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The nationally identified variety ‘CFMV 2/ Gira’ which is uniform maturing and developed through selection from local germplasm collected from the Dangs district of Gujarat. A finger millet biofortified variety ‘CFMV 2/ Gira’ was tested as a culture ‘WN 559’ at the State level and ‘FMV 1118’ at the National level. It was tested under different state trials at Waghai, Varanasi and Dahod centers in Gujarat from 2014 to 2020. WN-559 (3551 kg/ha) performed well with 15.02 per cent increase over local check ‘GNN-6’ while, 27.47 and 25.88 per cent grain yield superiority over national check varieties PR-202 and GPU 67, respectively. At the national level, under 28 locations under five states across India under IVT, AVT-I and AVT-II, culture FMV-1118 recorded on an average 2950 kg/ha of grain yield which was 20.7, 32.6, 6.70, 7.70 and 14.4 per cent higher than national checks GPU-45, VL-352, GPU-67, PR-202 and VL-376, respectively in All India Coordinated trials conducted at Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha. Proposed entry ‘FMV-1118’ yielded 8588 kg/ha of fodder yield with 12.3, 38.8, 11.11, 9.10 and 29.6 per cent increased yield over national checks GPU-45, VL-352, GPU-67, PR-202 and VL-376, respectively. It is medium duration, synchronous maturity (115 to 125 days) with profuse productive tillers and non-lodging culture suitable for rainfed cultivation. The proposed culture was found to be good in nutritional properties particularly high calcium, iron, phosphorous and also a good amount of protein and minerals. With respect to pests and diseases, it was found superior to checks and moderately resistant for the same. It is with bold grain size, non shattering habit of panicle with plant type and nonlodging with semi-compact panicle. Considering the need for medium duration cultivars, the Central Finger Millet Variety (CFMV-2/Gira) a high yield potential genotype with desirable grain quality and moderately resistant to foot rot and blast disease was released by the AICRP-Small Millets, IIMR, Hyderabad as a biofortified and high yielding finger millet variety for the states viz., Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha.

A total of 80 foxtail millet genotypes were evaluated for ten quantitative characters at MARS (Main Agricultural Research Station), UAS (University of Agricultural Sciences), Raichur during kharif 2018 to assess the genetic diversity using Mahalanobis D2 statistic. The eighty genotypes were grouped into twelve clusters. The highest inter-cluster distance (6623.62) was observed between cluster-VIII and cluster-XII. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster VII (529.01). A high mean grain yield was observed in cluster-XI (59.72g). Plant height (46.96%) and grain yield (46.39%) have the highest contribution to the total divergence. The crosses between genotypes of the divergent clusters VIII and XII would manifest wide variability.

Multivariate statistical analysis techniques like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and heirarchial clustering were used to evaluate Genetic diversity among 246 genotypes of Tobacco for six major yield and yield-related traits. The hierarchial clustering indicated that all the genotypes were clustered into eight major groups. The cluster III had the maximum number of genotypes with highest intra cluster distance and cluster IV and VIII showed maximum inter cluster distance indicating that the characterized tobacco genotypes in these clusters has high potential for various breeding goals. Principal component analysis and genotype by trait biplot analysis showed that the first four components accounted for 94.75 per cent of the total variation, with principal component 1 (PC1) accounting for 55.96 per cent and PC2 for 20.97 per cent of the total variation. The high yielding genotypes with other yield attributes identified in this study would offer valuable genetic material for breeding elite tobacco varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to study stability performance over three environments for yield and its components in seven elite pipeline soybean genotypes using a randomized complete block design. The mean sum of squares due to genotype and environments (linear) differed significantly. However, higher magnitude of mean squares due to environments indicated considerable differences between environments for all traits. Similarly, the MSS for Genotype x Environment was found to be significant for all the traits expect for number of pods per plant. Based on the stability parameters the genotype Dsb-21 was found to be widely adapated whereas Dsb-19 and JSS-335 a popular variety among the farmers performed better under favorable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the oilseed crops, mustard has gained precedence in the human diet due to its superior oil quality. Genotype × environment interactions have a significant effect on plant breeding because it reduces the stability of the genotypes in diverse environments. In order to assess the impact of environments on genotypes and determine the stable genotypes in terms of seed yield and yield attributing characters in the terai agro-climatic zone, seventy-one Indian mustard genotypes were evaluated during two consecutive years,namely, 2017-18 and 2018-19, focusing on nine quantitative characters across six environments. Eberhart and Russell model (1966) of stability analysis revealed that various genotypes exhibited adaptability to favourable and unfavourable environments for different characters, influenced by the different sowing dates over the two years. However, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 to be well adapted in terai agro-climatic zone in respect to seed yield and plant height, while Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) were adapted to specifically favorable (rich) environment for the seed yield. In terms of secondary branches per plant and number of siliquae on branches, Pusa mustard 27 (EJ 17) showed adaptability across all types of environments. Therefore, Rohini (SC) and KMR-15-14 were identified as stable genotypes for optimum seed yield across different environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induced mutation by Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) has been found to be a very useful technique for crop improvement. Chemical mutagens, such as EMS, have been widely used to induce a variety of practical variations in several fruit crops. Therefore, a study was undertaken to determine the LD50 and the effects of mutagens on growth-related, yield-related, and quality-related observations, as well as the mortality percentage of runners derived from the Winter Dawn variety of strawberry using EMS to create variability for desirable traits. The runners were treated with EMS. The treated runners, along with a control group, were planted for growth in pots under a polytunnel. Based on the probit curve derived from the survival of the treated plant, the LD50 dose for EMS was found to be 3%. The 0.1% and 0.2% EMS doses showed good results in terms of growth, yield, and quality. An increase in the concentration of EMS resulted in a decrease in plant survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to investigate the relationship between specific quantitative characters and sugarcane yield at the Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa, Bihar, in February 2022. Thirty sugarcane seedlings obtained from three different crosses along with check were subjected to estimation trait association by correlation and path analyses. Cane yield showed strong positive and highly significant correlation with single cane weight, number of millable canes per clump and brix percent at 12th month. There was also positive significant correlation of number of shoots per clump with cane yield. Path analysis revealed the highest positive direct effect of brix percent at 12th month on cane yield followed by brix percent at 10th month and cane diameter. However, number of shoots per clump had considerable negative direct effects and indirect positive effects through single cane weight and number of millable canes per clump on cane yield. The traits that provide considerable positive correlation and positive direct effects to cane yield could be used as selection indices for yield improvement in for further clonal generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UASD Bt cotton Event-78 based early segregating generations (FF2 & F3) derived from three diverse crosses were evaluated for field incidence of cotton leaf hopper during kharif-F20F21 & F20F2F2 at Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad. A total 600 FF2 plants from the crosses viz., UASD Bt-78 x DHS-F29, UASDBt-78 x Suvin and Suvin x UASD Bt-78 were screened of which 103,100 and 10F2 plants respective to the three crosses were found to be resistant. The segregation of FF2 population for the jassid tolerance deciphered the implicit "Inhibitory epistasis" mechanism of host plant resistance. Further evaluation of F3 families of these crosses leads to identification of 103 resistant lines from all the three crosses, the mean leafhopper population ranges from 0.67-F2.67 leafhoppers / 3 leaves with the LHRI score of 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) stands as a important cereal sustaining over half of the world's population. This study delves into the challenges confronting breeders in the realm of crop improvement, specifically focusing on the intricate task of designing an ideotype--a genotype amalgamating diverse attributes for optimal performance. Traditional methodologies, exemplified by the Smith--Hazel (SH) index, grapple with issues such as multicollinearity and the complexities of economic weighting decisions. In response to these challenges, the Multi-Trait Genotype--Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI), conceptualized by Olivoto and Nardino (2021), emerges as a ground breaking approach. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) aids in the reduction of trait dimensionality, revealing four key factors that collectively contribute to 79.444% of total variability. The Scree plot guides factor selection, ensuring a targeted analysis. The MGIDI index computation yields a total genetic gain of 273.025%, with specific traits like spikelet fertility and seedling dry weight exhibiting significant gains. Six high-performing rice accessions--SM227, NLR33892, MTU3626, 239(3), SMB3, and 405C3 were identified through MGIDI. These identified genotypes serve as valuable resources for developing recombinant populations, aligning with sustainable and effective crop improvement strategies. Additionally, these promising varieties exhibit strengths across various traits, offering potential for simultaneous trait improvement in future breeding programmes. The efficiency of MGIDI is highlighted through its innovative application in simultaneous trait selection, underscoring its significance across a wide range of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the global climate change and frequent episodes of high temperature, globally legume crops including chickpea are receiving serious challenge of yield loss across the globe. Therefore, to sustain chickpea production breeders exploiting existing germplasm resources which can withstand drastically happening and fluctuating abiotic stresses like terminal heat and draught. A wide range of genetic variability for various phenological traits and yield related traits were recorded in 71 chickpea genotypes during normal and late or terminal heat stress sown conditions. The analysis of variance for all the environments revealed highly significant differences among the mean square due to genotypes for all the characters. The range of variation was comparatively wider in late sown condition than in normal sown conditions. The differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV) were not substantial. High heritability coupled with high/moderate genetic advance expressed as percentage of mean were exhibited by hundred seed weight, seed yield/plant, number of pods/plants, plant height, reproductive phase duration, number of primary branches/plant and days to 50 % flowering under normal as well as late planting. So, these traits can be used as selection indices to improve seed yield in high temperature sown condition as well as timely sown condition. The pooled analysis of variance over dates of sowing (environments) were computed following Eberhart and Russell (1966) model. Genotype x environment interactions was highly significant for most of the characters except no. of primary branches/plant when tested against error mean square. G x E (linear) component was significant and higher than non-linear component for days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, number of pods/plants, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant. From the present study, five genotypes viz., ICC 14778, GJG 6, ICC 6579, ICC 8950 and ICC 10945 were highly stable for seed yield across the environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent past, dyeing in textile industry have attained massive growth, resulting in environmental pollution. It necessitates the need for the resurrection of research interest in naturally coloured cotton. In this view, the present study was conducted in two F2 populations derived by crossing naturally brown coloured cotton Red 5-7 and white linted cotton MCU 5 and its reciprocal at the Department of Cotton, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during kharif, 2019. The phenotypic variance was higher than the genotypic variance for all traits and the magnitude of difference between PCV and GCV for five fibre quality traits was less which pointed out less environmental influence. Heritability and GAM were high for yield-related traits, such as the number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield/plant, making them suitable targets for selection. Association studies revealed that the number of bolls/plant and boll weight were positively correlated with the seed cotton yield/plant with positive direct effect. Thus, direct selection of these traits will assist in the yield improvement programme in coloured cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of biodiversity, which has an impact on both plant development and genetic advancement, disrupts the fundamental services that ecosystems provide to humanity. Variability assessment is a challenging topic. Multivariate statistics can be useful for comparing and evaluating genetic variability. The data of 16 different morpho-physiological variables were subjected to several multivariate approaches, including principal component (PC) and correlation coefficient analysis, in order to assess the diversity of the twenty Turkey berry genotypes. The correlation coefficients discovered through this analysis were used to gauge the strength of the association between the traits. In this study, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the observed phenotypic traits. Among these traits, number of branches per plant, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers per cluster, number of flower cluster per plant, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruit cluster per plant, and fruit diameter exhibited a positive and significant correlation with fresh fruit yield per plant, whereas days of first flowering exhibited a negative and significant correlation with fresh fruit yield per plant. Principal component (PC) analysis revealed that the first three PCs had Eigen values greater than 1, accounting for 81% of the overall variation. For morphological features, PC 1 accounted for the largest variability of 57% of the overall variation, and the lowest contribution (10%) was recorded by PC3. The genotypes St007, St006, St008, St010, St011, St001, St009, St018, St020, St003, St004, and St005 were shown to be more varied and better performers in terms of fresh fruit yield and yield contributing features based on the primary factor scores. According to research findings, the genotypes of Turkey berries identified in this work would serve as useful genetic tools for boosting the productivity of the fruits for upcoming breeding endeavors, especially in light of the unpredictability of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study was conducted to evaluate 76 diverse genotypes of tomato for yield and fruit quality under high temperature stress in open condition using randomized block design for two years 2020-2021 during summer season. The ANOVA showed the presence of significant variability among the genotypes for all the traits under study. Higher value for phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was found in yield, number of fruits, average fruit weight. High heritability and genetic advance were observed for yield, number of fruits, average fruit weight, TSS, and pericarp thickness. Hence, during selection of genotypes for heat tolerance these traits must be given importance to get stable and genetically superior genotypes with higher degree of tolerance to heat stress. On the contrary, lower heritability and genetic advance along with lower phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of locules, dry matter content, lycopene content, fruit shape index, and titrable acidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to examine the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance as a per cent of mean among the six parents selected through principal component analysis and 30 hybrids of desi cotton. The experiment was laid out in during kharif,2022, at the Department of Cotton, TNAU. Five fibre quality traits and 13 yield contributing traits were analysed as a part of genetic variability investigations. With the exception of the uniformity index, ANOVA demonstrated significance for all of the characteristics examined, suggesting that parents and hybrids have adequate amount of variation. An increased environmental influence on these traits is indicated by the fact that the phenotypic coefficient of variation was marginally greater than the genotypic coefficient of variance. Positive and significant correlation with seed cotton yield per plant was observed for plant height, number of sympodia per plant, number of bolls per plant, boll weight and number of seeds per boll which suggested that increase or improvement in these characters lead to improvement in seed cotton yield/ plant. The traits namely, fibre strength, lint index and number of bolls exerted a high direct effect on seed cotton yield while, boll weight and plant height exerted a moderate positive direct effect on seed cotton yield. The hybrids K12 × RG763 and CNA1007 × RG763 can be used for the better attainment of yield as they have highest boll weight along with seed cotton yield per plant and ginning outturn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variability for seed cotton yield and itscomponents were studied in three segregating F2 populations of cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.). Significant variation was recorded for major traits in all the three F2 populations. Traits such as plant height (20 cm to 143 cm), bolls plant per plant (1 to 30), boll weight (2.0 g to 6.8 g) and seed cotton yield per plant (1.8 g to 115 g) exhibited wide range.High PCV and GCV estimates were recorded for all the traits under study except days to 50 per cent flowering and days to boll opening. High broad sense heritability and genetic advance over mean was observedin case of major yield attributing traits. Mid parent heterosis and inbreeding depression was significant for seed cotton yield per plant in the three F2 populations. The results suggest that the variation generated in the F2 populations would be useful in selecting superior genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to investigate the degree of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance among eight parents and fifty-six hybrids. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with two replications. The genetic parameters for 18 yield components and fibre quality traits were assessed. Analysis of variance was found to be highly significant for all the tested traits. Assessment of mean performance indicated the heterotic potential of hybrids over parents. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation suggesting a high level of environmental influence on these characters. The number of monopodia per plant and the number of bolls per plant had high PCV and GCV. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was reported for the number of monopodia per plant, the number of sympodia per plant, the number of bolls per plant, boll weight, the number of seeds per boll and seed cotton yield, which implies additive gene effects and selection based on these traits will be effective for future crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nationally identified variety 'CFMV 2/ Gira' which is uniform maturing and developed through selection from local germplasm collected from the Dangs district of Gujarat. A finger millet biofortified variety 'CFMV 2/ Gira' was tested as a culture 'WN 559' at the State level and 'FMV 1118' at the National level. It was tested under different state trials at Waghai, Varanasi and Dahod centers in Gujarat from 2014 to 2020. WN-559 (3551 kg/ha) performed well with 15.02 per cent increase over local check 'GNN-6' while, 27.47 and 25.88 per cent grain yield superiority over national check varieties PR-202 and GPU 67, respectively. At the national level, under 28 locations under five states across India under IVT, AVT-I and AVT-II, culture FMV-1118 recorded on an average 2950 kg/ha of grain yield which was 20.7, 32.6, 6.70, 7.70 and 14.4 per cent higher than national checks GPU-45, VL-352, GPU-67, PR-202 and VL-376, respectively in All India Coordinated trials conducted at Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha. Proposed entry 'FMV-1118' yielded 8588 kg/ha of fodder yield with 12.3, 38.8, 11.11, 9.10 and 29.6 per cent increased yield over national checks GPU-45, VL-352, GPU-67, PR-202 and VL-376, respectively. It is medium duration, synchronous maturity (115 to 125 days) with profuse productive tillers and non-lodging culture suitable for rainfed cultivation. The proposed culture was found to be good in nutritional properties particularly high calcium, iron, phosphorous and also a good amount of protein and minerals. With respect to pests and diseases, it was found superior to checks and moderately resistant for the same. It is with bold grain size, non shattering habit of panicle with plant type and nonlodging with semi-compact panicle. Considering the need for medium duration cultivars, the Central Finger Millet Variety (CFMV-2/Gira) a high yield potential genotype with desirable grain quality and moderately resistant to foot rot and blast disease was released by the AICRP-Small Millets, IIMR, Hyderabad as a biofortified and high yielding finger millet variety for the states viz., Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred upland cotton germplasm accessions were evaluated for eight traits to evaluate the per se performance, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as a per cent of mean, correlation and path analysis. The estimation of variability indicated that the number of monopodia per plant had high GCV and PCV. High heritability along with high GAM was found in plant height, internode length, the number of monopodia per plant, the number of sympodia per plant, the number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield per plant which suggested that additive gene activity had a significant influence in the inheritance of these traits. Correlation analysis showed that the number of sympodia per plant, the number of bolls per plant and boll weight have a significant high positive correlation on the seed cotton yield. Path analysis showed that the number of bolls per plant and boll weight had the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was investigated in thirty five hybrids of Gossypium hirsutum L. for combining ability and heterosis for ten yield and fibre contributing traits. These hybrids were obtained by the crosses made between seven lines and five testers. None of the crosses was superior for all the traits studied for the mean performance. The hybrid TCH 1199 × GTHV 323 showed the highest mid and better parent heterosis for the lint index and the hybrid TCH 1828 × RHC 1409 exhibited the highest significant mid and better parent heterosis for ginning outturn. The characters viz., boll weight and single cotton yield per plant were identified to have the highest significant mid and better parent values in the hybrid BSH 18 × RHC 1409. For yield contributing traits viz., the number of sympodial branches per plant and the number of bolls per plant out numbered in the hybrid CO 14 × KC 3 with the maximum standard heterosis among the thirty five hybrids. Combining ability analysis exhibits the dominance of non- additive gene action in all yield and fibre quality contributing traits. Among the lines CO 14 and TCH 1828 were estimated as the best combiners for yield and quality traits, respectively. Among the testers, KC 2 and KC 3 were found to be the best among all the five testers. The hybrid BSH 18× RHC 1409 exhibited the highest sca for the boll weight and seed cotton yield per plant and the hybrid BSH 18 × GISV 323 exhibited the highest sca for the quality traits viz., ginning out turn and upper half mean length; TCH 1828 × KC 3 and CO 14 × KC 2 best performed hybrids for sca values for the quality traits viz., elongation length and micronaire values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the genetic variability, character association and path coefficient analysis in Garlic was carried out at Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Undagamandalam. The experiment was conducted with seventy two accessions laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated thrice. High GCV was observed for average bulb weight, number of cloves, 10 clove weight, plot yield, yield/ha and marketable yield. Low PCV was recorded for days to 50% neck fall and days to harvest. High heritability was recorded for the characters viz., leaf length, pseudostem diameter polar diameter, average bulb weight, the number of cloves, 10 clove weight, yield per plot, yield/ha and marketable yield. In the correlations study, the traits viz., plant height, the number of leaves, leaf length, pseudostem length, pseudostem diameter, equatorial diameter, polar diameter, average bulb weigh, 10 clove weight were correlated with each other which will attribute to enhance the bulb yield. Similarly in path coefficients analysis, the characters viz., plant height, the number of leaves, leaf width, pseudostem length, pseudostem diameter, polar diameter, average bulb weight, the number of cloves, 10 clove weight showed a positive direct effect on yield. Therefore from the present investigation traits viz., pseudostem diameter, polar diameter, average bulb weight, the number of cloves, 10 clove weight and yield/ha emerged as important components for selection in garlic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current experiment consisting of 19 elite safflower genotypes along with three checks (A-1, PBNS-12 and DSH 185) were sown in randomized block design in three replications. Genotypic correlation studies established a positive association between the number of capitulum per plant, the number of seeds per plant, the weight of 100 seeds per plant and the seed yield per plant. As a result, selecting genotypes based on these traits may help to enhance seed yield. Days to maturity and the number of seeds per capitulum had a positive association with oil content, indicating that delayed maturity contributed to enhance oil content. Similarly, the number of seeds/capitulum contributed