Genotypes Viz Research Articles

Study of Metroglyph Analysis in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Different Quantitative Characters

The study conducted at the Research Farm of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences during the rabi/winter season of 2022-23 aimed to estimate the genetic diversity and morphological variations among 20 Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes using Anderson’s metroglyph analysis for different quantitative traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the characters studied indicating the presence of considerable amount of variability among the genotypes. The genotypes viz, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB 19-11, ABSPS-2-1, AVT I HB16-15, IVT HB18-15, VIKRANT (CHECK), ABSPS-1-5, ABSPS-1-2 recorded significantly superior seed yield and yield contributing traits respectively. Six distinct morphological complexes were identified as a result of the analysis, which showed significant variation among the genotypes for the majority of traits. Complex I included eight genotypes with high seed yield and a high number of seeds per plant, while Complex II comprised five genotypes with low seed yield and a low number of seeds per plant. Complex III: High seed yield with a lower number of seeds per plant including three genotypes. Complex IV: Moderate seed yield with a higher number of seeds per plant, represented by two genotypes, Complex V: Very low seed yield and a very low number of seeds per plant, represented by one genotype and Complex VI: Low plant height with a very low number of spikelet’s per panicle, represented by one genotype. The genotypes IVT HB18-15, IVT HB19-13, IVT HB19-14 I, IVT HB19-11, ABSPS-1-1, ABSPS-1-2, ABSPS-1-4, and VIKRANT were identified as superior due to their high index scores and were suggested for use in breeding programs to enhance yield and other desirable traits. The study concluded that metroglyph analysis is an effective method for assessing genetic diversity and morphologicalvariations, providing valuable insights for breeders to improve Faba bean yield and adaptability through targeted cross-breeding of superior genotypes.

EVALUATING COMBINING ABILITY AND HETEROSIS EFFECTS ON YIELD, ASSOCIATED TRAITS, AND YELLOW RUST RESISTANCE IN WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

Wheat is a considerable energy source for the people of Pakistan and many other countries. Yellow rust is the most unpropitious biotic stress for wheat yield. The research was conducted to study the combining ability, heterosis and response of genotypes for yellow rust resistance. For this impetus, eight wheat genotypes, namely (five genotypes viz; Dharabi-11, Hp-1, Ehsan-16, Pak-13 and Morocco) were kept as lines and three genotypes viz; Markaz-19, Borlauge-16 and Fakhar-e-Bhakar used as testers. Lines X Testers matting design developed fifteen F1 hybrids sown in proper symmetry for crossing during rabi season 2020-21 at the university research farm, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, during 2020-21. During Rabi 2021-22, developed hybrids along with the eight parents in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using three replications with plant-to-plant and row-to-row distances of 15cm and 25cm, respectively. Morocco was used as a spreader and sown after every five rows; two rows are the border of each replication. Data was recorded for the traits viz. flag leaf area, canopy temperature, chlorophyll content, days to maturity, 1000 grain weight, seed yield per plant and disease score. Mean value showed a maximum in Markaz-19 for flag leaf area, Pakistan-13 for chlorophyll content among parents. HP-1 x Markaz-19 showed maximum seed yield per plant (29.27 g). Minimum disease score was observed in Borlague-16.

Principal Component Analysis of Promising Advance Chickpea Lines (Cicer arietinum L.)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate 30 promising chickpea genotypes grown in Randomized Completely Block Design with three replications during rabi 2018-19. Observation were recorded on 15 traits viz., days to flower initiation, days to 50% flowering, days pod initiation, days to maturity, plant height (cm), stem height at first fruiting node (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, total number of pods per plant, number of effective pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight (g), biological yield per plant (g), harvest index (%) and seed yield per plant (g) and showed that out of 15, only 6 principal components (PCs) displayed more than 1 Eigen values and demonstrated approximately 86.7% variation in the attributes under investigation. The genotypes from PC1 will be given due importance because it accounted for 28.6 % of total variability. The genotypes viz; JG 63 × JG 4958, ( JG 74 × JG 315 ) – 14, ICC 96029 × ICC 11551, JG 24, JG 11 × JG 14 , ICCV 15119 , ICC 552241 × JG 11, JG 11 × RVSSG-1 highest positive PC values for yield related traits. Thus, these genotypes can be utilized in chickpea improvement program.

Molecular Analysis of Genetic Variability and Relationship among Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) Genotypes by Using SSR Markers

Pearl millet has a place with sort Pennisetum, and family Poaceae. Pearl millet is the most broadly developed grain crop in Asia and Africa representing close to half of the worldwide millet creation. In India, pearl millet is the fourth most broadly developed food crop after rice, wheat, and maize. We used molecular techniques to investigate the genetic diversity and relatedness of six genotypes viz:ICMV155, Dhanshakti, PC-612, Sampada, HHB-67, and HHB-197.the six genotypes was collected from National agriculture research project Aurangabad. The present study was conducted at the Department of Plant Biotechnology at K. K. Wagh College of Agricultural Biotechnology, Nashik.
 DNA was isolated by fixing a sample in alcohol without using liquid nitrogen; six genotypes were analyzed through SSR primers to determine the extent of molecular characterization. PCR amplification using 10 SSR primers generated a total of 111 no. of bands were scored corresponding an average of 11 bands per primer with 77 bands showing polymorphism (67%) and 34 bands showing monomorphism (30%). The PIC value ranged from 0.35 to 0.68 with an average of 0.4. Jaccard’s coefficient based on SSR analysis 0.38 to 0.90. The dendrogram wasconstructed using the UPGMA method. It has two main clusters Cluster-1 consisting of C1- HHB 67, V6-ICMV-155, C2- HHB 197 and C4- Sampada. Cluster-2 comprised C3-Dhanshakti and V5-PC 612 as an out group. C2- HHB 197 and C4- Sampada genotypes have the highest similarity coefficient 0.76. Among all the genotypes, C1- HHB 67 and V5- PC 612 was found most diverse as it separated from all other genotypes at a very low similarity coefficient of 0.6. The identified markers can prove useful for identification of diverse germplasm and future DNA fingerprinting studies.

Physiological Responses of Wheat Associate with Heat Tolerance

This study was performed to explore heat stress tolerance indices to judge terminal heat tolerance genotypes from nine wheat genotypes viz: AKAW 5023, AKAW 4927, PBN 4905, PBN 4751-02, NIAW 3523, NIAW 2891, AKAW 4210-6 (C), NIAW 34 (C), NIAW 1994 (C) at Wheat Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (MH) during Rabi 2016-17 and 2017-2018. The trial was setup in RBD design with three replications. Yield and Physiological traits were recorded and correlated with yield. Genotype NIAW 2891 noted significantly high germination %,CTD (4.30oC), minimum membrane thermo-stability index (48.86%) at 75 DAS (grain filling stage), exhibited more RGR (0.0074 g g-1 day-1), NAR (0.0500 g dm2 day-1), early 50% flowering (58.16 days), days to maturity (91.83 days) and more grain yield ha-1 (35.65 q/ha) followed by genotype NIAW 3523 (33.83 q/ha) during both the year and noted as heat tolerance genotypes against the best check AKAW 4210-6. Correlation analysis showed that yield under stress environment had positive significant correlate with days to 50 % flowering and physiological maturity however, canopy temperature and membrane thermo-stability index had negative significant correlation with yield. Hence, due emphasis should be given to these attributes for genetic improvement in wheat under heat stress condition.

Biochemical and Morphological Assessment of Rabi Sorghum Genotypes for Shootfly Resistance

The present investigation was conducted at Sorghum Improvement Project and Department of Biochemistry, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India during rabi 2019–20 for assessment of rabi sorghum genotypes for shootfly through biochemical perspective. Sorghum is an important food and fodder crop of dry land agriculture. The experimental material consisted of 11 sorghum genotypes viz; RSV 1628, RSV 1023, RSV 1910, RSV 2371, RSV 1945, RSV 1838, RSV 2025, RSV 1918, RSV 1988, RSV 2391, RSV 1941, three varieties viz., Phule Vasudha, Phule Revati, M-35-1, three shootfly resistant checks viz., RSV 1188, IS 18551, RSE 3 and a susceptible check i.e. DJ 6514. The experiments were conducted under pot culture and field conditions at different stages. Resistance against shootfly in sorghum was governed by the physical and chemical genes. The morphological characters like trichome density, oviposition and dead heart percentage and biochemical attributes like polyphenol oxidase, peroxidise and chlorophyll content can be used as marker traits in shootfly resistance breeding programme to broaden the genetic base and increase the levels of resistance to sorghum. The sorghum genotype RSE 3, RSV 1945, RSV 1941, RSV 1188, and RSV 2371 recorded higher polyphenol oxidase activity at 28 DAE as compared to other genotypes. So, these sorghum genotypes are good source for shootfly resistance breeding. The genotype RSE 03, RSV 1941 and RSV 1188 exhibited positive results for shootfly resistance and can be used as donor for shootfly breeding programme.

