Distinctness, Uniformity And Stability Research Articles

DUS testing characteristics relation with agro-morphological and quality traits of winter wheat

In a field trial, a database of qualitative traits associated with agromorphological and quality traits of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been collected. The present study aimed to determine the relationships between the winter wheat traits of productivity and quality with traits of Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing. In addition, according to grain yield and significantly correlated traits, investigated genotypes will be clustered. Grain yield was significantly positively correlated with the number of days to heading, time of ear emergence, and plant growth habit. Based on the grouping of the winter wheat genotypes using the Euclidean distance algorithm, wheat genotypes were separated into five main clusters according to the similarity of those four traits. The grouping pattern was very origin homogeneous in each group, and the grouping pattern of genotypes appeared to be associated. The highest contributor to a grouping of genotypes was grain yield. The established result pertain to the potential for increasing the grain yield of winter wheat.

Morphological Characterization-based Optimal Trait Selection for Improving Yield and Stability of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

The present investigation was convened during kharif, 2022 (July–October), rabi-Summer 2023 (January–May) and kharif, 2023 (July–October) at J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India to characterize 165 diverse soybean germplasm lines in pursuance of DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) guidelines focusing on integrating optimal morphological traits to pre-fine soybean crop improvement. The study revealed significant variation among soybean genotypes. The hypocotyl color, controlled by a monogenic trait, was found in 77 genotypes, closely associated with violet flower color, whereas non-pigmented hypocotyls present in 88 genotypes were linked to white flowers. Growth habits were categorized as determinate (59), semi-determinate (103), and indeterminate (3), demonstrating that semi-determinate genotypes offer balanced resource allocation and reduced lodging. Most genotypes displayed medium flowering time (159) and medium plant height (134). Leaf shape was predominantly pointed ovate (121), with lanceolate leaves associated with higher number of seeds-1 pod. The presence of dark green leaves in 108 genotypes indicated higher chlorophyll content and enhanced photosynthetic efficiency to strengthen plant type. Semi-erect growth habit was prevalent in 152 genotypes, providing better soil coverage and moisture retention, while 13 genotypes showed erect growth. Pod pubescence was observed in 106 genotypes, offering protection against pests. These traits are found stable across the environment and may be used as an identification key for different varieties and donor germplasm lines.

Yield, grain quality and morphological characteristics of new early maturing varieties of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] from domestic breeding

Purpose. To carry out a comprehensive study and evaluation of new varieties of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] of the early maturity group (vegetation period – 91–110 days) by morphological characteristics and the main economic indicators: yield, oil and protein content. Methods. Field stu­dies on the qualification examination of soybean varieties were carried out during 2022–2023 in ten branches of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination (UIPVE) within the soil and climatic zones of the Steppe, Forest­Steppe and Polissia. The process was based on the existing methods of qualification examination of plant varieties for their suitability for distribution in Ukraine (VCU), determination of quality indicators of crop production and compliance of varieties with the criteria of distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS). Results. The morphological characteristics, yield and grain quality of new early maturing varieties of Ukrainian breeding, included in the State Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Distribution in Ukraine, were evalua­ted. Namely: ‘Zlatopilska’, ‘Kobuko’, ‘AFC Tempo’, ‘AFC Fest’, ‘Hospodynia’ and ‘Sunrise’. The most productive varieties in all soil and climate zones were ‘AFC Tempo’ (Steppe – 3.25 t/ha, Forest­Steppe – 3.64, Polissia – 3.63 t/ha) and ‘Kobuko’ (Steppe – 3.03 t/ha, Forest­Steppe – 3.68, Polissia – 3.42 t/ha). At the same time, ‘Zlatopilska’, ‘Kobuko’, ‘AFC Tempo’, ‘AFC Fest’ and ‘Sunrise’ produced the highest yields in Forest­Steppe [from 2.89 t/ha (‘Zlatopilska’) to 3.68 t/ha (‘Kobuko’)] and ‘Hospodynia’ – in Polissia (2.83 t/ha). ‘Zlatopilska’ (38.4–40.3%) and ‘Sunrise’ (37.9–40.6%) had the highest protein content in the grain and ‘AFC Fest’ (23.3–24.3%) the highest oil content. Conclusions. According to the results of the qualification examination, varieties of soybean ‘Zlatopilska’, ‘Kobuko’ and ‘AFC Tempo’ are recommended for cultivation in all soil and climatic zones; ‘Sunrise’ – in the Steppe and Forest­Steppe; ‘Hospodynia’ – in the Steppe and Polissia; ‘AFC Fest’ – only in the Steppe. Seeds produced in the Forest­Steppe zone have the best quality indicators in terms of protein content, and in terms of oil content – in the Steppe zone. The studied varieties of soybeans meet the criteria of distinctness, uniformity and stability, as well as the requirements for suitability for distribution in Ukraine.

