Distinctness, Uniformity And Stability Research Articles

Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) Characterization in Twenty Five Landraces of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

For the establishment of Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization, Twenty five landraces of rice (Oryza sativa L.), collected from different parts of Tamil Nadu, were characterized according to the DUS guidelines of the Plant Varieties Protection and Farmers’ Rights Authority, using thirty agro-morphological traits. Rice accessions were planted with three replications using the randomized block design (RBD) in 2021 at the Plant Breeding Farm, Department of Genetics and plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University. Observations were recorded on various agro-morphological traits such as Leaf sheath, flag leaf, leaf blade, awns, panicle, ligure and clum characteristics. The results obtained revealed a wide range of variability for twenty five landraces, essential characters of the thirty DUS characters studied. The results of this study will be useful for restoration and conservation of beneficial genes. Contemporary research work will be advantageous for breeders to choose the right parent for crop improvement and the researchers for genetic diversity among landraces.

Morpho-molecular and nutritional profiling for yield improvement and value addition of indigenous aromatic Joha rice of Assam

Short-grain aromatic Joha rice of Assam is a unique class of specialty rice having tremendous potential in domestic and international markets. The poor yielding ability of Assam's Joha rice demands its systematic characterization for an effective breeding program. This study investigates the morphological, molecular and biochemical profiles of twenty popular Joha (aromatic) rice cultivars indigenous to Assam. Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization of the cultivars revealed polymorphism in thirty-seven traits, establishing distinctiveness for their utilization in breeding programs. Unweighted Neighbor Joining (UNJ) clustering based on usual Euclidean distances for the polymorphic morphological markers grouped the cultivars into three clusters with eight, eleven, and one genotypes. The Joha rice cultivars showed significant differences for all the quantitative traits except for panicle length. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variability (GCV & PCV) were high for grain yield ha−1 (24.62 & 24.85%) and filled grains panicle−1 (23.69 & 25.02%). Mahalanobis D2 analysis revealed three multi-genotypic and four mono-genotypic clusters of the cultivars. The first five principal components explain 85.87% of the variation among the cultivars for the traits under study; filled grain panicle−1 (0.91) and stem thickness (0.55) positively contributed to the first PC. The cultivars' average polyunsaturated fatty acids were 37.9% oleic acid, 39.22% linoleic acid, and 0.5% linolenic acid. Kon Joha 4 and Ronga Joha contained the highest iron (82.88 mg kg−1) and zinc (47.39 mg kg−1), respectively. Kalijeera, Kunkuni Joha, Kon Joha-5, Manimuni Joha and Kon Joha-2 accorded a strong aroma. PCR amplified 174 alleles with a mean value 2.64 across the 66 polymorphic SSR markers. PIC values ranged from 0.091 to 0.698, with an average of 0.326. The highly informative (PIC > 0.50) markers were RM316, RM283, RM585, RM1388, RM3562, RM171, R1M30, RM118, RM11and RM29 for identification of the twenty aromatic rice cultivars. PCR amplification of 27 SSR markers identified 28 unique alleles (97–362 bp) in 13 Joha rice cultivars, which can help their identification/DNA fingerprinting. The UNJ clustering based on Jaccard's coefficients classified the cultivars into three distinct clusters with eight, ten, and two genotypes. Our study revealed the nutritional richness of these specialty Joha rice cultivars and sufficient scope for yield enhancement through their interbreeding to keep quality intact.

Morphological Characterization and Diversity Assessment of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Genotypes using DUS Descriptors as per PPV and FRA, 2001

Background: Variety characterization is the foremost important step that should be done by breeders to classify a variety into distinct groups. A significant technique for locating and assessing several genotypes for the registration, protection and production of seeds of superior quality is the Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization. Consequently, the current investigation aimed to use DUS descriptors to describe and assess the variance present in mungbean genotypes. Methods: One hundred forty-two mungbean genotypes were examined using 21 agro-morphological qualitative DUS descriptors in a randomized block design with two replications across two seasons, kharif 2021 and kharif 2022. Result: In the twenty-one DUS traits that were examined, four characters’ plant growth habit, leaf shape, leaf size and seed size exhibited trimorphic variance. Three characters (plant habit, stem pubescence and pod pubescence) were found to be identical among all genotypes while fourteen characters displayed dimorphic variance. All of the mungbean genotypes displayed a significant degree of variance for all DUS characteristics. Based on the UPGMA method of clustering, the dendrogram classified all the one hundred forty-two genotypes into three major clusters. The presence of variation among the genotypes under study was demonstrated by the further classification of these primary clusters into five sub-clusters. The majority of the genotypes were found in cluster II (121 genotypes), which was followed by cluster I (18 genotypes) and cluster III (3 genotypes).