Ameliorations of Gamma Radiations on Chlorophyll Spectrum and Morphological Characteristics of Peas

Aims: we aimed to investigate the chlorophyll spectrum and morphological characteristics of Pea under the influence of gamma radiations.
 Methods: The experimental material comprised three pea genotypes viz; Arkel, Kashi Nandini, and PSM-3. Mature and well-filled seeds were irradiated with 150 and 200 Gy doses of gamma rays, and six treatments with three control were laid into randomized block design at Research Farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra during the spring of 2018-19.
 Results: The highest frequency of chlorophyll mutation was recorded in PSM-3 at 150 Gy and the lowest in Kashi Nandini at 200 Gy. The widest spectrum of chlorophyll mutation with seven different mutants was recorded in the PSM-3 at a 150 Gy dose. With an increase in the dose of gamma rays, there was a decrease in the mutation frequency in all the varieties.
 Conclusions: Gamma rays at a rate of 150 Gy were the best for increasing the mutation frequency and they can be used for the induction of desirable mutations in peas. The obtained results confirm that the high potency of the selected mutagenic doses induced a high phenotypic diversity in the treated population and the isolated distinct mutants were of great economic, as well as academic interest for future breeding on peas. The seeds derived from the control and treated populations should be advanced to further generations, to release more variability for quantitative traits which will favor better selection.

Salicylic Acid Improves Agro-Morphology, Yield and Ion Accumulation of Two Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes by Ameliorating the Impact of Salt Stress

Wheat growth, development and yield are severely affected by a wide range of abiotic stresses, and salt stress is a vital and increasing abiotic stress. Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic phytohormone involved in plant physiological processes. Hence, we have conducted an experiment to explore the roles of exogenous SA in mitigating salt stress in two wheat genotypes. There were eight treatments comprising (i) control, (ii) 0.5 mM SA, (iii) 1.0 mM SA, (iv) 1.5 mM SA, (v) salinity (12 dS m−1), (vi) salinity + 0.5 mM SA, (vii) salinity + 1.0 mM SA and (viii) salinity + 1.5 mM SA with two wheat genotypes viz G 200-4 and BARI gom-25. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with five replications. During the vegetative stage, salt stress significantly reduced the relative water content (RWC), photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and growth characteristics of both wheat genotypes, while the exogenous application of SA in salt-stressed plants significantly improved the RWC, gas exchange activities and growth performance of both the genotypes. The leaf chlorophyll content was also degraded due to salinity treatment, although it was mitigated by the exogenous application of SA. The imposition of salt significantly reduced the number of days required for maturity, yield-contributing characteristics and the yield of both the wheat genotypes. Salt stress also significantly increased Na+ concentrations and the Na+/K+ ratio, while the K+ concentrations was decreased significantly in both the wheat genotypes. However, the exogenous application of SA in salt-stressed plants significantly reduced the salt stress effects and increased the growth and yield of wheat genotypes by enhancing RWC, gas exchange activities and photosynthetic pigments and maintaining lower Na+ concentrations and a Na+/K+ ratio. Therefore, the findings of this study suggested that the exogenous application of SA improved the salt tolerance of both wheat genotypes.

