Component Traits Research Articles

Combining Ability and Heterosis Analysis in Maize: Insights from Line × Tester Hybridization

Fifty hybrids were obtained by crossing twenty five lines with two testers and were evaluated to study heterosis and combining ability for kernel yield per plant and its components traits. The experiment was laid out in simple lattice design with two replications during kharif 2019 at Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. Heterosis studies revealed that twelve out of fifty crosses exhibited significant positive heterosis over the mid-parent, five crosses showed significant positive heterosis over the better parent and one cross exhibited significant positive heterosis over the standard check, DHM117, for kernel yield per plant. The cross PDM1732 × BML6 recorded significant heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check in desirable direction for kernel yield per plant. Out of the 25 lines evaluated in the present investigation, the line PDM1733 for protein content and kernel yield per plant was found to be good general combiner in desirable direction and can be utilized as parent for production of good hybrids by crossing with other divergent lines and can also be employed in the development of synthetic varieties. None of the fifty crosses recorded significant sca effect for kernel yield per plant.

Morphobiometric characterization of donkey resources in Katsina state

This study was conducted to assess the morphological characteristics of the donkey (Equus asinus) population in Katsina State, Nigeria. One hundred and three (103) donkeys (39 female and 64 male), randomly selected, were grouped into three age categories for this study. Data collected included: body weight and ten (10) body measurements. The statistical analysis of variance was applied for estimation the effects of sex and age on the studied parameters. Variance Inflation Factors (VIF), as a multicollinearity diagnostic tool of the independent variables, were incorporated in the regression models. The principal component analysis with a variance maximizing the orthogonal rotation was used to extract the components. The factor analysis identified four (4) principal components (PCs) of morphometric traits which explained about 70.392% of the total variance, with a PC1 accounted for 37.912%. The results showed that the body weight was correlated with HG, PG, BL, RH, SH, EL, TL and NC (ranging from 0.464 to 0.946; p<0.01) and body weight correlated to NL (r = 0.402; p<0.05) and HL (r = 0.375; P<0.05). The best predictors of body weight (BWT) in female and male revealed that the combination of heart girth, body length and rump height featured prominently in the prediction of BWT. Keywords: body weight, donkeys, morphological, prediction, regression

Integrating genomics with crop modelling to predict maize yield and component traits: Towards the next generation of crop models

Conventional breeding of ideotypes for target environments is quite challenging because of the genotype by environment interaction and the nature of the genetic complexity for economic traits. Simulation of the adaptive capacity of existing and new germplasms using crop model and genetic information can efficiently assist in determining the potential of well-adapted genotypes for target environments. This study aimed to design a marker-based model by detecting associated markers for target traits associated with model input parameters and incorporating the genetic effects into the CERES-Maize model. To achieve this goal, a two-year trial with 282 maize genotypes across five locations in Northern China was conducted for phenotypic and genotypic data collection. The marker effects on target traits were integrated with crop model to develop a marker-based model. The performance of the integrated model was tested using four independent sub-datasets, (i) observed genotypes grown in observed environments; (ii) observed genotypes phenotyped in new environments; (iii) new genotypes in characterized environments; and (iv) new genotypes in new environments. The model simulated the anthesis date, kernel number, kernel weight and yield reasonably well across 282 genotypes. The marker-based prediction performance of simpler morphological traits, such anthesis date and kernel number were generally improved compared to highly complex quantitative traits, such as kernel weight and yield. The performance of the model was affected by new genotypes or new environments depending on the types of traits being simulated. Maker-based simulation of maize yield and its component traits across five locations and 37 years in Northern China was used as a case study to demonstrate the model applications for studying genotype–environment interactions. The biplot revealed the top yielding genotypes and most ideal environment by comparing yield performance and stability of 282 genotypes in five phenotyping sites under both water-limited and well-water conditions. Breeding programs could further exploit marker-based modelling to predict adaptation in diverse environmental and management conditions for new genotypes before they are globally distributed for multilocation yield testing.

