Plant Genetics Research Articles

Solanum americanum: An alternative model crop in plant pathology

The Solanum americanum, possesses valuable features that earn it a deserved addition to the expanding list of model plants that are utilized in the fields of plant genetics, plant breeding and biotechnology. This review attempts to comprehensively highlight the crucial role of this model plant and its genetic diversity in terms of resistance against biotic pathogens. In summary, we recommend the use of this plant in future studies focused on plant-pathogen interactions.

High-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of Nicotiana benthamiana

Nicotiana benthamiana is a fundamental model organism in plant research. Recent advancements in genomic sequencing have revealed significant intraspecific genetic variations. This study addresses the pressing need for a precise genome sequence specific to its geographic origin by presenting a comprehensive genome assembly of the N. benthamiana LAB strain from the Republic of Korea (NbKLAB). We compare this assembly with the widely used NbLAB360 strain, shedding light on essential genomic differences between them. The outcome is a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly comprising 19 chromosomes, spanning 2,762 Mb, with an N50 of 142.6 Mb. Comparative analyses revealed notable variations, including 46,215 protein-coding genes, with an impressive 99.5% BUSCO completeness score. Furthermore, the NbKLAB assembly substantially improved the QV from 33% for NbLAB360 to 49%. This refined chromosomal genome assembly for N. benthamiana, in conjunction with comparative insights, provides a valuable resource for genomics research and molecular biology. This accomplishment forms a strong foundation for in-depth exploration into the intricacies of plant genetics and genomics, improved precision, and a comparative framework.

Selection Index in Rainfed Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the period from May, 2014 to July, 2016. Twenty diverse rice genotypes were screened for drought tolerance. Screening was carried out in the target environment i. e. upland virippu. Morphological characters of the genotypes were studied. A selection index was developed for identifying the best six parents combining yield and drought tolerance. Twenty upland rice genotypes were assessed for study of genetic variability and construction of selection indices for enhancing selection efficiency. The indices were worked out on the basis of yield and eight component characters viz., panicle length, number of spikelets panicle-1, number of filled grains panicle-1, grain weight panicle-1, 1000 grain weight, straw yield plant-1, harvest index and biological yield plant-1 having high significant genotypic correlation with grain yield. Among the twenty genotypes Vaishak ranked first with the highest index value followed by Thottacheera, Kalladiaryan, Vyttila 6, Harsha and Swarnaprabha. The varieties with least index value were Uma, Aathira and Kanchana. The highest index value showing first six parents were considered for hybridization program for the development of drought tolerant variety.

History and current status of embryogenic culture-based tissue culture, transformation and gene editing of maize (Zea mays L.).

The production of embryogenic callus and somatic embryos is integral to the genetic improvement of crops via genetic transformation and gene editing. Regenerable embryogenic cultures also form the backbone of many micro-propagation processes for crop species. In many species, including maize, the ability to produce embryogenic cultures is highly genotype dependent. While some modern transformation and genome editing methods reduce genotype dependence, these efforts ultimately fall short of producing truly genotype-independent tissue culture methods. Recalcitrant genotypes are still identified in these genotype-flexible processes, and their presence is magnified by the stark contrast with more amenable lines, which may respond more efficiently by orders of magnitude. This review aims to describe the history of research into somatic embryogenesis, embryogenic tissue cultures, and plant transformation, with particular attention paid to maize. Contemporary research into genotype-flexible morphogenic gene-based transformation and genome engineering is also covered in this review. The rapid evolution of plant biotechnology from nascent technologies in the latter half of the 20th century to well-established, work-horse production processes has, and will continue to, fundamentally changed agriculture and plant genetics research.

Perspective: The soil-sphere, save it or lose it

Being first and foremost a plant geneticist specializing in maize, I must admit that when it came to the soil, my most immediate responsibility was to make sure pre-planting amendments were incorporated as recommended. Once those seedlings were up, my focus was almost exclusively on the green plants. But more recently, I taught The Living Soil, a course held at The Woodend Sanctuary and Mansion, owned and operated by the Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States. It was while teaching that I came to see soil more distinctly, as a natural resource with its own taxonomy and individual qualities. It brought back days spent studying soil science and revisiting the relationships among the twelve soil orders as pictured in Dr. Nyle Brady’s textbook [1]. As I considered the time needed to renew these soils and the paucity of highly arable soils globally, I began to see this resource quite differently.

Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Chemically Induced Defense Activation in Maize against Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight Disease.

Maize is the third most vital global cereal, playing a key role in the world economy and plant genetics research. Despite its leadership in production, maize faces a severe threat from banded leaf and sheath blight, necessitating the urgent development of eco-friendly management strategies. This study aimed to understand the resistance mechanisms against banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) in maize hybrid "Vivek QPM-9". Seven fungicides at recommended doses (1000 and 500 ppm) and two plant defense inducers, salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) at concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm, were applied. Fungicides, notably Azoxystrobin and Trifloxystrobin + Tebuconazole, demonstrated superior efficacy against BLSB, while Pencycuron showed limited effectiveness. Field-sprayed Azoxystrobin exhibited the lowest BLSB infection, correlating with heightened antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, POX, β-1,3-glucanase, PPO, PAL), similar to the Validamycin-treated plants. The expression of defense-related genes after seed priming with SA and JA was assessed via qRT-PCR. Lower SA concentrations down-regulated SOD, PPO, and APX genes but up-regulated CAT and β-1,3-glucanase genes. JA at lower doses up-regulated CAT and APX genes, while higher doses up-regulated PPO and β-1,3-glucanase genes; SOD gene expression was suppressed at both JA doses. This investigation elucidates the effectiveness of certain fungicides and plant defense inducers in mitigating BLSB in maize hybrids and sheds light on the intricate gene expression mechanisms governing defense responses against this pathogen.

Yield of winter wheat seeds depending on maturity groups of varieties and technology elements

o determine the yield of winter wheat depending on the maturity groups of varieties, sowing dates and seeding rates in the conditionals of the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field, laboratory, measuring and weighing, mathematical and statistical. Field studies were carried out at the experimental farm of the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine during 2017-2019. Results. It was determined that when sowing winter wheat at the optimal time, no significant difference in seed yield of varieties of different maturity groups depending on seeding rates was found. The seed yield of medium-ripening varieties at a sowing rate of 3 million seeds/ha was 7.71 t/ha, and that of medium-early ripening varieties – 7.23 t/ha. The yield of all varieties of medium-ripening maturity group was higher than that of medium-early maturity group regardless of seeding rates, but there was no significant difference by variety. On average, the seed yield of medium-ripening varieties did not differ significantly from that of medium-early maturity varieties at all seeding rates. At the lowest seeding rate, the seed yield of medium-ripening varieties was 6.87 t/ha, while that of medium-early-ripening varieties was only 0.09 t/ha higher. When sown at the latest date (10 October), the seed yield of varieties of both maturity groups was lower than at the optimal date, but there was no significant difference in seed yield depending on the maturity groups of the varieties. When winter wheat was sown both at the optimum and later dates, the greatest influence on seed yield was exerted by the "variety" factor, which ranged from 83.3-89.1 % depending on the sowing dates, which once again demonstrates the role of the variety in increasing crop productivity. Conclusions. When sowing winter wheat both in the optimal and later sowing dates, no significant difference in seed yield of varieties of medium and medium-early maturity groups depending on seeding rates was found. The yield of all varieties of medium-early maturity group was higher than that of medium-early maturity group regardless of seeding rates, but there was no significant difference by varieties.

On the anniversary of honorary president of Vavilov Society of Geneticists and Breeders Vladimir Konstantinovich Shumny

On February 12, 2024, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladimir Konstantinovich Shumny turned 90 years old. V.K. Shumny from 1985 to 2007 headed the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS). For more than 30 years he was the head of the Department of Cytology and Genetics of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Novosibirsk State University and the chairman of the dissertation council of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS. Since 1980, he was a member of the Presidium of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences / RAS, since 1986 he became deputy chairman, and since 1992 - chairman of the Joint Scientific Council of the SB RAS for biological sciences. Since 2004 V.K. Shumny headed the Vavilov Society of Genetics and Breeders (VOGiS) for 10 years, and since 2014 he has been the honorary president of this society. For more than 20 years V.K. Shumny was the editor-in-chief of the periodical scientific publication “VOGiS Herald” (now the Vavilov Journal of Genetics and Selection). The scientific activity of V.K. Shumny is related to plant genetics. He is the head of one of the largest scientific schools in this field. Under his leadership, 6 doctors and 24 candidates of science defended their dissertations. He has published more than 500 scientific papers and received 12 copyright certificates for plant varieties. V.K. Shumny is co-author and editor of several school textbooks on biology.

