Promising Genotypes Research Articles

Breeding and genetic improvement of spelt wheat (Triticum spelta) by interspecific hybridization

Spelt wheat (Triticum spelta L.) is a high-value grain crop which is characterized by high protein, gluten and aminoacids content, high adaptive potential, resistance to diseases and high antioxidant activity. However, it is significantly inferior to soft wheat in terms of yield capacity. From crosses of spelt and soft wheat new promising genotypes can be obtained with improved quantitative traits due to introgression in the genome of spelt wheat of genetic material of soft wheat. In the research presented here based on hybridization of Triticum spelta L. × Triticum aestivum L. we obtained new forms of spelt which differ among themselves in terms of morphological characteristics, productivity and grain quality. As a result of the conducted research, a wide form-forming process in terms of plant height, ear morphology and grain threshing quality was recorded. The height of plants in F1 hybrids is inherited by the type of dominance of high stemness or intermediate inheritance was established. In the F2–F4 generations, the share of obtaining short-stemmed forms of spelt wheat was higher than with the use of short-stemmed varieties of common wheat as the maternal form. In F2 offspring, the inheritance of threshing quality by the type of dominant epistasis according to the 12 : 3 : 1 scheme was established. In F3–4 offspring, splitting according to ear morphology occurred with the appearance of not only typical forms of spelt wheat or common wheat, but also intermediate forms with different ratios of spike length and density. High-yielding (5.75–5.79 t/ha) short-stemmed (h = 78–89 cm) spelt wheat samples 1817 and 1559 with high grain quality indicators (weight of 1000 grains 64.4 g, protein content – 21.0%, gluten – 43.7%) were identified. Sample 13, which successfully combined high grain quality indicators in particular high protein content (26.2%), gluten content (55.8%), grain hardness (66.5 units), flour strength (340 alveograph units) was selected.

SOURCE MATERIAL FOR HETEROSIS SELECTION OF SWEET PEPPER

The purpose of the research is to identify promising genotypes of sweet pepper source material based on the main economically valuable traits for further use in heterosis selection. Methods: Field, laboratory, measurement-weight, statistical. Results: The study highlighted that the best samples of source material for breeding sweet pepper for earliness were the genotypes: Iga, L. 183/331, Polet, Rewia, which reach technical maturity in 99–103 days. The most large-fruited samples compared to the standard variety Snihur (12; 6 cm) were: Robertina (13; 7 cm), Veronika (15; 7 cm), Ania (19; 7 cm), Herakl (16; 7 cm), Lai lak bell (13; 7 cm), Fatima (16; 7 cm), Horticolas (17; 9 cm), Enei (13; 8 cm). It was found that the highest number of fruits per plant was in samples: Druzhok (11 pcs.); L. 183/331 (12 pcs.); L. 184/332 (16 pcs.); Kurtovskakapia (11 pcs.); Oda (11 pcs.); Tsyhanskyi baron (12 pcs.); King kong (11 pcs.); Chornyi kin (11 pcs.). The samples highlighted for "average commercial fruit weight" were: Ania (197 g); Herakl (174 g); Horticolas (246 g); Bel hoi (189 g); Enei (177 g); Tonenoelloy (186 g). The highest fruit productivity of sweet pepper was observed in the genotypes: Aivengo (1210 g/plant); Alexia (1205 g/plant); Druzhok (1326 g/plant); Ania (1482 g/plant); Anastasiia (1320 g/plant); Iga (1246 g/plant); Herakl (1436 g/plant); Horticolas (1331 g/plant); King kong (1256 g/plant). Conclusions: Thus, the conducted breeding research allowed identifying the main genotypes that combine several important quantitative traits – these are L. 183/331, L 184/332, Ania, Herakl, Horticolas, King kong.

