Traditional Landraces Research Articles

Influence of land preparation on weed dynamics and growth of traditional rice landraces in the diverged location of Tamil Nadu

In recent years, traditional landraces are gaining importance due to its many health benefits. But the main drawback of the traditional rice variety is low productivity with increased water consumption. Therefore different rice establishment methods are to be evaluated. But weed infestation occurs in every establishment method. Hence the present study aimed to study the weed dynamics by evaluating the water-saving technologies compared with puddled transplanting using various landraces. The first field experiment was conducted during Samba (Aug-Sept) 2021 in the wetlands of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The second field experiment was at the Research Station, Melalathur in Tamil Nadu during Navara (Nov-Jan) season 2021. The experiment was laid out in split plot design comprising four establishment methods as main plots viz. Aerobic rice (M1), Puddled transplanting (M2), Unpuddled transplanting (M3), Direct seeded rice (M4) with traditional landraces viz. Karuppu kavuni (V1), Mapillai samba (V2) and Seeraga samba (V3) in sub plots. In this study, weed dynamics like weed density and weed dry weight were recorded along with plant height, leaf area index and total chlorophyll content. Weed density and weed dry weight was 87.82 % and 74.63 % higher in aerobic rice cultivation than puddled transplanting method during all the observations in both experiments. On comparing the land establishment methods, Direct seeded rice performed well with 40.61% of higher plant height, 89.38 % of higher LAI, 38.48 % of increased total chlorophyll content than Aerobic rice cultivation. The landrace mapillai samba showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher plant height of 64.09±7.14 cm, Leaf area index of 2.05±0.992 and total chlorophyll content of 2.56±0.461 mg/g of fresh leaf. Hence this study provides evidence that in the initial stage of rice cultivation, direct seeded rice and the mapillai samba landrace performed well than the other establishment methods and the other two landraces.

Unravelling genetic diversity of South Indian rice landraces based on yield and its components

Traditional varieties are considered as key natural resources necessary to maintain future food security in the current climate change era. Conserving these traditional varieties are the need of the hour as they harbour many valuable genes which could be exploited for crop breeding. Genetic diversity for morphological traits in a population can be assessed using a variety of techniques, including univariate and multivariate analysis. A diverse panel of 60 traditional landraces of rice was evaluated for 14 the pattern of genetic diversity and relationship based on morphological traits by multivariate analysis like Mahalanobis’ D2 and principal component analyses and correlation analysis was utilized to examine the association among morphological traits. The 60 genotypes were grouped in to eight clusters based on cluster analysis. Principal component analysis revealed that the cumulative variance of 74.41 % of total variation among 14 characters was explained by the first five axes. Study of association among traits indicated that direct selection based on the traits such as number of grains per panicle, flag leaf length, kernel length, length to breadth ratio and hundred seed weight would be the traits of top priority for yield improvement in rice. Keywords: Traditional landraces, Rice, Variability, Multivariate analysis

Evaluation of nutritional and grain quality diversity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm based on multivariate analysis

Two hundred traditional landraces and exotic genotypes from 12 countries were assessed for variability for eight-grain quality traits by UPGMA cluster analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient and principal component analysis. Analysis by the UPGMA method clustered 200 genotypes into two clusters. In PCA analysis, the first five principal components explained about 74.19 % of the total variation among the eight characters. Component 1 had contributions from all the traits and it accounted for 22.46 % of the total variability. Component 2 had the contribution from Grain width and Zinc content which accounted for 15.75% of the total variability. Component 3 had a contribution from grain length and amylose with a variability of 13.11%. Component 4 contributed from ASV and amylose and component 5 for ASV and GC with a variability of 11.63 per cent each. Thus, the results indicate a high level of genetic variation in the rice germplasm. Keywords: Rice genetic variation, Principal component analysis, multivariate