A phosphatase gene is linked to nectar dihydroxyacetone accumulation in mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium).

Floral nectar composition beyond common sugars shows great diversity but contributing genetic factors are generally unknown. Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) is renowned for the antimicrobial compound methylglyoxal in its derived honey, which originates from the precursor, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), accumulating in the nectar. Although this nectar trait is highly variable, genetic contribution to the trait is unclear. Therefore, we investigated key gene(s) and genomic regions underpinning this trait. We used RNAseq analysis to identify nectary-associated genes differentially expressed between high and low nectar DHA genotypes. We also used a mānuka high-density linkage map and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping population, supported by an improved genome assembly, to reveal genetic regions associated with nectar DHA content. Expression and QTL analyses both pointed to the involvement of a phosphatase gene, LsSgpp2. The expression pattern of LsSgpp2 correlated with nectar DHA accumulation, and it co-located with a QTL on chromosome 4. The identification of three QTLs, some of the first reported for a plant nectar trait, indicates polygenic control of DHA content. We have established plant genetics as a key influence on DHA accumulation. The data suggest the hypothesis of LsSGPP2 releasing DHA from DHA-phosphate and variability in LsSgpp2 gene expression contributing to the trait variability.

Phenotyping in Rye Landrace and Regeneration Frequency Study in Wheat × Rye F1 Hybrid Seeds

The present research aimed to study the phenotyping characterization of a high-altitude Himalayan rye landrace and its crossability with wheat genotypes and investigate the regeneration frequency of wheat × rye F1 hybrid seeds. The study was conducted during the rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Agriculture Research Farm, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab. The phenotypic characterization of the Himalayan rye landrace revealed several adaptive traits that were found suitable for cultivation in the northwest Indo-Gangetic plains. Furthermore, the study investigated the crossability of the Himalayan rye landrace with various wheat genotypes, including 4 genotypes of bread wheat HD2967, UNNAT 343, WH1105, and PBW502 and 4 genotypes of durum wheat PDW291, PDW274, PBW34, and WHD943. Among the germination percentage of all 8 genotypes, 4 in Bread wheat and 4 in Durum wheat was observed. Due to its self-incompatibility, Rye cannot be used to develop inbred lines directly. However, the doubled haploid approach can produce inbred lines in the rye, facilitating the extension of genetic bases and introducing alien chromatin to identify stress tolerances.

Reaction of Gidami Coffee Collections against the Major Diseases

Ethiopia's largest export commodity is coffee arabica, one of the most significant goods that significantly contribute to the national economy. However, diseases including coffee berry, coffee leaf rust, and coffee wilt have been significantly reducing its yield. In order to assess Gidami coffee arabica accessions’ reaction to serious fungal infections, this study was started. The total of 100 genotypes was evaluated under Gera and Haru field situations for these major diseases. Whereas, 92 accessions with two checks were tested under greenhouse condition for coffee wilt. The results showed a highly significant variation (p<0.001) among genotypes in both conditions with 0–51%, 4–36%, and 0–100% disease severity ranges respectively. Except the four accessions namely G67/13, G71/13, G54/13, and G66/13, most of them showed susceptible reactions to CBD under Gera conditions. As well, 36 and 12 coffee accessions revealed <10% CLR reactivity at Haru and Gera conditions respectively. But none of the accessions had resistance levels higher than the two checks (Challa and 8136) at either of the locations. In other word, Gera had much greater levels of CBD and CLR pressure than Haru. On the other hand, only two accessions, G57 and G20, showed 100% CWD survival rate in greenhouse environments. This study showed how plant genetics and environmental variables affect diseases development and demonstrated that the response of Gidami coffee accessions to the major coffee diseases highly influenced by geographical and genetic variables. Therefore, continual and massive genotype screening across the locations must be taken into account in order to get resistance genotypes as the best disease mitigation to overcome the coffee diseases problem.

