Traits Viz Research Articles

Effect of Age and Season on the Seminal Traits of Pure HF Bulls Under Tropical Condition

The study was conducted to assess the effect of age and season on seminal traits of pure HF bulls under tropical condition. A total of 30 HF bulls of age group up to 3, 4-5, 6-7, 8 and above 8 years were selected and divided into 3 seasons viz rainy, summer and winter. The breeding bulls were kept under intensive system of rearing as per MSP guidelines of India. Semen was collected, evaluated and data analyzed by using standard procedures. The overall production and all the seminal traits viz volume, initial motility and post thaw motility was found to be better in summer season as compare to rainy and winter season. However, there was no significant change in concentration due to season. Among all the age groups, 8 years and above were found to produce highest volume, post thaw motility and eventually more production. Highest percentage of initial motility was recorded among the youngest group of bulls and concentration was significantly (plessthan0.01) high in the age group 6-7years followed by 8 and above 8 years of age. The study revealed that age and season have highly significant (plessthan0.01) effect on all the seminal traits and production.

Reproductive stage drought tolerance in blackgram is associated with role of antioxidants on membrane stability

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect crop growth and yield through alteration in the physiological and molecular process in plants. Blackgram (Vigna mungo) being an important rainfed pulse crop in India, suffers a yield loss of 20–30%, because of drought at flowering stage. However, a comprehensive study on response of Vigna mungo to drought stress is not studied until now. In this work, pot experiment with randomized block design was conducted for seven varieties for assaying the physiological response to drought tolerance by V. mungo during flowering stage. Results showed two varieties namely VBN4 and K1 have higher tolerance due to increased synthesis of ABA (5-fold), proline (4.5-fold) and lipid peroxidase activity (5-fold) which collectively protects tissues from oxidative damage during drought stress. However, our SDA-PAGE and mRNA expression analysis during drought indicated differential expression at 23KDa molecular weight and with 1100 bp region respectively in the drought stressed Vigna mungo VBN4 samples homological to chloroplastic-Small HSPs’. Further, biplot analysis showed varieties VBN4 and K1 were associated with traits viz, gas exchange, ABA, proline, and lipid peroxidation contributing to 85% of the variation. Thus, our analysis identified trait of antioxidant accumulation protects membrane stability and contribute the major share of drought stress tolerance in Vigna mungo and these traits could be used as index for understanding the molecular response of blackgram during drought stress.

Evaluation of genetic variability in Spathoglottis species: A model orchid

Spathoglottis species are popular terrestrial orchids used as model for orchid studies. Due to alarming threat to species diversity, loss of habitat and increasing popularity, it needs to establish information on morphological characteristics as well as genetic variability for qualitative and quantitative traits to utilize for the genetic improvement programme and conservation of these endangered species. With these objectives an attempt was made to estimate genetic variability in terms of genetic component of variance, heritability and genetic advance in per cent of mean for biometrical traits and qualitative traits of four species viz, Spathoglottis albida Kraenzl., Spathoglottis gracilis Rolfe ex Hook.f., Spathoglottis unguiculata (Labill.) Rchb.f. and Spathoglottis plicata Blume. Results showed that flower colour, the colour and shape of the labellum and bracts were important characteristics used to resolve the morphological difference within Spathoglottis species. Biometrical traits viz, plant height, length of inflorescence, flower size, capsule size, number of flowers / inflorescence etc. involved significant role in the differentiation of species for utilization in the genetic improvement programme. Breeding method selection can be adopted for the genetic improvement programme since the genetic variability estimate revealed statistically significant high phenotypic coefficient of variation, genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance in per cent of mean for most of these biometrical traits.

Study of heterosis for seed cotton yield, yield contributing and fibre quality traits in Desi cotton (Gossypeum arborium L.)