Genetic Variability Studies for Identification of High Yielding Genotypes with High Protein Content in Grain Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

Background: Cowpea is a major legume crop which has high protein content and provides a powerful tool to combat malnutrition due to its highly nutritional value. Identification of superior genotypes will aid in cowpea breeding program. Genetic variability is the foremost requirement in a breeding population for the selection of high yielding genotypes. To develop a new high yielding variety, it is important to study the genetic variability present in it so that proper and efficient selection could be done and most promising genotypes could be identified. Methods: Keeping this in mind, studies on genetic variability in grain cowpea was done utilizing 40 diverse exotic and indigenous cowpea genotypes which were evaluated for ten quantitative characters for two consecutive years 2020 and 2021. The experiment was planted in randomized block design with 3 replications at Pantnagar. Data was recorded on ten characters. Result: Mean squares were found to be highly significant for all the characters. Cluster analysis revealed five genetically diverse clusters. Cluster I had 8 genotypes, cluster II had 9 genotypes, cluster III consisted of 12 genotypes, cluster IV had 6 genotypes and Cluster V consisted 5 genotypes. Cluster I had the greatest intra-cluster distance (2.500) whereas cluster V had the smallest intra-cluster distance (1.701). In the cluster V, one of the genotype Pant Lobia-2 exhibited the highest mean values for all the characters. The highest GCV and PCV was recorded by number of pods per plant (28.87, 29.19) followed by yield (q/ha) (28.72, 29.04). The higher value of phenotypic component compared to the corresponding genotypic component suggest that there was an environmental influence on the performance of the genotypes. Correlation studies revealed positive correlation between pod length, pods per cluster, seeds per pod and yield quintal per hectare. Path coefficient analysis showed the significant positive direct relationship between plant height, peduncle length, pod length, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod with yield quintals per hectare. The results of the study showed that, out of the 40 genotypes evaluated, Pant Lobia-2 exhibited the best performance. It has attractive red bold seeds with 31% protein content. Therefore it can be used in grain cowpea breeding program.

Assessment of wheat genotypes for spot blotch (Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc.) resistance under artificial epiphytotic conditions in the inner terai of Nepal

Spot blotch, caused by (Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc.) is a significant fungal disease leading to economic losses in wheat (Triticum aestivum), especially in regions with low soil fertility and warm, humid climates, such as the inner Terai of Nepal. A field experiment was conducted at the National Maize Research Program (NMRP), Rampur, Chitwan, during winter of 2021/022 with an aim of identifying wheat genotypes with spot blotch resistance under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Each genotype was sown in a single 2-meter long row alongside susceptible check genotypes (Agra and Morocco) at every 20th row. Aqueous spore suspension of B. sorokiniana was applied twice in border rows during the booting stage at 15-day intervals. Disease severity was assessed four times at five-day intervals using a double-digit scale based on the percentage blighted area on the flag and penultimate leaf, and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. The results categorized 43 genotypes as resistant, 127 as moderately resistants, 135 as moderately susceptible, 66 as susceptible, and 7 as highly susceptible based on AUDPC. Cluster analysis identified cluster 3 comprising 17 genotypes as superior in terms of disease resistance as well as agronomic parameters. NRN-34 emerged as the top-ranked genotype within this cluster, followed by NAL-73, NAL-94, NAL-12, NRN-34, NAL-57, NAL-43, NAL-82, and NAL-35, exhibiting lower AUDPC values and higher yield-attributing character values. This study will aid breeders in developing spot blotch-resistant and high-yielding wheat varieties by incorporating the identified promising genotypes into further breeding programs.

DETERMINATION OF YIELD AND FATTY ACID CONTENTS OF DIFFERENT CAMELINA (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) GENOTYPES

Grain yield and fatty acid components of camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) are largely unknown in the Eastern Mediterranean. For this reason, two year field experiment was carried out with three replicates in randomized complete block design to determine the yield performances and fatty acid components of 33 camelina genotypes in Mediterranean climate conditions. In the study, in addition to grain yield and agronomic characteristics, oil quality parameters palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and erucic acid were analyzed. It was determined that genotype 28 (3120 kg ha-1) gave good results in terms of yield, followed by genotype 9 (2735 kg ha-1) and 1 (2651 kg ha-1). These genotypes are genetically drought resistant. Besides, 28 (3.09 %), 9 (2.66 %) and 1 (2.73 %) are the preferred genotypes for the Eastern Mediterranean due to their two-year mean erucic acid content based on the 5% EU residue limit for erucic acid in edible oils. It has been concluded that in regions where the Mediterranean climate prevails and drought stress begins to be seen, camelina cultivation can be done with natural rainfall. Promising genotypes with high oil quality can be evaluated in plant breeding in order to combine yield and quality.

