Haryana Agricultural University Research Articles

Genetic diversity studies for improved horticultural traits in bitter gourd [Momordica charantia L.] genotypes

Twenty-seven bitter gourd genotypes were evaluated atResearch farm of Department of Vegetable Science, CCS,Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to find out suitablebitter gourd genotypes for future breeding programme.These genotypes were evaluated morphologically on leafand fruit characters along with sixteen quantitative traits. Ingeneral, ample variation was observed for most of leaf andfruit characters, except for leaf pubescence. Analysis ofvariance exhibited highly significant variation among allgenotypes for all the characters except nodes to first maleand female flower and leaf length (cm). The maximumgenotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCVand PCV) were recorded for number of primary branches(22.50 and 23.14) and number of fruits per vine (26.41 and26.64). High heritability coupled with high genetic advanceas percent of mean were observed for number of fruits pervine (95.18 and 53.96), number of primary branches (85.20and 45.06), weight of 100 seeds (98.98 and 37.26) and fruityield per vine (96.64 and 31.03) showing strong impact ofadditive gene effect. The following bitter gourd genotypesviz., IC 85624 and HK 113 were recorded best in terms offruit yield.

Effect of mycorrhizal fungi in combination with botanicals, fungicides and bio-agents in ameliorating Fusarium wilt management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Fusarium wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris causes substantial economic losses in chickpea. Tostudy the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation in combination with different bio-agents, fungicides and botanicals onthe Fusarium wilt incidence and yield of chickpea, field trials were conducted during 2019–20 at the research field ofCCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Mycorrhizal fungi were found to be beneficial in alleviating chickpeawilt incidence and upsurging the yield components of chickpea. The mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae performed better than Glomus hoi, evincing the importance of mycorrhizal species. Seed soaking provided more disease control in comparison to soil drenching of plant extracts, bio-agents and fungicides except azoxystrobin 23% SC in variety JG 62 in which mode of application of fungicide had no significant effect on disease incidence. Amongst mycorrhiza × treatment interaction, carbendazim 50% WP provided utmost disease control (>80%) in the soil pre-inoculated with G. mosseae and Glomus hoi, followed by azoxystrobin 23% SC and Trichoderma viride, while aqueous extract of datura leaves was the least effective in both chickpea varieties JG 62 and C 235.

Deciphering drivers of ICT use in agricultural education

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an important element in the education scenario to prepare citizens for the future. Since, its inception factors influencing the use have not been studied more, hence an exploratory research study has been framed for finding those factors among the students of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during 2018-19. The data were collected from 200 respondents using structured interview schedule and analyzed using standard methodology. The findings revealed that the institutional factors were perceived highest with composite index value (CIV) of 70.18, followed by personal (67.35), technical (59.15) and economic constraints (47.33). Although, these factors could be overcome through implementing remedies suggested by students like; teaching should be through ICTs, followed by improved internet connection, training programme related to use of ICTs, etc. but an effective national level policy related to infrastructure facilities, software licensing, availability of high quality ICT gadgets at subsidized rates, free and regular training programmes, etc. are possible ways to deal with these factors especially during COVID-19 pandemic. The correlation and regression of different variables, i.e. age, education, family education, scientism, annual expenditure, mass media exposure, information seeking behaviour and risk orientation exhibited negative and significant effect with their perceived personal factors at 0.05 level of probability. Hence, the paper recommends that effective utilization of ICT depends not only upon the available ICT resources, but also effective utilization of the same.

Genetic variability and diversity analysis in wheat (Triticum spp.) genotypes using multivariate techniques

Thirty-four Indian wheat (Triticum spp.) varieties released from 1933 to 2010 were evaluated at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (India) for genetic variability and diversity based on their morphological and seed vigour parameters during 2015-16. Significant variations were exhibited by the genotypes for all 26 traits under study. Awn length and dehydrogenase activity had maximum values of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability and genetic advance as percentage of mean for morphological and seed vigour traits, respectively. In the principal-component analysis of morphological traits, first five principal components accounted for about 77.56% of the total variation. Whereas, first three principal components explained about 84.19% of the total variation for seed vigour parameters. Principal-component analysis score identified variety WH 1105 as most vigorous variety as well potential genotype for morphological traits.

Foraging Speed of Castor Pollinators

The collected amount of nectar and pollen by the insect pollinators mainly depends upon the time spent on individual flowers referred to as the foraging speed. An experiment conducted at Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana evaluated the foraging speed of different insect pollinators on flowers of castor Ricinus communis cv. GCH-7 and DCH-177. Apis cerana F. was observed with maximum foraging speed (6.26 sec/flower) followed by Apis mellifera L. (5.12 sec/flower), Apis dorsata F. (4.20 sec/flower), Apis florea F. (3.74 sec/flower). The least foraging speed was observed with Xylocopa iridipennis Lepeletier (2.67 sec/flower). Data taken at different time interval in a day indicated that the peak foraging speed of pollinators is between 10.00-12.00 hr, while the least one was at 16.00-18.00 hr.

Influence of prevailing weather parameters on population dynamics of fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) on tomato in Haryana

A field experiment was conducted for two years (2016-17 and 2017-18) at Entomological Research Area, Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to ascertain the influence of various meteorological parameters on population fluctuations of Helicoverpa armigera on tomato. The maximum oviposition (4.60 eggs/ plant) was recorded during 15th standard meteorologicalweek (SMW) whereas larval population was at peak (4.91 larvae/ plant) during 16th SMW. The larval population showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r=0.617*) and highly significant negative correlation with morning (r=-0.784**) as well as evening relative humidity (r=-0.814**). Maximum eggs parasitization (12.85 %) by Trichogramma sp. was recorded during 16th SMW. These trichogrammatid parasitoids exhibited non-significant correlation with weather parameters and highly significant positive correlation (r=0.976**) with egg counts of H. armigera. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 77 per cent (R2=0.77) variability in larval population was accounted by weather parameters particularly maximum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity.

Influence of prevailing weather parameters on population dynamics of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and its natural enemies on maize in Haryana


 The experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Karnal to ascertain the influence of prevailing meteorological parameters on population dynamics of Chilo partellus and its natural enemies on maize during Kharif, 2017. Maximum oviposition (0.75 egg masses per plant) was recorded during 28th standard meteorological week (SMW) whereas larval population was at peak during 31st SMW (3.8 larvae per plant). Cumulative (47.5%) and fresh plant infestation (11.5%) were maximum during 34th and 28th SMW, respectively. Maximum egg parasitisation (6.53%) by Trichogramma sp. and larval parasitisation (31.64%) by Cotesia flavipes was recorded during 28th and 33rd SMW, respectively. Changes in pest population were correlated and regressed with weather parameters. Egg and larval populations of C. partellus and parasitisation by Trichogramma sp. exhibited significant positive correlation with average minimum temperature whereas C. flavipes exhibited significant negative correlation with average maximum temperature (r = -0.741) and highly significant positive correlation with evening relative humidity (r = 0.695). Plant infestation and dead heart formation were significantly correlated with average minimum temperature and non-significantly correlated with all other weather parameters. The multiple linear regression analysis explained the variability due to various weather parameters. This information can be utilised while formulating integrated management tactics against this pest.

Effect of Foliar Application of NPK and Micronutrient (Zn and Fe) on the Yield and Quality of Sugarcane Crop

The foliar application of nutrients help the plant leaves to readily absorb the applied nutrients through the nutrient solution and increases the nutrient use efficiency and thus improves the crop yield. The field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to find out the affect of foliar spray of NPK and micronutrient on cane yield, yield parameters and juice quality of sugarcane during 2019-20 and 2020-21.The present study was carried out on clay loam soils of Research farm of Regional Research Station, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Karnal, Haryana. The research revealed that cane yield and yield parameters i.e., cane length, and cane weight was significantly affected with the foliar spray of NPK and micronutrient but non-significant effect was observed for cane girth and number of internodes. With respect to juice quality parameters viz., commercial cane sugar (CCS) %, pol % and sugar yield, significantly affected with foliar spray of NPK and micronutrient. The highest cane yield, cane weight and cane length was recorded with the foliar application of 2% NPK (19:19:19) + 0.5% ZnSO4 +1% FeSO4 (78.16 t/ha, 1.21 kg and 207.3 cm) followed by foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 1% FeSO4+ 2.5% urea recorded 76.75 t/ha, 1.20 kg and 207.1 cm, respectively. The lowest cane yield (70.68 t/ha) was recorded with the application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) alone. The highest CCS % (12.16), pol % (17.36) and sugar yield (9.51 t/ha) was observed in the treatment 2% NPK + 0.5% ZnSO4 +1% FeSO4. Thus, foliar application with NPK and micronutrient could significantly improve the cane yield, yield parameters and juice quality of sugarcane crop.

