Genotype Levels Research Articles

Estimation of Nature and Magnitude of Correlation among Different Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation aimed to study correlations among different traits in chickpea, specifically indicated that the traits —days to 50% blooming, days to maturity, harvest index (%), plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seedweight (g), and seed output per plant. Compared to the matching phenotypic correlation coefficient, the estimations of genotypic correlation were greater. It could be the consequence of the environment's altering influence on the genotypic level of character association. Harvest index, number of seeds per pod, number of major branches per plant, number of pods per plant, biomass per plant, and 100-seed weight at the genotypic level all showed a statistically positive connection with the seed output per plant. At the phenotypic level, the following variables demonstrated a positive and significant correlation with seed yield per plant: harvest index, number of seeds per pod, number of major branches per plant, number of pods per plant, and 100-seed weight. These correlations showed that enhancing the aforementioned traits can increase seed output.

Assessment of Character Association in Pole Type French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Vijayapura during Rabi 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two replications. To study the association studies in 32 pole type French bean genotypes. The correlation studies revealed that pod yield per plant was found positively and significantly associated with number of pods per plant (rg=0.668 and rp=0.620), pod length (rg= 0.526 and rp =0.431), average 10 pod weight (rg= 0.657 and rp = 0.660), number of pods per cluster (rg=0.373 and rp= 0.344) and number of clusters per plant (rg =0.365 and rp= 0.345) at both genotypic and phenotypic level. The direct selection for these traits would be rewarding for improvement of pod yield per plant in pole type French bean.

Trait Interactions and Yield Enhancement in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.): Insights from Correlation and Path Analysis

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a self-pollinated (2n = 30) annual Rabi season crop mainly cultivated for flax fiber and oil due to its commercial use. The present investigation was carried out to study an association analysis among the yield and yield attributes using 75 linseed genotypes including 10 checks in a randomized block design with three replications at Oilseeds Research Farm, Kalyanpur, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, (India) during Rabi season of 2019-20. The correlation analysis revealed that the traits number of secondary branches per plant followed the number of primary branches per plant and number of capsules per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The results of the path coefficient analysis revealed that traits such as the number of secondary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, and plant height exhibited a strong and positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The seed yield can be improved by selecting traits such as number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches, number of capsules per plant, and plant height. It is recommended that the breeder focus on these traits in linseed to enhance its commercial value for the farming community.

Studies on Path Coefficient Analysis and Correlation to Evaluate the Relationships between Yield and Its Components in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

The present investigation was carried out for correlation and path coefficient analysis in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) The correlation of different traits with seed yield was examined both at phenotypic and genotypic levels and the study showed that genotypic correlation coefficient values were higher than the phenotypic values. This indicated that how much of phenotypic correlation coefficient are influenced by environment. The seed yield per plant was positive and significant with biological yield per plant, test weight and number of branches per plant at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The maximum direct positive effect on seed yield per plant was observed in biological yield per plant, harvest index, days to 50 per cent flowering, number of seed per pod, number of branches per plant and number of pods per plant. In the present investigation, genotypes viz., AFG-4 and RMT-303 were superior for seed yield per plant along with other traits like biological yield, test weight and number of pods per plant. These diverse genotypes can be used in future breeding programme of fenugreek.

Genomic selection in forest trees comes to life: unraveling its potential in an advanced four-generation Eucalyptus grandis population.