Application of cluster analysis for grouping Brassica oleracea var. italica varieties for the difference test

Purpose. To use cluster analysis of morphological cha­racters to simplify the identification of Brassica oleracea var. italica and form groups of similar varieties for the test of difference. Methods. Analytical, mathematical and statistical methods were used in the work. As input information for the statistical processing of the obtained results, information on the results of the examination for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) from the database of the Automated Information System of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Varieties Examination was used. Cluster modelling was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics “Statistical Package for the Social Sciences”. Results. A morphological description of broccoli varieties was carried out on the basis of 32 characteristics for the examination of distinctness, uniformity and stability. The morphological code formulae of the latter, composed of the corresponding codes for the manifestation of identifying characteristics of vegetative and generative organs of plants, served as a source of initial data. Out of 41 varieties described by 32 morphological characteristics, only two groups were found to be similar in terms of the identifying characteristics of the varieties. Two types of variables were used as parameters of the model: target – characteristic “Head: anthocyanin colour”, focal – “Head: colour”. The full list of characteristics was as follows “plant: by height (at harvest maturity)”, “leaf: position (at beginning of head formation)”, “leaf blade: wavy edge”, “leaf blade: blistering”, “petiole: by length”, “head: colour”, “head: anthocyanin colour”, “head: by density”, “flower: colour”, “flower: intensity of yellow colour”, “male sterility”. Using computer modelling, clusters of 17 similar broccoli varieties and 9 control objects (varieties) were formed, the identification of which involved eleven morphological characteristics. Conclusions. In order to search for distinguishing characteristics in the process of testing the difference of cabbage varieties, broccoli was grouped into clusters according to such morphological characteristics as the position of the leaf at the beginning of the formation of the head; waviness of the edge of the leaf blade; blistering of the leaf plate; petiole length; head colour; presence of anthocyanin and intensity of yellow colour.

Agro-morphological Characterization of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes

The study was conducted in field conditions that suitable to typical growth and all trait expression. A set of 30 wheat genotypes was evaluated for 10 agro-morphological traits in the rabi season 2022-2023. The experiment followed Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two replications and along with three different date of sowing. For the present study data was recorded on the basis of DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) guidelines. Phenotypic assessment revealed variability in different morphological traits like Plant growth habit, Foliage colour, Flag leaf length, Flag leaf width, Ear time of emergence, Ear Shape, Ear Density, Ear colour, Grain colour and Grain shape. Most of the morphological traits found an adequate level of variability.These established descriptors serve as valuable markers for characterizing the wheat, facilitating genotypes utilization and conservation efforts.

Identification of novel late blight resistance source in wild potato species and interspecific somatic hybrids, and their distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) characterization

Forty potato genotypes, including wild Solanum species and interspecific somatic hybrids were characterized for late blight resistance and distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) descriptors. Thirty-two genotypes (14 wild species + 18 somatic hybrids) were found highly resistant to late blight, whereas 4 were resistant and 1 was moderately resistant compared to the control varieties viz., Kufri Jyoti (susceptible), Kufri Bahar (highly susceptible), and Kufri Girdhari (highly resistant). All wild species were high resistant to late blight. Further, morphological characterization based on 51 DUS descriptors showed phenotypic variation in the genotypes studied. Thus, we identified late blight-resistant potato wild species and somatic hybrids, which could serve as a potential source for late blight resistance breeding.

Comparative Analysis of Traditional Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties under Organic Cultivation Based on DUS Testing and Yield Assessment

An agricultural field study was conducted during the kharif season of 2020 at the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand, India, to investigate the qualitative and quantitative attributes of traditionally scented rice cultivated through organic methods. The experiment, a randomized block design with three replications, evaluated ten rice varieties, labeled as V1 to V10 (Kubir Mamhani, Kudrat-5, etc). The morphological variations among the varieties (registered under PPV&FR Act 2001) are based on DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) is required for protecting the uniqueness of traditional scented varieties of rice. It can also be the indicative of the yield. The grain, straw and harvest index were found the highest with variety Kudrat-5 followed by Kudrat-1.