Insect pest management in vegetable crops through trap cropping: Review

The study was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2019 as the widespread use ofinsecticides to control crop pests has created various problems such as residues in the food chain, phytotoxicity,pesticide resistance, pest resurgence, bioaccumulation and secondary pest outbreak, in addition to causing harmfuleffect on the environment and non-targeted beneficial organisms. However, trap cropping is one such type of specialcompanion planting strategy that is traditionally used for insect pest management through vegetative diversificationused to attract insect pests away from the main crops during a critical time period by providing them an optionalpreferred choice. Trap cropping also has a tremendous potential to attract and conserve natural enemies in croppingsystems. The effect of attracting natural enemies may be an advantage compared to the other/conventional meansof pest control. Trap cropping can be integrated with other Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tactics. But trapcropping, like many other cultural tactics, remains under-exploited. Research on trap cropping has been very limited,and deserves more consideration to sustain agro-ecosystems throughout the world. In this review we have providedinformation based on trap cropping modalities and an updated list of trap cropping system in vegetable crops thatshould be proven as helpful in future trap cropping endeavors.

Effect of pearl millet based intercropping systems on yield and economics of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.

The field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2019 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of different intercropping systems of pearl millet with legumes and oilseed on yield and economics of pearl millet. The eleven treatments were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The performance of sole pearl millet hybrid HHB 299 at 45 cm row spacing proved the best in terms of grain (48.83 q ha-1) and stover (100.11 q ha-1) yield and yield attributing traits. It was comparable to sole pearl millet in paired row and pearl millet + green gram (2:1). Among intercropping systems, maximum values of yield attributes of pearl millet were obtained in pearl millet + green gram (2:2) and maximum pearl millet yield (44.68 q ha-1) was in pearl millet + green gram (2:1). Pearl millet equivalent yield (PEY) and net returns of pearl millet-green gram in 2:1 row ratio was found superior than all the sole and intercropping treatments. The highest benefit-cost ratio was recorded under sole pearl millet crop (2.84) followed by intercropping of pearl millet with green gram in 2:1 row ratio (2.77).

Impact of plant oils and containers on storage of onion (Alllium Cepa) seeds

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is the most important vegetable crop grown all over the world. The deterioration of stored seed is a natural phenomenon and seeds tend to lose viability even under ideal storage conditions. Plant oils are reported to give maximum protection against seed mycoflora and eco-friendly in nature. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during 2019–20 at Department of Seed Science & Technology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, India to elucidate the effect of plant oils and packaging materials on the longevity of onion seed (variety: Hisar Onion-4). The seeds were coated with eight different plant oils @ 10 mL/kg seed (castor, neem, aonla, til, linseed, karanj, akhrot, ajwain oils and untreated control) and kept in two containers viz., cloth bag and plastic zipping bag up to a storage period of nine months under ambient conditions in Seed Pathology Laboratory of Department of Seed Science & Technology, CCSHAU, Hisar. The samples were drawn at three-month interval for ascertaining the seed quality. The results showed that, seeds coated with neem oil (10 mL/kg seed) and stored in plastic zipping bag recorded better seed quality [germination (65.67%), root length (3.26 cm), shoot length (5.33 cm), mean seedling dry weight (6.60mg), vigour indices 1 and 2 (553.8 and 433.5), electrical conductivity (0.497 μS/cm/seed), mycoflora (0.643%), emergence index (6.27) and seedling establishment (53.50%)]. The present study suggests the use of appropriate packaging material and seed treatment could prolong the storage life and seed health of onion seeds.

Storability as affected by seed pelleting and priming in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

The present study was carried out at Laboratory of Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to ascertain the effect of pelleting and priming material on storability of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seeds during 2017-19. The treatments comprising of 7 pelleting treatments, 14 priming treatments and a control were laid out in Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The seed quality relating to physiological traits decreased with advancement in storability except for electrical conductivity. Better retention of seed quality characters, viz. standard germination, speed of emergence, seedling dry weight, vigour indices was observed in the seeds pelleted with Captan (3 g/kg) + Imidacloprid (2 g/kg) followed by KNO3 (1%) and neem leaf powder (100 g/kg seeds) after 18 months of storage (except seedling length and seed vigour index-I). The minimum EC was recorded in seeds primed with Trichoderma viride (8 g/kg seed), followed by KNO3 (1%) and seeds pelleted with Captan @3 g/kg + Imidacloprid @2 g/kg. Therefore, it can be concluded that in order to maintain better seed quality of fennel during storage, seed pelleting proved superior over seed priming that ought to be given as pre-sowing treatment not as pre-storage treatment.