Evaluation of chilli genotypes and understanding biochemical basis of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) resistance

• Two resistant genotypes (IHR 4300 and IHR 4338) have been identified. • Cuticle thickness significantly negative correlated with adult survival, oviposition and nymphal population of whiteflies. • Higher concentration of phenolics and flavonoids are metabolic candidates for indirect selection of resistant genotypes. Whitefly is most devastating insect pest which causes damage by direct feeding on the host plant and also act as vector for transmission of many plant viruses causing severe yield losses in chilli. Host plant resistance is best advocated strategy in controlling the damage. We have screened the selected genotypes for white fly resistance using more accurate no-choice screening assays. Three types of assays i.e. clip-on-cage, detached branch and detached leaf methods of screening have been followed. Two resistant genotypes (IIHR 4300 and IIHR 4338) have been identified based on highest adult mortality, low oviposition rate, higher egg mortality and nymphal death. Cuticle thickness found significantly negative correlated with adult survival, oviposition and nymphal population. Semio-chemicals differing significantly amongst resistant and susceptible genotypes were identified through GC–MS and LC-MS and these can be used as metabolic candidates for indirect selection in screening genotypes/ populations for resistance. These two resistant chilli genotypes viz ., IIHR 4300 and IIHR 4338 can be explored for breeding for white fly resistance.

Multiple Stresses of Wheat in the Detection of Traits and Genotypes of High-Performance and Stability for a Complex Interplay of Environment and Genotypes

The effect of traits and the interaction of genotype × environment (GE) is one of the major challenges in detecting traits and genotypes with outstanding performance and stability through various stresses and years. The objective of this study was to identify the genetic influence traits of wheat, and genotypes with outstanding performance and stability under different environmental stress. The trials were carried out in two consecutive seasons with three treatments (optimal irrigation, limited irrigation, and heat stress), totaling six test environments at two different locations. After observing the importance of GE interaction, and the statistical significance for all studied traits, multivariate analysis was applied using stepwise regression (SR) for detecting influenced traits, and AMMI, AMMI’s stability values (ASV), yield stability index (YSI), superiority and GGE biplot methods to identify the genotype’s phenotypic stability. SR analysis showed that nine out of 22 traits have contributed significantly to grain yield (GY), which varied according to the environment. Equations of the models (GY) regression coefficient values reflected the importance seven of them have on a significant positive correlation on GY. The study confirmed the importance of AMMI and GGE biplots in decoding the GEI based on GY data. AMMI1 biplots showed that the three environments E1, E4, and E6 were the stronger interacting environments than E2, E3, and E5, in which the interaction was weak. YSI, superiority analysis, and superiority multi-trait analysis scores were largely compatible. YSI scores described the six genotypes viz, G5 (DHL26), G12 (DHL29), G10 (DHL01), G18 (Sakha-93), G2 (DHL02) and, G6 (Gemmeiza-9), these were marked by high stability and productivity. The GGE biplot analysis showed genotypes (G15 (Misr1) and G4 (DHL07)) recorded the highest grain yield in E3 and E4, whereas genotype G18 (Sakha-93) was in E6. It also showed G19 (Pavone-76) was the best genotype due to being situated in the center of the concentric circles and due to its high-yield. The methods considered were compatible with the detection of promising wheat genotypes with high mean performance and outstanding phenotypic stability across various stresses and years.

Stability Analysis of Finger Millet Genotypes Across Diverse Hilly and Mountainous Environments in Nepal

The interactive influence of the genotype and environment (GxE) affects the selection criteria of fingermillet (Eleusine coracana L.) genotypes. Sixteen fingermillet genotypes are evaluated for stability of grain yield performance in three hilly and mountainous environments viz Dolakha, Ramechhap, and Sindupalchowk in rainy seasonsof 2019. This study intends to determine the interaction between genotype and environment on growth and yield performance of fingermillet genotypes. The results show that there are significant differences between the genotypes for grain yield. The pooled analysis show significant (p<0.05) variation in GxE interaction for grain yield. The genotypes GE-0382, KLE-216, NE-94, and KLE-559 are found environmentally sensitive, producing higher grain yield throughout the environments. Genotypes GE-0382 and KLE-559 have the regression coefficient of 1.30 and 1.35, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) for genotypes viz GE-0382 and KLE-559 are high as 0.9, confirming their high constancy for the solidity across the different locations. Further GGE biplot analysis reveals that the genotype GE-0382 (3.46 t/ha) and KLE-559 (2.74 t/ha) are more secure and adaptable genotypes over the tested environment. Thus, these genotypes presumably are used to develop suitable finger millet varieties for general cultivation across the mid-hill environment of Nepal.