Unraveling the impact of water deficit stress on nutritional quality and defense response of tomato genotypes.

Water deficit stress triggers various physiological and biochemical changes in plants, substantially affecting both overall plant defense response and thus nutritional quality of tomatoes. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant defense response and nutritional quality of different tomato genotypes under water deficit stress. In this study, six tomato genotypes were used and subjected to water deficit stress by withholding water for eight days under glass house conditions. Various physiological parameters from leaves and biochemical parameters from tomato fruits were measured to check the effect of antioxidant defense response and nutritional value. Multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was used for the selection of genotypes with improved defense response and nutritional value under water deficit stress condition. Results indicated that all physiological parameters declined under stress conditions compared to the control. Notably, NBH-362 demonstrated resilience to water deficit stress, improving both defense response and nutritional quality which is evident by an increase in proline (16.91%), reducing sugars (20.15%), total flavonoids (10.43%), superoxide dismutase (24.65%), peroxidase (14.7%), and total antioxidant capacity (29.9%), along with a decrease in total oxidant status (4.38%) under stress condition. Overall, the findings suggest that exposure to water deficit stress has the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of tomatoes. However, the degree of this enhancement is contingent upon the distinct genetic characteristics of various tomato genotypes. Furthermore, the promising genotype (NBH-362) identified in this study holds potential for future utilization in breeding programs.

Estimation of Phenotypic and Genotypic Correlation Analysis in F3 Populations of Bread Wheat Genotypes

Wheat is one of the most important crops all over the world in terms of yield, production, consumption, cultivation, and adoptability. Wheat genotypes exhibiting different yield associated traits which influence each other in many ways. Therefor genotypic and phenotypic correlations are the breeder’s utmost priority to know about the inter-relationship between two or more traits which may be either directly influencing each other in a positive direction or indirectly swaying each other in a negative direction in breeding programs. To find out phenotypic and genotypic correlations among different productive traits, this study was designed at the research area of The Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during 2022-23. The experiment was carried out by using 27 wheat genotypes comprising of nine parents and 18 F3 populations evaluated in RCB design with three replications. Overall the study exhibited that kernel yield plant-1, which is one of the most yield contributing trait, was significantly correlated with thousand-kernel weights, tillers plant-1and biomass yield, along some other yield contributing traits. The parental genotype, Janbaz, and cross combinations Watan × AUP-5008, Pirsabak-2005 × AUP-5008, Saleem-2000 × Janbaz and Watan × Tatara were the most promising genotypes for most of quantitative traits and; hence are recommended to be evaluated in further breeding schemes. Both phenotypic and genotypic correlation study exhibited that kernel yield spike-1 was significant and positively associated with plant height, tillers plant-1, thousand-kernel weight and biomass yield. Based on correlations, yield, and production the parental genotype, Janbaz, and F3 combinations Watan × AUP-5008, Pirsabak-2005 × AUP-5008, Saleem-2000 × Janbaz and Watan × Tatara were the most promising genotypes for most of the quantitative traits, which can be incorporated in further breeding program.

Determination of flavonoid and anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant activity of selected Philippine soybean (Glycine max) genotypes

Soybeans contain flavonoids and anthocyanins that are associated with health benefits related to antioxidant activities. In this study, the total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and the relative antioxidant activities (AOA) of selected Philippine soybean genotypes were screened in order to select and recommend promising genotypes that may be used for further breeding and varietal development. Using the aluminum trichloride method, the genotypes POP 1-44 (TFC = 0.619 g/100 g), PHL 29272 (TFC = 0.616 g/100 g), and Tiwala 6 (TFC = 0.608 g/100 g) were determined to have the highest calculated TFC values. pH differential and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays distinguished all three black-seeded soybean genotypes PHL 29272 (TAC = 177.010 mg/100 g; AOA = 24.476%), PHL 29502 (TAC = 143.750 mg/100 g; AOA = 25.745%), and PHL 29552 (TAC = 123.572 mg/100 g; AOA = 29.297%) with the highest anthocyanin contents and relative antioxidant activities. Genotype PHL 29272 was consistently found among those with the highest results for the three tests. Significant correlations (α = 0.05) were found between flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (p < 0.0001), and between anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the study was able to identify genotypes that can be recommended as the most suitable candidates for soybean breeding activities.

