Number Of Primary Branches Research Articles

Genetic Variability and Character Association Studies for Yield and Yield Traits in French Marigold (Tagetes Patula L.)

Twelve growth and flowering traits to study their genetic variability, correlation and path coefficients from twenty-five genotypes of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) were evaluated in the growing season 2016/17. The analysis of variance for all the traits showed significant differences among genotypes for all the growing plants and flowering traits. The range in mean performance was observed for plant height (34.33-94.33 cm), plant spread (31.33-73.43 cm), number of flowers per plant (53.33-104.67), carotenoid content (19.43-74.57 mg/100 g), days to 50% of flowering (49.43-82.40 days) and flower yield per plant (142.56 g - 526.15 g). The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all the characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain was observed for flower yield per plant, days to 50% of flowering and plant height. Flower yield per plant had a positive and highly significant correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic levels with the number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flower, plant height and shelf life. Path coefficient analysis revealed that traits like number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flowers, plant height, number of primary branches per plant and the lifespan of flowering had positive effects on flower yield per plant. Hence, selection for these traits would be effective for flower yield in French marigold.

Genetic variability, correlation studies, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.)

A field experiment was undertaken to evaluate the variability and performance of thirty horsegram genotypes collected from various regions of Kerala and outside for yield and yield attributing characters. Analysis of variance was carried out based on the recorded observations, and it showed significant differences among the 30 genotypes for all the fifteen characters studied. Most of the traits exhibited narrow differences between PCV and GCV except for seeds per pod, the number of primary branches per plant and yield per plant. Yield per plant was found to be significant and positively correlated to primary and the number of secondary branches per plant, nodes per plant, pod number per plant, seeds per pod and 100 seed weight both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that pod number per plant, seeds per pod, nodes per plant, 100 seed weight and days to maturity were the major yield contributing characters owing to their favorable direct effect on yield per plant. Genetic diversity studies using Mahalanobis’ D2 statistics assembled the 30 genotypes into eight clusters. Keywords: Variability, heritability, path analysis, genetic divergence, horsegram

Effect of Plant Growth Retardants (Paclobutrazol, Alar, Maleic Hydrazide) on Growth, Flowering and Yield on African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) cv. Pusa Basanti under Open Field Conditions of Prayagraj

The present experiment was carried out during March, 2022 to June, 2022 in Research Field, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The research was conducted with an aim to identify the most suitable growth retardants and its appropriate dose under the agro climatic conditions of Prayagraj was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with three replications. Ten treatments were considered viz., Control (T0), Paclobutrazol (PBZ) at 100 ppm (T1), 150 ppm (T2), 200 ppm (T3); Maleic Hydrazide (MH) at 1000 ppm (T4), 1500 ppm (T5), 2000 ppm (T6); Alar at 1000 ppm (T7), 1500 ppm (T8), 2000 ppm (T9). From the experimental findings, it was observed that treatment PBZ at 100 ppm performed significantly better in most of the parameter like plant height (33.82 cm), plant spread (44.03 cm), number of primary branch (4.11), early bud initiation (33.6 days) and early flowering (50.6 days). The treatment MH at 1000 ppm performed significant for more fresh weight (4.28 g), flower diameter (4.07 cm), as well as shelf life (7.64 days). It also reported higher flower yield per plant (254.97 g), gross return (717093 Rs/ha), net return (426514 Rs/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.47). Through the study it can be conclude that PBZ at 100 ppm was better in vegetative parameter as well as early initiation and MH at 1000 ppm was good in producing higher yield when compared to other treatments.Include the recommendation based on results of the study.

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies for Yield Mentioning Traits in Chickpea Elite Genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present investigation has been done to conductan Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability, and Genetic Advance Studies for Yield and Quality Traits in Chickpea Elite Genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment is laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications to minimize the error. The experiment was carried out during the Rabi 2020-2021. The analysis has been done with ten characters having plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, days to 50% flowering, 100- seed weight, pod yield per plant, pod yield per plot as a dependent variable. High genotypic coefficient variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were found in seed yield per plant (25.5 and 25.9), seed yield per plot(25.4 and 25.8) and several seeds per pod (15.7 and 28.5) displayed the negligible influence of the environment on the phenotypic expression of the character. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was seen in seed yield per plant (90 and 51.8), seed yield per plot(97.1 and 51.6), number of secondary branches per plant (90 and 27.8), number of primary branches per plant(70 and 23.3), number of pods per plant (96 and 20.6), and pod length (95 and 38.9), indicating an additive gene effect. Therefore, these characteristics can be used in further breeding programs for crop advancement.