Pelleting and priming effect on biochemical parameters of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds

The experiment was carried out to extrapolate the effect of seed pelleting and priming on biochemical traits of fresh and stored fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seeds in the Laboratory of Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2017-19 under ambient conditions on cultivar Hisar Swarup (HF 33). Results showed that the biochemical parameters, viz. catalase, peroxidase, dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase decreased significantly as storage period increased in all the treatments. Prior to storage in case of seed pelleting, biochemical activity was recorded highest in seeds pelleted with Captan (3 g/kg) + Imidacloprid (2 g/kg), followed by neem leaf powder (100 g/kg seeds) and KNO3 (1.0%), except peroxidase activity. Whereas, in case of priming, maximum biochemical activity was observed in seeds primed with Trichoderma viride (8 g/kg seed), followed by KNO3 (1%), neem leaf extract (10%) and Trichoderma harzianum (8 g/kg seed). At the end of experiment, biochemical activity was highest in seeds pelleted with Captan (3 g/kg) + Imidacloprid (2 g/kg) after 18 months of storage followed by KNO3 (1%), except in peroxidase activity. In case of catalase and dehydrogenase activity, seed pelleting with neem leaf powder (100 g/kg seeds) showed at par value with Captan (3 g/kg) + Imidacloprid (2 g/kg).

Biochemical responses to natural and accelerated ageing on seed quality in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.] is an important oilseed crop of many tropical and subtropicalcountries of the world. The present study was carried out at research farm of Department of Seed Scienceand Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during winter (rabi) season 2017–18 and 2018–19.The objective of present study was to evaluate the effect of natural and accelerated aging on biochemical constitutes in 3 Indian mustard varieties, viz. RH-30, RH-9304 and RH-0406 with three seed lots (fresh seed, 1-year old seed, 2-year-old seed). Naturally aged seed lots of variety RH-30 was found to meet out Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standard after 1-year under ambient condition. Tetrazolium test indicated that the viability of Indian mustard seeds decreased after increasing the ageing duration. Maximum seed viability recorded in the variety RH-30 and minimum was recorded in variety RH-0406. Activities of all the enzymes, viz. superoxide dismutase, dehydrogenase and peroxidase significantly decreased with natural ageing; RH-30 was found to be a good storer variety. The maximum performance for standard germination and enzymes activity was observed in fresh seed lots. Results showed that among different Indian mustard varieties, RH-30 and RH-9304 were found best responsive with minimal seed deterioration effects, and better germination and seedling establishment potential.

Characterization of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) genotypes for growth, flowering characters and yield

The study was carried out on thirty genotypes of Chrysanthemum at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2019 and 2020 to characterize for growth, flowering characters and yield. The results revealed that maximum days to first flower bud were recorded in genotype Bicolor Aruba (62.1 and 62.2) and minimum in Orange Dazzle (51.5 and 50.7 days). Minimum days to first flower opening were recorded in Pusa Sona (68.6 and 63.8) while maximum in Star white (94.9 and 95.3 days). Maximum duration of flowering was observed in Star Yellow (84.0 and 82.9) while minimum in Pusa Aditya (25.0 and 24.9). Pusa Chitraksha recorded maximum (189.3 and 186.76) number of buds per plant and minimum in Orange Dazzle (14.7 and 13.6). Number of flowers per plant was recorded maximum in Pusa Chitraksha (174.8 and 172.5) and minimum in Golden Beauty (10.1 and 10.4). Size of flower was exhibited maximum in Star White (11.1 and 11.2) and minimum in Green Button Lorenzo (3.2 and 3.0). Flower yield/plant was found maximum in Pusa Guldata (311.7 and 289.3g) and minimum in Bicolor Aruba (12.0 and 10.9g). Flower yield was found maximum in Pusa Guldata (25.98 and 24.11 t ha-1) and minimum in Bicolor Aruba (10.03 and 9.04 t ha-1) during 2019 and 2020 respectively. Pusa Guldata genotype performed best in respect of flower yield.

Long-term effects of FYM and nitrogen application on weeds, nutrient uptake, and crop productivity of wheat in subtropical north-western India

An ongoing long-term experiment started since 1967, were selected during rabi season of 2014–2015 at Research Farm of Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment consisting combination of two level of FYM (0 and 15 t/ha) and three mode of application (kharif, rabi, and both kharif and rabi) in main plots whereas, two level of nitrogen (0 and 120 kg/ha) and two weed control treatment (weed free and weedy check) in subplots was laid out in split-plot design. Based on the research investigation, it was observed that highest wheat yield and nutrient uptake by crop were significantly higher where FYM 15 t/ha was applied in both rabi and kharif season as compared to other treatments. Similarly, application of 120 kg N/ha significantly increased crop yield as compared to treatment where no nitrogen was applied. Weed density of A. arvensis and M. indicus decreased with increasing fertility level, whereas, density of C. didymus, R. dentatus, and miscellaneous weeds, total dry matter of weeds along with uptake and content of NPK in weeds increased with increasing fertility level. Gross returns, net returns and B:C were maximum under application of 15 t/ha in both rabi and kharif season along with 120 kg N/ha under weed free conditions. The combined application of FYM 15 t/ha in both rabi and kharif season along with 120 kg N/ha under weed free conditions gave significantly higher value of growth and yields of wheat and its economic returns.