The only constant is change: Stable vs. variable aspects of food approach bias relate differently to food craving and intake

The tendency to approach food faster than to avoid it (i.e., approach bias) is thought to facilitate food intake, particularly foods that conflict with one's dietary goals. However, this relationship has been difficult to demonstrate, which ties into an ongoing debate about whether such cognitive-behavioral biases represent stable traits or fluctuating states. We thus investigated the temporal fluctuations of food approach bias (1), its within-participant association with food craving (2) and intake (3), and the role of top-down control in this bias-intake association (4). The 76 participants completed an impulsivity questionnaire and performed a smartphone-based approach-avoidance task on nine days. Every day, they also reported their daily craving, intake, and dietary intentions for 12 personalized foods they wanted to eat less or more often over the study period. Approach bias varied considerably within individuals (1), and correlated in unexpected ways with food craving (2) and intake (3); this association of approach bias with intake was moderated by inter-individual differences (rather than day-to-day fluctuations) in dietary intentions and impulsivity (4). Results emphasize the need to re-conceptualize approach bias as comprising both state and trait components, and indicate that the more trait-like aspects of top-down control gate the relationship of approach bias with intake. The large day-to-day variation in approach bias may explain why single-session bias measures often do not predict distal outcomes like body weight. Furthermore, our results suggest that interventions targeting approach bias may be most effective for certain timepoints (high-risk situations) and individuals (those with weak dietary intentions).

Assessment of Combining Ability for Yield and Associated Traits in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The study was carried out at the Oilseeds Research Station, Latur. During kharif 2023, crosses were produced and during Rabi 2023–24, evaluation was conducted to assess the combining ability for seed yield and component traits in parents and hybrids in sunflower. In this study, 48 F1 hybrids were produced through Line x Tester mating design during Kharif 2023 using six CMS lines (DSF-2 A, CMS 148A, CMS 47A, CMS 597A, CMS 103A, CMS 112A) and eight testers (RHA-1055, EC-601951-1, EC-601924, R-274, LTRR-341, AKSF-15R, BK-R-1, R-856). These hybrids were assessed using a Randomized Block Design with two replications at the Oilseeds Research Station in Latur during Rabi 2023–24, together with their 14 parent lines and two commercial checks (LSFH-171 and KBSH-44). The observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants and the average value of these data was calculated for ten quantitative attributes. The analysis of combining ability (GCA and SCA) effect was came out by using the Line x Tester analysis method suggested by Kempthorne [1]. The significance of GCA and SCA effects was determined at the 0.05 and 0.01 level using the t-test [2]. All characteristics had substantial significant variance due to line x tester effects. The existence of non-additive gene action for days to maturity, head diameter, seed filling, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant were recorded. The per cent contribution of testers towards total variance was greater than lines for all the characters except plant height. Among the parents, two lines CMS-597 A and CMS-47 A and four testers RHA-1055, EC-601924, R-274 and AKSF-15R were found to be superior general combiners for seed yield per plant and most of the yield contributing traits. On the basis of mean performance, SCA effects of crosses and GCA effects of the parents, the crosses viz., CMS-112 A x AKSF-15R, CMS-148 A x RHA-1055, CMS-597 A x R-856, CMS-47 A x R-274, CMS-597 A x LTRR-341, CMS-112 A x EC-601924 and CMS-597 A x EC-601951-1 recorded high SCA effect with low x high, low x high and high x high GCA status of parents for seed yield per plant.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates on Yield and Yield component traits of Wheat

An experiment was conducted in winter season of 2020/21 and 2021/22 to evaluate the effects of different sowing dates on phenological traits, yield attributing traits and grain yield of wheat. The experiment was carried-out in Agronomy farm of National Agronomy Research Center, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six sowing dates (10 Nov, 20 Nov, 30 Nov, 10 Dec, 20 Dec and 30 Dec) as treatment which were replicated four times. Wheat variety Swargdwari was used in the experiment. During the experiment, we took different observations starting from phenological parameters to yield traits like days to 50% flowering, days to 90% maturity, plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike, number of tillers per square meter, thousand grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index. The combined ANOVA of two years revealed that there was significant effect of sowing dates on days to 50% flowering, days to 90% maturity, plant height at physiological maturity, spike length, straw yield and grain yield of wheat. Number of grains per spike found non-significant. Number of tillers per square meter was found maximum (374.1) m-2 on 20 Nov. Thousand grain weight was found maximum on 10 Nov which was 54.37 g followed by 20 Nov with 51.77g. Straw yield was found the highest on 10 Nov which was 9.05 tha-1 followed by 7.83 tha-1 on 20 Nov. Similar result was shown by grain yield with maximum value of 6.13 tha-1 on 10 Nov followed by 20 Nov which is 5.90 tha-1. Harvest index was found maximum on 10 Dec with 0.49. Nov sowing had more vegetative growth contributing higher straw yield and low economic return. Therefore, it is concluded that 10 Nov is optimum time for wheat sowing in Kathmandu valley and similar agro-climatic regions.

