Post Graduate College, Ghazipur, during rabi season of 2017-2018, plant to plant and row to row distance was kept 10 cm and 45 cm, respectively. The maximum positive and significant phenotypic correlation coefficient (0.834) was found between seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant. Positive and significant correlations were observed between seed yield per plant and number of pods per plant, plant height. Positive and significant correlations were also recorded between biological yield per plant and plant height, number of pods per plant. Similarly number of pods per plant had positive and significant correlation with plant height.

Influence of Biofertigation and Crude Edible Oils Application on Yield Attributing Characters and Yield of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Various organic substances have demonstrated effectiveness in sustaining soil and plant health, thereby enhancing growth, yield, and quality across different crops. The experiment was carried out to know the influence of biofertigation and crude edible oils application on yield attributing characters and yield of papaya (Carica Papaya L.) cv. Red Lady at Department of Fruit Science, Dr. YSRHU-College of Horticulture, Venkataramanannagudem, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh during 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial RBD with three replications consisted of two factors viz., biofertilizers at three levels (B₁: 5 ml each of NFB + PSB + KRB; B₂: 2.5 ml each of NFB + PSB + KRB; B₃: Without biofertilizer) and crude edible oil at five levels (C₁: Ground nut oil @0.5%; C₂: Castor oil @0.5%; C₃: Mustard oil @0.5%; C₄: Ground nut oil + Castor oil + Mustard oil @0.5%; C₅: No crude oil spray) with fifteen treatment combinations. Among the treatments studied, the results revealed that minimum days to first flowering, fruit initiation height, days to first harvest, maximum number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield hectare were registered in the plants applied with 5 ml each of biofertilizers NFB+ PSB + KRB along with ground nut oil + castor oil + mustard oil @0.5% (B₁C₄).

Morphological Characterization and Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Genetic based knowledge of different growth traits including morphological, physiological and developmental play’s fundamental role in the improvement of wheat. Genetic divergence allows superior recombinants which are essential in any crop development project. The present investigation was involving forty-four genotypes were assessed for 13 morphological traits undertaken to study the genetic variability, heritability (bs), genetic advance, genetic advance as percent of mean analysis. Among the genotypes, almost all the traits exhibited highly significant variation. The higher extent of genotypic (GCV) as well as phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were noticed for number of productive tillers per plant and grain yield per plant indicted high degree of variability in these quantitative traits and suggested the possibility of yield improvement through these traits. High heritability (in broad sense) estimates were obtained highest for biological yield per plant, spike length, grain yield per plant, protein content, 1000 grain weight, plant height, productive tillers per plant, days to maturity and spikelets per spike including that these traits are mainly controlled by the genetic factor and selection based on these factors will be rewarding. Moderate estimates of genetic advance were obtained for two traits viz., plant height and biological yield per plant. A suitable combination of these traits can be used for development of high yielding genotypes. For plant height and the number of grains per spike, there was a combination of high heritability and moderate genetic advance. As a result, these qualities are controlled by additive gene action and should be chosen for further development through the use of pedigree breeding.

Characterization of Chickpea Genotypes for Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in the Bundelkhand Region

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

About 550 germplasm accessions of chickpea were undertaken to evaluate 20 morphological traits using DUS guidelines given by PPV & FRA. And they are used to determine the relationships among yield and yield attributes using direct and indirect selection parameters. Out of 20 DUS traits, seven traits were dimorphic, 10 traits were found trimorphic and the remaining three traits showed polymorphism. Significant genetic variations were observed among the genotypes for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, leaf-let size, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, primary branches, peduncle length, plant height, secondary branches, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plant. High PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance are obtained for secondary branches, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and seed yield. Correlation studies revealed that seed yield was positively and significantly correlated with leaf-let size, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, primary branches, peduncle length, plant height, secondary branches, 100 seed weight. The path coefficient analysis based on seed yield, as a dependent variable, showed that the number of pods per plant had the greatest direct effect on seed yield (0.68) followed by 100 seed weight (0.561) and the number of seeds per pod (0.42). Both correlation and path analysis indicated that pods per plant and the 100 seed weight were the major direct contributors to seed yield.

Effect of Correlation and Path Analysis in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present investigation was carried out in thirty two genotypes of brinjal with a view to estimate the extent of variability, analysis of variance and genetic divergence. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications at Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Narendra Nagar, (Kumarganj), Ayodhya (U.P.), during Kharif, 2020-21. Each treatment consisted of twelve plant in two rows, having spacing of 60 cm x 50 cm with net plot size of 1.2 m x 3.00 m². The magnitudes of genotypic correlation was higher than the phenotypic correlation coefficients for all the character combinations. The most important trait, total fruit yield per plant had exhibited highly significant and positive phenotypic correlation with average fruit weight (0.747), number of fruits per plant (0.672) and fruit circumference (0.468) at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Positive direct effect on total fruit yield was exerted by total sugars (0.474), average fruit weight (0.396), fruit circumference (0.358), number of fruits per plant (0.254), plant height (0.242), fruit polar length (0.194) and day to 50 % flowering (0.168). The higher magnitude of positive direct effect on total fruit yield was exerted by total sugars (0.474), average fruit weight (0.396), fruit circumference (0.358), number of fruits per plant (0.254), plant height (0.242), fruit polar length (0.194), day to 50 % flowering (0.168).