Twenty four crosses were evaluated for average heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis. The magnitude of heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis were found significant for all the characters studied. The magnitude of heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for all the characters in the present study was highly appreciable. Out of twenty four crosses, the crosses showed highest and desirable significant standard heterosis for various traits viz ., cross PA 832 x NDLA 3047 for days to 50 per cent flowering, for number of sympodia per plant and for number of bolls per plant; PA 778 x JLA 0716 for boll weight; PAIG 62 x CNA 1013 for days to maturity; PA 832 x ARBAS 1401 for 2.5% span length; PAIG 62 x CNA 1013 for fibre fineness (micronaire); PA 778 x JLA 0716 for fibre strength PA 832 x NDLA 3047 over standard check PKV Suvarna and PKVDH 1, respectively. The magnitude of average heterosis for plant height was 89.84 per cent in the cross combination PA 800 x CNA 1013. The cross PA 800 x CNA 1013 exhibited highest significant heterobeltiosis of 43.89 per cent. The cross PA 832 x NDLA 3047 displayed the highest significant positive heterosis over both standard check PKVDH 1 (13.83%) and PKV Suvarna (53.52%). The range of heterosis over check PKV Suvarna was -15.90 to 53.52 per cent. Three and eighteen crosses each recorded significant positive heterosis over standard check PKVDH 1, PKV Suvarna, respectively.

Heterosis for yield and morpho-nutritional traits in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (l.) R. Br.

A line x tester analysis was carried out with four male sterile lines and twelve testers. These sixteen parents and forty eight crosses were used to estimate the heterosis for ten morpho-nutritional traits viz, plant height, number of effective tillers per plant, ear head length, ear head girth, number of grains per cm2, 1000-grain weight, fodder yield per plant, grain Fe content, grain Zn content and grain yield per plant. The study revealed that the hybrids DHLB-18A x K-13/1005, DHLB-17A x K-13/1005 and DHLB-18A x K-13/1017 were superior hybrids for exploitation of grain yield and other morpho-nutritional characters

Performance of bitter gourd genotypes (Momordica charantia var.muricata L.) for higher yield and quality traits under sodic soil condition cultivar mithi pagal

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural college and Research Institute for Women, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Trichy during Kharif 2017 with 30 mithipagal (Momordica charantia var. muricata.L) collected from different parts of Tamil Nadu to identify high yield and quality genotypes under sodic soil condition. Observation were recorded for the following traits viz, vine length, days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, nodes of first male flower appearance, nodes of first female flower appearance, sex ratio, number of fruits per vine, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, number of seeds per fruit, 100 seed weight, yield per vine, ascorbic acid, carotenoid content and total soluble solids. Among the genotypes MCM-19 was found to be the most promising genotype which recorded higher fruit yield per vine (0.72 kg) as well as other economic fruit yield components viz., fruit length (5.51 cm), fruit girth (6.47 cm), fruit weight (9.08 g), number of seeds per fruit (9.80), 100 seed weight (10.59 g) followed by MCM 22 and MCM 21. The highest total soluble solids was recorded in the genotypes MCM-4 (5.90 0brix) followed by MCM-21 (5.87 0brix), where as highest ascorbic acid was recorded in the genotypes MCM-26 (123.62 mg/100g) followed by MCM-22 (122.59 mg/100g). Hence selecting bitter gourd var. mithipagal genotypes with high fruit weight, more number of fruits per vine and seeds per fruit will help to improve yield per vine and quality of bitter gourd var fruits.

INHERITANCE OF SOME QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERS IN BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)

In this experiment, the means of the six populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) of each of two bread wheat crosses; Mexipak × Acsad- 8 and Ipa- 99 × Attla were used to estimate gene effects, component of variance and heterosis for some quantitative traits viz: Plant height, days to heading, flag leaf area, spike length, spikes/plant, grains no./spike, biomass yield/plant, grain yield/plant and harvest index. These generations were produced during two growing seasons, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. The generations were grown in a Randomized Complete Block Design with six replications at the Research Field of the College of Agriculture, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq. Genetic analysis was performed using the joint scaling test based on three and six parameter models. The results revealed that inheritance of the traits could not be explained by additive-dominance model. Additive and dominance gene effects were significant for most traits in both crosses due to different origins of the parents. The values of (dominance × dominance) were greater than (additive × additive) and (additive × dominance) of most studied traits in both crosses in addition to greater values of dominance gene effect than the additive in most traits. It was suggested that selection all of them should be effective in advanced segregating generations due to epistatic gene effects. High narrow and broad sense heritability (0.94) was obtained for flag leaf area in Mexipak × Acsad- 8 cross, while high narrow sense heritability (0.86) and high broad sense heritability (0.98) were obtained for spike length and flag leaf area in Ipa- 99 × Attla, so the early generation testing and selection might be recommended for these traits. Heterosis was found to be positive for most traits in both crosses.