Genetic diversities in wild and cultivated populations of the two closely-related medical plants species, Tripterygium Wilfordii and T. Hypoglaucum (Celastraceae)

BackgroundThe sustainable supply of medicinal plants is important, and cultivating and domesticating them has been suggested as an optimal strategy. However, this can lead to a loss of genetic diversity. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, but its wild populations are dwindling due to excessive harvesting. To protect the species and meet the increasing demand, it is urgent to cultivate it on a large scale. However, distinguishing between T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum, two similar species with different medicinal properties, is challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the genetic diversity and population structure of these species for their sustainable utilization.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of the two traditional medicinal semiwoody vines plant species, Tripterygium wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum, including wild and cultivated populations using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences and microsatellite loci. Our results indicated that the two species maintain a high level of genetic divergence, indicating possible genetic bases for the different contents of bioactive compounds of the two species. T. wilfordii showed lower genetic diversity and less subdivided population structures of both markers than T. hypoglaucum. The potential factors in shaping these interesting differences might be differentiated pollen-to-seed migration rates, interbreeding, and history of population divergence. Analyses of cpDNA and microsatellite loci supported that the two species are genetically distinct entities. In addition, a significant reduction of genetic diversity was observed for cultivated populations of the two species, which mainly resulted from the small initial population size and propagated vegetative practice during their cultivation.ConclusionOur findings indicate significant genetic divergence between T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum. The genetic diversity and population structure analyses provide important insights into the sustainable cultivation and utilization of these medicinal plants. Accurate identification and conservation efforts are necessary for both species to ensure the safety and effectiveness of crude drug use. Our study also highlighted the importance of combined analyses of different DNA markers in addressing population genetics of medicinal plants because of the contrasts of inheritance and rates of gene flow. Large-scale cultivation programs should consider preserving genetic diversity to enhance the long-term sustainability of T. wilfordii and T. hypoglaucum. Our study proposed that some populations showed higher genetic diversity and distinctness, which can be considered with priority for conservation and as the sources for future breeding and genetic improvement.

CHARACTERIZATION OF GALACTINOL SYNTHASE (GOLS) GENES IN IPOMOEA TRILOBA AND I. TRIFIDA: AN APPROACH USING BIOINFORMATICS

Galactinol synthase (GolS - EC 2.4.1.123) is classified as a key enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the synthesis pathway of the raffinose family (RFOs). Although GolS genes have been characterized in several important species, their characterization in sweet potatoes has yet to be explored. Ipomoea trifida (Kunth) G. Don (2n = 2x = 30) is currently described as one of the closest ancestors of the sweet potato and considered an excellent crossbreeding species, allowing the introgression of important genes such as GolS. This study aimed to identify and characterize in silico the GolS genes in I. trifida and compare with I. triloba. We identified nine GolS genes, five in I. triloba and four in I. trifida. Our study encompassed various aspects, including gene structure analysis, motif identification, chromosomal distribution, synteny analysis, and gene expression. The presence of gene duplications and purifying selection were highlighted, suggesting the evolutionary significance of GolS genes in these species. Phylogenetic analysis categorized GolS proteins into three groups, potentially reflecting distinct functional roles. Furthermore, synteny analysis revealed orthologous relationships between GolS genes in the studied species and related plants, contributing to our understanding of their evolutionary history. In silico expression analysis across diverse tissues unveiled tissue-specific expression patterns, hinting at specialized roles for GolS genes in different plant organs. These findings contribute to the broader field of plant genetics, carbohydrate metabolism, and agriculture, offering opportunities for crop improvement and sustainable food production.

Growth response of Podocarpus blumei seedling to slow-release fertilizer in the nursery

Podocarpus blumei which is known as local adaptive species that produce high biomass and is suitable for rehabilitation, especially in the gold mining area. One of the factors that support of plantation is availability of the seedlings. The good quality of seedlings depends not only on plant genetics but also on seedlings’ treatment. The research aims to determine the effect on plants after being given slow-release NPK fertilizer. The design used in this research is a complete randomized design with a single factor and continued with variance statistic test and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). There are five experimental units with three repetitions. In general plant growth varies, and the effect of NPK slow-release fertilizer is not significantly different from the control. The Research results of P3 (1,5 gram) showed the best performance of Podocarpus blumei with parameters height (3,41 cm), diameter (0,42 cm), and leaves number (6,67). In conclusion, slow-release fertilizer could stimulate the growth of Podocarpus blumei seedling in the nursery.