Assessment of gamma radiation through agro-morphological characters in camellia sinensis L. (O.) kuntze

Purpose To study the effects of gamma radiation on tea seed germination, morphological changes, and genetic variation by using gamma radiation. Material and Method Fresh Tea seed material were irradiated with twenty different doses of gamma radiation such as 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 90, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Gy from Cobalt 60Co source from Regional Nuclear Agriculture Research Center, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), West Bengal, in between 2019 and 2020. Result and Conclusion The growth behavior of tea seedling was recorded under varying levels of gamma radiation and its performance at nursery stages. It was observed seed irradiated with doses from 35 Gy to 100 Gy could germinate but could not survive beyond five (05) months. When treated with higher doses as 200 Gy, 500 Gy and 1000 Gy, no seed germination takes places due to possible damages occur in the DNA structure. Screening of growth characteristics of tea plant generally monitored by the characteristics like plant height, number of leaves, number of primary branches, base diameter, and total leaf area of plants and we found that these characteristics significantly increased with the progress of time and increasing levels of gamma radiation; however, the plant height showed decreasing trend with the increasing levels of gamma radiation, which could be due to the change in chromosomal structure and genetic alteration. After 90 weeks of planting, the plant height, no. of primary branches, the number of leaves, plant base diameter, and total leaf area per plant recorded were 36.42 cm, 1/plant, 7.11/plant, 0.62 c.m, 22.92 cm2/plant respectively under the radiation level 30 Gy, whereas the corresponding figures of the above parameters at the control treatment were 85.32 cm, 1/plant, 18.84/plant, 1.18 c.m and 26.68 cm2/plant, respectively. The total plant height, no. of primary branches, the number of leaves, plant base diameter, and total leaf area per plant were significantly influenced by the rising levels of gamma radiation (up to 100 Gy), finally, after 90 weeks of planting, the maximum no. of branching was observed in the treatment of 8 Gy, 10 Gy and 15 Gy respectively. The study reveals a hitherto open the possibility of using gamma radiation on tea plant for creation of variation in the tea seed planting materials. Further studies on mutation using tea planting materials would give an insight into its mutable gene behavior.

Genetic Variability and Scope of Response to Selection in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The present investigation was carried out in randomized block design with three replications during Rabi season of 2020-21 to judge the extent of genetic variability and scope of selection among thirty-two genotypes including two checks of tomato Narendra Tomato-4 (NDT-4) & Narendra Tomato -7(NDT-7) for fourteen characters. In present study the analysis variance showed that all the treatments were significantly different for all the characters. Which, indicates wide range of genetic variability among the available genotypes. On the basis of mean performance, five genotypes namely NDT-28, NDT-29, NDT-30, NDT-32 and NDT-P were promising ones. High genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic (PCV) coefficient of variations were recorded for plant height, number of primary branches, polar diameter of fruit, equatorial diameter of fruit, locules per fruit, average fruit weight, marketable fruit yield per plant and total fruit yield per plant. Moderate genotypic coefficients of variation and phenotypic coefficients of variation were estimated for ascorbic acid content, number of fruits per plant and pericarp thickness. In contrast, low environment coefficient of variation was found for all the characters. High heritability (broad sense) coupled with high genetic advance in per cent of mean was observed for plant height, equatorial diameter of fruit, locules per fruit, pericarp thickness, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, marketable fruit yield per plant and total fruit yield per plant. Thus, ample variability is there and selection will be effective among the available germplasm of tomato.