Selection of castor germplasm with important traits for drought tolerance under field conditions

India is the leading producer of castor with major area under rainfed cultivation. To improve the productivity in rainfed areas, varieties and hybrids with drought tolerance and water use efficiency (WUE) have to be developed. Hence, it is essential to select germplasm with important traits viz: for root growth, WUE, drought tolerance etc. Fourteen castor genotypes with more root volume (225–557 cm3), root dry weight (38–122 g/pl) and one poor root check (root volume of 94 cm3, root dry weight of 15.2 g/pl.) identified by screening in root structures were sown in field for 2 years. The experiment was conducted during 2010–2012 in late rabi (November first week) in split plot design with three replications and water stress was imposed from 30 to 90 DAS by withholding irrigation. Results revealed severe growth reduction in terms of reduced plant height, leaf number, stem girth, branches and total dry matter (56% reduction) with water stress. Seed yield of primary spike reduced significantly with water stress, but the reduction was less pronounced in secondaries and compensated in later order spikes. The reduction in total seed yield was 35%, total dry matter at harvest was 10% and harvest index was 14% with drought stress (pooled means). Among the Ricinus germplasm (RG) studied, RG 1494 and RG 2139 recorded <20% reduction in seed yield with low drought susceptibility index of <0.5. The root volume (310, 557 cm3), root dry weight (122, 93 g/pl.) of RG 1494 and RG 2139 recorded in root structures was also more. Chlorophyll content measured with SPAD chlorophyll meter reading and bloom content increased in water stressed plants as an adaptive feature. RG 1494, RG 2139 showed good performance during both years and also recorded better root and shoot growth characters, and can be used in drought breeding programs.

Canopy temperature an effective measure of drought stress tolerance in RIL population of wheat

Field experiments were conducted for evaluating recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of wheat cross of C518 and PBW343 under rainfed conditions by using plant water related traits viz; canopy temperature and stomatal density during rabi seasons 2012-13 and 2013-14. Both parents belonging to distinct adaptation group, offer several morpho-physiological contrasting traits. Canopy temperature (CT) and stomatal density (SD) were recorded under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Analysis of variance showed that CT and SD differed significantly under both conditions, indicating the existence of sufficient genetic variability among the populations. Frequency distribution for canopy temperature at anthesis among RIL population showed transgressive segregation under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Skewness (0.22) and kurtosis (0.27) was higher under rainfed conditions. Stomatal density does not vary greatly under water-deficit conditions. However, reduction in stomatal density was found under water stress conditions and recorded minimum stomatal density suggesting less transpiration rate under drought conditions resulting in minimize of loss of water. Under irrigated environment, canopy temperature at anthesis (CTA) showed non-signification correlation with stomatal density. While, under rainfed condition, canopy temperature among RILs showed significant negative correlation with stomatal density and yield attribute characters. This indicated that the selection for traits viz, canopy temperature and stomatal density may be effective measure of drought tolerance of wheat cultivars and yield improvement under drought stress conditions.

Combining ability analysis for yield and its components in bread wheat

Combining ability was analyzed using a half diallel of nine parents in bread wheat revealed the importance of both additive as well as non-additive genetic variances for control of various traits viz . days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, tillers per plant, flag leaf area, peduncle length, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, grain yield per spike, 1000 grain weight, biological yield per plant and grain yield per plant. However, the ratio of σ 2 gca/ σ 2 sca revealed preponderance of non-additive gene actions in almost all the traits like number of grains per spike, grain yield per spike, 1000 grain weight, biological yield per plant, grain yield per plant, tillers per plant, flag leaf area, peduncle length, spike length and number of spikelets per spike. Parents, GW 404, MP 4010 and GW 366 were the good general combiners, whereas crosses GW 366 x GW 11, Raj 4037 x GW 496 and GW 322 x GW 404 were found to be best specific combiners for grain yield per plant and some of the yield contributing traits viz . tillers per plant, spike length, number of grain per spike and biological yield per plant. However on the basis of per se performance and significant sca effects for grain yield per plant and some of its important components, hybrids GW 366 x GW 11, GW 322 x GW 404 and HI 1544 x MP 4010 were considered to be most promising for further exploitation in breeding programmes.

Heterosis and combining ability estimates through line × tester analysis in inter-specific hybrids of cotton (G. hirsutum L. × G. barbadense L.)

