Evaluation of collection specimens of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) by economically valuable traits

Abstract

For effective introduction of guar into production, it is necessary to use varieties adapted to the Southern Steppe of Ukraine, the creation of which is impossible without well-researched collection material, which is relevant and important. Guar is in high demand globally in the food and oil industries, and most importantly, thanks to its ability to symbiotically fix nitrogen, it improves soil quality in a cost-effective and natural way. However, it is a completely new culture for Ukraine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the gene pool of guar plants and identify the best ones with economically valuable traits. The study used field, laboratory, and statistical methods. The results of the study conducted in 2020-2022 helped to identify the best introduced guar samples in terms of tolerance to hot temperatures and the arid climate of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The most adapted to this zone are IU07466 Haldi bhati and IU074658 Pusa Naubahar. They formed the maximum yields: IU07466 Haldi bhati – 262.5 g/m2 , IU074658 Pusa Naubahar – 329.0 g/m2 , which is more than 135% compared to the standard. The above-mentioned samples were characterised by a vegetation period of 133.5 days and 129.5 days, respectively, which, on average, over two years of research, exceeded the duration of the “germination – maturation” period of the standard variety IU074657 Ankur by 4.5-8.5 days. The correlation and regression analysis of the data obtained from the study of the introduced samples of the guar gene pool suggested a direct correlation between the weight of seeds per square metre and the number of beans and seeds per plant. The correlation coefficient is 0.997-0.986, respectively. It is recommended to use the identified sources of valuable traits for further effective implementation in the breeding and research programmes of scientific institutions to create self-pollinated lines, synthetic populations, varieties adapted to the extreme conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine