Genotype Pusa Research Articles

Influence of Temperature on the Pathogenesis and Gene Expression of Rhizoctonia solani Causing Web Blight/Wet Root Rot Disease in Mungbean

Background: Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilzeck) is one of the most important pulse crops and grown in almost all parts of the India. Web blight/wet root rot disease of mungbean is caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn. Crop environmental factors plays a vital role in the development of web blight disease caused by R. solani. An understanding of the role of environmental factors on the infection and survival of the pathogen is necessary to develop disease management practices. Methods: The effect of different temperatures (4oC, 20oC, 25oC, 30oC and 35oC) on mycelial growth of seven different R. solani isolates belonging to different anastomosis group were evaluated under in vitro conditions. Effect of different temperatures on the development of root rot/web blight disease of mungbean was also evaluated under phytotron conditions at various temperatures with constant relative humidity (85%) and illumination (alternate dark and light period of 12 h). Effect of temperatures on the expression of selected pathogenicity related genes was evaluated through real time PCR. Result: Maximum radial growth in R. solani isolates was observed at 25 and 30oC after 48 hrs of incubation. Maximum disease incidence was observed with R. solani isolate RUPU-18 (73.11%) followed by R-17 (68.75%), RDLM-1 (63.45%) at 25oC on mungbean genotype Pusa Vishal. Expression of genes like ABC transporter was observed only at 35oC, while other genes like 1, 3 glucan hydrolase expressed maximum at 25oC after 24, 48 and 72 hrs post inoculation. Present study suggested that the expression of pathogenicity related genes in mungbean-R. solani system is dependent on the temperature and time interval post pathogen inoculation.

Study on genotype x environment interactions and AMMI analysis for agronomic traits in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek.) under rainfed conditions.

In the present study, 23 genotypes of mungbean were evaluated for stability performance under different environments continuously for three years during kharif 2016 (E1), 2017 (E2) and 2018 (E3) under rainfed conditions. Genotype Pusa Vishal exhibited regression coefficient equal to unity with non-significant deviation from regression coefficient and hence showed wider adaptability under poor or good environments. Genotype EC520016 showed earliness in maturity with wider adaptability. Environmental indices indicated that environment E2 and E3 were most favourable for yield and majority of yield attributing traits, whereas E3 alone was important for seed yield/plant and no. of seeds/pod. Based on AMMI models, Pusa Vishal, PD139, IPM2-3, IPM2057 and PML2-14 showed higher IPCA scores coupled with high population mean in E3. AMMI2 analysis indicated ML2056, and K851 with high IPCA1 in E3 whereas IPM99-125, BM63 and PM2-14 with high IPCA2 in the same environment. Genotypes which positioned very close to centre point and are least affected by G x E interactions while those presented away from the point of centre are more affected by G x E interactions and hence not stable. Identified genotypes may be utilized in improvement programme of Vigna radiata for targeted environments.

Antioxidant, physiological and biochemical responses of drought susceptible and drought tolerant mustard (Brassica juncea L) genotypes to rhizobacterial inoculation under water deficit stress

Response of drought susceptible (DS) genotype Pusa Karishma LES-39 and drought tolerant (DT) mustard genotype NPJ-124, to rhizobacterial inoculation under water deficit stress, was compared in the present study to determine the influence of inoculants on biochemical and physiological attributes of these two different genotypes. Inoculation was observed to improve root and shoot dry weight in both the genotypes, although better results were observed in the DS genotype. There was variation in the response of the two genotypes to rhizobacterial inoculation, under water deficit stress. Significant improvement in most of the physiological and biochemical parameters including antioxidative enzyme activities of the DS genotype; with concomitant decrease in starch content, accumulation of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation upon inoculation of rhizobacteria was observed. In contrast, there was improvement in only few physiological and biochemical parameters in the DT genotype in response to inoculation with rhizobacteria. There was significant increase in catalase enzyme activity along with concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation. Thus, drought susceptibility of the mustard genotypes, NPJ-124 and Pusa Karishma LES-39, determined their physiological, biochemical and antioxidative responses to rhizobacterial inoculation under water deficit stress. Expression of drought stress responsive genes belonging to ABA-dependent (RD20 and RD26) and ABA-independent (DREB2 and DREB1-2) pathways was studied in the DS genotype. Expression of DREB2 and DREB1-2 genes was considerably enhanced due to inoculation under water deficit stress; indicating that in Bacillus-mediated priming for drought stress tolerance, in this genotype, ABA-independent pathway probably played key role in enhancing tolerance to drought stress.

Field screening of different genotypes of bitter gourd for infestation with the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) in two agro-climatic zones of West Bengal, India

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) also known as bitter melon being rich in folate and vitamin C is one of the most popular cucurbitaceous vegetables grown extensively in the tropics and subtropics especially in India. Besides its numerous culinary preparations, it has immense medicinal properties as well as ornamental uses. The fast growing vines and creepers of bitter gourd attract a number of insect pests of which fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae Coq.) is the most destructive due to difficulties associated with its chemical control as the maggots remain and feed inside the fruits, protected from direct contact with insecticides. Therefore, exploration of alternative control measures for this pest is crucial and identification of promising resistance genotypes could be the effective option. Considering the above aspects in view, twenty five genotypes of bitter gourd (M. charantia L.) were preliminary screened under field condition to study their susceptibility against the infestation of melon fruit fly, B. cucurbitae (Coq.) in two agro-climatic zones of West Bengal, India. Based on the performance of preliminary screening, nine genotypes were selected for final screening. The experiment on preliminary screening was conducted at Kalyani, Nadia (Gangetic Alluvial zone) and Sekhampur, Birbhum (Red and Laterite zone) during spring-summer season of 2016 and 2017 while the final screening was done in 2018. Results of the study revealed that percent fruit infestation and larval density per fruit varied significantly in all the tested genotypes and none of the genotypes were free of infestation with B. cucurbitae. During preliminary screening, the pooled data of mean percent fruit infestation of two years at two locations showed that infestation of melon fruit fly was significantly lower in the genotype US-6214 (14.50%) with larval density of 3.63 larvae per fruit followed by Meghnad-2 (16.50% and 4.08 larvae per fruit). Highest mean percent fruit infestation was recorded in the genotype Pusa Do Mausami (69.67%) with larval density of 10.77 larvae per fruit followed by Diamond Bolder (60.67% and 8.13 larvae per fruit) and were categorized as susceptible. Out of the twenty five genotypes of bitter gourd tested, six genotypes were classified as resistant, eleven genotypes as moderately resistant and eight genotypes as susceptible against melon fruit fly infestation. The mean data of the final screening at two locations revealed that US-6214 and Meghnad-2 recorded significantly low percent fruit infestation (14.35% and 16.33%) with 3.85 and 4.37 larvae per fruit while Pusa Do Mausami had the highest infestation and larval density (63.67% and 10.36 larvae per fruit). These findings suggest that US-6214 and Meghnad-2 may be utilized in resistance breeding programmes against melon fruit fly.

Genetic and principal component analysis for agro-morphological traits, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity variation in breeding lines of early Indian cauliflower and their suitability for breeding

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to evaluate 16 early Indian cauliflower genotypes for agro-morphological traits, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Analysis of variance, cluster analyses, and principal components analysis (PCA) elucidated patterns of variation among the genotypes. The genotype CC 12 exhibited highest marketable curd weight (450 g). Curd sinigrin varied from 3.29 to 16.37 µmol 100g−1 FW with maximum in DC 41–5. Total antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC and FRAP) ranged from 8.87 to 24.24 mg GAE 100g−1 and 11.71 to 34.00 mg GAE 100g−1 FW, respectively. The Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters with highest GCV, PCV and high heritability value for sinigrin content in curd. D2 statistics classified the genotypes into three clusters where genotypes in cluster I had high sinigrin both in curd and leaf. The PCA revealed that first principal component (PC1) contributed 47.86% of total variation whereas, second principal component (PC2) contributed 35.14%. The genotypes Pusa Deepali, Selection 71, and CC 13 could be used in breeding programme for higher yield and bioactive compounds.

Histopathological Studies of Rhizoctonia solani Infection Process in Different Cultivars of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Aerial/web blight of mungbean is caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. The infection process of R. solani was studied on the leaves of susceptible (Pusa Vishal) and resistant (Hum-1) cultivars of mungbean. Leaves and stem of 21 days old cultivars of mungbean were inoculated with the mycelium of freshly growing culture (2 mm) of R. solani isolate (RDLM1) and incubated at 28 °C for different time intervals (3, 6, 18 and 24 h). On the susceptible genotype Pusa Vishal, infection cushions and necrotic lesions were developed after 18 h of inoculation. However, on the resistant genotype Hum-1 no lesions were visible till 24 h of inoculation. The hyphae of R. solani were observed penetrating through two ways (1) direct penetration-by swollen hyphae, lobate appressorium and infection cushion, (2) indirect-stomatal penetration. Differences were also observed in number of infection cushion formed in susceptible (45.37) and resistant (30.87) genotypes after 18 h of inoculation. Typical lesion formation after 18 h of inoculation on susceptible genotype was also validated in KPM-32, KPM-33, KPM-36, KPM-37, KPM-38, KPM-39, KPM-42, KPM-43, IPM-09-3 and IPM-02-3 genotypes of mungbean. Clear cut differences were also observed in transverse section of stem after 18 h of inoculation, where maximum colonization of stem was observed on cortex pith region.

SCREENING OF CERTAIN GREEN GRAM, VIGNA RADIATA GENOTYPES AGAINST SUCKING INSECT PESTS

The twenty genotypes of green gram namely Pant M4, ML 2410 , VGG 15-030, KM 2349, ML 818, Pusa 1671, Pusa 1672, Pant M6, PM 11-26, SML 1811, COGG 912, RMG 1092, PM 11-25, AKM 12-24, IGKM 06.26.5, RMG 1087, VGG 10-008, IGKM 05- 18-2, AKM 12-14, HUM-12 were raised under natural condition to study the population build-up of major sucking insect pests viz., Bemisia tabaci, Empoasca kerri, Caliothrips indicus on green gram. The results of present investigation revealed that maximum population of B. tabaci was recorded on the genotype ML 2410 (3.20 whitefly/split cage) followed by genotype PM 11- 25 (3.07 whitefly/split cage) and minimum in genotype RMG 1087 (1.38 whitefly/split cage) followed by genotype AKM 12-24 (1.67 whitefly/split cage). The maximum jassid population was recorded on genotype VGG 15-030 (3.41 jassid/ split cage) followed by genotype ML 2410 (2.92 jassid/ split cage) and minimum on genotype AKM 12-24 (1.63 jassid/split cage) followed by genotype AKM 12-14 (1.70 jassid/ split cage). The genotype PM 11-26 (2.06 thrips/5 flowers) showed maximum infestation of thrips followed by genotype Pusa 1671 (1.94 thrips/5 flowers) and minimum in genotype VGG 15-030 (0.21 thrips / 5 flowers) followed by genotype COGG 912 (0.45thrips / 5 flowers). The maximum yield was recorded in genotype VGG 10-008 (7.67 q/ ha), followed by genotype HUM 12 (7.33 q/ha) and minimum in COGG 912 (2.67 q/ha), followed by genotype VGG 15-030 (3.00 q/ha).

Screening of Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) genotypes for aluminium tolerance

The present investigation was carried out to screen the dolichos bean genotypes for aluminium tolerance. The experiment was laid out in a factorial completely randomized design with 2 factors (20 genotypes with four aluminium concentration of 0, 15, 30, 45 mg of Al/kg soil) with three replications. Main effect and interaction effects were studied for vine length, root length, root tolerance index, root dry matter, shoot dry matter, leaf dry matter, total dry matter and extractable aluminium in soil at 4th week after sowing whereas the pod weight, pod length and yield were observed at harvesting stage. The genotypes and aluminium treatment showed significant difference for all the studied parameters. The interaction effect was also found to be significant for all the characters except for vine length. From the present study it was concluded that genotypes Pusa Sem 3, G2 and G4 were tolerant to aluminium toxicity upto 45 mg Al/kg as well as high yielding.

Analysis of greengram genotypes based on morpho-physiological, biochemical attributes and seed yield in relation to growing season

The study was conducted during kharif and summer seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 with twenty genotypes of greengram. The mean monthly soil moisture content was 23.46 per cent for kharif season and 12.95 per cent for summer season. Significant variations in morpho-physiological, biochemical attributes and seed yield were recorded in all the genotypes. The genotype Pusa Baisakhi was found to be the highest seed yielder during kharif season which was followed by Pant Moong 4, Pratap, SGC 25 and SGC 20. The genotype Pusa Baisakhi showed the highest value for leaf area per plant, in vivo leaf nitrate reductase activity, leaf photosynthetic rate, total dry matter content per plant and number of pods per plant. On the other hand, during summer season the genotype SGC 25 was found to be the highest seed yielder followed by SGC 20, Pusa Baisakhi, Pant Moong 4 and Pratap. The genotype SGC 25 was found to record highest value for number of branches per plant, total leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, leaf photosynthetic rate and number of pods per plant. On an average during kharif season 27.21 per cent higher seed yield could be obtained compared to that of summer season.

Effect of qGN4.1 QTL for Grain Number per Panicle in Genetic Backgrounds of Twelve Different Mega Varieties of Rice

BackgroundRice is a major source of food, particularly for the growing Asian population; hence, the utilization of genes for enhancing its yield potential is important for ensuring food security. Earlier, we have mapped a major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the grain number per panicle, qGN4.1, using biparental recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations involving a new plant type Indica rice genotype Pusa 1266. Later, three independent studies have confirmed the presence of a major QTL for spikelet number by three different names (SPIKE, GPS and LSCHL4) in the same chromosomal region, and have implicated the overexpression of Nal1 gene as the causal factor for high spikelet number. However, the effect of qGN4.1 in different rice genetic backgrounds and expression levels of the underlying candidate genes is not known.ResultsHere, we report the effect of qGN4.1 QTL in the genetic backgrounds of 12 different high-yielding mega varieties of rice, introgressed by marker assisted-backcross breeding (MABB) using two QTL positive markers for foreground selection and two QTL negative flanking markers for recombinant selection together with phenotypic selection for the recovery of recipient parent genetic background. Analysis of the performance of BC2F3 plants showed a significant increase in the average number of well-filled grains per panicle in all the backgrounds, ranging from 21.6 in CSR 30-GN4.1 to 147.6 in Samba Mahsuri-GN4.1. Furthermore, qGN4.1 caused a significant increase in flag leaf width and panicle branching in most backgrounds. We identified BC3F3qGN4.1 near-isogenic lines (NILs) with 92.0–98.0% similarity to the respective recipient parent by background analysis using a 50 K rice SNP genotyping chip. Three of the NILs, namely Pusa Basmati 1121-GN4.1, Samba Mahsuri-GN4.1 and Swarna-GN4.1, showed a significant yield superiority to their recipient parents. Analysis of differential gene expression revealed that high grain number in these QTL-NILs was unlikely due to the overexpression of Nal1 gene (LOC_Os04g52479). Instead, another tightly linked gene (LOC_Os04g52590) coding for a protein kinase domain-containing protein was consistently overexpressed in the high grain number NILs.ConclusionWe have successfully introgressed the qGN4.1 QTL for high grain number per panicle into 12 different mega varieties of rice using marker-assisted backcross breeding. The advanced near-isogenic lines are promising for the development of even higher yielding versions of these high-yielding mega varieties of rice.

Sulfur-Use-Efficiency Evaluation in Brassica juncea Genotypes under Salinity Stress

This study aimed to evaluate the sulfur (S)-use-efficiency (SUE) in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes (Pusa Agrani, PM 25 Bj, PM 27 Bj, PM 28 Bj, Pusa Jagannath and Pusa Vijay) exposed to salinity (0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl). Biomarkers used for testing SUE were traits for photosynthesis, growth and oxidative stress and the levels of cystine and reduced glutathione (GSH), redox GSH/GSSG ratio and the activity of glutathione reductase (GR). Maximum significant reductions in photosynthetic traits such as photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 and Fv/Fm, and growth traits (plant dry mass and leaf area) were observed with 100 mM NaCl. The same salinity level significantly elevated oxidative stress traits in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and H2O2 content. However, 100 mM NaCl-accrued decreases in photosynthetic, growth and oxidative traits were maximum in B. juncea genotype Pusa Agrani and the minimum in B. juncea, Pusa Vijay. In addition, B. juncea genotype Pusa Vijay and B. juncea genotype Pusa Agrani exhibited, respectively, the highest and the lowest SUE and the levels of cysteine, GSH and redox GSH/GSSG ratio and GR activity at both 50 and 100 mM NaCl.

Chemical Composition and Energy Yield of Elephant-Grass Biomass as Function of Five Different Production Ages

Elephant grass has high biomass production, with qualities suitable for conversion into bioenergy, but has long been used exclusively for animal feed and only in recent years has it become an energetic alternative. Therefore, it is necessary to select genotypes with potential for energy production. This study evaluated the effect of five harvest times (8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks) on the yield and chemical composition related to biomass quality through combined polynomial regression analyses of the following elephant grass genotypes: Cubano Pinda, Mercker 86-México, Pusa Napier n°1, Mole de Volta Grande, P-241-Piracicaba, and King Grass. A completely randomized design with three replicates, in a split-plot arrangement, was adopted, including two factors (plots = genotypes, subplots = harvest times). The evaluated variables were whole-plant dry matter yield, in t ha-1 (DMY), percentage of neutral detergent fiber (%NDF), and percentage of acid detergent fiber (%ADF). The elephant-grass genotypes Cubano de Pinda, Mercker 86-México, and P-241-Piracicaba showed a linear first-degree effect as a function of the harvest intervals, indicating that they did not reach their maximum production potential. Genotypes Pusa Napier n°1, Mole de Volta Grande, and King Grass, in turn, had a linear second-degree effect. For the NDF variable, all genotypes showed a significant linear second-degree effect as a function of the harvest intervals, except P-241-Piracicaba, for which no regression was observed. For this genotype, there was a significant linear first-degree effect on the %ADF variable.

Evaluation of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes for heat tolerance: a physiological assessment

A field experiment was carried out in factorial randomized block design to evaluate 56 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes for high temperature tolerance. High temperature was imposed by delaying sowing dates i.e. normal (9th November) and late sowing (19th December). Under late sown condition, high temperature was experienced by crop starting from flowering stage to crop maturity (during this period maximum temperature ranged from 25 to 40 °C). Chickpea genotypes were assessed based on various physiological tests. A significant genotypic variability was recorded in relative water content, membrane stability index, canopy temperature depression (CTD), photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic rate (PN), canopy photosynthesis, growth, and yield based indices. In general, late sown high temperature stress condition significantly reduced all the physiological, growth and yield parameters except CTD. For each trait promising genotypes under late sown (high temperature) condition were identified. Furthermore, photosynthetic pigment profile under late sown high temperature condition at podding stage was analyzed using thin layer chromatography and that also revealed the genotypic variations. Tolerant genotypes in general maintained darker bands and also showed more number of photosynthetic pigments than relatively sensitive ones. In addition to this, total carotenoids content, under late sown condition at podding stage exhibited significant positive association with heat tolerance index (HTI), CTD, rate of photosynthesis and total chlorophyll content. That in turn indicated that higher level of total carotenoids played important role to maintain heat tolerance under late sown high temperature condition by protecting the photosynthetic machinery. In general, genotypes identified for high temperature tolerance based on HTI, heat susceptibility index (HSI) and heat yield stability index (HYSI), also had better physiological performance as evident from higher values of almost all physiological parameters recorded during the present study. Further, on the basis of all over performance, eight genotypes Pusa 1103, Pusa 1003, KWR 108, BGM 408, BG 240, PG 95333, JG 14, BG 1077 proved to be high temperature tolerant (HSI ≤ 0.9, HTI ≥ 0.59 and HYSI ≥ 50%).

Screening of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] genotypes for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration potential

Twenty two soybean genotypes were evaluated for the capacity of embryo initiation, differentiation, maturation and plantlet regeneration using standardized protocols. Among the genotypes, Bragg was to have high response to induction with 91.11% and average 38.40 embryos/callus mass), proliferation (89.47%) and differentiation (78.95%) however, SL 688 gave the highest maturation frequency (91.57%). Highest somatic embryogenesis germination was recorded in SL 525 (85.67%) whereas, highest survival was observed in JS 335 (82.22%). Genotype Pusa 37 gave the poor response. Fifteen genotypes which were identified as responsive were Bragg, Bragg-Palampur, Pusa 5, Pusa 12, Pusa 14, Pusa 16, Pusa 24, Pusa 40, Pusa 9814, SL 688, SL 525, SL 979, SL 958, DS 2706 and DS 2708. The study thus open up vistas for efficient transgenic plant development in soybean.

Genetic variability in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss)

The data were recorded on five random selected plants for 12 quantitative characters and statistical analyzed. The analysis of variance for all the twelve characters is showed the mean square due to genotypes was highly significant. The mean values of various characters like days to 50 per cent flowering were recorded maximum for genotype IC560719 and Pusa Karishma (84.00 days)with mean 69.08 days The maximum days to 75% maturity were observed in IC-560700 genotype (142.00 days) with a mean of 135.07 days. The plant height highest recorded in the genotype IC-560696 (217.60 cm) with mean of 188.14 cm. The maximum number of primary branches per plant (16.47) was recorded in the genotype NPJ-113 with mean of 10.13. The genotype NPJ-113 produced maximum number of secondary branches per plant (35.47) with mean of 19.78. The maximum length of siliqua was recorded for Kranti (7.03) with mean of 5.24cm. The maximum number of seeds per siliqua was recorded in Kranti genotype (19.13) with mean value 14.91. The maximum 1000-seed weight recorded 5.57g for Pusa Jai Kisan with mean wt. 3.96 g. Pusa Mustard-21 produced highest biological yield (191.13g) with mean 79.00g. The genotype Pusa Jagannath had maximum harvest index (30.98%) with mean value 23.87%. The oil content in mustard maximum in 42.00 % were recorded in Pusa Agrani with mean oil content was 39.16 percent. The genotype Pusa Mustard-21 showed highest seed yield per plant (47.00g) with a mean seed yield of 18.58. The higher heritability estimates in broad sense for biological yield per plant (99.6%), number of primary branches per plant (91.4%), number of secondary branches per plant (98.4) plant height (99.2%), 1000-seed weight (99.4%) and days to 50 per cent flowering (98.5). Expected genetic advance at 5% selection intensity was recorded higher for biological yield per plant (71.60) and number secondary branches per plant (10.87).

Antioxidant response and proteomic modulations in Indian mustard grown under salt stress

Productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. and Coss.) is markedly reduced by salt stress. To develop salt tolerance in this important oilseed crop is a need of the hour. This study, based on analysis of growth parameters and antioxidant profile of fourteen Indian mustard genotypes treated with 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM of sodium chloride, was performed to identify the salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant genotypes. Salinity stress inhibited biomass accumulation and reduced the protein and chlorophyll contents in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction was the highest in genotype Pusa Agrani and lowest in CS-54, depicting their contrasting sensitivity to salt stress. Salt treatments triggered a concentration-dependent overproduction of reactive-oxygen species and a concurrent upregulation of the expression of different antioxidants. Genotype CS-54 showed the least damage and maintained a high antioxidant level with almost each salt treatment, exhibiting its competence to withstand the damage provoked by salinity stress. Genotype Pusa Agrani, on the contrary, depicted a salt-sensitive nature by way of its very high lipid peroxidation and low intensity of antioxidants. These two genotypes were further investigated through gel-based proteomic approach, which resulted in the identification and quantification of 42 salinity-responsive proteins related to different metabolic modifications. Molecular processes, including photosynthesis, redox homeostasis, nitrogen metabolism, ATP synthesis, protein synthesis and degradation, signal transduction and respiratory pathways, have exhibited significant changes. The identified stress-responsive proteins could pave the way to develop salt tolerance in Indian mustard plant, thus sustaining its productivity under salinity.

Development and validation of functional CAPS markers for the FAE genes in Brassica juncea and their use in marker-assisted selection.

Low erucic acid is a major breeding target to improve the edible oil quality in Brassica juncea. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in fatty acid elongase 1 (FAE1.1 and FAE1.2) gene was exploited to expedite the breeding program. The paralogs of FAE1 gene were sequenced from low erucic acid genotype Pusa Mustard 30 and SNPs were identified through homologous alignment with sequence downloaded from NCBI GenBank. Two SNPs in FAE1.1 at position 591 and 1265 and one in FAE1.2 at 237 were found polymorphic among low and high erucic acid genotypes. These SNPs either create or change the recognition site of restriction enzymes. Transition of a single nucleotide at position 591 and 1265 in FAE1.1, and at position 237 in FAE1.2, leads to a change in the recognition site of Hpy99I, BglII and MnlI restriction enzymes, respectively. Two CAPS markers for FAE1.1 and one for FAE1.2 were developed to differentiate low and high erucic acid genotypes. The efficiency of these CAPS markers was found 100 per cent when validated in Brassica juncea, and B. nigra genotypes and used in back-cross breeding. These CAPS markers will facilitate in marker-assisted selection for improvement of oil quality in Brassica juncea.

Comparative in vitro multiplication of some grape (Vitis vinifera) genotypes

The objective of the study was to standardize the protocol for effective and mass multiplication of four wine and juice making grape (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes, viz. Pusa Navrang, Hybrid 76-1 (Hur × Cardinal), Pearl of Csaba and Julesky Muscat. Culture initiation was undertaken on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0, 4.0 mg/l benzyl amino purine (BAP) and Kinetin individually and in combination with 0.2 mg/l naphthyl acetic acid (NAA). Explant subcultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0, 4.0 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) singly and in combination with 200 mg/l activated charcoal (AC). The rooted plants (30-day-old) were hardened using rooting medium consisting of coco peat + vermiculite + perlite (2:1:1). Among the different growth regulators tried for highest culture establishment (73.85%), minimum day to axillary bud sprout (9.31) and rooting (16.46%), maximum root length (6.28) with 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.2 mg/l NAA treatment. Highest culture establishment recorded in the genotype Pusa Navrang (45.34%) followed by in Julesky Muscat (44%). Multiplication rate per 5 subcultures was recorded the maximum in Pusa Navrang (5.6) followed by Pearl of Csaba (5.1), and Hybrid 76-1 (4.9). In the present investigation, the application of MS medium containing growth regulators BAP (2 mg/l) + NAA (0.2 mg/l) and IBA (2 mg/l) + AC (200 mg/l) found best for culture initiation and rapid multiplication, respectively. For hardening using glass jar with polypropylene (PP) cap was a better strategy.

Effect of heat stress on physio-biochemical characteristics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes

A study was conducted with three chickpea genotypes Pusa 256, RSG 888 and JG 11 to study the effect of high temperature stress on various physiological and biochemical parameters. In all the chickpea genotypes high temperature stress decreased RWC, MSI, Chl content, dry matter, leaf area and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as POX, GR, and SOD. RSG 888 possessed better seedling growth parameters under high temperature as compared to Pusa 256 and JG 11.

Effect of high day and night temperature regimes on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes

Five tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes, including heat tolerant (Pusa Sadabahar, Booster, Pusa Sheetal), one F1 combination (Pusa Sheetal × Pusa Sadabahar ) and one susceptible genotype (Pusa Rohini) were grown under phytotron under four temperature regimes, i.e. 20/24, 22/26, 24/32, 27/37°C night (11 hours)/day (13 hours) temperature, respectively. Pusa Sadabahar and Booster recorded high value of relative water content (RWC) and low value of membrane injury index (MII) both at normal and high temperature conditions. High value of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b ratio was recorded in Pusa Sadabahar and Pusa Sheetal×Pusa Sadabahar under all the temperature regimes showed their tolerance to high temperature. Normal (more than 80 percent) flowering and fruiting was recorded in all the genotypes at 20/24°C & 22/26°C. However at 24/32°C Pusa Sadabahar recorded 65 per cent fruit set and other genotypes 25 to 49 percent fruit setting only. None of the genotypes could record fruit set at 27/37°C, except Pusa Sadabahar which could set few small fruits (19%). Pollen germination was maximum (ranging from 21.8 - 62.9%) in Pusa Sadabahar under all temperature regimes. The susceptible genotype, Pusa Rohini recorded exerted stigma in 100% flowers at 27/37°C temperature whereas it was 75% in tolerant genotype Pusa Sadabahar. Night/day temperature 22/26°C was optimum for fruit set, pollen viability and normal stigma development in tomato. High night temperature (³ 26°C ± 2°C) at flowering was the major factor in reducing fruit set in tomato than the day temperature. The study showed that day temperature of ³ 35°C and night temperature of ³ 26oC may be used for screening tomato against high temperature tolerance.