Multi-locational studies of selected sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [l.] Lam.) genotypes for improved agronomic traits

Sweetpotato has become increasingly important in the farming systems of Northern agro-ecologies of Ghana. The objective was to investigate the relative yield performance of elite sweetpotato genotypes at multi-location. Six (6) elite genotypes viz; PGA14008-9, PGA14011-43, PGA14351-4, PGA14372-3, PGA14398-4 and PGA14442-1 were evaluated together with 3 checks varieties (Apomuden, Bohye and Ligri) in trials at Bawku, Nyankpala, Tono and Wa for 2 cropping seasons. Vine cuttings of genotypes were planted on four-ridge plot of 20.4m2 and arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at each location. Variables recorded were root yield (Ryld), foliage yield (Foyld), root dry matter (DM) content and tolerance to weevil (Cylas sp.) infection (WED). Genotypes PGA143011-43 recorded the highest overall root yield of 21.11tha-1, roots plant-1 of 4 and foliage yield of 15.20 tha-1. This was followed by PGA14008-9, with root yield of 18.42 tha-1, root plant-1 of 5 and foliage yield of 12.52 tha-1. Genotype PGA14372-3 was the best performing genotype for root dry matter content and weevil damage effect to storage roots. PGA143011-43 and PGA14008-9 have shown superior and stable performance across test locations.

Morphological characterization and assessment of genetic diversity in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] germplasm

A total of 243 genotypes of pigeonpea were evaluated during Kharif, 2019 on the basis of DUS and D2-cluster analysis. Pigeonpea genotypes were grown in the augmented design for evaluation. Morphological characterization was done based on plant descriptors for pigeonpea at different stages of plant growth. The cluster analysis grouped all the genotypes into six clusters. The clusters I, II, III, IV, V and VI had 32,3,9,79,115 and 5 genotypes, respectively. The inter cluster distance was maximum between cluster II and VI (240.47) followed by cluster I and II (231.37). On the basis of cluster mean values cluster II was superior for the character pods/plant (340.90) as well as in yield/plant (59.4). The genotypes included in cluster VI were early with short plant height. The study revealed that the diverse genotypes viz; AH 06-09, AH 14-01, AH 16-36, PADT-16 and HDM 04-01 could be used in hybridization programme to develop high yielding, early genotypes with short plant height. Key words: Pigeonpea, DUS, diversity, cluster analysis

Varietal Variation in Physiological and Biochemical Traits of Durum Wheat Genotypes under Salinity Stress

Background: Rapid global warming associated with abiotic stresses particularly salinity stress directly poses a major challenge to the present-day agriculture. Wheat is moderately sensitive crop that occupies the largest total harvested area among the cereals including rice and maize. Durum wheat is considered as a less tolerant to bread wheat, hence, the study aims to investigate the response of durum wheat genotypes under salinity stress. Methods: A randomised block design experiment involving five durum wheat genotypes viz; HI 8737, HD 4728, HD 4730, MACS 3972 and HI 8708 and two levels of salinity i.e. normal water (Control) and saline water (ECiw -10.0 dSm-1) was conducted with three replications during 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The observations on different physico-biochemical parameters were recorded in roots as well as shoots at the vegetative stage. Result: Salinity of 10 dS m-1 water caused 26.36% reduction in the chlorophyll content in comparison to control. Among osmolytes, salinity stress caused dual response i.e. limits the accumulation of TSS in roots whereas it enhanced the TSS accumulation in shoot, while reverse trend was noted for proteins. Salt stress enhanced the accumulation of proline and antioxidative enzymes activities in both root and shoot in comparison to control.

Assessment of some Indian wheat genotypes and breeding lines for adult plant resistance (APR) against stripe rust

Stripe or yellow rust of wheat caused by Puccinia striiformis west end f. sp. tritici is devastating foliar disease and is considered of immense importance in cool and humid wheat growing parts of the world. A total of 41 wheat genotypes collected from different institutes of India were evaluated for Adult Plant Resistance to stripe rust. The field studies revealed fifteen genotypes viz: PBW 750, PBW 752, PBW 779, PBW 780, JAUW 672, WH 1184, HI 1619, 13th HTWYT 719, 25th HRWSN 2105, 47th IBWSN 1185, 32nd SAWSN 3011, HD 3086, 22nd SAWYT 316, PBW 763 and PBW 801 exhibiting resistant reaction with Average Coefficient of Infection (ACI) ranging from 0.45 to 2.