Evaluation of SNP fingerprinting for variety identification of tomato by DUS testing

Variety identification is crucial for PBR (plant breeders’ rights) protection and PVR (plant variety registration). DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) testing, utilizing field-based morphological inspection and DNA fingerprinting with molecular markers in the laboratory are commonly employed methods for variety identification. However, the limited number of molecular markers used in DNA fingerprinting often lacks close linkage to DUS traits. In this study, 116 tomato varieties were well identified both by SNP fingerprinting and DUS testing. PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and population classification demonstrated a highly consistent outcome between SNP fingerprinting and DUS testing, resulting in the division of 116 varieties into three groups: big fruit, cherry, and processing tomatoes. Furthermore, we selected a new set of 16 core SNPs and 18 core DUS traits, which exhibited higher efficiency in variety identification due to their convenient and easy processing. Moreover, the observed variations in SNP markers among each pair of tomato varieties were linearly correlated with those comparison of all different DUS traits (R2 ​= ​0.85), and the linear correlation was also obtained based on the comparison of different core SNP fingerprints with those of the core DUS traits (R2 ​= ​0.86). In conclusion, we evaluated SNP fingerprinting for variety identification in comparison to DUS testing, and found these two methods had consistent result. This study also highlights the potential of limited core DUS traits and core SNP fingerprints for effective identification and discrimination of tomato varieties.

Morphological Description of Chickpea (Cicer arietanum L) Genotypes Using DUS Characterization

The cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum) holds great importance as a pulse crop in India. The identification and classification of diverse genotypes are crucial for implementing effective strategies to improve this crop. This study was conducted to get a comprehensive morphological characterization of desi chickpea genotypes using the DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) descriptors suggested by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer's Rights Authority, Government of India, in 2018. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, light, humidity, and nutrient availability, can influence plant variability. Different environments impose selective pressures on plants resulting in variability within plant populations. The objective of the investigation was to identify and classify diverse chickpea genotypes based on 17 different qualitative traits observed in a field experiment. Among the 17 DUS traits only one trait exhibited a consistent phenotype (monomorphic), six traits displayed two distinct phenotypes (dimorphic), nine traits exhibited three distinct phenotypes (trimorphic), and only one trait showed more than three phenotypic variations (polymorphic) among all the chickpea genotypes studied. This indicates the presence of significant genetic variability within the chickpea germplasm, offering the potential for assigning different morphological profiles for varietal identification and characterization. In particular, for features like seed and foliar colour, pod size, leaflet size, and seed shape, it was found that a high level of diversity within the chickpea germplasm using Shannon's diversity indices. The characterization of these genotypes enabled the development of distinct profiles for each line, facilitating their identification and evaluation as elite chickpea lines.

Characterisation of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) accessions for genetic diversity and population structure based on agro-morphological and microsatellite markers

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) is a leading Solanaceous vegetable crop across the world with immense therapeutic and export potential. Such wide cultivation exposes the crop to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Genetic diversity is one of the major prerequisites for any crop breeding programme. Hence, in this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of 24 bell pepper genotypes using 25 agro-morphological [9 distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) descriptors; 13 quantitative traits; and 3 quality traits] and 82 microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Eight DUS descriptors showed polymorphism with maximum morphological variation (H = 1.29) for fruit shape in longitudinal section. Multivariate analysis using Mahalanobis D2 statistic distinguished the genotypes into 11 clusters. With a mean of 4.08 alleles per locus, a total of 151 alleles were generated from 37 polymorphic SSR primers. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.14 (CAMS 451) to 0.76 (CA 525390) with an average of 0.54. The genotypes were divided into two major clusters based on cluster analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) algorithm, whereas the cluster tree using the neighbour-joining (NJ) method identified three major groups. The population was classified into three groups based on structure analysis. On comparing agro-morphological and molecular clusters, 11 genotypes viz., BWT-39, BWT-39-BR, BWT-39-DR, BWT-29, BWT-3Y, BWT-3Y-4L, Kandaghat Selection, BWT-48-AC, BWT-49-AC, EC-464107, and EC-464115, were found common. These genotypes also exhibited considerable resistance to bacterial wilt disease. Mantel's test showed a moderate positive correlation between agro-morphological (DUS descriptors) and molecular data. Therefore, a combined approach of agro-morphological and molecular evaluation can facilitate the selection of diverse parental lines followed by subsequent hybridisation between them to introduce new traits in bell pepper.

Genetic diversity for morphophysiological character studies in rainfed sorghum (Sorghum bicolor[L.] Moench) parental lines

The experimental trial was conducted at Sorghum Research Centre, Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani during kharif 2021 in randomized design with 3 replications. Eighteen parental (B & R) lines were evaluated to study genetic diversities and variability for fifteen yield contributing characters. Among all the eighteen genotypes of parental lines significant differences were observed for yield and its yield contributing traits except total chlorophyll content. Coefficient of variance at phenotypic level showed higher values than at genotypic level among all traits. Coefficient of variance for the traits like chlorophyll stability index (G=23.035, P=23.714), leaf area (G=21.064, P=21.673), 1000 grain weight (G=28.845, P=29.929), fodder yield (G=21.858, P=22.458), grain number per panicle (G=29.564, P=30.158), leaf dry weight (G=29.044, P=29.903) was observed high at both level. Traits like plant height (H=90, GAM=21.041), grain yield (H=86, GAM=29.074), leaf dry weight (H=94, GAM=23.664), leaf area (H=94, GAM=42.17), chlorophyll stability index (H=94, GAM=46.093), grain number per panicle (H=96, GAM=59.703), fodder yield (H=94, GAM=43.823),1000 grain weight (H=92, GAM=52.270) and  harvest index (H=84, GAM=32.321) were recorded high heritability with high genetic advancement. Genotype AKR 504, NR 39-15, KR 218, KR 219, PMS 100B, AKMS 90 B and INDORE 12 showed the better performance for all characters thus, should be used for development of hybrids and inbreds in breeding programmes by DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) testing.

Grading Criteria of Anthurium DUS Quantitative Characteristics by Multiple Comparison.

The determination of the grades and interval of quantitative characteristics is an important job while we draft new distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. Grading criteria should be adjusted because of the effect of year and site; it is also a key task to establish applicable criteria in the DUS test. Excellent criteria will improve the accuracy of the DUS evaluation. In this study, we analyzed the variability and distribution patterns of nine quantitative characteristics of 251 anthurium varieties. Three methods were used to establish the grade criteria: the two standard deviation methods, the two LSD0.05 methods and the multiple comparison method. The results showed that the coefficient of variation within varieties varied from 6.96% to 10.11%. The quantitative characteristics observed in this study did not follow a normal distribution, except spadix thickness at the middle and spathe size. In most characteristics, the standard deviations and LSD0.05 were similar, except for spathe size. The state interval set by multiple comparison methods for every characteristic was variable, and its mean was about 1.25 times that of the other two methods. The process of establishing grading criteria using the multiple comparison method was simpler, and the criteria were more accurate, with a lower error rate.

FH-444: A HIGH YIELDING AND SUPERIOR FIBER QUALITY UPLAND COTTON VARIETY SUITABLE FOR COTTON GROWING AREAS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

FH-444 is a new Bt cotton variety which was released during the year 2020-21 by Cotton Research Station, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, for irrigated areas of Punjab, Pakistan to maintain fiber quality and production through gradually replacement of existing cotton cultivars to avoid the yield losses caused by insect, pest and unexpected disease attacks. The FH-444 possesses drought tolerance and very good combination of traits to meet the requirements of the farmers, pickers, ginners, spinners and textile industry. The evaluation of this promising line was started during 2011-12 in different yield tests viz: preliminary & advance yield trials, Provincial Coordinated Cotton Trial (PCCT), National Coordinated Varietal Trial (NCVT), Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) Trial, Agronomic trials, 1.25 Acre trials etc. In preliminary yield trials, FH-444 showed 45.96% increase in yield (3592 kg/ha) over standard variety FH-113 (2461 kg/ha) during 2011-12 while in advanced yield trials, FH-444 exhibited 23.61% increase in yield (3408 kg/ha) over standard variety FH-113 (2757 kg/ha) during 2013-14. It was also found that the effects of Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) were low (1.7 %) in FH-444 during growing season of 2014-15, while FH-142 showed increased incidence of attack (4.9%). FH444 demonstrated significant resistance with respect to thrips, whitefly, jassid and pink bollworm infestation. In present study it was found that the variety FH-444 possesses higher yield potential and will contribute to improve cotton yield and production under different stress conditions.

Construction of Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) Simple Sequence Repeat Fingerprints and Application in Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability Testing

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are highly polymorphism, good reproducibility, abundant number and co-dominant inheritance, and were considered to be one of the preferred molecular markers for DNA fingerprints in distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing. In this study, 10 representative Dimocarpus longan Lour (longan) varieties with significant differences were selected from 63 longan varieties according to the morphological characteristics. Based on PCR amplifications of the 10 selected varieties, 24 SSR primers pairs were screened from total 300 SSR primers pairs, to establish SSR fingerprints for all 63 longan varieties. The results showed that a total of 127 alleles were detected in 63 longan varieties, with an average of 5.29 alleles for each pair of primers. The Shannon’s index of the 24 pairs of SSR markers ranged from 0.64 to 1.58, with an average of 1.20. The polymorphism information content of each locus ranged from 0.32 to 0.72, with an average of 0.58. Clustering analysis indicated that most of the varieties with close genetic relationships tended to fall in the same cluster, and only a few in different clusters or sub-clusters. The 63 longan varieties were completely identified by the optimal combination of 6 pairs of SSR primers (LY161, LY252, LY137, LY130, LY25 and LY34). Overall, DNA fingerprints of the 63 longan varieties were constructed based on these 24 pairs of SSR primers. This study may provide a technical support for variety identification and similar variety screening in DUS detection in longan.

Comparative morpho-molecular characterization of elite walnut variety Parbat (JWSP-06) with local selections of north-western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, India

In the present study, we compared our previously identified elite walnut selection JWSP06 (Parbat) with other walnut selections from the region. Based on DUS (distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability) characterization, Parbat is high yielding late maturing selection with superior quality nut and kernel traits. This selection is also resistant to walnut anthracnose. Recently the Parbat was notified as an elite walnut selection by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. DNA profiling authenticate that “Parbat” is distinct from regional walnut selections such as Hamdan, Sulaiman, and Bhushan. The comparative study revealed that the quality and yield capacity of the Parbat are higher than those of local walnut selections. Regardless of the walnut selection, the marker WSSR-8 efficiently separates all genotypes. Breeding walnuts through conventional methods require genetically distinct parents. Our comparative study has identified Parbat as distinct from regional selections. This study has opened a door to breed quality walnut cultivars by crossing Parbat with Sulaiman and Hamdan. Being located at different geographic areas, the walnut selections need to be planted side by side for an effective hybridization-based breeding program.

Genetic Analysis of Potato Breeding Collection Using Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers.

The autotetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important crop in China, and it is widely cultivated from Northeast China to South China. Thousands of varieties are bred by breeding institutions or companies, and distinguishing the different varieties based on morphological characteristics is difficult. Using DNA fingerprints is an efficient method to identify varieties that plays an increasingly important role in germplasm identification and property rights protection. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of 135 autotetraploid potatoes were evaluated using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) methods. A total of 3,397,137 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were distributed across 12 chromosomes, were obtained. Principal component analysis (PCA), neighbour-joining genetic trees, and model-based structure analysis showed that these autotetraploid potato subpopulations, classified by their SNPs, were not consistent with their geographical origins. On the basis of the obtained 3,397,137 SNPs, 160 perfect SNPs were selected, and 71 SNPs were successfully converted to penta-primer amplification refractory mutation (PARMS-SNP) markers. Additionally, 190 autotetraploid potato varieties were analysed using these 71 PARMS-SNP markers. The PCA results show that the accessions were not completely classified on the basis of their geographical origins. The SNP DNA fingerprints of the 190 autotetraploid potato varieties were also constructed. The SNP fingerprint results show that both synonyms and homonyms were present amongst the 190 autotetraploid potatoes. Above all, these novel SNP markers can lay a good foundation for the analysis of potato genetic diversity, DUS (distinctness, uniformity, and stability) testing, and plant variety protection.

Assessment of DUS Traits in Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes: A Comprehensive Study on Genetic Diversity and Morphological Characteristics

The study was conducted at Dry Land Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India aimed to comprehensively assess 40 genotypes, alongside 5 checks, for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization. Employing an Augmented Block Design in the field in kharif season of April-August, 2022 and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in the laboratory from September–March 2023, the genotypes underwent evaluation for 21 DUS traits and 43 morphological, maturity, yield and quality traits. The evaluation followed descriptors specific to rajmash genotypes, utilizing frequency distribution based on “state” and “code” for each trait. The results indicated that majority of genotypes exhibited early flowering (<50 days), with 91% displaying an absence of anthocyanin coloration. Erect plant types were prevalent (51.11%), with 51% and 60% being viny and determinate, respectively. Most genotypes featured medium-sized, light green, ovate leaves (46.66%, 53%, and 22%, respectively). White-colored flowers (48.88%) with striped petal surfaces (57.77%) and medium curvature (40.00%) were predominant. Seed-related traits, such as cordate pod shapes (51%) and concave pod sutures (50%), along with acute pod distal shapes (69%), were observed. Pale green pods (57.77%) and 76% of genotypes exhibiting pod stringiness were noted. Seed shapes were mainly kidney-shaped (60%), and absent pigmentation in pod shells (73%) was observed. Large-sized seeds (40%) with dark red testa color (44%) were common, and seed testa variegation was “absent” in 75.55% of genotypes.

