North Western Plains Zone Research Articles

Effect of zinc and boron on grain quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in north-western plain zone of India

An experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of zinc and boron on grain quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during the winter (rabi) season of 2018–2019 and 2019–20 at the agronomy research farm of IFTM University, Lodhipur Rajput, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Ten treatments, viz. T1 , Control (no fertilizer); T2 , zinc @ 5 kg/ha (SA); T3 , zinc @ 1 kg/ha (FA); T4 - zinc @ 1 + 1 kg/ha (2 FA); T5 , zinc @ 5 kg/ha (SA) + zinc @ 1 kg/ha (FA); T6 , boron @ 0.5 kg/ha (SA); T7 , boron @ 0.1 kg/ha (FA); T8 , boron @ 0.2 kg/ha (2 FA); T9 , boron @ 0.5 kg/ha (SA) and boron @ 0.1 kg/ha (FA) and T10-, zinc @ 5 kg/ha + boron @ 0.5 kg/ha (SA) were comprised in randomized block design (RBD) with the three replications. The results revealed that different levels and application methods of zinc and boron significantly improved the grain quality of wheat. Maximum Zn content (35.4 and 35.9 mg/ha) and Zn uptake (185.1 and 197.1 g/ha) in 2018–19 and 2019–20, respectively were recorded with Zn @ 5 kg/ha (SA) + zinc @ 1 kg/ha (FA). Moreover, maximum B content (58.5 and 59.5 mg/ha) and B uptake (361.9 and 376.4 g/ha) in 2018–19 2019–20, respectively were observed with B @ 0.5 kg/ha (SA) and B @ 0.1 kg/ha (FA). Maximum protein content in grain (12.6 and 12.7%) and protein yield (712.8 and 744.9 kg/ha) was recorded under Zn - 5 kg/ha (SA) + B 0.5 kg/ha (SA) in 2018–19 and 2019–20, respectively

Phule Satwik (NIAW 3170): A soft bread wheat variety for North Western Plains and Peninsular Zone of India

Wheat is an important crop that plays major role in a food grain production in the country.It is a lone source for industries involved in the manufacturing of bread, biscuits, flakes, cakes etc. These industries rely on quality parameters viz.,grain hardness index, biscuit spread factor, bread quality score, and bread loaf volume. Bread wheat variety Phule Satwik (NIAW 3170) is developed at Agricultural Research Station, Niphad has been released and notified by Central Sub Committee on Crop Standards, India for cultivation in North Western Plains Zone and Peninsular Zone under restricted irrigation conditions vide notification number S.O. 3482 (E) dated 7th October, 2020. The variety has high yield potential under restricted irrigation conditions along with disease resistance and superior grain quality parameters. It was the softest grain variety among all the genotypes having a biscuit spread factor of more than 10. With good nutritional and quality parameters, it will be a promising variety for bakery industries.

Nano Urea Fertilization for More Wheat Yield Under North Western Plains Zone for Irrigated Conditions Assessed by AMMI and BLUP Analysis

Highly significant variations due to treatments, locations and TxL interactions were observed for wheat yield by analysis of variance during field evaluation of nano urea formulations at number of locations in the north western plans zone of the country. First component of AMMI analysis shared of about 51.3% while second accounted for 29.9%. Significant variations due to locations, TxL interactions and treatments effects were observed for thousands grains weight. Around 82.9% of the interaction effects accounted by two significant components while total of significant components were up to 96.9%. Maximum yield was observed at Karnal followed by Hisar more over maximum yield for 56.1 was expressed by T3 treatment. ASV1 & ASV measures based on 81.3% of interaction effects selected T5, T8 and T8, T5 treatments. Average of thousands grains weight found T3, T8, T9 treatments as suitable for maximum realization and as per MASV1 and MASV settled T6, T2 treatments for thousands grains weight. Adaptability measures corresponding to BLUP estimates of yield i.e. PRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu, HMPRVG measures found T3, T4, T2 treatments for yield. Superiority index measures considering average thousands grains weight and stability in 65 and 35 ratios for weighted average settled for T3, T7, T8 treatments formulation of nano urea in the study. Biplot analysis observed Pantnagar center had expressed strong bondage with superiority index measures while considering mean, GAI and HM of treatments based on fixed and random effects of treatments. WAASB, W3, W2, W5 had maintained direct association with MASV, MASV1 on right hand side and with ASV1, W1, IPC4 on left side for yield. Treatments T13, T5 and T4 would express unstable yield as compared to T11, T6, T7 placed near to origin of biplot analysis. Thousands grains weight found that Karnal, Hisar centers with IPV2 formed the first cluster while Gurdaspur with Gwalior joined hands with superiority index measures in second cluster of biplot analysis. Next cluster was of adaptability measures PRVG, HMPRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu, mean, GAI, HM with Jammu, Delhi and Ludhiana centres. Next cluster of IPC4, IPC6 with Pantnagar observed near to large cluster of adaptability measures PRVG, HMPRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu.