V. Introduction and selection of a new species of Clarkia (C. purpurea) and development of a method for evaluating Clarkia pursh varieties for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability

During 2011–2023 in the south of Western Siberia, with the aim of introducing and selecting a new species of clarkia (C. purpurea), its biological characteristics and morphological characteristics were studied. Based on the data obtained and the use of other species and varieties of the genus Clarkia Pursh. For the first time, a methodology for conducting tests for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) for this crop was developed. This technique is applicable to all varieties of the genus Clarkia Pursh, classified into sections: Godetia (C. purpurea (Curtis) A. Nelson & J. F. Macbr.), Phaeostoma (C. unguiculata Lindl.), Rhodanthos (C. amoena (Lehm.) A . Nelson & J. F. Macbr., Clarkia amoena ssp. lindleyi (Douglas) H. F. Lewis & M. Е. Lewis), fireweed family (Onagraceae Juss.). Many species of clarkia are characterized by long-lasting flowering and are promising for floral decoration of urban spaces, as well as for cutting. Most varieties are from very low – up to 25 cm tall, to very high – 96 cm or more; leaves are simple, lanceolate, narrow-lanceolate, wide-lanceolate, ovate, smooth, pubescent. The flowers are very decorative, varying in size from 2.0 to 8.0 cm tall, simple, semidouble, terry and strongly terry with or without fragrance, with a large variability of colors and types of floral pigmentation. Based on the study of the bioecological and morphological properties of the crop under study and in accordance with the rules approved by the Federal State Budgetary Institution “State Varietal Commission”, 36 characteristics were selected by which it is possible to test clarkey varieties. As a result of breeding work, a new variety of C. purpurea, Lilac Fairy, was created. When analyzing crossing, it was established that the lilac (violet) color of flowers is dominant in relation to pale pink (almost white), and when crossing F1 hybrids with light purple color, splitting 15:1 (15 violet from dark purple to pale purple was obtained and 1 is pale pink), which confirms the hypothesis about the polygenic nature of the inheritance of the main color of flowers in C. purpurea. The national methodology RTG/1157/1, created for the first time, for testing the DUS of Clarkia Pursh varieties will serve as a scientific basis for practical breeding.

The Conservation Varieties Regime: Its Past, Present and Future in the Protection and Commercialisation of Vegetable Landraces in Europe

In 1998, the European Union aimed to make the official Common European Catalogue of Plant Varieties more flexible and to mitigate the decline of agricultural biodiversity in European rural areas by introducing the Conservation Varieties Regime (CVR): a set of rules pertaining to local and/or traditional varieties cultivated in specific regions that are at risk of genetic erosion. This initiative was intended to permit the sale of those varieties that do not fully meet the distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) criteria required for the registration of standard varieties in the Common European Catalogue. In this review, we examine the impact of establishing the CVR 25 years after its first definition. As of the date of data collection, 191 conservation varieties were registered throughout Europe, representing only 0.88% of the total number of varieties included in the Common Catalogue. The most important countries are Spain, Italy and Croatia, which have, respectively, 57, 43 and 26 conservation varieties. The case study from Italy highlights that the CVR is poorly structured and is characterised by the initiatives of individual entities that take it upon themselves to protect and/or promote specific vegetable varieties. In this review, we discuss such data in relation to the protection and commercialisation of vegetable landraces in Europe. Overall, the CVR has failed to promote and enforce a dedicated market for all those varieties excluded from registration in the Common Catalogue due to DUS requirements.

Investigation of Sample Size Estimation for Measuring Quantitative Characteristics in DUS Testing of Shiitake Mushrooms

The sampling technique is commonly used in research investigations to more accurately estimate data with greater precision, at a lower cost and in less time. In plant DUS (distinctness, uniformity, and stability) testing, many quantitative characteristic data usually need to be obtained through individual measurements. However, there is currently no scientific method for determining the appropriate sampling size. The minimum number of testing samples for DUS testing was calculated based on the theory of sample size in descriptive studies and was validated through simple random sampling. The results show that the quantitative characteristics for the edible mushroom Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) in DUS testing were uniform. The calculated results show that 10 fruiting bodies for a single measurement were sufficient. Furthermore, the outcomes of the random sampling revealed that the mean of 10 samples did not significantly differ from the mean of all data. When the sample size exceeded 10, Cohen’s kappa statistic suggested that the conclusion of distinctness was very close to the near-perfect agreement. Reducing the number of samples did not affect the uniform assessment. This study suggests that the theory of sample size in descriptive studies could be applied to calculate the minimum sample size in DUS testing, and for Shiitake DUS testing, measuring 10 fruiting bodies was sufficient.

Morphological characterization of indigenous potato (Solanum tuberosum) genotypes

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the most important non-grained food and vegetable crop lauded for its nutritional and health benefits. Identifying any new potato genotype primarily depends on its morphological traits, including vegetative, floral and tuber parameters. The present study was carried out during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at the research farm of ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, regional station, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh and at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Kufri-Fagu unit, Himachal Pradesh (for floral traits) to evaluate the potato genotypes for vegetative and tuber traits. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Total of 64 indigenous potato genotypes were characterized for 51 morphological traits for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. For all traits, there was a high degree of variability between genotypes. Early maturing varieties are preferred owing to their suitability to fit into the potato-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)- paddy (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system. Most genotypes were either early or medium maturing based on foliage senescence. High variability was observed for tuber shape, i.e. genotypes bearing flattened, round, ovoid, oblong, long-oblong and reniform-shaped tubers were available. Tuber skin and flesh colour determining consumer preference depicted variability from whitish cream to dark purple-black skinned tubers. Novel genotypes bearing variegated tuber flesh with a niche market of specific consumer segments were noticed in genotypes Red flesh, Bareilly red, DRR Blue, Badami aloo and Kala aloo. Moreover, the results obtained from the present investigation indicated that the description of 64 indigenous potato genotypes based on notes can be used as a reference for the protection of new varieties under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Right Act (PPV&FRA) rules as well as a comparison against new candidate varieties.

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.