Estimation of Variability and Genetic Divergence in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] for Yield Characters

The present investigation consists of 20 genotypes of Greengram including one check, which were grown in the Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj during Kharif 2021 following RBD with three replications. The data were recorded on 13 characters to study the amount of genetic variability, Genetic Advance, Genetic advance as percent mean in the greengram genotypes. Based on the mean performance genotype MODAL-L532 followed TOR-2 and SANGU-1972 were identified as best genotypes for seed yield per plant. High significant variation was obtained for all characters studies. High heritability estimates were observed for Number of primary branches, Seed yield, harvest index followed by number of pods per plant, number of secondary branches, biological yield, number of seeds per plant, number of seeds per pod,100 seed weight, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, days to 50% pod setting, and plant height. High values for heritability indicates that it may be due to higher contribution of genotypic components. High genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded high for seed yield, harvest index, biological yield, number of pods per plant, number of primary branches, number of seeds per plant, number of secondary branches, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight, plant height, days to 50% flowering, days to 50% pod setting, days to maturity. Metroglyph analysis shows, analysis of variance indicated that significant variations among the 20 lines for thirteen characters. The scatter diagram revealed that three complexes couldbe distinguished on the basis of morphological variation. Maximum number of genotypes falls in cluster I (10) and II (9) followed by cluster III (1). The germplasm lines, OLTS-B2, MODAL-L532, S/9-1179, SLTS-B2, recorded high index score and fell into different clusters can be crossed to have maximum variability of good combination of characters. Thus, the use of these genotypes in future breeding programme is suggested.

Study of Genetic Diversity in Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) Germplasm in Prayagraj Region

The present study consists of 41 Greengram genotypes including one Check variety used to study the nature and magnitude of genetic divergence using Mahalanobsi’s D2 statistics. The data for 13 quantitative characters recorded from the genotypes raised in Randomized Block Design having three replications at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India during Kharif-2021. 13 quantitative characters viz., Days to 50% flowering, Days to 50% pod setting, Days to maturity, Number of clusters per plant, Number of primary branches, Plant height (cm), Number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), Biological yield per plant (g), Number of seeds per pod, Harvest index (%), Seed yield per plant(g), Seed index to estimate the variability, heritability, genetic advance, genetic diversity among yield. SML-668 (14.96 g) has the highest Seed yield followed by IPM-205-7 (13.48 g), IPM-410-03913.21 g) showed the higher yield over the SM-20-29 (Check). Maximum (GCV), (PCV), Heritability was recorded for Number of primary branches. High Heritability coupled with high Genetic advance was recorded for Plant height (cm). Divergence analysis followed by Mahalanobis [1] D2 analysis has revealed the presence of a substantial amount of diversity among the genotypes. Clusters I contain 19 genotypes followed by Clusters II contain 18 genotypes while Clusters III, IV, V, VI are mono genotypic. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster IV and VI (290.82) followed by Cluster IV and V (238.70). Thus, genotypes present in these clusters suggest that the genetic architecture of the genotypes in one cluster differ from another cluster which provides a broad spectrum of variability in segregation and may be used as parents in the future hybridization programme to develop desirable genotypes.

Multivariate Analysis in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) Genotypes in India

The present study was contained black gram, 40 genotypes and experiment will be carried out in Randomized block design with 3 replications. The higher GCV & PCV found in biological yield, harvest index, number of cluster per plant, number of primary branches per plant. The traits were biological yield, harvest index, number of cluster per plant, number of primary branches per plant, seed yield per plant, seed index exposed higher heritability and higher genetic advance as percentage of mean. Regarding on D2 values 40 black gram genotypes grouped in to 5 clusters. The intra cluster distance ranged from 0 to 30.38. The highest intra cluster distance found in cluster II (30.38). The highest inter cluster distance found between clusters III to cluster IV (168.86). The first principal component was more positively related to seed yield and its contributing traits such as days to maturity (0.305), biological yield (0.203), days to 50% flowering (0.180), seed index (0.018). The positive and negative loading shows the presence of positive and negative correlation trends between the components and the variables.

Estimation of Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Quantitative Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): An Experimental Study

The Field Experimentation Centre conducted the current experiment using 22 genotypes of chickpea. Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding during Rabi 2021–2022 in Randomized block design with three replications. 13 quantitative variables were studied using the data, including analysis of variance, variability assessment, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient analysis, and path coefficient for traits related to yield and yield components. According to the findings of the analysis, there is enough variety among the chickpea germplasm included in the study for substantial deviations to be found for all the traits. For the character number of primary branches per plant, harvest index, and GCV, high estimations of both. Number of major branches, seeds per plant, and harvest index all showed high heritability’s along with genetic progress. At both genotypic and phenotypic levels, the characteristics harvest index and number of branches per plant demonstrated a positive significant correlation with seed yield per plant. The traits biological yield, harvest index, days to maturity, number of secondary branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and number of secondary branches all had a positive direct impact on seed production per plant.