Genomic Selection (GS) in tree breeding optimizes genetic gains by leveraging genomic data to enable early selection of seedlings without phenotypic data reducing breeding cycle and increasing selection intensity. Traditional assessments of the potential of GS in forest trees have typically focused on model performance using cross-validation within the same generation but evaluating effectively realized predictive ability (RPA) across generations is crucial. This study estimated RPAs for volume growth (VOL), wood density (WD), and pulp yield (PY) across four generations breeding of Eucalyptus grandis. The training set spanned three generations, including 34,461 trees with three-year growth data, 6,014 trees with wood quality trait data, and 1,918 trees with 12,695 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) data. Employing single-step genomic BLUP, we compared the genomic predictions of breeding values (GEBVs) for 1,153 fourth-generation full-sib seedlings in the greenhouse with their later-collected phenotypic estimated breeding values (EBVs) at age three years. RPAs were estimated using three GS targets (individual trees, trees within families, and families), two selection criteria (single- and multiple-trait), and training populations of either all 1,918 genotyped trees or the 67 direct ancestors of the selection candidates. RPAs were higher for wood quality traits (0.33 to 0.59) compared to VOL (0.14 to 0.19) and improved for wood traits (0.42 to 0.75) but not for VOL when trained only with direct ancestors, highlighting the challenges in accurately predicting growth traits. GS was more effective at excluding bottom-ranked candidates than selecting top-ranked ones. The between-family GS approach outperformed individual-tree selection for VOL (0.11 to 0.16) and PY (0.72 to 0.75), but not for WD (0.43 vs. 0.42). Furthermore, higher levels of relatedness and lower genotype by environment (G × E) interaction between training and testing populations enhanced RPAs for VOL (0.39). In summary, despite limited effectiveness in ranking top VOL individuals, GS effectively identified low-performing individuals and families. These multi-generational findings underscore GS's potential in tree breeding, stressing the importance of considering relatedness and G × E interaction for optimal performance.

Dietary acid load adopts the effect of ApoB ins/del genetic variant (rs11279109) on obesity trait, cardiovascular markers, lipid profile, and serum leptin level among patients with diabetes: a cross-sectional study

ApoB insertion/deletion (ins/del) genetic variant (rs11279109) is thought to be related to cardio-metabolic markers and obesity. This association has the potential to be modified by dietary patterns. Since the majority of studies concerned the role of dietary acid load (DAL) or ApoB in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications independently, and due to the insufficient data regarding the possible interactions between ApoB genetic variants and DAL on anthropometric and metabolic markers, we aimed to study the interaction between this genetic variant and dietary acid load (DAL) on cardio-metabolic markers, along with leptin among Iranian individuals with T2DM. 700 T2DM patients were randomly recruited. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used for DAL calculation including potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net-endogenous acid production (NEAP). The polymerase chain reaction was used for genotyping the ApoB ins/del (rs11279109). The general linear model was applied to find the interactions in the crude and adjusted models. Patients with del/del genotype (rs11279109) with high PRAL intake have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (Pinteraction = 0.004), LDL/HDL ratio (Pinteraction = 0.02), total cholesterol (TC) (Pinteraction = 0.04), triglyceride (TG) (Pinteraction = 0.04), leptin (Pinteraction = 0.04) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) (Pinteraction = 0.04). Moreover, the interaction of gene and DAL in the PRAL method on TG concentration (P = 0.04), waist circumference (WC) (P = 0.04), and LDL/HDL ratio (P = 0.04) were significant. Eventually, a positive relationship was observed between the presence of the del/del genotype (rs11279109) and higher levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, IL-18, and LDL/HDL, in individuals with lower adherence to DAL, after adjusting for various covariates. Further studies are needed to investigate and confirm these findings.

Character association and path analysis for yield and its attributing traits among urdbean landraces

In the present study, character association and path analysis were studied among 23 urdbean genotypes for 11 quantitative traits. Correlation analysis divulged that seed yield/plant proclaimed a significant positive relationship between branches/plant, biological yield/plant, pods/plant, and pod length at both genotypic and phenotypic levels and also showed a direct effect on yield. Biological yield/plant, branches/plant and pods/plant had the most beneficial direct and indirect influences on the overall relationship between yield and other component attributes, indicating the high inter-dependent interaction among these traits. Therefore, these characteristics could be considered as optimum selection indices on a priority basis, which would be remarkable for improving genotype efficiency during genetic improvement.

Transforming growth factor-beta and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is considered an attractive pivotal Genetic-Biomarker for Hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis C virus-infection patients

Abstract Introduction/Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common cause of cancer worldwide. HCC is induced by hepatitis C-virus (HCV) which represents a major health problem in Egypt. The transforming growth factor- beta (TGF-β) is a potent cytokine that has a multifunctional pro-fibrotic activity, for enhancing liver-inflammation, fibrosis, tumor-progression, and metastasis. TGF-β has a vital role in the regulation of tumorigenesis, by controlling epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation process. The dysregulation of TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, by HCV-core protein is implicated in the development of HCC. Methods/Case Report The study aims to determine the effect of the HCV-infection in HCC patients with a set of growth-factors, EMT, and anti-apoptotic protein expression levels by using western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining analysis. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) These results observed an insignificant increase in the expression of TGF-β protein for HCC/HCV-infected cells compared to the HCV-uninfected cells, and the expression of the β-catenin protein level is elevated in the nucleus. Also, it showed that Bcl-2 protein is a significant increase in HCV-infected when compared to HCV-free groups. Positive staining for p53 protein was detected in the HCC/HCV-infected, more than in HCC/HCV-uninfected cells. This data indicated that the core-protein of HCV can switch TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a tumor promoter by suppressing apoptosis of hepatocytes and increasing EMT expression by activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, HCV-core protein enhances the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin expression protein to activate downstream target genes, which regulate cell-growth and cell-cycle progression. Conclusion It is speculated that HCV may exert an anti-apoptotic effect, and thus enhance tumorigenesis. Also, the accumulation of nuclear Wnt/β-catenin and p53 correlates with TGF-β expression, typically a late event in hepato- carcinogenesis. Taken together, the expression level of TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, Bcl-2, and p53 genotype in HCV is considered an indicator of shortened survival in patients, and may be an attractive clinically pivotal genetic biomarker to mediate liver pathogenesis.

Selection Strategy for Yield Improvement of Chickpea Genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.)

An investigation was undertaken to assess the genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis in 25 chickpea genotypes for 12 quantitative traits during the Rabi season of 2022-23 in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variance indicated high significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits. Considerable variability existed in the genotypes for all the characters studied. The study found that CG23, CG159, and CG199 were the most superior genotypes for grain yield per plant among 25 chickpea genotypes. High PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean were recorded for test weight and biological yield. Grain yield per plant showed positive significant association with number of pods, days to maturity, days to 50% pod initiation and number of primary branches. High and positive direct effect of grain yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels were depicted by harvest index. These characters may be taken into consideration for selection of quantitative characters for crop improvement.

Productive Poplar Genotypes Exhibited Temporally Stable Low Stem Embolism Resistance and Hydraulic Resistance Segmentation at the Stem-Leaf Transition.

Breeding tree genotypes that are both productive and drought-resistant is a primary goal in forestry. However, the relationships between plant hydraulics and yield at the genotype level, and their temporal stabilities, remain unclear. We selected six poplar genotypes from I-101 (Populus alba) × 84 K (P. alba × Popolus tremula var. glandulosa) for experiments in the first and fourth years after planting in a common garden. Measurements included stem embolism resistance, shoot hydraulic resistance and its partitioning between stems and leaves, vessel- and pit-level anatomy, leaf carbon acquisition capacity, carbon allocation to leaves, and aboveground biomass (yield proxy). Significant genetic variations in hydraulic properties and yield were found among genotypes in both years. Productive genotypes had wide vessels, large thin pit membranes, small pit apertures, and shallow pit chambers. Hydraulic resistance was negatively correlated with yield, enabling high stomatal conductance and assimilation rates. Productive genotypes allocated less aboveground carbon and hydraulic resistance to leaves. Temporally stable trade-offs between stem embolism resistance and yield, and between hydraulic segmentation and yield, were identified. These findings highlight the tight link between hydraulic function and yield and suggest that stable trade-offs may challenge breeding poplar genotypes that are both productive and drought-resistant.

Estimation of genetic variability and association of yield and related traits in indigenous grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) genotypes

Twenty-five genotypes of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) were tested during the rabi 2019-20, for genetic factors such as genetic variability, correlation, and path analysis. For each of the 13 characters under study, the results of the analysis of variance revealed a significant variation among the genotypes. Characteristics with high GCV and PCV were the leaf area, biological yield per plant, number of branches per plant, harvest index, plant height, stem diameter and grain yield per plant. The biological yield per plant, leaf area, number of branches per plant, harvest index, length of inflorescence, girth of inflorescence, stem diameter, plant height, grain yield per plant, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity showed high estimates of heritability along with high genetic advance. Therefore, choosing such traits will be more beneficial. At the genotypic and phenotypic levels, there was a positive and highly significant correlation between the characters days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, length of inflorescence, stem diameter, leaf area, biological yield per plant and grain yield per plant. Based on the results of the path co-efficient analysis high direct influence was observed between grain yield and the days to 50% flowering, plant height, inflorescence length and girth of inflorescence, number of branches per plant, and biological yield per plant. Keywords: Correlation, Grain amaranth, Genetic variability, Heritability, Path co-efficient analysis

Investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms of ACE and ACE-2 with some biomarkers in Iraqi patients with COVID-19.