Improvement of productivity and profitability in wheat by nitrogen and bio-fertilizer in north western plain zone

Improvement of productivity and profitability in wheat by nitrogen and bio-fertilizer in north western plain zone

Effect of biofertilizers seed treatment on growth and yield of wheat in North-Western Plain Zone

Effect of biofertilizers seed treatment on growth and yield of wheat in North-Western Plain Zone

Costs, Returns, Resource Use Efficiency of American Cotton Production in Irrigated North Western Plain Zone of Rajasthan, India

The study was carried out at Irrigated North Western Plain Zone 1b of Rajasthan in agricultural year 2012-13. This zone covers about 80 percent of the total area of cotton in the state. The study focused on the cost and return, efficiency of resource use and problems faced by the farmers in American cotton production under different farm sizes. Two villages namely 4C and Mirjawala were selected from Sriganganagar tehsil of the zone. Thirty farmers were selected at random in proportion to the total number of farmers in each size group from the list of from American cotton farmers group. The total variable cost of per hectare American cotton was Rs 28985. The yield per ha was 18.70 quintals. The return over variable cost per hectare American cotton was Rs 61436. The Cobb Douglas production function, revealed that the in American cotton farmers were underutilized fertilizer. Non-availability of labour during peak season was reported as highly acute constraint for cotton farmers. The damage caused by insect pests was reported as main problem for American cotton sample farmers.

Significance of yield sustainability to develop climate smart wheat (Triticum aestivum) in India

To ensure food security in India, not only the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity but yield sustainability is also crucial especially when the production environments are quite diverse. An experiment was conducted to examined multi-environment wheat yield trial data of popular wheat cultivars in two agro-climatically diverse regions i.e. north- western plains zone (NWPZ) and central zone (CZ) under timely-sown (TS) and late-sown (LS) conditions with an aim to differentiate yield and yield sustainability at the level of 4 production environment, 11 prominent locations and 7 crop years. Wheat productivity matched in both zones; yet the level of yield-sustainability was much less in warmer climate of CZ. Yield sustainability was poorest in late-sown wheat of CZ and the drop in sustainability index (SI) was realized in locations, years and genotypes. For grain yield; locations and location-year interaction mattered most in each production environments but the years were crucial only in NWPZ-TS. Results showed that yield sustainability of test sites can not be adjudged by its productivity alone. Location status was associated with the yield sustainability only in NWPZ. Substantial drop in sustainability could be noticed in some crop seasons of CZ but deviations in NWPZ were smaller. In test sites, the causative factors associated with yield-sustainability varied under different production environments. Genotype-year interaction was effective in each situation except CZ-LS where only the crop year variations were supreme. Variations in locations and genotypes mattered most in NWPZ-TS whereas the crop year deviations were impactful in NWPZ-LS and CZ-TS environments. Based on the results; prospect of improvisation and breeding strategy have been suggested to select suitable production sites and the genotypes.

Comparative analysis of nine Tilletia indica genomes for the development of novel microsatellite markers for genetic diversity and population structure analysis.