Assessment of physico-biochemical parameters of Moroccan loquat (<i>Eriobotrya japonica </i>Lindl.) genotypes using multivariate analysis

The present study was conducted to assess the physico-biochemical variability in 35 genotypes of loquat using multivariate analyses, in order to provide efficient criteria and promising genotypes for the loquat genetic breeding program. Mature fruits were collected from 35 loquat genotypes, belonging to the Zegzel valley, were subjected to physico-biochemical analyses. The results revealed a juice yield ranging from 0.21 to 0.65 g/g FW, and a polyphenols content fluctuating from 322.8 to 366.89 µg GAE. g-1 DM. Regarding DPPH test, with a range of 3.35 and 7.6 µmol TE. g-1 DM, showed a positive correlation with total polyphenol content (r2= 0.76) and flavonoid content (r2= 0.72). Moreover, a negative correlation was recorded between the total soluble solids content and juice yield (r2=- 0.47), which was moderately correlated with vitamin C (r2= 0.59). In addition, the components analysis results revealed a significant and independent contribution of bio-physicochemicalcharacteristics in the loquat variation. Indeed, biochemical characteristics contribute to PC1, while, physicochemical parameters contribute to PC2 and PC3. Furthermore, the hierarchical clustering analysis classified the 35 genotypes into four homogeneous groups independently of their geographic origin. According to these findings, the genotypes T9, T12, Z16, Z17 and TA9 exhibited high total sugar content, while, genotypes T9 and T11 provide high carotenoids, flavonoids, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity level. As results, these genotypes can be directly recommended for the vegetative propagation as well as applied along with the efficient characters in future loquat breeding programs.

Screening of Pearl Millet Genotypes for Resistance to Shoot Fly <i>Atherigona approximata</i> Malloch and Ear Head Worm <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> (Hubner)

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is the sixth most important cereal crop and widely grown on 30 million ha in the arid and semi-arid tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Shoot fly, Atherigona approximata Malloch and ear head worm Helicoverpa armigera Hubner are the key pests of pearl millet and can reduce yield up to 15-20 and 36.67%, respectively. The present study was planned to evaluate 31 promising genotypes for resistance to A. approximata and H. armigera. GHB-744 and HHB-67 were found free from A. approximata infestation while the Raj-171 (3.13%), GHB-732 (3.71%), AHB-1200 (4.30%), GHB-905 (4.41%), Kaveri Super Boss (4.44%) and MPMH-21 (4.81%) were found moderately resistant to A approximata at 28 days after germination. Likewise, AHB-1200 (1.33 larvae/ 5 ear heads) followed by GHB-732 (1.67 larvae/ 5 ear heads) and GHB-905 (2.00 larvae/ 5 ear heads) were found moderately resistant to H. armigera.

Assessment of physico-biochemical parameters of Moroccan loquat (<i>Eriobotrya japonica </i>Lindl.) genotypes using multivariate analysis

The present study was conducted to assess the physico-biochemical variability in 35 genotypes of loquat using multivariate analyses, in order to provide efficient criteria and promising genotypes for the loquat genetic breeding program. Mature fruits were collected from 35 loquat genotypes, belonging to the Zegzel valley, were subjected to physico-biochemical analyses. The results revealed a juice yield ranging from 0.21 to 0.65 g/g FW, and a polyphenols content fluctuating from 322.8 to 366.89 µg GAE. g-1 DM. Regarding DPPH test, with a range of 3.35 and 7.6 µmol TE. g-1 DM, showed a positive correlation with total polyphenol content (r2= 0.76) and flavonoid content (r2= 0.72). Moreover, a negative correlation was recorded between the total soluble solids content and juice yield (r2=- 0.47), which was moderately correlated with vitamin C (r2= 0.59). In addition, the components analysis results revealed a significant and independent contribution of bio-physicochemicalcharacteristics in the loquat variation. Indeed, biochemical characteristics contribute to PC1, while, physicochemical parameters contribute to PC2 and PC3. Furthermore, the hierarchical clustering analysis classified the 35 genotypes into four homogeneous groups independently of their geographic origin. According to these findings, the genotypes T9, T12, Z16, Z17 and TA9 exhibited high total sugar content, while, genotypes T9 and T11 provide high carotenoids, flavonoids, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity level. As results, these genotypes can be directly recommended for the vegetative propagation as well as applied along with the efficient characters in future loquat breeding programs.

