Dual-purpose Varieties Research Articles

Supply and Demand of Processed Potato Products in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda: Variety Requirements of Processing Companies and Implications for Trait Prioritization for Breeding

AbstractThe potato processing industry in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda is expanding rapidly. This study assesses the current situation and outlook of the local industrial potato processing sector and the alignment of the industry’s variety requirements with the priorities set by breeders. Currently, potato processing companies in the three countries use both varieties selected locally from public international germplasm and varieties introduced by Dutch seed companies, and their suitability for processing is discussed as well. Overall, the processing industry pays high attention to traits affecting processing efficiency and consumers’ acceptance while breeders, in spite of being aware of the characteristics required for processing varieties, are more focused on traits related to production and disease resistance. As the processing sector develops further, breeders will have to pay increased attention to the progressively stricter requirements of the industry, striking the right balance between farmers’ and processors’ variety requirements. While their opinions on the farmers’ acceptability of processing varieties diverge, breeders and industry agree about the challenges represented by the limited access to quality seed and poor business linkages between value chain actors in securing the supply of varieties suitable for processing. Based on these findings, it is recommended to pay more attention to both the development of dual-purpose varieties and the strengthening of the potato value chain through the improvement of business linkages between seed producers, farmers, and processing companies.

Assessment of Growth and Yield Characteristics of a Greenhouse Hybrid and a Dual-Purpose Tomato Cultivar under Different Microclimatic Conditions

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., family Solanaceae) represents one of the most cultivated horticultural crops worldwide. It contains various nutrients, providing health benefits. For better crop management strategies, especially with global warming, it is crucial to investigate how varieties or cultivars bred for different purposes respond to the changing macro or microenvironmental conditions. This research aimed to assess the growth, reproductive development and selected quality parameters of two tomato varieties, ‘Sylviana’ (a greenhouse hybrid) and ‘Bolseno’ (a dual-purpose variety), under a greenhouse environment. The study was conducted in the mid-country wet zone of Sri Lanka where the intensive-control greenhouse (T1) maintained a favourable air temperature (<33°C) for crop growth compared to high daytime temperatures of semi-intensive (T2) and less-intensive (T3) greenhouses (up to 36°C). In ‘Bolseno’, vegetative growth parameters were significantly affected (P<0.05) by different environments but not in ‘Sylviana’ (P>0.05). T1 resulted in the highest mean fruit weight and mean fruit diameter in both varieties. Since ‘Sylviana’ performed well in all three growing environments, the fruit quality was assessed by measuring the antioxidant activity (AOX) and total phenolic content (TPC) using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and Folin–Ciocalteu method, respectively. Significantly higher AOX (P<0.05) was reported in T1 while T2 had a higher TPC. The results revealed that different tomato genotypes respond differently to changes in micro environmental conditions in terms of growth and some reproductive traits, and the same variety grown in different conditions had different TPC and AOX.

Seasonal Effects on Performance of Three Dual-purpose Cowpeas Varieties Production in Sahelian Sandy Soil of Niger

In Niger, cowpea is primarily cultivated under rainfed conditions and therefore often suffers from water stress at the end of its cycle. However, cultivating dual-purpose varieties during the cold dry season can help minimize the effects of water stress and improve cowpea production. A field study was conducted to assess the seasonal effect (cold dry season and rainy season) on the yield of three dual-purpose cowpea varieties `over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. The analysis of the results shows that pod and seed yields during the cold dry season were on average higher than those of the rainy season. The varieties can produce an average of over 4000 kg/ha of seeds during the cold dry season compared to 1770.18 kg/ha during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the varieties produced more haulms than in the cold dry season, with 8217.38 kg/ha and 6163.19 kg/ha, respectively. During the cold dry season, cowpea benefited from low temperatures, which favored increased pod and seed yields. Due to its advantages, cowpea cultivation during the cold dry season should be developed and promoted in Niger.

Whole-genome resequencing reveals the uniqueness of Subei yak.

Subei yak is an essential local yak in the Gansu Province, which genetic resource has recently been discovered. It is a meat-milk dual-purpose variety with high fecundity and relatively stable population genetic structure. However, its population genetic structure and genetic diversity are yet to be reported. Therefore, this study aimed to identify molecular markers of Subei yak genome by whole-genome resequencing, and to analyze the population structure and genetic diversity of Subei yak. This study screened 12,079,496 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers in the 20 Subei yaks genome using whole-genome resequencing technology. Of these SNPs, 32.09% were located in the intronic region of the genome. Principal component analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and population structure analysis revealed that the Subei yak belonged to an independent group in the domestic yak population. A selective clearance analysis was carried out on Subei yak and other domestic yaks, and the genes under positive selection were annotated. The functional enrichment analysis showed that Subei yak possessed prominent selection characteristics in terms of external environment perception, hypoxia adaptation, and muscle development. Furthermore, Subei yak showed excellent muscle fat deposition and meat quality traits. Thus, this study will serve as a reference for discovering population structure, genetic evolution, and other unique traits of Subei yak and for expanding the genetic variation catalog of yaks.

Exploring Hop Varieties with Discriminating Flavan-3-ol Profiles Likely to Improve Color and Colloidal Stability of Beers

While the Saaz aromatic variety remains classified as a total-flavanoid-rich cultivar, no inverse correlation was found between total flavanoids and the α-acid content when the dual-purpose varieties Citra, CTZ, Amarillo, Eureka!, Mandarina Bavaria, Mosaic, Polaris, and Sabro were considered. The levels of hop flavan-3-ol monomers, dimers, and trimers (quantitated by HPLC-MS/MS) appeared strongly influenced by variety and harvest year. On the other hand, the catechin/epicatechin ratio (and B3/B2 ratio) proved stable within the same variety through two successive harvest years. Among the nine herein-investigated varieties, Citra and Saaz displayed notable catechin/epicatechin ratios (>3.7 compared to <1.6 for the others), whereas Polaris exhibited the lowest monomer content (less than 800 mg/kg). These distinctive profiles could impact the colloidal and color stability of hop-forward beers.

Effective Use of Flax Biomass in Biorefining Processes

Flax is one of the few plants that are entirely a source of raw materials for further production. Promising directions for the use of flax biomass may be the production of bioenergy in the form of 2G biofuels and the production of “green” composites. The aim of the study is to compare the biomass of fiber flax, linseed and dual-purpose varieties of cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) susceptibility to the biorefining processes. In the first stage of the research, based on the results of yield structure features and biometric measurements of plants, the most optimal flax line was selected for the fiber flax, linseed and dual purpose. Next, the forms of flax were pretreated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the chemical composition was determined and SEM images were taken. The obtaining of bioethanol process SFF (simultaneous saccharification and fermentation) was carried out. In addition, biodegradable polymers were modified with flax biomass, shapes were prepared, and the rheological and mechanical properties, as well as microbiological activity of biocomposites, were determined. The highest concentration of ethanol (8.72 g·L−1) and the greatest susceptibility to mold fungi of the biocomposites were obtained for the fiber flax variety PET 16/20.

Increasing Millet Planting Density with Appropriate Fertilizer to Enhance Productivity and System Resilience in Senegal

Climate forecasts show increased frequency and intensity of drought in the semi-arid regions of west Africa, which negatively impacts food and nutrition security. Developing and improving resilient cropping systems will require adequate varieties with improved agronomic practices. The purpose of the study was to evaluate grain and biomass production of newly released dual-purpose millet varieties under different fertilizer rates and planting densities across the millet-cropping regions of Senegal with different rainfall regimes (Bambey: 600 mm, Boulel: 700 mm, Nioro: 650 mm, and Sinthiou Malème: 800 mm). The experimental design was a split-split-plot with three replicates using one traditional variety (Souna 3) and four dual-purpose varieties (Thialack 2, SL28, SL 169, and SL423) as the main factor; two planting densities (E1: 12,500 seed hills ha−1 and E2: 25,000 seed hills ha−1) as second factor; and eight fertilizer combination as sub-sub-plots. Results showed that variety yield response differed with environments. Regardless of variety, increasing sowing density increased grain yields (1600 kg ha−1 for E2 vs. 1000 kg ha−1 for E1) and fodder yields (4200 kg ha−1 for E2 vs. 3100 kg ha−1 for E1). Fertilizer response differed between environments, but the application of 70N–10P–19K + 2.5 t ha−1 cow manure produced appreciable yields in all the environments. The dual-purpose varieties (SL 28, SL 169, and Thialack 2) sown at E2 produced the best grain and fodder yields. Soil water content was greater for all varieties (Thialack 2: 12.32%; Souna 3: 5.32%; SL28: 6.32%; and SL423: 9.23%) at higher planting density compared with normal density (Thialack 2: 9.25%; Souna 3: 3.21%; SL28: 5.43%; and SL423: 7.47%). The highest agronomic-use efficiency (AEg) of inorganic fertilizer applied was observed at 25,000 seed hill ha−1 and averaged 6.63 kg kg−1 at Boulel, 9.20 kg kg−1 at Sinthiou Malème, 4.67 kg kg−1 at Bambey, and 8.32 at Nioro kg kg−1. The AEg significantly varied among fertilizer combinations, with greatest AEg obtained with 70N–22.5P–22.5K (5.53 kg kg−1) at Boulel and with 95N–17P–27K (4.66 kg kg−1) at Bambey. This study provides crop-management options for millet-cropping systems in the semi-arid regions of west Africa for improving millet productivity while enhancing system resilience through better conservation and utilizing of soil water.

2021 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Dual-Purpose Variety and Planting Date Trials

Hemp is a broad term used to describe the many varieties of Cannabis sativa L. that produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The crop is globally significant, but only recently was allowed to be grown again in the United States. There are many uses for industrial hemp, and the market for industrial hemp is rapidly growing as more states are legalizing its production. The market for industrial hemp exceeded $205 million in 2020 and could surpass $310 million by 2028 (Global Market Insights Inc., 2020). The main components of the industrial hemp market are oil, seeds, and fiber. Varieties have been selected for improved fiber and grain production that can service these markets. However, little research-based information is available regarding adapt­ability or production of these varieties in Kansas (Griffin et al., 2020; 2021). Hemp could be used to diversify both crop rotations and market opportunities for growers.

The use of wheatgrass (<i>Thinopyrum intermedium</i>) in breeding

Wheatgrass (Th. intermedium) has been traditionally used in wheat breeding for obtaining wheat-wheatgrass hybrids and varieties with introgressions of new genes for economically valuable traits. However, in the 1980s in the United States wheatgrass was selected from among perennial plant species as having promise for domestication and the development of dual-purpose varieties for grain (as an alternative to perennial wheat) and hay. The result of this work was the creation of the wheatgrass varieties Kernza (The Land Institute, Kansas) and MN-Clearwater (University of Minnesota, Minnesota). In Omsk State Agrarian University, the variety Sova was developed by mass selection of the most winter-hardy biotypes with their subsequent combination from the population of wheatgrass obtained from The Land Institute. The average grain yield of the variety Sova is 9.2 dt/ha, green mass is 210.0 dt/ ha, and hay is 71.0 dt/ha. Wheatgrass is a crop with a large production potential, benef icial environmental properties, and valuable grain for functional food. Many publications show the advantages of growing the Kernza variety compared to annual crops in reducing groundwater nitrate contamination, increasing soil carbon sequestration, and reducing energy and economic costs. However, breeding programs for domestication of perennial crops are very limited in Russia. This paper presents an overview of main tasks faced by breeders, aimed at enhancing the yield and cultivating wheatgrass eff iciency as a perennial grain and fodder crop. To address them, both traditional and modern biotechnological and molecular cytogenetic approaches are used. The most important task is to transfer target genes of Th. intermedium to modern wheat varieties and decrease the level of chromatin carrying undesirable genes of the wild relative. The f irst consensus map of wheatgrass containing 10,029 markers was obtained, which is important for searching for genes and their introgressions to the wheat genome. The results of research on the nutritional and technological properties of wheatgrass grain for the development of food products as well as the differences in the quality of wheatgrass grain and wheat grain are presented.

Evaluation of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.] lines for high grain and fodder yields in the dry season of Niger republic

Cowpea grains constitute a nutritious food to humans, while resource-poor farmers use its fodder and shell in fattening livestock during the dry season in Niger. Owing to the high price of these commodities, especially in the hot, dry season, the development and adoption of dual-purpose varieties adapted that period may significantly lower the cost of cowpea products to farmers. To that end, 12 cowpea genotypes were evaluated for high grain and forage yield at three INRAN research stations during the hot, dry season of 2021. The data collected were analyzed with R software and the results revealed significant differences among genotypes for grain and fodder yields. IN17_142 and IN15_62 turned out to be the best performing cultivars with 1198.3 kg/ha and 1187.5 kg/ha as mean grain yield and 3790.0 kg/ha and 3542.0 kg/ha in terms of mean fodder yield. However, above 2 and 6 tons mean grain and fodder yields per hectare were recorded by each of these two genotypes at Maradi. High positive relationships were detected between grain and fodder yields, as a result, the winning lines are the same for the two traits. Dual-purpose varieties suited for cowpea production in the hot dry season of Niger are detected in this work and its adoption by farmers may help boost the production.