Karnal bunt (KB; Tilletia indica) is the prime quarantine concern for quality wheat production throughout the world. The most effective approach to dealing with this biotic stress is to breed KB-resistant wheat varieties, which warrants a better understanding of T. indica genome architecture. In India, the North Western Plain Zone is the prime hot spot for KB disease, but only limited efforts have been made to decipher T. indica diversity at the genomic level. Microsatellites offer a powerful and robust typing system for the characterization and genetic diversity assessment of plant pathogens. At present, inadequate information is available with respect to the development of genome-derived markers for revealing genetic variability in T. indica populations. In current research, nine complete genome sequences of T. indica (PSWKBGH_1, PSWKBGH_2, PSWKBGD_1_3, RAKB_UP_1, TiK_1, Tik, DAOMC236408, DAOMC236414, and DAOMC236416) that exist in the public domain were explored to know the dynamic distribution of microsatellites. Comparative genome analysis revealed a high level of relative abundance and relative density of microsatellites in the PSWKBGH_1 genome in contrast to other genomes. No significant correlation between microsatellite distribution for GC content and genome size was established. All the genomes showed the dominance of tri-nucleotide motifs, followed by mono-, di-, tetra-, hexa-, and penta-nucleotide motifs. Out of 50 tested markers, 36 showed successful amplification in T. indica isolates and produced 52 different alleles. A PCR assay along with analysis of the polymorphic information content (PIC) revealed 10 markers as neutral and polymorphic loci (PIC 0.37). The identified polymorphic SSR loci grouped a geographically distinct T. indica population of 50 isolates representing seven Indian regions (Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan) into four distinct clusters. The results of the analysis of molecular variance identified 94% genetic variation within the population and 6% among the population. Structure analysis also confirmed the existence of four genetically diverse groups containing admixtures of T. indica isolates across populations. In nutshell, the current study was successful in identifying novel, neutral and polymorphic microsatellite markers that will be valuable in offering deep insight into the evolutionary relationship and dynamics of the T. indica population for devising effective KB management strategies in wheat.

Endophytic bacterial taxonomic and functional diversity in the seeds of wheat genotypes from different agroecologies

ABSTRACT Plant genotype and agroecology influence the composition and functionality of seed endophytic bacterial communities. Taxonomic analysis of 123 wheat seeds endophytic bacteria classified these into 23 genera predominantly under Firmicutes followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Genus Bacillus was most abundant (30.7%) followed by Streptomyces (18.4%) with other representative genera such as Stenotrophomonas, Paenibacillus, Mixta, Enterobacter, Micrococcus, Pantoea, Alkalihalobacillus, Cortiobacterium, and more. Across agroecologies, the core microbiota of seeds consists of Bacillus, Streptomyces, Paenibacillus, and Stenotrophomonas, with maximum diversity and abundance observed in seeds of the North Western Plain Zone of India. Seed endophytic bacteria had PGP traits; nitrogen fixation (n = 101), production of IAA (n = 65), siderophores (n = 43), ammonia (n = 82) and solubilization of phosphate (n = 47), potassium (n = 37), and zinc (n = 8). The isolates produced HCN and hydrolytic enzymes and displayed antagonism against fungal pathogens. Overall, the information generated on wheat seeds’ endophytic bacterial taxonomy and beneficial traits may pave the path for the development of novel bioinoculants. Key message Wheat seeds from various agro-ecologies of India harbor diverse endophytic bacteria. Firmicutes were dominant followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Genus Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Streptomyces, and Paenibacillus were core endophytic bacteria in different agro-ecologies. The endophytic bacterial strains were displaying diverse functional traits.

Impact of Long-Term Application of Organic Manure on Inceptisol Properties, Grain Protein Content and Yield of Wheat

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to investigate the implications of long-term farm yard manure (FYM) use on chemical and microbial properties of Inceptisol in the North-Western Plain Zone of India, and their correlation with yield and protein content of wheat grains. FYM was used at four different doses (0, 10, 20, 30 t ha−1) with recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) as standard practice before sowing of both rice and wheat under rice-wheat cropping system. Application of FYM at 30 t ha−1 significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity (36.36%), nitrogen (29.79%), phosphorus (216.75%), potassium (280.15%), zinc (186.90%), copper (24.23%), organic carbon (130.77%), organic matter (132.43%), operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of top 30 bacterial classes (82.27%), genera (73.95%), plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB, 86.00%) and lignocellulose degrading bacteria (LDB, 109.14%) over recommended NPK at p value of 0.05. Significantly high plant biomass (14.21 t ha−1) and grain yield (5.69 t ha−1) were obtained in recommended NPK treatment, followed by 30 t ha−1 FYM treatment, whereas significantly higher grain protein was obtained in 30 t ha−1 FYM treatment at p value of 0.05. The abundance of top 30 bacterial classes was highest under 30 t ha−1 FYM (100117), while lowest under recommended NPK treatment (54928). This treatment also witnessed highest presence of all beneficial bacterial classes, top 30 bacterial genera, PGPB and LDB. Highest up-regulated bacterial genes in recommended NPK, and superior soil quality parameters (nutrient profile and microbial diversity) in 30 t ha−1 FYM, indicate that sustainable yields and quality are achievable by using a balanced amount of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure.