Popped rice with distinct nutraceutical properties

Iron-pan roasting is a common processing technique used in India to produce value-added popped rice. For the first time, traditional landrace genotypes black rice (Chak-hao), red (CRVR 68), Kalanamak, and a high-yielding variety Samba Mahsuri (SM) were extensively examined for the effects of the popping process on their physical and biochemical properties. SM had the highest volume increase and popping percentage, both of which are consumer-preferred attributes for popped products. The Fe content was significantly increased by popping in all genotypes. The Mg content of de-husked Red and Chak-hao did not substantially differ from that of its popped forms. Total starch decreased in popped red and Chak-hao, owing to amylose/amylopectin leaching from the grains. Popped landrace accessions retained most bioactives (∼70%, oryzanol, 14–28% total phenolic content, 48–65% total flavonoid content, and 38% total anthocyanin content) and antioxidant potency, especially in pigmented rice. Interestingly, the popped rice retained total dietary fibre across all genotypes. This work demonstrated that pigmented rice landraces can be transformed into nutraceutically-rich and wholesome, ready-to-eat popped rice product that is consumed as a primary product or as an ingredient to novel functional foods that could optimize human health.

Genetic analysis and screening of Indian landraces of rice for submergence tolerance in target production environment (TPE)

Complete submergence is one of the most important abiotic stress constraining rice production in India. From the past few decades effect of this stress has intensified and is anticipated to increase in coming years as a result of global climate change. Rice has developed many adaptive mechanisms to grow well in flood ecosystems however, too much water for long time at any stage of plant growth can lead to serious injuries like decaying of plant parts, lodging and reperfusion causing total crop loss. Because of these conditions, farmers usually rely on traditional landraces that can survive through this stress, despite the fact that these tends to be very low yielding. In the present study, 660 rice landraces along with checks were subjected to screening for submergence tolerance at vegetative stage in target production environment. Identification of tolerant genotypes was based on the survival percentage of plants and recovery by which they grown new tillers and leaves. Principle component analysis revealed three principle components accounted for 99.9 per cent of total variation. Regeneration percentage of tillers found to be the most discriminating character and possess additive gene action. Confirmation through cluster analysis grouped the tolerant and susceptible genotypes in the respective clusters. Results of screening showed that, out of 660 accessions, three accessions viz., IC388692, IC377169 and IC205953 have highest tolerance to 14 days of submergence and the survival ability was similar to the tolerant checks FR13A and CO 43-Sub1. Apart from the above three accessions, eight accessions viz., IC216378, IC126210, IC114413, IC386238, IC133584, IC114971, RL-1312 and RL-3055 scored 1 for faster regeneration of tillers denoting the ability to have good tolerance for submergence stress.

Molecular mapping of drought-responsive QTLs during the reproductive stage of rice using a GBS (genotyping-by-sequencing) based SNP linkage map.

In rice, drought stress at reproductive stage drastically reduces yield, which in turn hampers farmer's efforts towards crop production. The majority of the rice varieties have resistance genes against several abiotic and biotic stresses. Therefore, the traditional landraces were studied to identify QTLs/candidate genes associated with drought tolerance. A high-density SNP-based genetic map was constructed using a Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach. The recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from crossing 'Banglami × Ranjit' were used for QTL analysis. A total map length of 1306.424cM was constructed, which had an average inter-marker distance of 0.281cM. The phenotypic evaluation of F6 and F7 RILs were performed under drought stress and control conditions. A total of 42 QTLs were identified under drought stress and control conditions for yield component traits explaining 1.95-13.36% of the total phenotypic variance (PVE). Among these, 19 QTLs were identified under drought stress conditions, whereas 23 QTLs were located under control conditions. A total of 4 QTLs explained a PVE ≥ 10% which are considered as the major QTLs. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of 6 candidate genes, which showed differential expression under drought and control conditions. These QTLs/genes may be deployed for marker-assisted pyramiding to improve drought tolerance in the existing rice varieties.