The present investigation comprised of seventy two inter-specific hybrids obtained by mating twelve diverse lines of G. hirsutum and five testers of G. barbadense in line × tester fashion and were evaluated to study standard heterosis and combining ability for seed cotton yield and its component traits. Combining ability analysis indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the traits. The lines, L 762, MR 786, BS 37, NDLH 1938 and H 1442 and the testers, DB 16, DB 11 and GSB 41were found to be good general combiners for seed cotton yield plant -1 and its component characters. The hybrid, L 1058 × TCB 37 exhibited high and significant positive sca effect for seed cotton yield plant -1 and its contributing traits viz ., number of bolls plant -1 , boll weight and seed index. The cross combinations, L 762 × TCB 37, H 1442 × DB 16 and H 1442 × GSB 41 registered high and significant positive heterosis over both the standard checks for seed cotton yield plant -1 . The cross combinations which are showing high standard heterosis and sca effects may be recommended for commercial cultivation after testing their stable performance for seed cotton yield.

Genetic analysis in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for yield and component characters

In a full diallel analysis ten parents of bitter gourd were used to study the inheritance of yield, yield contributing characters and quality characters. Data from the ten parents and their resultant 90 hybrids were analyzed. The estimates of D (additive effects) were significant for 13 characters in season I and 15 characters in season II out of 17 characters studied. The estimates of ‘H 1 ’and‘H 2 ’were positive and significant for all the traits. It indicated that there was unequal frequency of alleles at all loci. Further the proof for the unequal distribution of the alleles over loci was obtained by the ratio of H 2 /4H 1 . The estimates of ‘F’ were positive for all the traits studied. It indicated the pre-dominance of dominant alleles in the parents and this was supported by the ratio (K D /K R ) of dominant to recessive alleles in the parents, the ratio was more than one for all the traits studied. The mean degree of dominance over all loci indicated over dominance for 11 characters in season I and 10 characters in season II. Narrow sense heritability estimates were high for seven out of 17 characters studied and for the remaining ten characters it was low in both the seasons. The preponderance of dominant gene action coupled with low narrow sense heritability observed for the traits viz ., days to first male and female flower appearance, fruit flesh thickness (season II), number of fruits per vine (season I), yield of fruits per vine, ascorbic acid and iron content revealed the importance of heterosis breeding for simultaneous improvement of yield and quality characters.

Diversity analysis of maize inbred lines using DIVA-GIS under temperate ecologies

The vagaries of Climate Change variability need to be addressed and as climatic conditions change at particular experimental sites and maize producing regions, mega-environment assignments will need to be reassessed to guide breeders to appropriate new germplasm and target environments . The development of improved germplasm to meet the needs of future generations in light of climate change and population growth is of the upmost importance . Evaluation of the inbred lines from diverse ecosystems would be effective for production of lines with resilience towards climate variability. Hence, with this objective diverse set of inbred lines sourced from all over India were characterized and were evaluated with DIVA-GIS for diversity analysis of maize inbred lines. Grid maps generated for these maize inbred lines for eleven quantitative traits indicated that these lines can be sourced from North and South India. High Shannon diversity index with maximum range of 2.17-3.0, 2.25-3.0, 2.36-3.0, 2.4-4.0, 2.0-3.0, and 2.2-3.0 were recorded for the traits viz; plant height, ear height, grain weight, grain yield, kernel row and protein content respectively indicating the high response of these traits to ecosystem. However, inbred lines were found to be diverse for all the traits except for ears plant-1 (EPP) and they have been sourced from Northern and Southern parts of India while for EPP recorded less diversity index range of 0.4-1.0 indicating source from South India. Interestingly, less diverse inbred lines for all the eleven quantitative traits have been sourced from Indogangetic plains as indicated in diversity grid maps. Maximum diversity indices were recorded for anthesis silking interval (ASI), days to silking, days to tasseling, which are in the range of 0.97-2.0, 1.528-2.0, 1.516-2.0 and 1.528-2.0 respectively. Hence, DIVA-GIS enabled identification of diverse sources from varied ecosystems which can be used for developing improved lines/ cultivars with greater resilience towards climate change.

Genetic variability for yield and yield attributing traits in F4 generation of Lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet)

Ninety one progenies from F 4 generation along with one check of Lablab bean were evaluated to study the genetic variability for yield and yield attributing traits. The highest and lowest coefficient of variation was observed for hundred seed weight and days to maturity respectively. Little or close deviation was noticed in between PCV and GCV in the expression of various traits viz; days to maturity, days to 50 per cent flowering and number of seeds per plant. A wide range of variation exhibited for yield and yield attributing traits among the progenies under study. In general PCV was higher in magnitude than GCV. The traits viz; hundred seed weight, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, plant height and number of peduncles per plant recorded high magnitude of GCV and PCV along with high to moderate estimates of heritability. The high estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was noticed for hundred seed weight and plant height which indicate additive gene action and more reliable for effective selection in improvement of lablab bean.