Trait component analysis of lettuce in response to daily light integrals at two growth stages

AbstractLittle is known about the relative impact of lighting duration and light intensity on lettuce production, as well as whether daily light integrals (DLIs) play a significant role during different plant growth stages. Four DLIs were tested: 8.64, 11.52, 12.96, and 17.28 mol m−2 day−1 as supplemental lighting, which were obtained from a combination of supplemental light intensities at 200 and 300 µmol m−2 day−1 for 12 and 16 h. Sunlight was used as control. A direct correlation was observed between DLIs and yield, total fresh weight, and total dry weight. Under supplemental lighting, relative growth rate (RGR) increased due to an increase in net assimilation rate (NAR) rather than in leaf area ratio (LAR). Plants in the seedling stage were more sensitive to an elevation in DLI than in the head stage. This was confirmed by a greater increase in NAR compared to their corresponding control under the same DLI. Increasing DLI also improved lettuce quality via reducing nitrate and increasing protein content. Higher DLIs (12.96 and 17.28 mol m−2 day−1) led to a decrease in maximum quantum yield of photosystem II and an increase in performance index. In conclusion, manipulating RGR through NAR adjustments proved to be more effective than changes in LAR, and adjusting supplemental DLI at each stage was necessary to achieve a larger NAR and, consequently, a larger RGR.

Enriched Linz-Donawitz (LD) slag application for improving grain yield and quality of wheat grown under nutritionally poor degraded soil

Aim: To evaluate the impact of enriched steel slag on the physico-chemical characteristics of soil and yield attributes of wheat under poor quality degraded soil. Methodology: Steel slag was biologically and organically amended with natural sources of phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) and characterized for its nutrient content along with biological activity. The impact of resultant products was assessed on soil quality and yield component traits of wheat for two consecutive years (2021-2022 and 2022-23). Results: Application of slag based products significantly (p<0.05) improved the plant height, biological yield, grain yield and ear bearing tillers (EBT) of wheat even with 80% of recommended fertilizer dose (NPK). Further, in comparison to control, a moderation of soil pH (8.6 to 8.8), EC (0.18 to 0.20 dS m-1), OC (0.22 to 0.24 %) and essential mineral macronutrients viz., N (126 to 130 kg N ha-1), P (8.0 to 13.0 kg ha-1), K (100 to 125 kg ha-1) were observed with the application of amended steel slag products. No significant change with respect to existing heavy metal concentration viz., Co, Ni, Cd and Pb in soil was observed when supplemented with amended slag products. Interpretation: Steel slag can be transformed favorably for on-farm application to improve wheat yield besides serving as an environmentally sustainable alternate of soil conditioner for the management of degraded soil. Key words: Degraded soil, Heavy metals, Steel slag, Waste management, Wheat

Estimation of Genetic Variability for Yield and Its Component Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation was conducted with 12 chickpea genotypes, raised in randomized block design with three replications during the Rabi season 2023-2024 at at Organic Research Farm, Karguanji, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.). The experiment was laid-out in randomized block design with three replications of the plant geometry was maintained at 30 cm x 10 cm. The present experimental material showed a wide range of phenotypic variation for number of seed per pod, number of primary branches per plant, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and harvest index whereas, low phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for plant height, 100-seed weight, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity as revealed by high values of Coefficient of Range. The estimates of high heritability coupled with high genetic advance expressed as a per cent of mean were observed for biological yield per plant, seed yield per plant and number of pods per plant manifesting the preponderance of additive gene action on the expression of these traits. In the investigation, genotypes viz., RSG-44 and Aruna were superior not only for seed yield per plant but also related traits like 100-seed weight, biological yield per plant, number of pods per plant and number of primary branches per plant.