Intellectual property protection: An emphasis on plant varieties

The enactment of Intellectual Property protection laws globally and involvement of private seed industry in India had become indispensable for protection of IP in agriculture as whole and plant varieties in particular. For protection of plant varieties, the Distinctiveness Uniformity and Stability (DUS) descriptors of various crops (vegetables, field crops, floriculture, horticulture crops, etc.) were developed and notified by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights (PPV and FR) Registry for testing. With increasing awareness of IPR in agriculture, the submission of applications of plant varieties from the notified crops for registration has started for protection under the Registry. Subsequently, public sector (Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Agricultural Universities (AUs)); private sector; and farmers started submission of Extant, New and Essentially Derived Varieties (EDVs) applications in the notified crops. The study period pertaining to years 2007-2015 reveals that public sector has contributed immensely in protecting plant varieties of self-pollinated crops (food, fibre and pulses crops), whereas the private sector’s focus is largely confined towards open-pollinated varieties. Private sector has submitted highest number of ‘EDVs’ of tetraploid cotton. Progress in farmers’ varieties for protection under PPV and FRA reinforces the importance and uniqueness of this sui generis system adopted by India. It is, expected that the prospects of variety and seed development sectors will improve overtime. This trend also opens the scope for the plant breeders to design varietal development programmes for desirable traits in various crop species.

Phenotypic variations in M2 generation by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)

Context Mutagenesis is an effective method to create genetic variation in an available accession. Aim This study aimed to generate variability in a genetically distinct genotype of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) by using a chemical mutagen. Methods Eight different ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) concentrations were used to determine lethal dose for 50% of the population (LD50). Among them, two EMS concentrations were used to treat 20 000 seeds of BAL-08-01 accession. A total of 8301 individual plants from 1225 families in the second generation (M2) were established under field conditions. Phenotypic observations were recorded as per Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing guidelines. Key results Wide variations were observed for all phenotypic characters. Among these, green fodder yield, plant height and number of tillers varied with a range of 1–372.5 g, 8.1–120.8 cm and 0–77 per plant, respectively. Variations were also recorded for other characters such as leaf shape, flower colour, primary branching, etc. A total of 86.76% of plants showed purple colour flowers. Principal component analysis was performed for fodder characters from each EMS concentration. First, two principal components contributed an overall 97.06% variability. M2 plants outside 95% ellipses show the highest phenotypic variations. Conclusion EMS is effective in inducing mutation in lucerne. Phenotypic mutations were recognised in the M2 generation for the quantitative and qualitative characters and green fodder yield. Implications The resulting high level of variability will serve as source material for the improvement of lucerne for various traits.

Microssatellite markers for plant variety protection of clonally propagated forest trees: a case study in teak (Tectona grandis L.f.)

Abstract Forest trees cultivars developed by breeders have been increasingly deployed as clones, following long generations of breeding and testing. An established protocol for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing becomes an essential element for protecting the intellectual property rights associated with these clones. DUS testing with morphological descriptors has, however, shown limitations in categorically distinguishing cultivars, especially with narrow genetic base. DNA fingerprinting based on microsatellite markers has been a powerful tool to discriminate clones. Teak (Tectona grandis) is an economically valuable exotic timber species planted in Brazil. We assessed the individual and combined performance of a selected set of 21 teak microsatellites for identity analysis and parentage testing in a sample of 50 clones planted in Brazil. The clones displayed high genetic diversity attributable to their wide provenance origin. The 21 microsatellites combined provide high power of individual identification with a combined probability of identity of 1.84E-23 for unrelated individuals, and 4.82E-09 for full-sibs, and a power of paternity exclusion higher than 99.99999 % in all testing scenarios. Variable subsets of these 21 markers still provide abundant power of discrimination, although a recommended set should include a minimum of 12 markers with higher information content and reliable genotyping performance. Relatedness and genetic distance analyses revealed unexpected identities or significant recent shared ancestry among otherwise considered unique clones. These results advocate for the importance of including DNA markers, at least as discretionary complementary descriptors to the 22 morphological traits currently adopted for plant variety protection of teak cultivars in Brazil.