Studies on Gene Action and Combining Ability of Cytoplasmic-Genic Male Sterility System based Hybrids in Pigeonpea [&lt;i&gt;Cajanus Cajan&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Millsp.

The present investigation was undertaken with different newly developed six cytoplasmic male sterile (A) lines and five pollen fertility restorers (R) lines as testers were crossed in a line x tester mating design for ascertaining their general and specific combining ability for yield and its component traits in pigeonpea [ Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millspaugh.]. The mean sum of squares due to line x testers interaction were significant for all the characters except plant height, revealed the significant contribution of hybrids for specific combining ability variance components. The ratio of σ2gca/ σ2sca being more than unity was found for the traits, days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height and biological yield, which indicated greater role of additive genetic variance for the inheritance for these traits suggesting and indicated to further improvement as a source of favourable genes for earliness and yield improvement through selection of desired transgressive segregants from segregating generation. The ratio σ2gca/ σ2sca being less than unity was found for the traits, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant, harvest index, protein content and leaf area, which exhibited greater role of non- additive genetic variance for the inheritance for these traits and indicated to exploitation of these traits for improvement of yield through heterosis breeding. Among parents, CMS GT 603 A (28.43) and GTR 95 (17.24) were good general combiner for seed yield and its contributing traits viz . pod length, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, biological yield and leaf area, CMS GT 33 A (0.48) and CMS GT 301 A (0.19) for protein content, CMS GT 33 A (-17.93), CMS GT 288 A (-9.03), GTR 52 (-1.40) and GTR 8 (-0.62) recorded for earliness. These parents can be improved further through intensive crossing programme and subsequent selection of transgressive segregants in desired direction. Hybrids CMS GT 33 A X GTR 18 (29.31), CMS GT 302 A X GTR 8 (25.27), CMS GT 601 A X GTR 52 (21.35) and CMS GT 288 A X GTR 95 (20.89) were the best for seed yield per plant . These crosses had also high sca values for its contributing traits viz . number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, harvest index, biological yield and leaf area. These crosses involved poor x average, poor x poor and average x poor combining parents and better performance reflected involvement of interaction of dominant and epistasis type gene action for this trait. So, these crosses can be exploited through hybrid breeding programme.

Evaluation of Sugarbeet Genotypes (Beta VulgarisL.) for Root Yield and Quality Traits under Subtropical Conditions

An investigation was undertaken to study the suitability of sugarbeet genotypes and to elucidate their yield related and quality characteristics under subtropical conditions during rabi 2014–2015. Thirteen sugarbeet genotypes were sown in randomized block design (RBD) in a plot size of 36 m2 having three replications and data were recorded for germination (%), shoot length (cm), root length (cm), total length (root + shoot, in cm), shoot weight (kg), root weight (kg), root/shoot ratio, root girth (cm), root volume (cm3), biological yield per plant (kg), harvest index (%), Brix (°), sucrose (%), purity (%) in juice and root yield per plot (kg) were recorded. Analysis of variance was significant for traits viz: germination (%), shoot length, root length, total length, root girth, root volume, Brix (°), sucrose (%), purity (%) and root yield per plot. Germination (%) varied from 60% (Calixta) to 89.67% (Cauvery). Magnolia recorded the highest root length (31.33 cm). The most promising genotype for both root girth (cm) and root volume (cm3) respectively was Cauvery (46.25, 1755.78 cm3). Regarding quality, the superior genotype for Brix (°), sucrose (%) and purity (%) was H10671 (18.00, 15.20 and 84.42, respectively). Cauvery (194.51 kg) ranked first for root yield per plot followed by Indus (165.31 kg) and SV 892 (163.85 kg). The correlation coefficients of different traits with root yield and among themselves showed that there were highly significant and positive associations between root yield with total length. (r=0.416), shoot length (r=0.475), shoot weight (r=0.435), root girth (r=0.605), root volume(r=0.538) and germination (%) (r=0.360) while it was negatively correlated with root length and harvest index. Therefore, these traits should be given emphasis while making selections for high yielding genotypes in sugarbeet. The results revealed that the genotypes/varieties of sugarbeet are capable to produce high amounts of root yield and sugar content however, molecular basis of variability and association among the traits needs to be probed further.