Analysis of genetic diversity in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm for yield and its attributing traits

The  genetic diversity of 50 sesame genotypes was studied by Mahalanobis D2 statistics. By using Tocher’s method, genotypes were grouped into nine clusters based on 10 economically important traits viz., days to flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, the number of primary branches, the number of secondary branches, the number of capsules per plant, the number of seeds per capsules, thousand seed weight and single plant yield. The largest intercluster distance among the nine clusters was found between clusters I and VIII, indicated that they were significantly more diverse and clusters IV and VI showed the lowest intercluster distance indicating that the genotypes under these clusters are closely related. The cluster with the highest cluster mean was found in cluster VIII for the number of capsules per plant, the number of primary and secondary branches, the number of seeds per capsule and single plant yield and cluster V for plant height and cluster VII for thousand seed weight. Taking into account the highest cluster mean for a trait, genotypes could be selected as parents in the hybridization program to create superior cross combinations. Keywords : Genetic diversity, Cluster, Germplasm, Sesame, D2 analysis

Genetic variability and correlation analysis for yield and yield contributing characters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Thirty brinjal genotypes were evaluated for eighteen quantitative characters in a randomized block design with three replications. Variability studies for 18 quantitative characters revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was comparatively greater than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. Maximum PCV (59.49%) and GCV (59.48%) were registered for fruit weight. High estimates of heritability accompanied with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were  recorded for most of the traits viz., fruit length, diameter, pedicel length, pedicel thickness, relative fruit calyx length, fruit weight, fruits per plant, the number of marketable fruits, marketable fruit yield and fruit yield per plant indicating the prominence of additive gene action, thus pointing towards the effectiveness of simple selection depending on the phenotypic expression of genotypes would be rewarding for genetic improvement of these characters. Significant positive correlation of fruit yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with plant height, percentage of medium and long styled flowers, fruit setting percentage, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit pedicel length, fruit pedicel thickness, fruit weight, marketable fruit yield and significant negative correlation with the number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, days to first harvest, relative fruit calyx length, fruits per plant, total marketable fruits. Therefore, considering these characters would be beneficial in the selection for fruit yield per plant. Keywords: Brinjal, Genetic variability, Correlation analysis

Assessment of genetic variability for seed yield and its components in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) based on multivariate analysis

Sesame is an important oilseed crop in India. The  productivity of sesame is considerably low owing to several production challenges.  Developing high yielding varieties with resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses remains a major goal in sesame breeding. In this study, a total of 55 sesame genotypes were evaluated for 16 quantitative traits related to seed yield. Genetic relationship and variability in the genotypes were assessed based on correlation, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The results showed that seed yield had a high positive correlation with the number of capsules per plant and a high negative correlation with days to maturity. The PCA revealed six components contributing to the total variance, which were components 1 (plant height, the number of primary branches, leaf length and leaf width), 2 (seed yield per plant and thousand seed weight in the positive direction and days to maturity in the negative direction), 3 (days to flower initiation and days to 50 per cent flowering), 4 (capsule width and seeds per capsule), 5 (the number of capsules per plant) and 6 (the number of seeds per capsule) in the order of importance. Cluster analysis showed five clusters of genotypes in accordance with the phenotypic traits. Overall results indicated that the number of capsules per plant, the number of seeds per capsule and thousand seed weights were the most critical traits for selecting high yielding genotypes in sesame. Keywords: Correlation, principal component analysis, cluster, genetic resources, evaluation