Evaluation of Bread Wheat Genotypes for Adult Plant Resistance to Stem Rust

Wheat stem rust ( Puccinia graminis f. sp tritici ) also known as 'polio of agriculture' is a ravaging disease of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) making it a foremost confront to wheat production in Ethiopia and other wheat producing countries of the world due to the frequently evolving of virulent pathogen races. Because of this, searching novel genes in wheat genotypes is a critical issue. Twenty eight advanced bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for their response against stem rust caused by Puccinia graminise under field conditions at Kulumsa and Asassa during 2018 main growing season. Evaluation was carried out through disease assessment including terminal stem rust severity (TRS) and coefficient of infection (ACI) under natural infection. Twenty two wheat genotypes viz; ETBW-8858, ETBW-8870, ETBW-8583, ETBW-8684, ETBW-9548, ETBW-9549, ETBW-9554, ETBW-9558, ETBW-9559, ETBW-9560, ETBW-8751, ETBW-8862, ETBW-8804, ETBW-8896, ETBW-8991, ETBW-9560, ETBW-9556, ETBW-9486, ETBW-9561, ETBW-9550, ETBW-9553 and ETBW-9555 out of twenty-eight evaluated genotypes were discovered to be adult plant resistant (TRS < 30 and ACI < 20 ) to stem rust disease at both screening sites. Therefore, these genotypes with high stem rust resistance could be backcrossed to widely acclimatized and high yielding but susceptible Ethiopian wheat varieties to prevent further wheat yield declines. However, may need to evaluate for seedling response to confirm whether the genotypes are true adult plant resistant. Keywords: Adult plant, Puccinia graminis, Stem rust, TRS, Wheat genotypes. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-23-05 Publication date: December 31 st 2020

Evaluation of Bread Wheat Genotypes for Adult Plant Resistance to Stem Rust

Wheat stem rust ( Puccinia graminis f. sp tritici ) also known as 'polio of agriculture' is a ravaging disease of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) making it a foremost confront to wheat production in Ethiopia and other wheat producing countries of the world due to the frequently evolving of virulent pathogen races. Because of this, searching novel genes in wheat genotypes is a critical issue. Twenty eight advanced bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for their response against stem rust caused by Puccinia graminise under field conditions at Kulumsa and Asassa during 2018 main growing season. Evaluation was carried out through disease assessment including terminal stem rust severity (TRS) and coefficient of infection (ACI) under natural infection. Twenty two wheat genotypes viz; ETBW-8858, ETBW-8870, ETBW-8583, ETBW-8684, ETBW-9548, ETBW-9549, ETBW-9554, ETBW-9558, ETBW-9559, ETBW-9560, ETBW-8751, ETBW-8862, ETBW-8804, ETBW-8896, ETBW-8991, ETBW-9560, ETBW-9556, ETBW-9486, ETBW-9561, ETBW-9550, ETBW-9553 and ETBW-9555 out of twenty-eight evaluated genotypes were discovered to be adult plant resistant (TRS < 30 and ACI < 20 ) to stem rust disease at both screening sites. Therefore, these genotypes with high stem rust resistance could be backcrossed to widely acclimatized and high yielding but susceptible Ethiopian wheat varieties to prevent further wheat yield declines. However, may need to evaluate for seedling response to confirm whether the genotypes are true adult plant resistant. Keywords: Adult plant, Puccinia graminis, Stem rust, TRS, Wheat genotypes. DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/103-03 Publication date: December 31 st 2020

Performance and nitrogen use efficiency of grain sorghum through method and time of nitrogen application under semi-arid environment