Studies on heterosis in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

A field experiment was conducted with thirty hybrids of eleven parents (six lines and five testers in ‘Line x Tester’ mating design) along with a check variety ‘MDU 1’. The aim is to estimate the magnitude of economic heterosis which is considered for exploitation of hybrid vigour for higher yield and early maturity. Negative heterosis for three traits viz., plant height, days to 50 % flowering and days to maturity is desirable for early maturation of crop. Based on experimental results of this investigation four crosses viz ., MDU 1/ VBN (Bg) 6, MDU 1/ PU 31, MDU 1/ Mash-114 and MDU 1/ Uttara had exhibited higher positive significant standard heterosis for eight yield and yield attributing traits in positive direction and negative heterosis for two traits viz ., days to 50 % flowering and days to maturity. The presence of magnitude of standard heterosis was higher in these crosses for yield and yield attributes. Hence, exploitation of hybrid vigour could be done in these crosses and it might be helpful in the improvement of this crop.

Correlation and path analysis in rainy season sorghum [Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench

Association and path analysis was attempted for five traits viz ., days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, days to maturity, test weight and grain yield per plant. Thirty sorghum hybrids their respective parents and three checks were studied. Grain yield had expressed highly significant and positive correlation with plant height, panicle length, days to maturity and test weight at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. The characters that had positive direct effects on grain yield at both phenotypic and genotypic levels were test weight (0.543, 0.557), panicle length (0.352, 0.354) days to 50%flowering (0.169, 0.206) and days to maturity (0.113, 0.084). Plant height (-0.108,-0.0829) had direct effect in negative direction at both phenotypic level and genotypic level. The inter-relationship among these characters might be used in the breeding programme to exploit the yield potential and to develop high yielding improved varieties with ease and target oriented research.

Analysis of genetic trend in fertility and production traits of Holstein Friesian crossbred cattle using BLUP estimation of breeding values

Selection to improve dairy cattle production leads to a decline in fertility performance due to unfavourable association between the traits. Analysis was carried out to study the genetic trend in the fertility traits of Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian crossbred) cattle due to selection favouring production traits. Data spread over a period of 34 years (1978 to 2012) were utilized to study the traits viz . first lactation 305 day milk yield (F305MY), first service period (FSP) and first lactation daughter pregnancy rate (FDPR). Heritability estimates were obtained using average information restricted maximum likelihood (AIREML) were 0.31±0.10, 0.12±0.06 and 0.02±0.05 for F305MY FSP, and FDPR, respectively. Significant phenotypic trend estimates obtained for F305MY, FSP and FDPR were 18.71±8.37 kg/year, 1.14±0.51 days and -0.0061±0.0018, respectively. Unfavourable genetic trend estimates of -0.0012±0.0004 was obtained for FDPR. The results indicated that continuous selection for production performance had negatively impacted fertility which was evident from a declining trend in fertility performance of Karan Fries cattle in contrast to an increasing trend in production performance.

Assessment of Nutritional Potency and Pomological Traits in the Wild and Cultivated Varieties of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae)

Nutrient composition in the fruits of cultivated and wild varieties of M. charantia viz, M. charantia var. charantia and var. muricata were evaluated to prioritize the wild accessions suitable for crop improvement programme. The nutritive value of the varieties were assessed in terms of the quantity of proteins, carbohydrate, vitamins, total sugar, reducing and non-reducing sugar and minerals like Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. The wild variety was found superior than the cultivar in terms of their nutrient content. The study recognized MC12, as the elite germplasm with highest concentration of Vit. E, B2, Cu and Ca and the accession MC10 as a rich source of carbohydrate, non-reducing sugar and Vit. B1. The accessions MC2, MC7, and MC15 were superior having higher concentration of protein, Vit. C and reducing sugar respectively. Correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between fruit traits and nutrient composition. UPGMA dendrogram analysis suggests that the nutritional variation in the accessions was not determined by the fruit and seed morphology. However, a direct relationship between the nutrient contents and the fruit traits viz, fruit weight, length and fruit diameter was observed. The study recommends the accessions like MC12, MC7, MC10, and MC15 with high nutrient composition for bitter gourd breeding programme. The study emphasizes the conservation of the wild species, the rich sources of nutrients for crop improvement programme.