Assessment of Genetic Variability for Seed Yield and Related Traits in Some Mutant and Non-mutant Lines of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability for seed yield and related traits in 29 genotypes of Indian mustard during Rabi 2019-20 and Rabi 2020-21 at Experimental Farm, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, AAU, Jorhat. The genotypes comprised of 21 M4-5 mutant lines developed by gamma irradiation of the parent varieties TM-2 and PM-27, 5 newly developed F6-7 lines, and 3 check varieties (TM-2, PM-27 and NRCHB-101). Pooled analysis of variances over the years revealed significant variation for most of the characters observed. The characters seed yield per plant, number of primary branches per plant and number of secondary branches per plant exhibited moderate genetic variation. Moderate heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of secondary branches per plant whereas, number of primary branches per plant showed high heritability with moderate genetic advance. The genotypes JMM-TM2-17, JMM-TM2-15, JMM-TM2-34, JMM-TM2-10, JMM-PM27-1, JM13-6 and the variety NRCHB-101 were found promising for most of the yield attributing characters. The mutant line JMM-TM2-28 and recombinant line JM13-4 may be exploited for the development of early-maturing mustard varieties.

STUDI KARAKTERISTIK MORFOLOGI BEBERAPA VARIETAS TANAMAN SELADA (Lactuca sativa L.) HASIL INTRODUKSI

Lettuce is a vegetable crop with a demand that continues to increase yearly. This situation is influenced by increasing public awareness of healthy lifestyles and urban farming practices. Diverse genetic sources are essential in plant breeding programs to form varieties with superior characteristics to increase productivity. One of the methods that can be done to improve genetic variation is by introduction. This research aims to study the morphological characteristics of three varieties of introduced lettuce. This research was conducted in the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, from July to November 2022. The study compared three introduced lettuce varieties from Turkiye and three national commercial varieties. The morphological characteristics observed included qualitative (leaf shape, leaf vein shape, leaf tip shape, and leaf colour) and quantitative (crop height, number of leaves, leaf width, leaf length, harvest age, gross weight, and consumption weight). The results showed that only V4 had the same qualitative characteristics as its comparison variety (V1). The results also showed that in terms of quantitative characteristics, V4 and V5 had a higher resemblance to their comparator varieties (V1 and V2, respectively), while V6 had a further similarity to its comparator variety (V3). These introduced varieties have phenotypic variability that can be used as sources of plant genetics for plant breeding programs.

Recent history and future trends in host–plant resistance

Abstract Host–plant resistance (HPR) is a subdiscipline in entomology that aims to understand, develop, and deploy crop varieties resistant to arthropod herbivores. The seminal figure in HPR was Reginald Painter, whose 1951 monograph Insect Resistance in Crop Plants established a conceptual framework and methodological approach for applied research on plant resistance. In the 75 years since the publication of this book, the empirical and multidisciplinary approach established by Painter has led to the development and use of hundreds of arthropod-resistant crop varieties. Much of the success of HPR research has been, and will continue to be, tied to advances in scientific disciplines related to HPR, such as plant breeding and genetics, analytical chemistry, and plant–insect interactions. However, given the challenges facing agriculture and pest management over the coming decades, increased attention will need to be given to the deployment of resistant varieties and the integration of resistant varieties into integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Recent advances in our understanding of fundamental aspects of the interactions between plants and herbivores provide insights that can facilitate the increased use of plant resistance in IPM programs, and the diverse membership of the Entomological Society of America can play a critical role by increasing communication between scientists interested in applied and fundamental aspects of plant resistance to insects.