Evaluation of Different Elite Pear (Pyrus communis L.) Varieties for North Western Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Centre under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology Meerut, during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons to select the promising varieties of pear. The experiment was conducted on a 7-8-year-old pear orchard spaced at a distance of 3 m × 4 m. On four varieties i.e. Baggugosa, Punjab Beauty, Punjab Gold and Punjab Nectar and each replicated thrice. Each treatment consisted of three trees with a total of 12 trees. The obtained results showed that the highest canopy spread (3.765 m), number of fruits per plant (57.995) and fruit yield per plant (6.235 kg) were found to be significant. On the other side, number of flowers per plant (98.98), number of primary branches (6.165), stem girth (31.83 cm), plant height (6.965 m), fruit weight (5 fruits) (122.45 g), fruit length (73.97 mm) and fruit width (58.505 mm) were found to be non-significant. The results of the present study indicate that on the basis of their flowering times, full bloom times and morpho-economic characteristics, Punjab Nectar appeared to be a superior variety in terms of tree morphology and others as moderate. Further, it can be concluded that the variety Punjab Beauty had more productivity and the fruits of Punjab Nectar and Punjab beauty were having more marketable fruit traits.

Multivariate Analysis for Selection of High Yielding and Early Genotypes in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] for North Western Plain Zone of India

Background: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] is the second most important pulse crop in India after chickpea. The crop is cultivated during kharif in the arid and semi-arid regions of India. The present study aims to evaluate the genetic variability of the population in small scale trial (SST) through multivariate, principal component and cluster analysis so as to identify superior high yielding early maturing genotypes that fit in cropping systems suitable for the North Western Plain Zone of India. Methods: The plant material comprised of thirty advanced pigeonpea genotypes along with three checks evaluated in small scale trial (SST) during in randomized complete block design with three replications. Result: High GCV and PCV along with high heritability and GA as percent of mean was recorded for the characters PPP and SYPP indicating the preponderance of additive gene action for the expression of these traits. Seed yield per plot (SYPP) was found to be positively correlated with DF (0.30) and HSW (0.37). Path coefficient analysis revealed that PPP, DF and HSW had significant positive and direct effect on seed yield per plot. Principal Component Analysis further substantiated the variability of the population wherein three components explained 65.8% of variation. Cluster analysis classified the 33 genotypes into eight different clusters thereby highlighting sufficient divergence in the population. Cluster VI and VIII showed the highest distance, which is suggestive of prospective utilization of heterosis from their crosses. Two genotypes AH 20-10 and AH 20-23 were identified as the most genetically distant and hence could be forwarded in future breeding programme.

Harnessing High Yield Potential in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Climate Change Scenario

Wheat is a major staple food crop for food security in India and South Asia. The current rate (0.8-1.2%) of genetic gain in wheat is significantly shorter than the 2.4% needed to meet future demand. The changing climate and increased yield loss due to factors such as terminal heat stress necessitate the need for climate-resilient practices to sustain wheat production. At ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research in Karnal, Haryana, India, a new High Yield Potential Trial (HYPT) was conceptualized and subsequently conducted at six locations in the highly productive North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ). An attempt was made to harness higher wheat yields through the best pipeline genotypes suitable for early sowing and modified agronomic practices to explore the feasibility of a new approach that is profitable to farmers. The modified agronomic practices included like early sowing, application of 150% recommended dose of fertilizers, and two sprays of growth regulators (Chlormaquate chloride and Tebuconazole) to prevent lodging. The mean yield in the HYPT was 19.4% superior compared to the best trials conducted during the normal sowing time. A highly positive and significant correlation of grain yield with grain filling duration (0.51), biomass (0.73), harvest index (0.75), normalized difference vegetation Index (0.27), chlorophyll content index (0.32), and 1000-grain weight (0.62) was observed. An increased return of USD 201.95/ha was realized in the HYPT when compared to normal sowing conditions. This study proves that new integrated practices have the potential to provide the best profitable yields in wheat in the context of climate change.