Evaluation and Characterization of High Yielding Cassava Mosaic Resistant Variety YTP2

The cassava variety YTP2 (Me 681) has been developed through selection from Thondamuthur type at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, TNAU, Yethapur. The performance of YTP2 in the Adaptive Research Trial (ART) and On Farm Trial (OFT) in the farmer’s field inferred that this new variety is well adapted to cassava growing districts of Tamil Nadu. In addition to the above, YTP2 was found to be resistant to cassava mosaic disease incidence (CMD). Plants are erect, medium growing and non-branching type and suitable for growing under irrigated and rainfed conditions. The internodal length is shorter and the leaf size is medium with sufficient canopy. The leaves of the plants droop down to reduce the transpiration loss which is more advantageous to overcome or escape from drought and heat stress during summer season. It is a dual purpose variety wherein the tubers contain high starch content which is much favourable for the manufacture of starch, sago and also suited for table purpose. The overall performance of this variety showed higher tuber yield (42.20 t ha-1) and starch content (28.40%) which is 15.94% and 18.20% increase over the check varieties YTP1 and H226 respectively. The results of DNA fingerprint data involving SSR markers (SSRY235, NS169 and NS928) showed that it is genetically distinct from the existing commercial varieties viz., YTP1, H226 and Sree Athulya.

Agronomic Assessment of Fibrous Flax and Linseed Advanced Breeding Lines as Potential New Varieties

The aim of the study was to determine the breeding value of advanced lines of fibrous flax and oilseed flax (linseed) on the basis of comparative experiments with reference varieties. In field experiments conducted in 2019–2020, the HDH line of fibrous flax and the R26 linseed line were assessed in terms of significant phenotypic traits and also traits affecting the yield structure. Due to the fundamentally different weather conditions in the growing seasons of 2019 and 2020, it was also possible to determine the susceptibility of the studied genotypes of flax to climatic stress factors. The obtained results showed the high breeding value of the HDH line as a potential new variety of fibrous flax. The R26 line did not exceed the reference varieties in terms of the traits essential for the oily form of the cultivated flax cultivars, but it was characterized by a favorable morphological and yield-forming structure for dual purpose varieties. Moreover, both assessed lines showed high resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions.

Adoption of dual-purpose sweetpotato varieties under partial population exposure in Rwanda: Insights from an African plant breeding programme

As part of the Green Revolution, plant breeding programmes such as the African Centre for Crop Improvement have trained scientists to breed crop varieties in Africa to address the challenges of low productivity. However, exposure to and adoption of these varieties is somewhat modest, and there is also a scarcity of empirical studies on the drivers of exposure and adoption. Using data from Rwanda, the counterfactual treatment effect framework was used to estimate observed and potential adoption rates, as well as the drivers of exposure and adoption of dual-purpose sweetpotato varieties bred for both food and feed, under partial exposure to information. The results show that if the entire target farming population had been aware of the varieties, the adoption rate could have been up to 70% instead of the observed rate of 42%, indicating a 28% adoption gap due to partial diffusion. The findings indicate that once these varieties have been exposed, there is scope for further expansion of their cultivation. Key drivers of variety exposure and adoption include membership of farmer groups, participation in demonstration fields, and access to extension services. Thus, conscious efforts to minimize information constraints are a prerequisite for unlocking this adoption puzzle.

Evaluation of chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of stovers of different pearl millet varieties and their effect on the performance of sheep in the West African Sahel

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of residues of five pearl millet varieties and to investigate their effect on the performance of sheep. Thirty castrated male Bali-Bali sheep were randomly assigned to five treatments. Four dual-purpose millet varieties and one local variety-Somno were used. Sheep were fed ad libitum for 90 days with the stover of five millet varieties, complemented with cowpea hay. Stover of varieties ICMV167005 and ICMV167002 showed a tendency for a higher nitrogen content (1.0%) and in vitro digestibility (51.3% and 51.8%, respectively) compared to stover of other varieties. Significant differences were observed in average daily live weight gain. The animals fed with stover of the variety ICMV167005 in their diet had higher average daily live weight gain compared with others. We conclude that ICMV167005 is a promising variety for improving the productive performance of sheep.

Phenotypic plasticity of plant traits contributing to grain and biomass yield of dual-purpose sorghum.