Optimization and extraction of DNA from medicinally important plant species Phyllanthus emblica

Indian gooseberry has two scientific names Phyllanthus emblica and Emblica officinalis. Gooseberry has cookery and herbal medicine uses. It grows abundantly in the forests of India and many South Asian countries. Indian gooseberry supplements are used in anti-aging, cancer, heart health, blood sugar levels, liver damage and immune health. Fruit is reputed to probably have the highest content of vitamin C compared with any other naturally occurring substances in nature. Active extracts of P. emblica have been shown to possess several pharmacological properties, e.g., analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and chemo protective activities P. emblica being a perennial crop, molecular tools can be of great utility to support the conventional breeding. Therefore, isolation of intact high-quality DNA is essential for carrying out molecular studies. DNA extraction is the isolation of DNA from a sample. The reason includes its role in understanding the plant's genetic makeup, identifying specific genes and developing improved varieties with desirable traits. They contribute to molecular biology research and to the broader understanding of plant genetics and evolution. Different methods include Lysis, Precipitation, Purification and Concentration. DNA is extracted from Indian gooseberry for various purposes such as genetic studies, plant breeding and research. The reagents used in this process are Tris EDTA buffer, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide buffer and some chemicals.

GENETIC DIVERSITY AND POPULATION STRUCTURE OF Helosis brasiliensis Schott & Endl. (Balanophoraceae) IN RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL

Helosis brasiliensis (Balanophoraceae) is a holoparasitic herb of plant roots. Its inflorescence measures about 5 to 10 cm, and can only be identified during the breeding season, in the warmer months of the year. It is found on plant litter, with little light incidence, near streams and rocks. Until recently, H. brasiliensis was considered a synonym of H. cayennensis. In recent revisions, they were segregated from each other with H. brasiliensis being restricted to the South and Southeast of Brazil, while H. cayennensis occurs in other regions of the country. Therefore, there are no studies on the genetic diversity of this species. The aim of this work was to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of H. brasiliensis in Rio Grande do Sul, using two types of molecular markers: ITS and ISSR. Four populations, located in Silveira Martins, Passa Sete, Candelária and Teutônia were sampled. Afterwards, the samples were taken to the Laboratory of Plant Genetics and Evolution at the Federal University of Santa Maria, where total DNA was extracted and PCR reactions with two molecular fragments were performed. The samples amplified with the ISSR fragments were standardized in agarose gels, put into Excel spreadsheets, and analysed in GenAlEx and Structure X software. Samples amplified with ITS nuclear fragments were purified with PEG (polyethylene glycol), were sequenced, and analysed in the MEGA software. The results obtained revealed moderate levels of genetic diversity within populations, and five genetic groups were identified by Structure analysis. Overall, the species has moderate levels of genetic diversity (I= 0.411-0.529) and high polymorphism (75 - 89.42%). The molecular markers used were efficient to access the genetic diversity of the species, characterizing high levels of diversity and affinities among genetic groups.

Nutritional status of Zombi pea (Vigna vexillata) as influenced by plant density and deblossoming

Feeding billions, a healthy and nutritious diet in the era of climate change is a major challenge before plant breeders, geneticists and agronomist. In this context, the continuous search for adaptive and nutritious crops could be a better alternative to combat the problems of hunger and malnutrition. The zombi pea, a nutritious and underutilized leguminous vegetable, is one of such better alternatives to feed billions a nutritious food besides being a potential gene source for breeding abiotic stress resistant varieties. To evaluate its potential as a wonder crop in the tropical and subtropical regions of India, the nutritional status of tubers, pods and pericarp were investigated under different treatments of plant spacings and deblossoming. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications and eight treatments during 2021–2022 in the coastal regions of India. The nutrient profiling in tubers and pericarp of pods in zombi pea revealed higher accumulation of nutrients viz. potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) with blossom retention. The zombi pea tubers reflected significantly high protein accumulation with the increase in plant spacing. The results pertaining to nutrient profiling in the pods of zombi pea indicated that the plant spacing has no significant effect on the accumulation of majority of nutrients under study. The above-mentioned findings are conspicuously novel and valuable. The present study would pave the way for understanding nutritional importance and breeding potential of this orphan crop. The blossom retention renders higher nutrient accumulation in tubers, pods and pericarp of zombi pea. Deblossoming has no significant influence on nutritional profile of this wonder crop but, wider spacing is effective in producing tubers with high protein content.