Phytoliths as indicators of plant water availability: The case of millets cultivation in the Indus Valley civilization

The interpretation of crop water management practices has been central to the archeological debate on agricultural strategies and is crucial where the type of water strategy can provide fundamental explanations for the adoption and use of specific crops. Traces of water administration are difficult to detect and are mostly indirect, in the form of water harvesting or distribution structures. Attempts have been made to infer plant water availability directly from archaeobotanical remains. Current evidence suggests that the ratio of sensitive to fixed phytolith morphotypes can be used as a proxy for water availability in C₃ crops, as well as in sorghum and maize. Nevertheless, the controversy on whether genetically and environmentally controlled mechanisms of biosilica deposition are directly connected to water availability in C₄ crops is open, and several species remain to be tested for their phytolith production in relation to water levels. This research aims at clarifying whether leaf phytolith assemblages and concentration, silica skeleton size and ratio of sensitive to fixed morphotypes can be related to different water regimes in Eleusine coracana Gaertn., Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. We cultivated 5 traditional landraces for each species in lysimeters, under different watering conditions and analyzed their phytolith content/production in leaves. Results show higher proportions of long cells, bulliforms and stomata produced in well watered conditions. The model built on the basis of phytolith composition has been then applied to interpret archeological phytolith assemblages recovered from a single phase at four different sites of the Indus Civilisation: Harappa, Kanmer, Shikarpur and Alamgirpur. The results show that most probably C4 crops grew under water stress conditions, providing new data on the interpretation of ancient agricultural management in the Indus Valley.

Breeding and selection of taro (Colocasia esculenta) for improved disease‐resistance in Hawaiʻi

Societal Impact StatementTaro is a root crop with wide geographic range and high cultural significance to Indigenous peoples of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Taro Leaf Blight (TLB) is a worldwide disease of taro, and Hawaiian taro varieties exhibited little resistance to it. To improve TLB‐resistance, conventional breeding was conducted by hand‐pollination. Out of ~3500 taro seedlings, 18 varieties were selected and evaluated under non‐flooded conditions at four locations in Hawaiʻi over 5 years. Four varieties were identified as high yielding and disease‐resistant. Further, to prevent confusion of new taro varieties with traditional Hawaiian taro, we developed DNA fingerprints to differentiate them. Taken together, these results have provided information regarding new plant material and new tools for those interested in conservation and breeding across the Pacific.Summary Breeding and evaluation of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) was conducted in Hawaiʻi to increase resistance to Taro Leaf Blight (TLB), caused by oomycete pathogen Phytophthora colocasiae Racib., while maintaining high yields and desirable eating qualities. When breeding Indigenous crops such as taro, it is important to consider issues of Indigenous, intellectual property rights. In response to concerns by cultural practitioners about potential confusion of new taro genotypes with traditional landraces, we also sought to develop DNA fingerprints using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify the new genotypes. Conventional breeding of taro was conducted by hand‐pollination of Hawaiian taro landraces with sources of TLB‐resistance from multiple countries. The most promising lines were multiplied and evaluated under upland (i.e., non‐flooded) conditions on four major Hawaiian Islands over 5 years. DNA was extracted from these new genotypes, analyses of SNPs conducted, and results compared to those of traditional Hawaiian landraces. Bayesian yield analysis of these multi‐year and multi‐location trials identified taro genotypes 1016‐003, 1016‐019, 1024‐215, and 1005‐084 as producing twice the fresh weight corm yield as control “Maui Lehua” and exhibiting disease‐resistance across years and environments. DNA fingerprints of new genotypes were able to differentiate them from traditional Hawaiian landraces that make up a portion of their parentage. Conventional breeding of taro in Hawaiʻi and multi‐year, multi‐location field trials have resulted in high yielding, disease‐resistant genotypes that maintain desirable qualities of some traditional Hawaiian landraces. DNA fingerprints of these new genotypes distinguish them from these traditional landraces, helping to preserve heritage germplasm.