Plant traits of interest for sorghum breeders to develop dual-purpose varieties are stem diameter, flag leaf size, crop cycle, and number of grains per panicle. To develop dual-purpose varieties, breeders need to improve traits linked both to grain and biomass production. To identify these traits, we studied the phenotypic plasticity of eighteen traits and the performance of ten contrasting sorghum genotypes, used in West Africa. Trials were carried out in a randomized complete blocks design with four replicates from 2013 to 2016 in Bambey, Sinthiou Malem and Nioro du Rip in Senegal. The results revealed three plant types. The first type, "biomass production", contained genotypes IS15401 and SK5912, and was linked to cycle duration, leaf area, and plant height. The second type, "grain production", grouped the caudatum race sorghum 621B, F2-20 and Soumba, and was associated with the number of grains per panicle and the width of the flag leaf. The third group, "dual-purpose", corresponding to the genotypes Fadda, Nieleni and Pablo, combined some favourable traits for grain and biomass: stem diameter, internode length, number of green leaves and number of grains per panicle. The study showed that high and stable grain yields were associated with stability in flag leaf size, phenology and number of grains per panicle, and a high and stable biomass yield was associated with stability in stem diameter. Those stable plant traits might be of interest for sorghum breeders selecting to develop dual-purpose varieties.

Genetic Studies on Growth Traits in Rajasri Variety of Backyard Chicken

Background: Rajasri, a synthetic dual purpose variety suitable for backyard rearing. The current study was aimed to study the inheritance of Rajasri birds. Methods: This study was carried out during April 2019 to August 2019 at poultry research station, Hyderabad. Data collected on 6980 chicks produced from 220 sires and 660 dams in half sib mating in 4 hatches were utilized to estimate the genetic parameters.Result: Highly significant (P≤0.01) influence of hatch and sex on body weights and average daily gains and shank length was observed. The overall least-squares means of body weights at birth, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 weeks of age were 32.35±0.4, 80.87±0.17, 184.29 ±0.44, 351.49±0.76, 576.16±1.10, 741.31±0.97, 878.03±0.91, 1038.9±0.91, 1160.61±0.99, 1271.59±1.27 and 1370.64±1.72g and shank length at 4 and 6 weeks of age were 47.49±0.05 and 62.18±0.06 mm, respectively. The overall least-square means of average daily gain peaks at 6-8 weeks age. Heritability estimates of body weights through sire component ranged from 0.04±0.016 (BW20) to 0.44±0.05 (BW0). Genetic and phenotypic correlations among body weights were ranged from 0.02±0.14 (BW6-BW14) to 0.98±0.01 (BW16-BW18) and 0.003±0.01 (BW2-BW20) to 0.93±0.01 (BW18-BW20), respectively.

Assessment of the roles and farmer-preferred traits of sweetpotato in a crop-livestock farming system in Rwanda: implications for breeding dual-purpose varieties

Abstract In Rwanda, sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) is a highly valued crop in a crop-livestock mixed farming system. The objective of this study was to assess the role of sweetpotato in the crop-livestock farming system, to identify farmer-preferred traits, and to establish farmer-led priorities in breeding dual-purpose varieties (DPVs) in Rwanda. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) study was conducted in three selected districts of Rwanda, namely, Bugesera, Huye, and Nyagatare. Data on the uses of sweetpotato and farmers’ trait preferences in sweetpotato varieties were collected and analysed. In Huye District, a high percent (56.7%) of respondents consumed sweetpotato every day, followed by Nyagatare with 53.3% consuming it at least twice a week. Most farmers (52.2%) used sweetpotato vines for livestock feed, depending on their availability. All respondents wanted to grow new sweetpotato varieties with improved root production combined with high aboveground biomass. About 87.7, 66.6, 56.6, and 51.1% of the respondents indicated that root-related traits of the crop such as high dry matter content (DMC), red skin colour, marketable root size, and yellow flesh colour were additional preferred traits, respectively. Therefore, farmers-preferred DPVs with improved root and green fodder yields could be developed to enhance the sustainable production and adoption of sweetpotato in a mixed farming system in Rwanda.