Identification of New Isolates of Phytophthora sojae and Selection of Resistant Soybean Genotypes.

Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRR), caused by Phytophthora sojae, can occur at any growth stage under poorly drained and humid conditions. The expansion of soybean cultivation in South Korean paddy fields has increased the frequency of PRR outbreaks. This study aimed to identify four P. sojae isolates newly collected from domestic fields and evaluate race-specific resistance using the hypocotyl inoculation technique. The four isolates exhibited various pathotypes, with GJ3053 exhibiting the highest virulence complexity. Two isolates, GJ3053 and AD3617, were screened from 205 soybeans, and 182 and 190 genotypes (88.8 and 92.7%, respectively) were susceptible to each isolate. Among these accessions, five genotypes resistant to both isolates were selected. These promising genotypes are candidates for the development of resistant soybean cultivars that can effectively control PRR through gene stacking.

Physical and chemical characterization of guava (Psidium guajava L.) genotypes grown in subtropical condition

Guava is a high-value tropical fruit that is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In the adaptation studies carried out in Turkey, guava was determined as the most prominent species with its cold resistance feature. The use of seedlings in cultivation created a genetic variation and differences were observed between the resulting genotypes, especially in terms of fruit size, shape and colour. Based on this observation, this study aimed to characterize 13 different guava fruit genotypes based on physical, chemical, bioactive and aroma properties. In the adaptation studies carried out in Turkey, guava was determined as the most prominent species with its cold resistance feature. There is only one commercial variety namely ‘Ruby Supreme’ grown in Turkey. Presently, the interest of the guava cultivation has been increased and farmers were used seedling material instead of vegetative to establish orchard. Due to the cross pollination, it has been observed great variation in the population. Therefore, it is important to select promising genotypes according to fruit size, shape and colour. The present study was evaluated 13 different guava genotypes according to physical, chemical, bioactive and aroma properties. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes. One genotype was found superior over all the genotypes, in terms of fruit weight (131.44 g) and length (82.00 mm). Although three genotypes were having lower values than the other samples in results of total soluble solids, they had higher results in terms of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. Two genotypes formed a separate group from all other genotypes in terms of (Z)-3-Hexen-1-yl acetate (sweet, pear, melon), 3-Hexenal (melon, tropical) and Ethyl alcohol (fruit and sweet) components. The flavor components are distinctive for the guava samples, as are the physical properties. It was also determined that the white guava genotypes had very different chemical and aromatic properties from other genotypes. The promising genotypes can be utilized in the future breeding programme to improve new guava varieties.

Effects of heat exposure from late sowing on agronomic traits and the technological quality of hexaploid wheat

Heat stress reduces wheat grain yield and affects quality traits relevant to trading and end use. In this study, 98 landraces and 152 elite hexaploid wheat varieties and breeding lines were trialled at two irrigated field sites in southern NSW to better understand heat stress responses and identify promising genotypes for heat tolerance breeding. Potential heat tolerance was defined using performance in heat-exposed late-sown (LS) plots relative to normal-sown (NS) plots, using a regression approach to calculate response indices uncorrelated with awn emergence time and performance per se in NS. The best individual responders for grain yield included genotypes from both Australia and Mexico. On average, lines selected in CIMMYT's High Temperature Wheat Yield Trials (HTWYT) performed well for yield per se in NS as well as for yield response to LS. CIMMYT lines previously selected for large grains under heat stress conditions performed well for grain size in NS and for LS responses of grain size and test weight. Dough peak resistance and time to peak resistance in a mixograph were increased by LS and these traits were positively correlated with grain protein and the occurrence of the Glu-D1d high molecular weight glutenin locus allele, respectively.