Residual feed intake measured as replacement heifers is indicative of residual feed intake measured as mature cows

This study aimed to quantify the relationship between residual feed intake (RFI) measured in 500 heifers and subsequently as mid-gestation cows at the Roy Berg Kinsella Research Station (KIN; n=227) and Lacombe Research and Development Centre (LRDC; n=273). Heifers were initially tested for RFI adjusted for end of test rib fat (RFIfat) at 8-12 mo of age and then again as 3-yr old first-calf heifers at KIN and as 4-13 yr old cows at LRDC. Heifer RFIfat measured in drylot on a forage diet was associated (R2 >0.53; P < 0.001) with RFIfat measured again as older cows. Each 1 kg DM d-1 change in heifer RFIfat equaled 0.48±0.10 and 0.75±0.19 kg DM d-1 change in cow RFIfat for KIN and LRDC, respectively. Linear effects were also reported for RFIfat component traits, where DMI (P<0.001), ADG (P<0.060), mid-test metabolic weight (P<0.001) and end of test rib fat (P<0.001) measured as heifers were related when measured again as older cows. In addition, the linear effects of heifer RFIfat on cow RFIfat were constant across cow age groups from 4-10 yr of age. These results show that selection for RFI in heifers will result in cows that are also more feed efficient.

Identification of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] genotypes with wider adaptability to rainfed environments through stability analysis

The stability and yield of guar genotypes are important factors for the long-term development of this gum-producing industrial crop. A study was undertaken to assess the impact of the G × E interaction on yield stability in guar genotypes at seven distinct sites. Yield and its component traits such as the total number of pods per plant, pod length and seeds per pod were evaluated in the kharif season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 resulting in 14 environments. Stability tests for multivariate stability parameters were performed based on analyses of variance. For all the traits, the pooled analysis of variance revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) variations which provided sound evidence for the validity of the experiments. Genotypes KGG 6 and KGG 5 had desirable stability parameters for the number of pods per plant and pod length respectively. KGG 12 and KGG 3 were stable under all environments for number of seeds per pod. In the case of yield per hectare , the genotype KGG 6 recorded highest yield followed by KGG 4 and KGG 1. Among the tested genotypes, KGG 1 and KGG 2 were highly stable with average yield performance. AMMI biplots identified genotypes KGG 11 and KGG 12 as stable ones but these genotypes exhibited low-yield. The high-yielding stable genotypes identified in the present study could be recommended for commercial production in guar-growing areas of arid and semi-arid regions. Aside from these, the genotypes KGG 6 and KGG 4 were suited for exploiting better environmental conditions and genotype KGG 7 recorded more pod yield per plant and bi value less than one, explaining its suitability in poor environments. However, these genotypes could be incorporated into breeding strategy for yield enhancement in targeted environments. Keywords: Guar, Genotypes, Environments, G×E interaction, Stability.

Genetic inheritance studies in rice (Oryza sativa L.) for grain protein, quality and yield

The present study was undertaken to investigate the genetic parameters of yield component and quality traits of the F3 population from BPT 5204 and JAK-686 cross in rice. High heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were recorded for productive tillers per plant, grains per panicle, panicle length and grain yield per plant indicating the effectiveness of direct phenotypic selection for improvement of these traits. For traits such as grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight, amylose content and grain protein content, the magnitude of additive (d) effects surpassed dominance (h) gene effects. This implies that phenotypic selection using methods like pureline selection, mass selection would be beneficial. Gel consistency exhibited complimentary gene interaction. Furthermore, duplicate gene interaction was prevalent in traits like days to 50% flowering, productive tillers per plant, plant height, panicle length, grain yield per plant, kernel length, kernel breadth, and kernel L/B ratio, making selection in later generations more effective. The inheritance studies highlighted the importance of selecting desired recombinants from the segregating population to enhance rice quality as well as grain yield. Keywords: Rice, Grain protein content, Quality, Variability, Heritability, Gene action

Selection parameters for the improvement of seed yield and attributes in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