Direct and Indirect Effects of Yield Contributing Characters on Seed Yield in Black Gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world. Pulses play a crucial role in the nutrition of mankind and can be cultivated all over the world, making them important both economically as well as nutritionally. The present investigation was carried out with objective of assessing genetic variability, genetic parameters like GCV, PCV, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path analysis on 26 Blackgram genotypes with one check using randomized block design with three replication during Kharif 2021 in experimental Farm of the Department Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Observations were recorded for 13 characters viz., days to 50% flowering, days to 50% pod setting, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length (cm), biological yield per plant (g), harvest Index (%), seed index, seed yield per plant (g). based on mean performance MASH -338 found to be superior in seed yield per plant followed by IPU-99. Among the 13 quantitative characters, high estimates of GCV and PCV were recorded respectively for number of pods per plant followed by number of clusters per plant. Number of pods per plant showed high heritability and genetic advance. Positive and significant correlation with number of clusters per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level. At genotypic level, the highest positive direct effect on Seed yield per plant effect was found for number of clusters per plant and harvest index at genotypic level. It can be concluded that these traits can be used as selection criteria in blackgram for bringing improvement in seed yield.

Morphological responses of Andean blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) plants growing in three environments at different altitudes

The Andean blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) is a promising fruit crop that has gained importance in the market because of its nutritional and medicinal properties; however, there are few studies on the optimal conditions for growth and production. In this study, the vegetative growth of Andean blueberry plants was evaluated for 200 days in three sites at different altitudes in the Department of Cundinamarca (Colombia): municipality of San Francisco (1,885 m a.s.l.), Bogota (Universidad Nacional de Colombia - UNAL, 2,556 m a.s.l.), and Cruz Verde páramo (3,298 m a.s.l.). For the evaluation, 2-year-old plants were used that were propagated in vitro. The experiment had a repeated measures design, with 3 treatments (locations) and 5 data collection times, with destructive measurements at the beginning and at the end of the trial. Data for leaf area per plant, plant height, stem width, number of primary branches, branch length, and chlorophyll contents in leaves were taken. The tallest plants, with the largest leaf area and most dry matter, were found at the UNAL (2,556 m a.s.l.). Morphological and physiological variations were observed in response to each of the environments, with correlations between the growth variables and the environmental variables. The highest percentage distribution of dry matter in leaves was in the plants from the Cruz Verde páramo (3,298 m a.s.l.), while the percentage distribution of dry weight in the stem was higher in the plants from San Francisco (1,885 m a.s.l.). The percentage distribution of root dry weight was greater in the plants from San Francisco than those from other locations. The results indicated that the Andean blueberry plants had the most suitable conditions for vegetative growth at altitudes close to 2,556 m a.s.l.

Effects of nitrogen and potassium levels on growth and quality of pot-planted vicks cultivars (Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosu (Benth. ex E. Mey.) Codd) in Ho Chi Minh City

The study was conducted to determine the suitable dosages of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer for growth, quality and economic efficiency of Plectranthus hadiensis pot–planted. The experiment was carried out from April to June 2021 in the experiment field of faculty of Agronomy, Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City. A two-factorial experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replications. The treatments consisted of 3 doses of nitrogen fertilizer (0.50; 1.00 (control) and 2.00 g N/pot) and 4 doses of potassium fertilizer (0.25; 0.50; 1.00 (control) and 2.00 g K2O/pot) in combinations. The results indicated that plants supplied with 0.50 g N/pot and 1.00 g K2O/pot gave the best results in terms of plant height (16.70 cm), stem diameter (5.45 mm), number of primary branches (10.09 branches/ plant), canopy diameter (20.37 cm), number of leaves (201.04 leaves/plant), leaf length and width (35.06 and 24.13 mm), duration on vase life (40.00 days), commercial pot ratio (94.67%). The revenue was 29,933 thousand VND per 1000 pots with the highest profit margin of 1.33 times at 60 days after planting.

Estimates of Genetic Variability in a Collection of Amaranths (Amaranthus ssp) Cultivated in Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, little information is available on morphological variability of amaranth and the association of different genetic traits. This has been a constraint to its genetic improvement for yield potential, whereby the necessity of this study which aimed at assessing 80 accessions of amaranth collected in the three agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. The study was conducted in 2019 during the rainy season. The experimental design was a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. A total of 12 quantitative descriptors related to the vegetative system, flowering cycle, and leaf and seed yield were assessed. The level of variation of each descriptor, their correlations, and their importance in the structure of agro-morphological variability of amaranths was studied. Significant morphological variability was observed among the accessions. The most discriminating and heritable traits were leaf blade length, number of primary branches bearing an inflorescence, number of leaves per plant, and fresh leaf weight. Late maturing accessions with many branches and long leaves were the best accessions for leaf biomass production. Early maturing accessions with fewer primary branches had better seed production. Two accessions, namely BOB4 and BOB5 of Amaranthus hypochondriacus were identified as the best seed yielding. Breeding programs to facilitate parental selection and increase genetic diversity in breeding populations can use these data.