Predicting the incidence and severity of wheat aphids and development of a web-enabled forewarning system in India

Aim: Forecasting the incidence and severity of aphids, the major insect pest of wheat, is expected to significantly help in their management. In the present study, a set of weather-based models were developed to predict the timing and severity of Rhopalosiphum maidis infestation at Ludhiana falling under the North Western Plain Zone and R. padi at Niphad in the Peninsular Zone of India. Methodology: The weather indices-based regression models for two locations, Ludhiana and Niphad, were developed using the aphid population and weather data gathered over eight years (2006–14), and the models' predictive accuracy was successfully tested over four additional years (2014-18). The developed statistical models were transformed into three-tier architecture, web-based system, i.e. Presentation, application and data tier for dissemination of information. Results: The developed models can predict the crop’s age - when aphids first colonize the plants, when the aphid population attains the peak and the information about the peak intensity of the aphid population. For predicting the crop’s age at which population peaked at Ludhiana, the weighted interaction of the relative humidity (RH) in the evening and the number of hours of sunshine (NHS) along with the weighted interaction of minimum temperature and RH (morning) were important parameters while, at Niphad, the weighted NHS and the interaction of RH (morning and evening) were important. Likewise, for predicting the maximum aphid population at Ludhiana, the weighted interaction of minimum temperature and RH (morning) were important, while at Niphad, the key parameters were the weighted interaction of RH (evening) with the NHS. Interpretation: A prototype system developed to forecast the location-specific (Ludhiana and Niphad) infestation of wheat crops by aphids is expected to facilitate aphid management through an accurate forewarning at the locations.

Evaluation of different elite guava (Psidium guajava) varieties for north western plain zone of U.P.

Evaluation of different elite guava (Psidium guajava) varieties for north western plain zone of U.P.

Identification of wheat genotypes with higher levels of antioxidant properties across environments in India

Wheat is an important source of energy and nutrition including antioxidants having health benefits to humans. In this investigation, 19 and 12 prominent wheat genotypes grown (during cropping season 2019-20) at three locations in two production environments representing North-Western Plains Zone (NWPZ) and Central Zone (CZ), respectively, were used for evaluating their antioxidant potential. There was a significant positive correlation between total soluble phenol and ABTS activity (p<0.01) while non-significant with DPPH scavenging activity in NWPZ genotype. However, there was a significant positive correlation of total soluble phenol with DPPH (p<0.01) and ABTS (p<0.05) radical scavenging activities in CZ genotypes. The genotypes HI 1628 and PBW 771 of NWPZ and HI 1634, CG 1029 and GW 322 of CZ exhibited higher mean phenolic content and antioxidant potential and were found comparatively stable across their environments with respect to the parameters tested. Overall, the Karnal location (NWPZ) was shown to have higher phenolic content and ABTS activity compared to genotypes grown at different locations of both the zones. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction-based ANOVA indicated highly significant effect of environment, genotype and genotype(x) environment interactions on soluble phenolics and antioxidants among genotypes in both the zones. The identified genotypes can be used for cultivation and improving nutritional value.

Whole genome resequencing and comparative genome analysis of three Puccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici pathotypes prevalent in India.

Stripe rust disease of wheat, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, (Pst) is one of the most serious diseases of wheat worldwide. In India, virulent stripe rust races have been constantly evolving in the North-Western Plains Zone leading to the failure of some of the most widely grown resistant varieties in the region. With the goal of studying the recent evolution of virulent races in this region, we conducted whole-genome re-sequencing of three prevalent Indian Pst pathotypes Pst46S119, Pst78S84 and Pst110S119. We assembled 58.62, 58.33 and 55.78 Mb of Pst110S119, Pst46S119 and Pst78S84 genome, respectively and found that pathotypes were highly heterozygous. Comparative phylogenetic analysis indicated the recent evolution of pathotypes Pst110S119 and Pst78S84 from Pst46S119. Pathogenicity-related genes classes (CAZyme, proteases, effectors, and secretome proteins) were identified and found to be under positive selection. Higher rate of gene families expansion were also observed in the three pathotypes. A strong association between the effector genes and transposable elements may be the source of the rapid evolution of these strains. Phylogenetic analysis differentiated the Indian races in this study from other known United States, European, African, and Asian races. Diagnostic markers developed for the identification of three Pst pathotypes will help tracking of yellow rust at farmers field and strategizing resistance gene deployment.