Assessment of soil micro flora in rice-wheat cropping system through continuous and rotational herbicide applications

A long term experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Uchani (Karnal), India. Assessment of fix and rotational herbicides with and without green manure on the microbial population were studied in wheat crop during 2017-18. The treatments included fix/continuous herbicide (Clodinafop) and rotational herbicide (Sulfosulfuron) to control weeds along with weed free and weedy checks. Rhizosphere samples of wheat were collected from different plots of fixed and rotational herbicides treated soil to assess the total bacterial count, phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, actinobacteria, fungi and free-living diazotrophs. Weed free and weedy check served as check (control) for total microbial populations in the soil. Initially, herbicidal application showed negative effect on the soil microbes but retain the number later on as compared to weedy check under both conditions. But the effects of the herbicides on the micro flora in soil could be nullified through green manure.

Effect of phosphorous in combination with biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Winter Dawn

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of biofertilizers in combination with phosphorus rates on growth, yield and quality of strawberry. Methodology: The experiment was conducted during the year 2017-18 and 2018-19 at hi-tech greenhouse of the Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design with four phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 80, 100 and 120% RDP per plant) and three biofertilizers (control, VAM and PSB) at five replicates. Growth and yield parameter were estimated. Quality traits, viz., TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and juice content of fruits were also measured at maturity stages. Results: All the possible combinations of phosphorous and biofertilizers were found to have significant influence on the vegetative growth, yield and quality parameters of strawberry. The minimum number of days taken to first flowering, maximum fruit weight, size and fruit yield per plant were recorded with 100% RDP along with VAM. TSS and ascorbic acid were noted maximum with combined application of 120% RDP and biofertilizers. Interpretation: VAM and PSB inoculation in combination with 100 percent recommended dose of phosphorous showed maximum vegetative growth, yield and quality of strawberry as compared to non-biofertilizer inoculation.

Diversity Analysis for Seed Yield and its Component Traits among Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Germplasm Lines

Background: Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the oldest cool season food legume crops, stands next to soybean (Glycine max L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). A throughout knowledge of existing genetic variation among seed yield and its component traits is essential for developing high yielding varieties in faba bean. Realizing the importance of genetic diversity in key economic traits, the present investigation planned to assess the genetic diversity in faba bean germplasm for yield improvement in faba bean breeding programme. Methods: The experimental material comprised of 80 faba bean germplasm lines, grown in RBD with three replications at Research Farm of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during Rabi 2015-16. The data on 10 quantitative traits was analysed for Mahalanobis D2 statistic, stepwise multiple regression and principle component analysis (PCA).Result: The present study has assessed the existed genetic variations traits among faba bean germplasm lines for seed yield and its component traits. This would certainly provide guidelines in the selection of parents as well as effective selection of promising faba bean genotypes in faba bean breeding programmes for developing high yielding varieties.

Genome Analysis of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] using Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) Mapping Data

Background: Agricultural research chiefly focuses on the ways to increase productivity of staple food crops like wheat and rice, but still there are crops where research focus is meagre like nutritionally important mungbean crop grown by marginal farmers in crop rotation systems. Mungbean is leguminous crop which is high in protein content thus it offers health benefits at cheaper rates. The present work emphasizes on finding genetic diversity in mungbean germplasm on the basis of chemical and molecular analysis for micronutrients variation (iron and zinc). The identified molecular markers having linkage with high iron and zinc concentrations in the seeds can prove helpful in expansion of biofortification programme.Methods: Fifty-one green gram genotypes viz. varieties released from CCS Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Indian Institute of Pulse Research (IIPR), Kanpur and some advanced breeding lines were included in the study. Acid digested samples were used for determination of Fe and Zn by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Young seedlings leaves were used for isolation of genomic DNA using 2% CTAB (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide). Result: Total of fifty-one mungbean genotypes were tested using fifty simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Out of fifty primers screened, 16 primers generated 35 bands. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in mungbean lines was 36.90 to 107.1 mg/kg and 14.2 to 53.8 mg/kg respectively. The molecular studies based on SSR markers also indicates existence of ample genetic diversity at molecular level.