The present field investigation was carried out for three consecutive kharif season of 2015, 2016 and 2017 at research farm of Agricultural Research Sub Station Diggi, Tonk to improve nitrogen use efficiency through method and time of nitrogen application and performance of sorghum under semi arid environment of Rajasthan, India. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design consisted of five nitrogen scheduling treatments viz. N1 (50+50), N2 (50+25+25), N3 (25+50+25), N4 (25+50+15+10), N5 (25+45+5+15+10), and two genotypes viz CSH-16 and CSV-20 and replicated thrice. The results revealed that the application of nitrogen with 50% N at sowing + 25% N at 30 DAS + 25% N at boot leaf stage recorded significantly maximum plant height and dry matter accumulation of sorghum. The application of nitrogen with 25% N at sowing + 50% N at 30 DAS + 15% N at boot leaf stage+10% at Grain filling stage recorded minimum plant height and dry matter accumulation of sorghum. The significantly maximum number of grains/cob (3136.3) and test weight (28.0 g) were registered with application of nitrogen with 50% N at sowing + 25% N at 30 DAS + 25% N at boot leaf stage. However, crop supplied nitrogen with the 50% N at sowing + 50% N at 30 DAS recorded statistically similar results for these yield attributes. The grain, stover and biological yields of sorghum due to different method and time of nitrogen application treatments were found statistically at par. The application of nitrogen with 50% N at sowing + 25% N at 30 DAS + 25% N at boot leaf stage resulted in increased mean gross return (Rs. 89159). Among the method and time of nitrogen application treatments, the highest cost of cultivation (₹26301), gross returns (₹89159) net returns (₹62858) and B:C ratio (2.39) were recorded with application of nitrogen with 50% N at sowing + 25% N at 30 DAS + 25% N at boot leaf stage. The experimental results supported the hypothesis that nitrogen use efficiency could be improved by method and time of nitrogen application. Proper method and time of nitrogen application have positive impact on growth, productivity and profitability of grain sorghum. Thus, it is concluded that improvement of nitrogen use efficiency through method and time of nitrogen application can be advocated as sustainable strategy for enhancing productivity and profitability of sorghum cultivation under semi arid environment.

MHC-DRB1 exon 2 polymorphism and its association with faecal egg count of Haemonchus contortus in Munjal sheep

Haemonchosis is an important disease of small ruminants. Anthelmenthic resistance has instigated the demand of other viable method for control of gastrointestinal parasite. Here, we investigated ovine major histocompatibility complex class II (Ovar MHC II) DRB 1 exon 2 polymorphism and itsassociation with faecal egg count (FEC) of Haemonchus contortus in Munjal population of sheep. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 46 lambs between 6-7 months of age. The polymorphism in DRB 1 gene was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. PCR products of exon 2 of DRB 1 gene were digested with Hae II, Bsa HI and N ci I restriction enzymes. Fragment of the DRB 1 gene comprising 9 bp of the 5' intron and 270 bp of entire exon 2 was successfully amplified. On digestion of 279 bp PCR product with N ci I, three genotypes viz . A1A1, A2A2 and A1A2 were found with allele frequencies 0.65 and 0.35. Hae II enzyme revealed three genotypes A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2 with allele frequencies of A1 and A2 were 0.42 and 0.58. Bsa HI enzyme also generated three genotypes A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2 with allele frequencies of A1 and A2 was 0.42 and 0.58. We were able to found polymorphism in DRB 1 gene but no association could be established between genotypes generated by different restriction enzymes and FEC of H. contortus in Munjal sheep

Salt tolerance of cowpea genotypes during seed germination and seedling growth

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is one of the most important grain legumes worldwide and its production is affected by increasing soil salinity due to global climate change. An experiment was conducted at the Plant Physiology Laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the germination capability of seven cowpea genotypes under salt stress. The germination test was carried out in Petri dishes following two factorial CRD with three replications. Seven cowpea genotypes viz, Red Pine, Green Super, Hai Jiang San Hao, Kegornatki, Kegornatki Green, Kegornatki HYV & Kegornatki Red; and three salt levels viz, 0, 6 & 12 dSm-1, were used as experimental treatments. The germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), radicle and plumule length, radicle and plumule fresh and dry weight and different stress tolerance indices were recorded to screen the genotypes for salt tolerance. The study highlighted that salt concentrations drastically reduced seed germination and significantly delayed the process in all genotypes. The GP, length and biomass of radicle and plumule and salt tolerance indices were significantly decreased while the MGT was significantly increased with increasing salt stress in all cowpea genotypes. A significant variation among the genotypes in response to salt stress was also observed. Among the seven cowpea genotypes, Hai Jiang San Hao and Green Super showed higher salt tolerance in comparison to the other genotypes based on the measured traits; these genotypes can be used for further breeding program and/or cultivation in coastal saline prone areas with further investigation. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 17(1): 39–44, March 2019