Phenotypic Assessment and Cluster Analysis for Economic Traits in Advanced Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Breeding Lines

Diversity for economic traits like yield is crucial in rice breeding programmes. In this context, the experiment aimed to identify genetically divergent rice genotypes for hybridization programs, analysing eleven yield and yield-related traits across 35 advanced breeding lines and four check varieties. Employing Mahalanobis’ D2 analysis, the study identified six clusters indicating significant genetic diversity, with the widest divergence observed between clusters VI and IV (203.42) and the closest proximity between clusters III and I (69.25). Traits such as the grain number per panicle and L/B ratio significantly contributed to genetic divergence. Notably, certain breeding line combinations, including KMLT-4 × KPR-2-4-3-1-1, JGL-1798 × KPR-2-7-2-3-4, KMLT-4 × KPR-2-1-7-1-2, KMLT-4 × KPR-2-2-3-1-2-4, and KMLT-4 × KPR-2-2-2-8-2-1-1-2-3, exhibited superior mean yield performance compared to the check varieties under lowland conditions. These promising genotypes offer potential as parental candidates for future hybridization endeavours, aiming to build elite rice cultivars with broader genetic bases, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience.

Field response and genetic variability of elite spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for septoria tritici blotch under natural infection in Northwest Ethiopia

AbstractFungal diseases cause significant yield loss to wheat production. Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the ascomycete fungus Zymoseptoria trtici, is one of the major fungal diseases affecting wheat production worldwide. In Ethiopia, STB is a severe problem that causes significant yield loss in high and mid‐altitude wheat‐growing areas. The use of resistant varieties is one of the sustainable disease management strategies, particularly for resource‐poor farmers in developing countries. Two hundred and fifty bread wheat genotypes were evaluated to identify septoria tritici resistant genotypes and estimate the extent of genetic variability for resistance to STB and other economically important traits using alpha lattice design under natural infestation in two STB hotspot environments. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, environment, and genotype × environment interaction for all traits measured. The genetic coefficient of variance was lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variance for all traits studied, and both test environments showed the influence of the environment on trait expression. High and moderate heritability values were observed for the septoria disease severity parameters, indicating that the STB resistance trait was less influenced by the environment. The days to heading and plant height were inversely correlated with disease severity. This suggests that genotypes with tall plant height and long maturity period could be resistant to septoria tritici blotch through escape mechanisms. Four of the genotypes, namely, G‐215, G‐255, G‐257, and G‐258, were found to be resistant across all locations. These and other promising genotypes will be used in future breeding programmes to select or develop high‐yielding and STB‐resistant bread wheat genotypes that can be deployed in septoria tritici blotch‐prone areas. Highly susceptible genotypes will also be used as controls for STB resistance breeding programmes.

Morphological, phenotypic and nutritional characterization of exotic and local tomato germplasm under tunnel

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important and widely cultivated fruit. By characterizing local germplasm, exclusive breeding material is successfully identified and improved varieties could be created. The research conducted between November 2020 and 2021 at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in Pakistan used developmental, vegetative and fruit traits to individualize sixty tomato inbred lines for 17 morphological traits. The study showed that 6 qualitative and 11 quantitative morphological traits exhibited a wide range of variation, while 8 traits showed a high coefficient of variation among genotypes according to biplot principal component analysis (PCA). According to biplot PCA, the first component contributed 17.6% of the variation, while the second component contributed 13.0%. Together, the first and second components explained 30.6% of the variation. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between genotypic traits and phenotypic traits. A very positive correlation was observed between inter-nodal distance, flower per cluster and immature fruit color. The morphological data for firmness, pericarp thickness, fruit width, TSS, inter-nodal distance, number of flowers and fruits per cluster showed specific characteristics that can be used to distinguish the genotypes. The highest value of lycopene of 21.2 mg kg−1 fresh weight was observed among the genotypes. We conclude the results of this study, presenting the crop quality and yield characteristics that could be used in future plant breeding and genetic enhancement of tomato germplasm for improved food security. Based on yield characteristics, Nyagous, Korneseivje and Earliana were selected as the best and most promising genotypes.