The present investigation was carried out with 53 genotypes of cowpea to study association among yield contributing traits. The genotypes were sown in a randomized block design replicated with three replications at the National Pulse Research Centre, TNAU , Vamban, Pudukkottai, during Kharif,2022. Observations on ten traits were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. The coefficient of phenotypic differences was substantially greater than the genotypic variation for all the characters under study, showing that the prevailing variation is mainly governed by the genotypic factor and substantial environmental factors. High heritability and genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed for the traits seed yield and 100 seed weight. This showed the role of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits which gives the best chance of their improvement through simple selection. Association analysis revealed that number of cluster/plant and number of pods/plant had a significant and positive correlation on seed yield. Yield component traits viz., plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/cluster, number of pods/plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield were high inter-correlated among themselves. Furthermore, it was observed that the number of pods/plant, pod length, and 100 seed weight had the maximum positive direct effects on seed yield. So direct selection for these three traits could help to improve the seed yield potential of cowpea. Keywords: Cowpea, heritability, genetic advance, association analysis.

Factors Influencing the Perceived Employability among University Students

The global economic turmoil and the employability gap among university students have created a challenging job market for graduates. It is crucial to understand the factors that shape students' perceived employability and to implement effective measures to address this serious issue. A literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing perceived employability among university students, focusing on research findings published since 2021. The present study indicates that numerous factors, including individual, behavioural, and environmental variables, significantly influence perceived employability among university students. Besides, previous research has diverged on specific factors such as demographics, partial components of personality traits, career engagement, political skills, and labour market situation, which need to be further investigated in the future. Furthermore, this study underscores the crucial significance of perceived employability among university students in a challenging job market. It validates the relevance of Career Construction Theory in interpreting perceived employability among university students and improves researchers' understanding of how perceived employability has evolved before and after the pandemic. Most importantly, this study develops an integrated model of the factors influencing the perceived employability among university students, which can serve as a guide for future researchers to study university students' employment issues and navigate the career practices of stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, universities, university students, employers, and career practitioners.

Exploitation of heterosis in chilli using genetic male sterile lines for red fruit yield with special reference to high rainfall conditions

High-quality red/dry chilli for spice, pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes is a major goal in chilli breeding. The male sterile lines have greater potential for the exploitation of heterosis in chilli to achieve this objective. Genetic male sterile lines with special traits like destalking and ability to withstand high rainfall were involved in heterosis breeding to identify hybrids for commercial and industrial purposes. Forty F1 hybrids were developed by crossing 4 diverse GMS lines with 10 testers using Line × Tester mating design to estimate heterosis, combing ability and gene action. The experiment involving 14 parents and 40 F1s, along with standard variety ‘CH-27’ was laid out in α-lattice square design in three replications during summer 2020 and 2021. The GMS lines MS 9-2 and MS 26-1 along with testers DPCh 10, VVG, DPCh 40 and Him Palam Mirch-2 showed significant GCA for marketable red/dry fruit yield and majority of their component traits. Ten F1 hybrids were identified with superiority for fruit yield based on mean performance, significant heterosis and SCA effects, providing an opportunity to utilize them in value-added products and dried spice purposes viz., MS 9-2 × HPM-2, MS 11-2 × DPCh 40, MS 9-2 × DPCh 40 and MS 9-2 × DPCh 101 with erect fruiting habit and that of MS 9-2 × DPCh 10, MS 26-1 × DPCh 10, MS 9-2 × PBC 535, MS 26-1 × VVG, MS 29-2 × DPCh 10 and MS 26-1 × DPCh 22- C with pendent fruits. The non-additive gene action was predominant in the expression of fruit yield, total red fruits/plant, oleoresin and capsanthin. A significant positive correlation among SCA, economic heterosis and per se performance is an indicative to identify superior hybrids. Multi-location testing of these hybrids shall pave way to exploit them commercially by making them available to the farmers.

Qtl Mapping for Grain Yield Component Traits in Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Bread Wheat Under Heat Stress Using 35 K Snp Array

Qtl Mapping for Grain Yield Component Traits in Recombinant Inbred Line Population of Bread Wheat Under Heat Stress Using 35 K Snp Array