Cytokinins regulate rice lamina joint development and leaf angle.

Leaf angle is determined by lamina joint inclination and is an important agronomic trait that determines plant architecture, photosynthetic efficiency, and crop yield. Cytokinins (CKs) are phytohormones involved in shaping rice (Oryza sativa L.) architecture, but their role in leaf angle remains unknown. Here, we report that CK accumulation mediated by rice CK OXIDASE/DEHYDROGENASE3 (OsCKX3) controls lamina joint development and negatively regulates leaf angle. Phenotypic analysis showed that rice osckx3 mutants had smaller leaf angles, while the overexpression lines (OsCKX3-OE) had larger leaf angles. Histological sections indicated that the leaf inclination changes in the osckx3 and OsCKX3-OE lines resulted from asymmetric proliferation of the cells and vascular bundles in the lamina joint. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR, promoter-fused β-glucuronidase expression, and subcellular localization assays indicated that OsCKX3 was highly expressed in the lamina joint, and OsCKX3-GFP fusion protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. The enzyme assays using recombinant protein OsCKX3 revealed that OsCKX3 prefers trans-zeatin (tZ) and isopentenyladenine (iP). Consistently, tZ and iP levels increased in the osckx3 mutants but decreased in the OsCKX3 overexpression lines. Interestingly, agronomic trait analysis of the rice grown in the paddy field indicated that osckx3 displayed a smaller leaf angle and enhanced primary branch number, grain size, 1,000-grain weight, and flag leaf size. Collectively, our results revealed that enhancing CK levels in the lamina joint by disrupting OsCKX3 negatively regulates leaf angle, highlighting that the CK pathway can be engineered to reduce leaf angle in rice and possibly in other cereals.

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis in Mung Bean Genotypes (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek): An Experimental Investigation

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is one of the most important pulse crops due to the high content of protein as well as the ability to nitrogen fixation in soil. Seed yield is the most complex trait which highly influenced by other traits and also the environment. In this view, the study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between yield and yield attributing traits of sixty genotypes of Mung bean. The genotypes exhibited significant variability in respect to all the fourteen quantitative characters studied. Genetic variability studies showed presence of good amount of variation among the sixty genotypes. Highest PCV and GCV was recorded by seed yield followed by number of seeds per plant and primary branch length. The characters, seed yield per plant, number of seeds per plant, primary branch length, biological yield, harvest index, 100 seed weight, number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant, plant height and number of primary branches had shown high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean. Seed yield per plant had shown highly significant and positive correlation with number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, biological yield and harvest index at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis showed that biological yield and harvest index were the most important characters for yield improvement.

Performance of Different Varieties/ Hybrids of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans l.) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

An experiment entitled "Performance of different varieties/hybrids of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans L.) under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions" was conducted at Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini agricultural institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj in the year 2022 to identify the most suitable variety/hybrid or successful cultivation and the longest blooming period under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions. Six varieties and one hybrid namely, Zinnia Orange, Zinnia Purple, Zinnia White, Zinnia Red, Zinnia Yellow, Zinnia Double Yellow (Hybrid), and Zinnia Illuminated Deep Rose were selected for their evaluation. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. The highest plant height (53 cm) and plant spread (43.1 cm) in the variety Zinnia Illumination Deep Rose were observed. However, the number of primary branches (5.3) in the variety Zinnia White was observed. Whereas, minimum days to first bud initiation (14.2 days), first flowering (29.7 days), and 50% of flowering (32.3 days) in variety Zinnia White were recorded. The maximum number of flowers per plant (12.7), flower diameter (8.4 cm), and duration of blooming (34.8 days) in the variety Zinnia Illumination Deep Rose were recorded.