to improve the oil content. Days to 50% flowering, number of capitulum /plant, number of seeds /capitulum, 100 seed weight and oil percentage appeared to have the most direct effects on seed yield. Oil content per plant had a significant effect on traits such as days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, and 100 seed weight, whereas seed yield had a negative direct effect towards oil content. The path analysis results showed that increased rosette period helped plants establishing good root system at an early stage of growth, delayed days to 50% flowering and maturity strongly affecting the source and sink, which converted into the number of capitulum per plant and 100 seed weight. These characters showed a positive relationship as well as direct effects on seed yield and oil content. As a result, a plant with delayed maturity (130-135 days), medium plant height (110cm), 30-35 seeds per capitulum, 100 seed weight (4.5-5 g) and oil content (32-33 %) would be considered as the model plant type for late sown irrigated conditions in Chhattisgarh plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research focuses on the identification of stable trait specific genetic resources across the five semiarid environments located in the four states of India. The study illustrated the existence of a wide range of variations for most of the characters among the sunflower genotypes, which provides opportunities for genetic gain through selection or hybridization. Genotype x Environment (G x E) interaction was significant for all traits except for days to 50 % flowering, maturity days and 100-seed weight which means different genotypes responded differently to environments for the rest of the traits. Based on per se performance across the locations GMU 296 and HOHAL 30 can be considered as high yielding and high oil content accessions. Based on biplot, stability and per se performance genotypes GMU 806, GMU 635, GMU 296, GMU 802 and check DRSF113, can be considered as a medium to high yielding with medium oil content and medium maturity genotypes across the environments and can be considered as an ideal genotype across semi-arid environments. Character association indicated that among the seven traits, seed yield per plant had a significant negative association with oil content. The traits 50 % flowering and maturity days fall under one group and showed the more or less similar type of pattern in the expression of the traits by heat map approach. Based on diversity analysis identified genotypes from the second cluster can be utilized for the development of high yielding, medium oil content and medium duration diverse gene pool in sunflower for semi-arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inheritance of leaf shape vis-a-vis specific leaf area and genetic parameter determining various morpho-yield related traits were studied in F2 populations of F2382 X CO17 and PBH115 x CO17 Wherein the female parent has okra type leaf and the male parent has a normal leaf. Leaf type was supposed to exhibit simple inheritance for 1:2:1 for normal leaf type, sub-okra leaf type and okra phenotypes showing incomplete dominance in both crosses. However, an attempt to associate leaf types with specific leaf areas across the segregants did not show any specific pattern indicating complexity in deducing the inheritance of specific leaf areas. Plant height, the number of bolls/plant and seed cotton yield per plant were highly variable traits. High heritability was observed for the traits viz., plant height, boll weight, ginning out turn, upper half mean length and uniformity ratio in both the crosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty five genotypes of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] were evaluated for seed yield and quality traits in Randomized Block Design with four replications during the Rabi, 2019-2020. The analysis of variance revealed that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes was significant for all the eighteen characters studied indicating the presence of variability for all the traits among the genotypes under study. Low difference between genotypic and phenotypic variances revealed that the contribution of genotypic variance to total variance was more for all the traits except days to maturity and plant height. The high values of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for the number of branches per plant, seed yield per plant, myristic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid which indicated the potential variability available for these traits. The high heritability estimates obtained in conjunction with high genetic advance were observed for the number of branches per plant, the number of siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, length of siliqua, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and glucosinolate suggesting the predominant role of additive gene action for their expression. Association analysis between seed yield per plant and other seventeen characters revealed significantly positive correlation of seed yield per plant with the number of siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, length of siliquam, myristic acid and erucic acid. Path analysis revealed positive direct effects of the number of siliquae per plant and seeds per siliqua towards seed yield per plant while myristic acid, the number of branches per plant had a positive indirect effect on seed yield per plant via the number of siliquae per plant suggesting that the selection for such traits would be more effective for improving seed yield in Indian mustard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was designed with a total of 20 pigeonpea extra-early introgression lines along with the checks in RCBD for genetic variability and other genetic parameters for 10 agronomic traits. Data was recorded on days to flower, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, the number of primary branches, the number of secondary branches, the number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, hundred seed weight and grain yield per plant. Considerable variation was observed for all the traits studied. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for days to flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, the number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, and grain yield per plant, signifying that these traits governed by additive gene action. Simple selection may be useful for these traits. Further, using PCA analysis, it was found that these traits are ideal for pigeonpea improvement through the selection. Promising lines viz., ICPP 171540, ICPP 171541, ICPP 171542, ICPP 171546, ICPP 171556, ICPP 171559, ICPP 171561, ICPP 171564, ICPP 171566, ICPP 171578, ICPP 171579, and ICPP 171581, and ICPP 171578 were identified in extra-early determinate groups. These promising lines should be evaluated in multi-season/location for further utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic is an important vegetable crop grown widely throughout the world for its medicinal values and health benefits. Garlic helps to prevent and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold, improves blood pressure and reduces the cholesterol. The present study was undertaken to assess the genetic variability, to determine the correlation of bulb yield and its contributing components and to identify those components with significant effects on yield and using them as selection criteria. The genetic parameters of variability were estimated, comprising thirty-six genotypes in garlic at the Research Farm of Vegetable Science, UHF, Nauni, Solan, HP during the Rabi season, 2014-15 and 2015-16. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were higher for weight of 100 peeled cloves (35.09 % and 31.07 %), bulb yield per plot (34.87 % and 33.19 %), bulb yield per hectare (34.87 % and 33.19 %), clove weight (34.50 % and 30.83 %), weight of 100 unpeeled cloves (34.22 % and 30.07 %), oleoresin content (32.69 % and 31.79 %), bulb weight (30.65 % and 30.01 %) and the number of bulbs per kg (30.21 % and 30.01 %) indicating further scope of improvement and facilitating the selection for these characters. High heritability was recorded for the characters viz., peeling index (99 %), the number of bulbs per kg (96 %), oleoresin content (95 %), bulb weight (94 %), the number of leaves per plant (92 %), bulb yield per plot (91 %), bulb yield per hectare (91 %), the number of cloves per bulb (90 %), drying percentage (86 %), neck thickness (84 %), clove length (84 %), bulb breadth (83 %), plant height (82 %) and clove weight (80 %). High genetic gain was recorded for characters viz., bulb yield per plot (65.07 %), bulb yield per hectare (65.07 %), oleoresin content (63.70%), the number of bulbs per kg (59.68 %), bulb weight (59.36 %), clove weight (56.76 %), weight of 100 peeled cloves (56.68 %), weight of 100 unpeeled cloves (52.19 %) and the number of cloves per bulb (50.04 %). An idea about interrelationships of bulb yield and its components is very helpful to improve the efficiency of breeding program using appropriate selection indices. Yield per plot was positively and significantly associated with plant height (0.445 and 0.492), the number of leaves per plant (0.381 and 0.407), days to maturity (0.497 and 0.641), neck thickness (0.375 and 0.409), bulb weight (0.966 and 1.00), bulb breadth (0.808 and 0.898), bulb length (0.852 and 0.984), clove weight (0.865 and 0.936), clove breadth (0.726 and 0.787), clove length (0.734 and 0.799), weight of 100 unpeeled cloves (0.800 and 0.873) and weight of 100 peeled cloves (0.796 and 0.861) whereas, negatively and significantly with the number of cloves per bulb (-0.448 and -0.473), the number of bulbs per kg (-0.921 and -0.960) and drying percentage (-0.374 and -0.404). Path coefficient analysis revealed a high positive and direct effect of bulb weight (2.018) on bulb yield per plot followed by weight of 100 unpeeled cloves (0.641), the number of bulbs per kg (0.309), days to maturity (0.154), peeling index (0.139), plant height (0.118), drying percentage (0.115), clove breadth (0.094), neck thickness (0.054), clove weight (0.049) and the number of leaves per plant (0.042). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A line x tester analysis using 10 lines and five testers were carried out to study the stability of 50 hybrids over environments using three different sowing dates for seed cotton yield and its quantitative traits in cotton. The analysis of variance for stability revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters when tested against the pooled error and pooled deviation. The mean square due to environments (E) was also found significant when tested against the pooled error and pooled deviation for all the characters. G x E interactions were non-significant for all the characters except days to 50% flowering, days to 50% boll bursting, seed index and oil content indicating linear response of different genotypes for various traits under varied environmental conditions. The variance due to environments (linear) was significant for all the traits when tested against pooled error as well as pooled deviation. The stability parameters viz., overall mean (X), regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di) revealed that the hybrids G.Cot 18 x GSHV 173, G.Cot 18 x GTHV 7/70, G.Cot 12 x GTHV 7/70, G.Cot 12 x G.Cot 20 and GJHV 511 x GSHV 173 were the most widely adapted and stable crosses for seed cotton yield per plant and its components. The parents GJG 101, Deviraj, G.Cot 12, G.Cot 10, GJHV 500, GJHV 511, GJHV 517, GJHV 521, GJHV 536, Suraj, G.Cot 20, GSHV 173 and GTHV 7/70 were identified as the stable genotypes for seed cotton yield and its components and hence, they may be utilized in breeding programmes for incorporation of stability in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to analyze the genetic diversity among 58 genotypes with 7 quantitative and 5 qualitative characters in chilli and two multivariate techniques; principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Based on D2 cluster analysis, the 58 genotypes were grouped into three distinct clusters. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between clusters I and III. The maximum contribution towards genetic divergence was shown by green fruit yield per plant (0.59) and primary branches per plant. Principal component analysis indicates that the first five principal components explain 74.90 per cent of the total variation. PC1 which accounted for the highest variation was mostly related to days to initiation of flowering and days to first picking as most of the important yield attributing and quality traits were present in PC1, PC2 and PC5. This study generally indicated that there was a significant genetic diversity among the test genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 80 foxtail millet genotypes were evaluated for ten quantitative characters at MARS (Main Agricultural Research Station), UAS (University of Agricultural Sciences), Raichur during kharif 2018 to assess the genetic diversity using Mahalanobis D2 statistic. The eighty genotypes were grouped into twelve clusters. The highest inter-cluster distance (6623.62) was observed between cluster-VIII and cluster-XII. The highest intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster VII (529.01). A high mean grain yield was observed in cluster-XI (59.72g). Plant height (46.96%) and grain yield (46.39%) have the highest contribution to the total divergence. The crosses between genotypes of the divergent clusters VIII and XII would manifest wide variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out to investigate the general combining ability of elite genotypes of seven hirsutum and six barbadense lines and the heterotic values and specific combining ability of 42 interspecific hybrids obtained by line x tester mating design for twelve characters. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of sufficient genetic variability for all the characters in the experimental material. The seed cotton yield and yield attributing characters exhibited non-additive gene action and also their hybrid mean were significantly higher than parental mean. The parents MERREL-1, BCS-9, G.Cot.20, GSB 41 and DB 1602 were good general combiners for seed cotton yield and important yield contributing characters. The hybrids G.Cot.20 x DB 1602, G.Cot.20 x GSB 41 and BCS-9 x DB 1602 noted for their high per se performance, sca estimates and having both parents of good gca effects for seed cotton yield per plant and may recommended for future breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out in Nigeria to determine the extent of genetic variation within a biparental population in okra. Sixteen crosses were made and evaluated with nine parents in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Observations were made on important agronomic traits including pod yield. Data collected were subjected to Coefficient of Racial Likeness (CRL) and Mahalanobis D2 statistic and dendrogram was constructed. The maximum CRL distance (24.70) was between NGB00347 x NGB00350 and NGB00371 x NGB00326 while the largest Mahalanobis D2 distance (216.34) was between NGB00302 and NGB00356. The twenty-five genotypes were grouped into six clusters based on CRL while Mahalanobis D2 statistic identified four clusters. The NGB00297 x NGB00326 in cluster 6 had earliness to flowering, longest pod, heaviest pod, widest pods, the highest number of pod/plant and yield/plant. The genotype would be useful in the future development program in okra breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-two hybrid combinations were obtained by crossing four lines with eight testers in L x T fashion and F1's along with their parents were used for assessing combining ability for different yield and fibre quality traits. Variance due to parents and hybrids showed significant differences for all the characters studied except for the number of monopodia, boll weight and elongation percentage. Variances due to GCA were larger than SCA for all the traits, indicating the preponderance of dominance gene action. The lines, TSH 0499 and TSH 04/115 and the testers, MCU 13 and TCH 1819 which registered high per se performance coupled with the significant GCA effect were identified as best parents in developing hybrids with improved yield and fibre quality traits. The hybrid combinations viz., TSH 04/115 x MCU 7, TSH 0499 x SVPR 4, TSH 0499 x TCH 1819, TSH 0499 x MCU 13 and TSH 04/115 x TCH 1819 which showed significant sca could be used in heterosis breeding programme for improvement of both yield and fibre quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general and specific combining ability effects and variances for eight characters related to seed yield and its contributing traits in safflower were studied using Line x Tester mating design in forty CMS based hybrids, involving 20 lines (males) and two testers (females) along with three checks (PKV PINK, AKS 207 and PBNS 12). Combining Ability Analysis indicated the predominance of non-additive gene action for all the traits under study. Out of 20 males, GMU 3876, GMU 3924, GMU 3965 and AKS CMS 2B were identified as good general combiners for seed yield per plant, whereas, S-518, CCC-B2 and AKS 325 were identified as good general combiners for other yield contributing traits, and the parents GMU 3876, GILA and AKS CMS 2B for oil content. Hence, these parents may be exploited in further breeding programme to improve the concerned traits. Three crosses viz., AKS CMS 2A X GMU 3876, AKS CMS 2A X GMU 3863 and AKS CMS 3A X AKS/NS1 were identified as promising crosses on the basis of SCA effects for seed yield per plant, with good GCA effect of one of the parents. Thus, these crosses may be used for further evaluation in preliminary or multi-location hybrid trials for the further exploitation at commercial level. The crosses viz., AKS CMS 2A X GMU 3965, AKS CMS 2A X GMU 3325 and AKS CMS 2A X AKS 325 performed well over the best check i.e. PKV PINK along with a positive and highly significant GCA effects of one of the parents involved in the cross and low SCA effects (non-significant), it is recommended to utilize these crosses further by generation advancement for the development of varieties after re-crossing with 'B' line of the respective CMS line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty intra hirsutum hybrids developed by involving five female and ten testers were evaluated to study gene action, combining ability and heterosis. The analysis of variance indicated substantial variability among the experimental material for yield, its contributing components and fibre quality traits. Preponderance of non-additive gene action was obtained for seed cotton yield per plant, majority of its component traits and fibre quality traits. Three parents namely TSH 321, BGDS 1055 and GSHV 177 were identified as very good general combiners for yield and fibre quality traits. The cross combinations TSH 321 x African I-2, and CCH 15-1 x GSHV 177 for seed cotton yield per plant and fibre properties whereas the crosses BGDS 1055 x GSHV 177, TSH 321 x TCH 484-4, SHM 55 x TCH 1819 for seed cotton yield per plant and number of bolls per plant were identified as the best hybrids and these are well suited for exploitation through heterosis breeding as it recorded significant per se, sca effects and standard heterosis for trait as mentioned. Further, the crosses namely SHM 55 x CNH 19, SHM 55 x GSHV 177 and SHM 55 x TCH 486-7 could be recommended for recombination breeding as they satisfied the criteria of the presence of significant gca effects of the parents and non significant sca effects for yield and fibre quality traits. The study also revealed good scope for commercial hybrid development as well as isolation of pure lines among the progenies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at the Department of vegetable science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University during the year 2016-2017 to evaluate the performance of bitter gourd hybrids. The experimental material comprised of 16 hybrids and 5 check varieties collected from public (IARI, New Delhi and KAU, Thrissur) and private sectors. Observations were recorded for 14 characters and ranking of hybrids was done based on cumulative index worked out for the characters like, nodes to 1st female flower appearance, days to 1st picking, fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), relative early yield (kg), yield/plant (kg) and number of fruits per plant. Significant difference was observed among the hybrids for the selected characters. Promising 5 F1 hybrids selected based on the cumulative index were MC-142, MC-136, MC-139, MC-138 and MC-133. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation was to assess heterosis, general and specific combining ability for seed cotton yield, yield contributing traits and fibre quality parameters in interspecific F1 hybrids of cotton. 