The Rediscovery of Traditional Maize Agrobiodiversity: A Study Case from Northern Italy

Nowadays, agriculture is under the pressure of climate change and new pathogen outbreaks while farmers are requiring breeders to develop more resistant and resilient genotypes. The genetic base for breeding may be increased through appropriate conservation, description and characterization of local varieties and germplasm collections that have never been used in breeding, and which could be sources of useful alleles. In this framework, the present paper focuses on eight maize landraces of the eastern part of Emilia-Romagna, derived from the Italian maize collection sampled in 1954. Landraces are characterized by a short cycle length and different kernel types—mainly flint-like or an intermediate type of yellow or yellow–orange color—while dent landraces are less represented. Pigmented and white corns are absent even though one landrace (Va213) showed the presence of scattered blue kernels on yellow ears. Ear shape is frequently conical, a trait associated with drought-resistance and common in Italian traditional landraces. Genetic characterization was carried out on 529 individuals by using 10 SSR markers. A total of 68 different alleles, ranging from 4 for markers (phi084 and umc1401) to 11 (phi031) and from 27 (Va217) to 50 (Va211), were evidenced at the individual and population level. AMOVA analysis revealed a small amount (19%) of variability between populations, as supported also by PCoA, with the only exception of Va217, which is different from the others, as evidenced also by phylogenetic analysis. Population structure analysis resulted in the identification of three and four population levels, which are consistent with previous results.

Genomic and Morphological Differentiation of Spirit Producing Agave angustifolia Traditional Landraces Cultivated in Jalisco, Mexico.

Traditional agave spirits such as mezcal or tequila are produced all over Mexico using different species of Agave. Amongst them, A. angustifolia is the most popular given its agricultural extension. A. angustifolia is a wild species extensively distributed from North to Central America, and previous studies show that it is highly related to the tequila agave A. tequilana. In different regions of Mexico, A. angustifolia is cultivated under different types and levels of management, and although traditional producers identify several landraces, for the non-trained eye there are no perceivable differences. After interviews with producers from different localities in Jalisco, Mexico, we sampled A. angustifolia plants classified as different landraces, measured several morphological traits, and characterized their genetic differentiation and diversity at the genome-wide level. We included additional samples identified as A. tequilana and A. rhodacantha to evaluate their relationship with A. angustifolia. In contrast with previous studies, our pool of ca 20K high quality unlinked SNPs provided more information and helped us to distinguish different genetic groups that are congruent with the ethnobotanical landraces. We found no evidence to genetically delimitate A. tequilana, A. rhodacantha and A. angustifolia. Our large genome level dataset allows a better understanding of the genetic identity of important A. angustifolia traditional and autochthonous landraces.

Medicinal Uses, Nutraceutical Potentials and Traditional Farm Production of Bambara Beans and Pigeon Pea


 Bambara groundnut (BGN) [Vigna subterranean (L) Verdc] and Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] are grain legume species grown in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Both legume grains are highly nutritious and have been used as food and medicine for both humans and animals. However, Bambara groundnut and pigeon pea are still highly underutilized and produced in low quantities despite their nutritional benefits. This review examines nutritional properties, medicinal uses, nutraceutical potential and the limitations in the utilization of bambara groundnut and pigeon pea. Scholarly articles and organization white papers were searched for using various word combinations of traditional farm practices, modern agricultural practices, traditional medicinal uses, nutritional composition, biochemical composition, Bambara groundnut and pigeon pea. Bambara groundnut and pigeon pea are popularly used as medicine in many parts of Africa. Both species are rich sources of bioactive compounds and several studies have documented their efficacy against several diseases. Bambara groundnut has been used to treat polymenorrhea, venereal diseases, cataracts, and morning sickness. The stem, leaves, seeds, and roots of pigeon pea plant has been used to treat many diseases in many parts of the world. Bambara groundnut has been found to be a potential dietary probiotic, antioxidant, antibiotic and anticancer. Hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities have been documented for pigeon pea as well. However, low yield, unfavourable land tenure systems, unimproved varieties, diseases, and pests are the major constraints of the traditional production of bambara groundnut and pigeon pea. Both legume grain species are important sources of nutrients and they both possess strong potentials to be nutraceutical agents against many diseases including malnutrition. However, advanced and intensive research on pest management, improvement of the traditional landrace cultivars for improved yield and palatability as well as formulation of favourable land tenure policies are recommended for better adoption, utilization and commercialization of bambara groundnut and pigeon pea.