Dissecting the genetic architecture of sunflower disc diameter using genome-wide association study.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plays an essential role in meeting the demand for edible oil worldwide. The yield of sunflower seeds encompasses several component traits, including the disc diameter. Over three consecutive years, 2019, 2020, and 2022, we assessed phenotypic variation in disc diameter across a diverse set of sunflower accessions (N = 342) in replicated field trials. Upon aggregating the phenotypic data from multiple years, we estimated the broad sense heritability (H 2) of the disc diameter trait to be 0.88. A subset of N = 274 accessions was genotyped by using the tunable genotyping-by-sequencing (tGBS) method, resulting in 226,779 high-quality SNPs. Using these SNPs and the disc diameter phenotype, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) employing two statistical approaches: the mixed linear model (MLM) and the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (farmCPU). The MLM and farmCPU GWAS approaches identified 106 and 8 significant SNPs located close to 53 and 21 genes, respectively. The MLM analysis identified two significant peaks: a prominent signal on chromosome 10 and a relatively weaker signal on chromosome 16, both of which were also detected by farmCPU. The genetic loci associated with disc diameter, as well as the related candidate genes, present promising avenues for further functional validation and serve as a basis for sunflower oil yield improvement.

Stability analysis over extended dates of sowing for yield and yield component traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Stability analysis over extended dates of sowing for yield and yield component traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

Exploring the Impact of Makeup on Gendered Ideas of Femininity among Transgender Women in India

Abstract: In the context of India, where gender norms are deeply entrenched in patriarchal structures and the binary understanding of gender, this research investigates the impact of makeup on the gendered ideas of femininity among transgender individuals. Makeup serves as an expression of the self and a means for self-evaluation and self-enhancement. Transgender individuals are judged by society according to cisnormative gender stereotypes that include many components of gender characteristics and traits.1 The focus of this study is the perceptions of beauty, specifically the perceptions of transgender women’s beauty. Gender norms around femininity and masculinity are reflected in the gendered concept of beauty, which frequently determines what is seen as beautiful for each gender. Traditional ideas of femininity, for instance, place a strong emphasis on qualities like grace, gentleness, and nurturing. These characteristics may manifest as desires for physical features such as long hair, radiant complexions, and hourglass bodies. In contrast, characteristics linked to masculinity, such as power, aggression, and dominance, may affect how attractive men are perceived, emphasizing muscularity and angular features. Stereotypes related to physical attractiveness are a presiding element of gender stereotypes, as they are strongly and consistently associated with other components of gender stereotypes.2 While makeup is often associated with femininity, its significance and implications for transgender individuals within the cultural context of India remain understudied. Through qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews, demographic questionnaires followed by focus groups as well as thematic analysis, along with discrepancy theory and self-image congruity, this study explores how transgender individuals in India navigate femininity through makeup practices, examining their experiences, perceptions, and challenges. Within a culture that enforces criteria on acceptable appearance for women, transgender women (i.e., those who were assigned male at birth and identify as women or feminine) may internalise cultural messages about ideal attractiveness related to traditional feminine gender presentation norms such as thinness and beauty (Serano, 2007). The hypothesis suggests a positive correlation between the use of makeup and perceived femininity. By investigating the experiences and narratives of transgender individuals, this research seeks to provide insights into the impact of such an invention on self-perception. Additionally, the study will investigate potential factors that may influence the relationship between the two, such as socio-cultural norms, and support systems. The findings of this research may contribute to a better understanding of the needs and challenges faced by transgender individuals in India and inform the development of more inclusive cosmetic policies.

Heritability and Variability of Productivity Traits in Spring Soft Wheat Hybrids of the First to Fourth Generations

Abstract A higher varietal specificity in the manifestation of traits in parental varieties was noted compared to hybrids. Two component traits of ear productivity in a series of generations were analyzed against the background of various factors, shifts in their average values and their impact on yield were predicted and determined. The phenotypic dominance index (hp) in the first generation was determined by the number of grains per ear and the weight of 1000 grains, combinations with a high level of heterosis were identified. Under the conditions of the Apsheron region, the effects of interaction between genotype and environment were determined in nine varieties of spring soft wheat and seven hybrid populations F1…F4 formed with their participation. A reliable effect of environmental conditions on all the studied traits was established. The contribution of the “year” factor to the number of grains per ear in varieties and hybrids was 10.9 and 13.9%, respectively; to the weight of 1000 grains – 5.8 and 19.5%; to the yield – 47.3 and 41.1%. The genetic component made a significant contribution to the weight of 1000 grains in varieties and hybrids (81.5 and 58.8%), as well as to the number of grains in varieties (38.4%).