Genetic Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Bemisia tabaci Species Complex Infecting Soybean in Northern Hills and North Western Plains of India

Background: The Silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a pest of global significance causing huge economic loss to a wide range of agricultural crops. The pest is regarded as a cryptic species complex which differs in its adaptability to host, fecundity and resistance to insecticides. The expected outcome of the investigation is updated information on prevalence of cryptic species of B. tabaci in the major soybean growing areas in the region. Methods: A roving survey was carried out to assess the occurrence of B. tabaci in the major soybean growing areas of Northern Hills and North Western Plain zones during three consecutive crop seasons from 2018 to 2020. The survey locations were divided in to two broad groups viz., Hills and Plains (Tarai region) and a total of 76 villages were visited during the survey. Cryptic species composition was analyzed using the mtCOI sequence through PCR amplification. Result: The mean whitefly population per plant for the three years in hills and plains were 0.53 and 3.55, respectively. The highest whitefly population was observed in 2019 (1.79 per plant) followed by 2018 (1.50 per plant) and 2020 (1.11 per plant). There was significant (p less than 0.0001) negative correlation (r= -0.749) with altitude. Phylogenetic relationships indicated the existence of two cryptic species Asia-1 and Asia-II-1. Of these, Asia-II-1 was found to be prominent especially in the North Western Plain Zone. In the Northern Hill Zone both Asia 1 and Asia-II-1 were detected.

Multi-location evaluation of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Indian climates: Ecophenological dynamics, yield relation, and characterization of locations.

Crop yield varies considerably within agroecology depending on the genetic potential of crop cultivars and various edaphic and climatic variables. Understanding site-specific changes in crop yield and genotype × environment interaction are crucial and needs exceptional consideration in strategic breeding programs. Further, genotypic response to diverse agro-ecologies offers identification of strategic locations for evaluating traits of interest to strengthen and accelerate the national variety release program. In this study, multi-location field trial data have been used to investigate the impact of environmental conditions on crop phenological dynamics and their influence on the yield of mungbean in different agroecological regions of the Indian subcontinent. The present attempt is also intended to identify the strategic location(s) favoring higher yield and distinctiveness within mungbean genotypes. In the field trial, a total of 34 different mungbean genotypes were grown in 39 locations covering the north hill zone (n = 4), northeastern plain zone (n = 6), northwestern plain zone (n = 7), central zone (n = 11) and south zone (n = 11). The results revealed that the effect of the environment was prominent on both the phenological dynamics and productivity of the mungbean. Noticeable variations (expressed as coefficient of variation) were observed for the parameters of days to 50% flowering (13%), days to maturity (12%), reproductive period (21%), grain yield (33%), and 1000-grain weight (14%) across the environments. The genotype, environment, and genotype × environment accounted for 3.0, 54.2, and 29.7% of the total variation in mungbean yield, respectively (p < 0.001), suggesting an oversized significance of site-specific responses of the genotypes. Results demonstrated that a lower ambient temperature extended both flowering time and the crop period. Linear mixed model results revealed that the changes in phenological events (days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, and reproductive period) with response to contrasting environments had no direct influence on crop yields (p > 0.05) for all the genotypes except PM 14-11. Results revealed that the south zone environment initiated early flowering and an extended reproductive period, thus sustaining yield with good seed size. While in low rainfall areas viz., Sriganganagar, New Delhi, Durgapura, and Sagar, the yield was comparatively low irrespective of genotypes. Correlation results and PCA indicated that rainfall during the crop season and relative humidity significantly and positively influenced grain yield. Hence, the present study suggests that the yield potential of mungbean is independent of crop phenological dynamics; rather, climatic variables like rainfall and relative humidity have considerable influence on yield. Further, HA-GGE biplot analysis identified Sagar, New Delhi, Sriganganagar, Durgapura, Warangal, Srinagar, Kanpur, and Mohanpur as the ideal testing environments, which demonstrated high efficiency in the selection of new genotypes with wider adaptability.

Genetic gains in grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars developed from 1965 to 2020 for irrigated production conditions of northwestern plains zone of India

Genetic gains in grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars developed from 1965 to 2020 for irrigated production conditions of northwestern plains zone of India