Nutritional value and consumer perception of biofortified sweet potato varieties

The deficiency of vitamin A is associated with preventable childhood infections and blindness. Optimal nutrition from a dietary variety and a selection of nutrient-rich foods are needed to enrich the diet. Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is a source of provitamin A due to its bioavailability of carotenes in roots that can be influenced by variety, environmental and crop management conditions. The aim was to characterize six of sweet potato genotypes [yellow-fleshed sweet potato (YFSP) and OFSP] using high-throughput phenotyping approaches to determine the influence of multi-environmental evaluation on quality attributes. The sensory evaluation was included to recognize the consumer perception of biofortified varieties. Total carotenoids content (TCC) and all-trans-β-carotene (atβC) were determined via HPLC, and colorimetric measurements were used to evaluate the root flesh color. Sensory evaluation was done for two OFSP and the cream-fleshed (CFSP) traditional landrace. Results revealed that the nutritional richness of OFSP was exhibited in its high TCC and atβC. High temperature and low accumulated rainfall negatively affected the accumulation of dry matter (DM), ash, and crude fiber while enhancing soluble solids, TCC, and atβC content. The food composition table of Ambarina and Aurora varieties showed the enriched quality compared to that of CFSP traditional landrace. Colorimetric methods were successfully used to differentiate flesh colors that could be significantly related to nutritional quality, especially a* and b* values from colorimeter and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) pixel values. High acceptance of OFSP varieties in sensory attributes suggested the potential of these biofortified varieties as nutrient-rich foods and prevented vitamin A malnutrition.

Importance of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) to smallholder farmers in the case of Eastern and Southern Ethiopia

Information on the diversity of landraces, cultivation practices, and feeding habits is necessary to improve the crops through selection and/or hybridization. This study was conducted to generate information to document cropping practices, values, and socio-cultural aspects of fenugreek. A study was conducted in five districts of Oromia and one yem special districts at Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Regional States, and data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews from 144 general and 24 key informants. Assessment of data was conducted through interviews with informants regarding cropping systems of the specific landraces, plant nomenclature of traditional landraces, distinctive criteria of each landrace, and use of fenugreek. R software version 4.1.2 and MS Excel 2010 were used to analyze qualitative data, quantify, sort, determine proportions and draw figures, percentages, means, and tables. The result indicated that Hulbata guracha and Hulbata Dima in Eastern Hararghe and Abesha abish and Orome abish in Yem Special district were reported as popular farmers’ cultivars. The farmers named the cultivars mainly based on seed color, seed source, and taste. Sole cropping of fenugreek was more common in Yem special district (65.3%), whereas intercropping with sorghum and Catha edulis (khat) was common in East Hararghe (27.3%) and crop rotation was practiced in both East Hararghe (97.2%) and Yem especial district (88.8%). The farmers in the study area use fenugreek mainly as food in East Hararghe (100%) while in Yem special district used mainly as a spice (100%). This is due to socio-cultural and knowledge differences on the importance of fenugreek in the study area that influence feeding habits, cultivation practice, and uses.

Understanding the Relationship between Water Availability and Biosilica Accumulation in Selected C4 Crop Leaves: An Experimental Approach.

Biosilica accumulation in plant tissues is related to the transpiration stream, which in turn depends on water availability. Nevertheless, the debate on whether genetically and environmentally controlled mechanisms of biosilica deposition are directly connected to water availability is still open. We aim at clarifying the system which leads to the deposition of biosilica in Sorghum bicolor, Pennisetum glaucum, and Eleusine coracana, expanding our understanding of the physiological role of silicon in crops well-adapted to arid environments, and simultaneously advancing the research in archaeological and paleoenvironmental studies. We cultivated ten traditional landraces for each crop in lysimeters, simulating irrigated and rain-fed scenarios in arid contexts. The percentage of biosilica accumulated in leaves indicates that both well-watered millet species deposited more biosilica than the water-stressed ones. By contrast, sorghum accumulated more biosilica with respect to the other two species, and biosilica accumulation was independent of the water regime. The water treatment alone did not explain either the variability of the assemblage or the differences in the biosilica accumulation. Hence, we hypothesize that genetics influence the variability substantially. These results demonstrate that biosilica accumulation differs among and within species and that water availability is not the only driver in this process.

Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources of Bambara Groundnut Conserved Ex Situ and Genetic Diversification of Its Primary Genepool for Semi-Arid Production

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is a nutritious and drought-tolerant crop that is native to Africa. Currently, it possesses a cosmopolitan distribution across the semi-arid agro-ecologies of Africa and its cultivation has extended to other regions, particularly in the drier parts of Asia and Indonesia. Due to historic neglect, research on the crop and policy prioritization in national breeding programs is lagging; hence, varietal development is in its infancy. Farmers rely on traditional landraces, which are characterized by low productivity and yield. Breeding for moisture stress adaptation and high yield is crucial to improve its productivity and adequate genetic diversity is desired to strengthen resiliency for climate adaptation and nutritional and food security. Nevertheless, thousands of plant genetic resources (PGRs) conserved in several genebanks are still not being fully utilized to reintroduce lost diversity into farmers’ fields and pre-breeding activities. The exploitation of ex situ conserved PGRs has been minimal due to a lack of extensive genetic characterization. Thus, to harness utilization of the PGRs in genetic improvement programs, holistic strategies including the traditional genomic resources and participatory-led trait discoveries are needed to bridge the gap between conservation and utilization of ex situ germplasm. This review focuses on the PGRs of bambara, methods to widen genetic diversity, genomic resources, and high-throughput phenotyping to enhance the utilization of genetic resources in pre-breeding programs, and approaches to identify useful adaptive features for yield and drought.

Synergistic Modulation of Seed Metabolites and Enzymatic Antioxidants Tweaks Moisture Stress Tolerance in Non-Cultivated Traditional Rice Genotypes during Germination.

Traditional rice landraces are treasures for novel genes to develop climate-resilient cultivars. Seed viability and germination determine rice productivity under moisture stress. The present study evaluated 100 rice genotypes, including 85 traditional landraces and 15 improved cultivars from various agro-ecological zones of Tamil Nadu, along with moisture-stress-susceptible (IR 64) and moisture-stress-tolerant (IR 64 Drt1) checks. The landraces were screened over a range of osmotic potentials, namely (−) 1.0 MPa, (−) 1.25 MPa and (−) 1.5 MPa, for a period of 5 days in PEG-induced moisture stress. Physio-morphological traits, such as rate of germination, root and shoot length, vigor index, R/S ratio and relative water content (RWC), were assessed during early moisture stress at the maximum OP of (−) 1.5 MPa. The seed macromolecules, phytohormones (giberellic acid, auxin (IAA), cytokinin and abscisic acid), osmolytes and enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase) varied significantly between moisture stress and control treatments. The genotype Kuliyadichan registered more IAA and giberellic acid (44% and 35%, respectively, over moisture-stress-tolerant check (IR 64 Drt1), whereas all the landraces showed an elevated catalase activity, thus indicating that the tolerant landraces effectively eliminate oxidative damages. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed a reduction in cytokinin and an increase in ABA level under induced moisture stress. Hence, the inherent moisture-stress tolerance of six traditional landraces, such as Kuliyadichan, Rajalakshmi, Sahbhagi Dhan, Nootripathu, Chandaikar and Mallikar, was associated with metabolic responses, such as activation of hydrolytic enzymes, hormonal crosstalk, ROS signaling and antioxidant enzymes (especially catalase), when compared to the susceptible check, IR 64. Hence, these traditional rice landraces can serve as potential donors for introgression or pyramiding moisture-stress-tolerance traits toward developing climate-resilient rice cultivars.