BackgroundThe angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor plays a critical role in mediating SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the genetic factors influencing COVID-19 severity is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphism of the ACE gene, specifically the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the promoter region, and clinical parameters in COVID-19 patients. MethodsA case-control study was conducted with 225 participants from an Iraqi population. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis and ACE genotyping. The association between ACE genotypes (DD, ID, II), demographic factors, and clinical parameters, including D-dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte count, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HB), and platelet count, was assessed. ResultsCOVID-19 patients exhibited significant differences compared to controls regarding D-dimer, ferritin, LDH, CRP, WBC, lymphocytes, PCV, and RBC (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found for HB and platelet counts. The DD genotype was predominant (43.11 %), followed by ID (39.56 %) and II (17.33 %). Notably, a significant association was observed between D-dimer levels and ACE genotype (P < 0.0001), with higher levels observed in individuals with the DD genotype. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between ACE genotype and sex (P = 0.0163). No significant association was observed between genotype and ICU admission or lung CT severity. ConclusionOur findings suggest a potential link between the ACE D/D genotype and elevated D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients, indicating a potential role for ACE gene polymorphism in influencing disease severity. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the potential for personalized treatment approaches based on ACE genotype.

The Sansure® Human Papillomavirus DNA Diagnostic Kit offers excellent reproducibility performance for the detection of high-risk HPV.

Cervical cancer screening is a cornerstone of cervical cancer elimination. Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is recommended as the first step in screening provided that the assay used has been adequately validated. The Sansure® Human Papillomavirus DNA Diagnostic Kit is a new assay designed to detect HPV16, HPV18 and 13 other HPV in aggregate. The study aimed to evaluate the intra- and interlaboratory reproducibility of the assay according to international guidelines. Five hundred and fifty cervical residual cell samples from women attending cervical cancer screening were selected from the biobank of the HPV National Reference Centre in Belgium and used in this study. After DNA extraction, HPV was tested using the Sansure® Human Papillomavirus DNA Diagnostic Kit. The lower 95% confidence limit around the general reproducibility of this assay should be greater than or equal to 87%, with κ ≥ 0.50. Five hundred and thirty-three samples had valid results. The Sansure® Human Papillomavirus DNA Diagnostic Kit demonstrated an excellent intra-laboratory reproducibility of 93.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.4-95.7, κ = 0.85). The interlaboratory reproducibility was 93.4 (95% CI: 91.0-95.4, κ = 0.84). Intra and interlaboratory reproducibility were also excellent at the genotype level. Excluding HPV53 single infection samples from the analyses also resulted in excellent agreement. These data show that the Sansure® Human Papillomavirus DNA Diagnostic Kit is highly reproducible.

Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Components in Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] Accessions under Multi Environments in Foothills of Nagaland

Background: Foxtail millet cultivation inIndia’s North Eastern Hill regionholds promise due to its adaptation to diverse environments and high-quality grain. The objective of this study was to assess the amount of variability present among the genotypes, association of traits and find out foxtail millet genotypes that produce high yield in diverse environments. Methods: The investigation was carried out during July 2022 to May 2023 in four different dates of sowing. Two environments maintained under rainfed condition and the remaining two environments are maintained under irrigated condition. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications in all environments. Result: Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences (at 5%) among the 30 genotypes for all yield variables under evaluation. Genotype ‘G1’ exhibited superior performance for both yield and yield-related traits. The present study revealed considerable genetic variation among the yield traits, with all traits demonstrating high heritability except for harvest index.Traits such as fodder yield per plant, panicle length, biological yield, flag leaf width, peduncle length, panicle width and grain yield per plant show high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. A strong correlation was observed between grain yield per plant and several traits including days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, flag leaf length, peduncle length, biological yield and fodder yield per plant. This correlation was consistent at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Biological yield exhibited the strongest direct influence on grain yield per plant, followed by harvest index, flag leaf width and number of base tillers on genotypic and phenotypic levels.