Metabolomics and Metabolic Engineering for Crop Improvement: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Metabolomics is a rising field within the realm of “omics,” focusing on the detection and measurement of metabolites and chemical markers associated with cellular regulatory mechanisms across various biological organisms. The exploration of metabolomic control in plant life plays a imperative role in comprehending their ability to adapt, acclimate, and defend against environmental pressures by generating a diverse array of metabolites. Furthermore, the application of metabolomics holds promise in the characterization of plant traits, offering significant prospective for amalgamation into genome editing initiatives aimed at advancing the development of enhanced, future-generation crops. The forefront technologies have introduced economical and high-capacity methods to molecularly analyze the operation of cells or organisms. Cutting-edge analytical methods in metabolomics, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have accelerated metabolic profiling. This review provides an insights into the latest tools in plant metabolomics for enhancing crops and process of plant metabolome research, engaging in plant mechanisms especially for tolerating biotic and abiotic stresses. This review also provide potential approaches to metabolomics through metabolic engineering such as miRNA- and RNAi-Mediated Metabolic Engineering, Genome editing mediated metabolic Engineering etc

Impact of Nano-fertilizers on Productivity and Profitability of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Yield stagnation, multi-nutrient deficiencies coupled with reduced fertilizer-use efficiency have emerged as major challenges to the food-systems of South Asia. Modern scientific tools to enhance nutrient use efficiencies along with augmented crop yields became utmost necessity to sustain food security of developing world. In this context, a field study was undertaken to understand the influence of numerous nano-fertilizers on wheat productivity, profitability and nutrient-use efficiency. Results revealed that application of 100% NPK coupled with foliar-spray of Nano- N + P + K + Zn increased grain and straw yield by 29.8 % and 13.7 %, respectively over 100% NPK. The crop fetched a net return of ₹ 72141.50 with B:C ratio of 5.51 with 75% NPK + nano-N. As a result, the wheat crop produced when Nano-N + 75% NPK was applied produced a greater yield (grain, straw, and biological), as well as financial gains.

Facile Synthesis of Graphene–Metal Nanocomposites with Tephrosia Purpurea for Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The research is focused on screening various bioactive extracts from Tephrosia purpurea plant leaf for the onward synthesis of nanomaterial and formation of Grephene-Ag nanocomposite for their biological applications. The aerial parts of this plant are comprised of primary and secondary metabolites. Its latex contains many important compounds such as Phenolics, Flavonides, and Terpenes, etc. Tephrosia purpurea is used as a traditional medicine to cure different problems of the digestive and respiratory tract. The aerial parts of this plant show immense antifungal and antimicrobial pursuits. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized from methanol extract of aerial parts of the Tephrosia Purpurea. These nanoparticles were reacted with lab synthesized Graphene to form Plant-Silver-Graphene nanocomposites. The characterization of plant extract, extract-mediated Ag-nanoparticles, and graphene-metal nanocomposites was carried out by different techniques like FTIR, UV, EDX & SEM. FTIR & UV spectra peaks were found in the ranges already reported. EDX analysis shows the percentage of the elements matching the reported data. SEM shows similar ranges of nanoparticle sizes as found in the research papers. Moreover, anticancer activities of plant-Ag-graphene nanocomposites were done & comparison was made with parent materials. The results were remarkable as plant-Ag-graphene nanocomposites showed better anticancer activities than the nanoparticles and plant extract.

Correlation and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Advance Generation of Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Despite being a short-duration legume crop with excellent nutritional value, blackgram is rarely grown extensively because of various obstacles. In light of this, the research sought to understand the nature and strength of the relationship between yield and related qualities for efficient production, with the goal of developing blackgram genotypes with greater adaptability, genetic variability, and high yielding potential. Fifty one genotypes derived from seventeen inter-varietal crosses with variable plant and pod characteristics were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications during kharif 2018 at Palampur. Significant differences were observed among all genotypes for all the characters. Seed yield per plant showed positive association towards plant height, pods per plant, biological yield per plant and harvest index. The positive association was mainly due to direct effects of these traits with seed yield per plant and also indirectly contributed for positive association with other traits. Therefore, these traits provide an important criterion of selection procedures for achieving enhanced performance of blackgram genotypes for higher yield.