Evaluation of Seed Germination Parameters of Kalmegh Genotypes in Nursery

An experiment was conducted during June-July of 2018 and 2019 at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India to screen out the most promising genotypes suited for the climatic and edaphic conditions of Jharkhand. Mean number of days taken for completion of seed germination varied from 3.33 days (OAP6) to 13.67 days (JHAP3). Germination period of different Kalmegh genotypes varied from 6.33 days (OAP6) to 15.67 days (JHAP2, JHAP3 and CHAP1). Out of the days taken to complete germination period, nearly 43% of the time was required for seed germination initiation and 62% time to achieve 50% of final germination count. Once the seed started germination, it took 8.82 days to complete seed germination i.e. 57% time was required from initiation to completion of germination. Germination trend of seeds shows that most of the seeds germinated between third to sixth days. Mean germination percentage varied from 21.00% (OAP1) to 97.67% (MPAP3). Altogether eight genotypes namely JHAP1, OAP6, MPAP2, MPAP3, MPAP4, IC111286, IC471890 and GAP1 showed excellent germination percentage having value more than 90.00%. Three Kalmegh genotypes (MPAP3, OAP6, JHAP1) gave highest germination percentage (94.00, 93.00 and 90.67%) respectively. The five genotypes namely; JHAP1, OAP6, MPAP2, MPAP3, and GAP1 were found as most promising genotypes of Kalmegh suited for the climatic and edaphic conditions of Jharkhand.

Resistance response of yellow maize inbreds and F1 crosses against Philippine downy mildew [Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Weston) C.G. Shaw]

Maize is one of the world's most important staple crops, yet various pests and diseases impede its optimal production. Philippine maize downy mildew disease (PDM) caused by Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Weston) Shaw is one of the most devastating diseases in corn-growing areas in Asia. Breeding for resistant varieties is the most cost-effective and environmentally safe alternative for controlling the disease. In this study, we evaluated the resistance responses of yellow maize inbreds and hybrids against PDM to select promising genotypes for genetic analysis and varietal improvement. Resistance trials under greenhouse conditions were conducted to investigate the PDM resistance response of 14 selected CIMMYT lines (CMLs) and IPB Var 6 (susceptible check) to select potential parents prior to hybridization. CML 431 and CML 452 were identified to have significantly low disease incidence among the test genotypes. Subsequently, disease evaluation of the two inbred lines with putative DM resistance, four experimental hybrids derived from these inbred lines, and checks was performed in the field. Across three validation trials, inbred CML 431, and hybrid CML 452 × CML 431 showed degrees of resistance to PDM. This study's findings enabled the identification of resistant lines to downy mildew for the generation of mapping populations for genetic association studies, as well as the establishment of experimental units for transcriptomics research.

Evaluation of resampling techniques for deep learning based identification of promising genotypes in sugarcane varietal trials

Deep learning is a class of machine learning algorithms that extract high-level features from the raw input for making intelligent decisions. Identification of promising genotypes in varietal trials is one of many agriculture domain applications requiring implementation of deep learning to perform intelligent decision using varietal trial data. However, it has been found that varietal trial data to be used for identification is highly imbalanced one providing great challenges for classification tasks in deep learning. For example, only 33 genotypes were identified as promising in zonal varietal trials of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sugarcane during 2016-21, while those of non-promising class are 148. Balancing an imbalanced class is crucial as the classification model, which is trained using the imbalanced class dataset will tend to exhibit the prediction accuracy according to the highest class of the dataset. One way to address this issue is to use resampling, which adjusts the ratio between the different classes, making the data more balanced. Study was conducted to implement and evaluate four resampling techniques viz. random undersampling, random oversampling, ensemble, SMOTE to balance varietal trial dataset in order to build deep learning model to identify promising genotypes in sugarcane. Paper describes the methodology used in our approach for building deep learning model using resampling techniques and then presented comparative performance of these approaches in identifying promising genotypes. Results indicate that SMOTE and random oversampling performed well for balancing imbalanced dataset for developing deep learning model in comparison to no-resampling of imbalanced dataset. SMOTE outperformed all resampling techniques by achieving high values of precision, recall and F1 score for both positive and negative classes. However, ensemble and random undersampling methods did not showed good results in comparison to SMOTE and random oversampling technique. Studies conducted will be useful in developing artificial intelligence based tools for automatic identification of promising genotypes in varietals trials of sugarcane in particular, as well as other crops in general.