Delineation of Selection Criterion Using Correlation and Path Analysis in Forage Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) in North Gujarat Condition

Knowledge of genetic and phenotypic association among economic traits helps plant breeders in outlying efficient breeding strategies for development of high yielding forage pearl millet variety. An experiment was conducted at the research farm of Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to evaluate plant characteristics associated with green forage yield and its attributes in forage pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] genotypes in north Gujarat condition through correlation and path analyses during 2023. Twelve independent and 1 dependent variables were evaluated for the character association analysis of the 30 forage pearl millet genotypes. The evaluation was performed in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data collection was done from 5 randomly selected plants and this data was used for analysis using R Studio. The green forage yield per plant had positive and significant correlation with plant height, number of tiller per plant, stem thickness, leaf length, leaf width, and dry fodder yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Path analysis revealed the importance of leaf width and dry fodder yield per plant by showing high and positive direct effects towards green forage yield per plant. These characters also exhibited significant and positive association with green forage yield per plant at the genotypic and phenotypic. Hence, these traits could be considered as the vital component characters for development of high yielding genotypes in forage pearl millet.

Assessing the genetic diversity and character association of yield components in litchi (litchi chinensis sonn.)

Eighteen litchi genotypes were evaluated in this study for genetic advancement, heritability, variability, and association studies. The genotype ‘CHL-4’ exhibited maximum fruit weight (28.12 g), aril weight (14.00 g), aril thickness (9.65 mm) and seed weight (4.86 g). Fruit length (10.70 and 10.46%), panicle width (10.61 and 10.37%), and panicle length (15.75 and 15.45%) all had substantial phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation. All the metrics, with the exception of fruit diameter, aril thickness, seed weight, and number of fruits/panicle, showed higher heritability estimations with substantial genetic advances. In addition to being negatively correlated with fruit weight, aril weight, seed weight and pulp thickness, yield also showed a strong positive correlation with the number of fruits/panicle and aril percentage. Path analysis made the impact of different components on yield very evident. The maximum positive direct effect on yield at genotypic level was through fruit weight (10.120) followed by seed weight (4.070), panicle length (1.550), panicle girth (1.170) and negative direct effect via aril weight (-0.12.860) followed by panicle width (-11.830), fruit length (-6.290). In order to select a diverse parent for a subsequent breeding effort, cluster analysis assists in classifying comparable objects into appropriate categories. Therefore, the goal of the study was to confirm the genetic variability across genotypes of litchi and identify prospective features for the selection of genotypes that are superior. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 465-473, 2024 (September)

Impact of fertility levels and rice genotypes on yield, quality, and chemical properties of soil under tarai region of Uttarakhand

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019 at Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) for evaluation of six rice genotypes (IET-27263, IET-26418, IET-26420, NDR-359, PD-19 and PD-26) under varying fertility levels (Control, 100% RDF, 150% RDF). Treatments were tested in Split Plot Design with three replications keeping fertilizer levels in main plots and genotypes in sub plots. Application of fertilizer at 150% RDF resulted in significantly higher grain and straw yield over all other fertilizer levels. The rice genotype IET-27263 produced highest grain, straw and biological yield over other genotypes. Similarly, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake were also found to be increased significantly up to 150% RDF. Similarly, maximum uptake of N and K in grain and straw was also recorded in genotype IET-27263. It can be concluded that application of fertilizers at higher dose up to 150% RDF is essential for obtaining higher yield of rice. The new rice genotype IET27263 was found superior to all other tested genotypes.