Performance of dual-purpose pearl millet genotypes in West Africa: Importance of morphology and phenology

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a cereal crop vital for food security in West and Central Africa. Its byproducts also serve as fodder for livestock, especially during dry seasons. The objective of this study was to evaluate selected genotypes from West African pearl millet breeding programmes, for dual-purpose (grain and fodder) and elucidate prospects for future breeding. A total of 83 open-pollinated varieties (OPVs), five composites, six landraces, one synthetic and five hybrids were evaluated at 14 environments in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal during the rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. Combined analysis of data revealed significant differences among genotypes and prevalence of high genotype-by-environment interaction effects. Two stability analyses models consistently indicated that genotypes 10 (SMILBF10), 14 (SMILBF14) and 39 (SMILML5) were widely adaptable across the region. Plant height, panicle length and panicle yield showed significant positive correlations with grain yield; while days to flowering was negatively correlated. Positive correlation between grain and fodder yields indicate possibility for simultaneous improvement involving the two important traits. This result suggests that germplasm exchange and regionally integrated breeding programmes are important for the identification of widely adapted dual-purpose varieties of pearl millet, particularly in West African drylands.

Food security impacts of smallholder farmers’ adoption of dual-purpose sweetpotato varieties in Rwanda

Many empirical studies have recognized the importance of using improved crop varieties to tackle the challenges of low productivity, poverty, hunger, and food insecurity. Nevertheless, the size of the effect of any crop variety, such as dual-purpose sweetpotatoes developed for both food and animal feed, adopted by the target groups remains an empiric concern. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of adoption of dual-purpose sweetpotato varieties and, subsequently, estimate the extent to which adoption impacts household food security status. To establish causation, we used an endogenous switching probit to reduce the selection bias resulting from both observed and unobserved characteristics. The results of the adoption analysis indicate a low level of adoption (42%), and factors such as sex of the respondent, primary occupation, farm size, membership of social group, and a visit to farm demonstrations play significant roles in shaping farmers’ decision to adopt the dual-purpose sweetpotato varieties. Furthermore, the findings indicate that food insecurity continues among rural farming households, although a large proportion (63%) experiences mild food insecurity to food security. Generally, the adoption of dual-purpose sweetpotato has a positive impact on food security of the adopters, and the non-adopters would have benefited substantially from adoption if they had adopted. Thus, sweetpotato being a staple crop in Rwanda has a strong effect on the households’ food security status. Therefore, it implies the need to pursue efforts to intensify the growth of dual-purpose sweetpotato by poor rural households facing the dual problem of access and nutrition for food security and not having the means to afford food supplements.

Evaluation of Growth, Carcass and Meat Quality of a Two-way Cross Developed for Rural Poultry Farming

Background: Rural poultry farming with improved dual purpose chicken varieties is fast growing in the country. The meat quality of cocks and its acceptance by the consumer is important for its propagation as dual purpose variety. The two way cross produced by PD-1 xPD-4 (improved Aseel) was evaluated for growth, carcass and meat quality.Metohds: The growth, carcass and meat quality traits were evaluated in a two way cross developed and propagated for rural poultry farming at ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The data collected on 232 birds for growth, 40 birds for carcass and 20 birds for meat quality were utilized for the study. Result: The body weight and shank length significantly (P£0.05) differed between the sexes from six weeks onwards with higher (P£0.05) body weights and longer shanks in males. The six week body weight and shank length were 578.23±8.22g and 78.93±6.22 mm in males and 548.28±7.20 g and 76.15±5.28 mm in females, respectively. The Least squares means for body weight at 12 weeks of age in males and females were 1652.61±21.49 and 1367.86 ±14.99 g, respectively. Males had strong legs with significantly (P£0.05) high proportion of thigh meat. The effect of sex was non-significant on Dressing percentage (DP), neck, back and breast meat proportions. The DP was 71.12±0.22% in males and 72.51±0.43 % in females, respectively. The bone proportion was higher (P£0.05) in males. Abdominal fat proportion was significantly (P£0.05) higher in pullets. Feather proportion was higher (P£0.05) in males. Sex did not show any significant variation on the pH, Shear force value (SFV) and Hydroxy Proline (HP) values. The yellowness (b*) differed (P£0.05) between the sexes and it was lower in males. The fat and moisture content differed significantly (P£0.05) between the sexes. Fat proportion was higher (P£0.05) in females (3.57±0.05) than in males (2.97±0.01). Protein and ash proportions were similar in both the sexes. The sensory attributes ranged from 6.55 to 7.15 on an eight point scale in two-way cross meat indicating better consumer acceptability. The study concluded that, two-way cross with ideal growth, carcass and optimum meat quality and reasonable consumer acceptability may be a suitable variety for propagating in rural and tribal areas under free range backyard conditions.