Phenotypic characterization of two lowland Rice Genotypes Cultivated with Organic Fertilizer

Rice farming in Liberia has long grappled with subpar yields, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 tonnes per hectare (t/ha), attributed to outdated agronomic practices and the utilization of inferior inbred rice varieties. To alleviate the potential catastrophes and challenges of a changing climate and to improve rice production, we conducted a field experiment to determine the impact of organic fertilizer on the yield and growth attributes of two lowland rice genotypes (Nerica-L19 and the traditional landrace Bold Grain). The experimental layout was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in split plot arrangement with the main plots being organic fertilizer at a rate of 2.5 t/ha. Results revealed that there were significant differences between the landrace bold grain and the improved genotypes for all traits measured except for panicle length, seed length and stem diameter. Pearson coefficients of correlation analysis showed that days to 50 % flowering correlated significantly with plant height, number of tillers and number of panicles per plant. Nerica-19 exhibited the highest grain yield along with growth traits, suggesting its potential for smallholder farmers and warranting further evaluation across various environments.

Traditional uses of multi-cob bearing Murlimakai primitive maize landrace from Sikkim state, India

Sikkim is one of the most beautiful tourist hill states and land of traditional landraces of many crops and with incredible agro-biodiversity treasure. Multi-cob baring murlimakai is used for various purposes such as mouthwatering delicious foods preparation such as popcorn, chapati, roti, chyakdung. Makkaiko chamal, makkaiko pitho, makkaiko laddu and makkaiko dalla. Attractive artifacts mats, baskets, fruits and vegetable container baskets, bags and hats are prepared from ears and local beverage jhand and rakshi is prepared from the grans. Immediate conservation of this unique multi-cob bearing landrace either ex situ or in situ is necessary for future needs.

Use of Allele-Specific Amplification for Rapid Identification of Aromatic and Non-aromatic Rice Germplasms.

In the current context of global climate change trends, threat to food and nutrition security, collection, conservation and management, and characterization and evaluation of crop germplasms especially traditional landraces are gaining momentum more than ever before. Aromatic rice is an elite category of cultivated rice having huge sociocultural heritage value, fetching premium prices globally. Hence, its identification, in situ conservation, and appropriate characterization are likely to augment reliability of this distinctive category of rice, and rice commodity chain actors. badh2.1 is recognised as the major allele responsible for rice 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline aroma production in a vast number of aromatic rice globally. However, most of the previous works on the genetics and biochemical pathways of aroma expression in rice have encompassed mainly Basmati, Sadri, Della, Jasmine, and a few modern hybrids. But apart from these spotlighted varieties, a myriad of indigenous, aromatic rice germplasms exists. Allele-specific amplification, a low-cost, accurate method invented by Bradbury et al. 2005, can be utilized successfully for discriminating the rarely explored aromatic and nonaromatic rice as described.

Morphological characterization of certain Jasminum sambac genotypes using principal component analysis

Jasminum sambac is one of the most important traditional flower crops of India especially Tamil Nadu. Understanding the genetic variability among the different genotypes of Jasminum sambac helps in its exploitation in breeding programmes. A total of 34 genotypes comprising of traditional landraces collected from all over Tamil Nadu were evaluated for 40 qualitative traits according to the DUS descriptors specified for Jasminum sambac (Kannan M. et al., Plant Variety Journal, 2016). In order to reduce the dimensionality of the data, examine the variation and the relative contribution of the traits for the total variability, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method was adopted. PCA test in 34 genotypes for all the 40 characters resulted in fifteen Principal Components (PCs) with an eigenvalue more than one accounted for 97.21 per cent of the total variability and revealed that the traits leaf margin undulation, flower bud shape, flower shape, shape of corolla lobe, flower petal tip, leaf blade undulations, flower bud length and root suckers exhibited maximum variation. Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering and PCA results showed that the genotypes Acc. Js- 11, Acc. Js- 12, Acc. Js- 13, Acc. Js- 14, Acc. Js- 20, Acc. Js- 25, Acc. Js- 27 and Acc. Js- 32 were found to be the most diverse genotypes.