Nutrigenetic Investigations in Preeclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although its precise cause and prevention remain unclear, risk factors such as overweight and inadequate nutrient intake (e.g., calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D) are known to increase its incidence. Recent research has focused on the genetic predisposition to preeclampsia, identifying polymorphisms that may affect enzyme or receptor function. This study aims to review existing literature examining the relationship between genetic polymorphisms, BMI (body mass index), and nutrient levels in preeclampsia to develop more actionable therapeutic strategies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to analyze studies on the nutrigenetic relationship between BMI, micronutrients, and preeclampsia. Results: A total of 17 studies investigating 12 genes related to BMI and 10 studies exploring 3 genes in relation to micronutrient levels were included in the analysis. Several polymorphisms associated with preeclampsia were found to be influenced by maternal BMI or serum vitamin levels. The interactions between certain gene variants and these factors suggest that both BMI and micronutrient status may modify the risk of developing preeclampsia in genetically predisposed individuals. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the potential for reanalyzing existing data by categorizing based on genotype and nutrient levels. This approach could yield more personalized dietary and therapeutic recommendations for managing preeclampsia. In the future, genetic information may support the development of tailored nutritional counseling during pregnancy to mitigate preeclampsia risk.

Identification of Key Traits for Yield Improvement in Brinjal Through Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), also known as poor man’s vegetable, is widely distributed and grown in almost all parts of India. The assessment of genetic variation, correlation and path analysis for various yield and yield attributing traits in the available germplasm is crucial for selecting superior genotypes with desired traits such as yield, fruit quality, disease resistance, and adaptability to environmental conditions, thereby enhancing the potential for further crop improvement through breeding. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the phenotypic correlation and path coefficient among various yield and yield related traits for 42 genotypes of brinjal at the Horticulture Research Centre, SVPUA&amp;T, Meerut (U.P.), India, over two consecutive Kharif seasons in 2022 and 2023 in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The analysis of variance indicated significant variability across all the traits examined. In general, magnitudes of genotypic correlation coefficient were higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficient, implying a significant inherent relationship in different pair of traits. Based on the correlation coefficient analysis, fruit yield per plant had significant and positive association with fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per hectare, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit length and fruit girth both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis showed that the traits viz., number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit girth and fruit length exhibited highest direct effects on fruit yield and also indirectly influenced by the other yield contributing traits of brinjal. It is concluded from the study that these traits may be used as key indices towards the direct selection of elite genotypes for the successful breeding programme for yield improvement of brinjal germplasm.

Mitigation of salt stress in Sorghum bicolor L. by the halotolerant endophyte Pseudomonas stutzeri ISE12.

Increasing soil salinity, exacerbated by climate change, threatens seed germination and crop growth, causing significant agricultural losses. Using bioinoculants based on halotolerant plant growth-promoting endophytes (PGPEs) in modern agriculture is the most promising and sustainable method for supporting plant growth under salt-stress conditions. Our study evaluated the efficacy of Pseudomonas stutzeri ISE12, an endophyte derived from the extreme halophyte Salicornia europaea, in enhancing the salinity tolerance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). We hypothesized that P. stutzeri ISE12 would improve sorghum salt tolerance to salinity, with the extent of the increase in tolerance depending on the genotype's sensitivity to salt stress. Experiments were conducted for two sorghum genotypes differing in salinity tolerance (Pegah - salt tolerant, and Payam - salt sensitive), which were inoculated with a selected bacterium at different salinity concentrations (0, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl). For germination, we measured germination percentage and index, mean germination time, vigor, shoot and root length of seedlings, and fresh and dry weight. In pot experiments, we assessed the number of leaves, leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf weight ratio, relative root weight, plantlet shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, proline and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, and peroxidase enzyme activity. Our study demonstrated that inoculation significantly enhanced germination and growth for both sorghum genotypes. The salinity-sensitive genotype (Payam) responded better to bacterial inoculation during germination and early seedling growth stages, showing approximately 1.4 to 1.8 times greater improvement than the salinity-tolerant genotype (Pegah). Payam also displayed better performance at the plantlet growth stage, between 1.1 and 2.6 times higher than Pegah. Furthermore, inoculation significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide, peroxidase activity, and proline levels in both sorghum genotypes. These reductions were notably more pronounced in Payam, with up to 1.5, 1.3, and 1.5 times greater reductions than in Pegah. These results highlight the efficacy of P. stutzeri ISE12 in alleviating oxidative stress and reducing energy expenditure on defense mechanisms in sorghum, particularly benefiting salt-sensitive genotypes. Our findings highlight the potential of the bacterial endophyte P. stutzeri ISE12 as a valuable bioinoculant to promote sorghum growth under saline conditions.