45 hybrids along with their parents and a standard commercial variety using randomized complete block design were evaluated for per se performance, heterosis and combining ability potential. Significant variation existed among the genotypes, crosses, parents and their interactions. Hybrid TCH1819 x TCB37 was outstanding in yield followed by COD-5-1-2 x DB3 and KC2 x TCB37. TCH1705-101 x CCB36 performed best in number of seeds per boll, fibre fineness and plant height, while TCH1819 x TCB209 out performed in uniformity ratio and elongation per cent. The highest standard and better heterosis of 90.6% and 193.69% respectively were recorded in TCH1819 x TCB37 for seed cotton yield. The combining ability analysis showed an equal importance of additive and non-additive genetic components in yield contributing traits and fibre quality parameters. The lines TCH1819, COD-5-1-2, VS-9-S11-1 and MCU7 and testers DB3 and TCB37 were distinguished as best combiners. Surabhi x TCB209, TSH0250 x CCB36, VS-9-S11-1 x DB3 and TCH1705-101 x DB3 were identified as best specific combiners and may be recommended for further breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to assess the extent of heterosis for seed cotton yield and its attributing traits in 24 interspecific hybrids of cotton developed by crossing 8 lines with 3 testers in line × tester mating design during kharif, 2017-18 at Agricultural Research Station Dharwad Farm. Significant heterosis was observed for the characters under study indicating the presence of genetic diversity among the parental lines. Except for number of sympodia per plant and boll weight, the mean sum of squares of parents vs crosses was significant for all the characters indicating presence of heterosis for these traits. None of the crosses was superior for all the traits studied. However, the cross CPD-462 x SBYF-425 was the best as it had the highest mean performance for economically important characters. Majority of the crosses exhibited significantly positive mid parent, better parent heterosis for all important yield contributing characters except ginning outturn. Most of the hybrids expressed significant standard heterosis for all the characters except boll weight and ginning outturn over the checks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is a drought-resistant pulse crop cultivated in the semi-arid regions of the world. Sterility mosaic disease (SMD) also known as "green plague of pigeonpea" is one of the severe threats in pigeonpea production causing severe yield loss. To overcome this issue, breeding for resistant varieties is considered to be one of the most effective and economic methods of reducing the crop losses and has received the top priority. Ninety four genotypes including checks were screened for SMD resistance by adopting leaf stapling technique at glass house condition. Based on the percent disease incidence (PDI), the genotypes could be classified as highly resistant (0%) and highly susceptible (100%). out of ninety four genotypes screened, four genotypes i.e., DPP 2-89, DPP 3-182, IC 22557 and ICP 3666 showed highly resistant reaction to SMD infection while fifty four genotypes were highly susceptible. Therefore, these four genotypes may be utilized for SMD resistance breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A line x tester analysis was carried out involving 11 divergent genotypes (6 lines and 5 testers) and 30 F1 hybrids of China aster for assessing the combining ability for 13 economic traits, during 2017. The genotypes Matsumoto White and Phule Ganesh Violet among lines and testers, showed good general combining ability for most of the economical traits. The cross combinations Matsumoto Scarlet x Phule Ganesh Violet, Matsumoto White x Phule Ganesh Violet and Matsumoto Red x IIHRJ3-2 showed best specific combining ability for various traits. The variance of sca was the highest for all the traits except for plant spread and days to first flowering which indicated the dominance of additive gene effects. Hence, it was inferred that specific combining ability can be exploited for the creation of novel flower colours and phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of nerium accessions and their categorization based on colour and uses. Field experiment was conducted at the "Botanical garden, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore". Thirteen nerium accessions were collected and coded named as ACC-1 to ACC-13. Significant variations in vegetative and flowering related traits were observed among the accessions. Out of the thirteen accessions, ACC-6 recorded the maximum number of primary branches (6.17), leaf area (29.67cm2), number of flowers per plant (16) and yield per plant per year (245.89 g), whereas, plant height (176.11cm) and shelf life (3.73 days) was maximum in ACC-10. From among the thirteen accessions, the desired one could be identified easily for aspecific purpose, since Nerium is vegetatively propagated and selected for defined traits vegetati-ve, flowering and flower qualities (flower form, colour). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture deficit stress is a major abiotic factor affecting muskmelon quality and productivity globally. Here we have examined the response of morpho-physiological traits under moisture deficit stress condition in muskmelon parental lines viz., Durgapur Madhu (DM) and BS25 along with F2:3 population derived from their cross for contrasting stress tolerance traits. Moisture stress reduced relative water content significantly (p < 0.01) with variation recorded among population lines. We observed that relative water content showed significant positive correlation (r = 0.34) with proline. A significantly increased value of the proline content (8.68 µg/gm), membrane stability index (27.11 mS/cm) and leaf area (24.43 cm²) were observed in BS25 compared to DM genotype. Some population lines such as L8, L10, L83, L16, L21, L54, and L63 showed significantly higher values for proline content and relative water content in moisture stress condition. We observed variability for different traits in the F2:3 population that allowed selection of individual lines with possibly greater potential of moisture stress tolerance, which can be useful in future breeding programs in muskmelon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of 816 accessions of desi cotton (G.arboreum) were evaluated in augmented design 1 during Kharif 2015-16. Traits namely stem color, leaf size, leaf lobbing, leaf shape, leaf color, petal color, bract size, boll shape, boll size, leaf nectaries, and plant type were recorded. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified five principal components were accounted for a cumulative variation of 86.36%. The first principal component accounted for 40.37%, second for 17.43%, third for 11.32%, fourth for 9.75% and fifth for 7.50% of total variation. First principal component (PC 1) was correlated with boll shape (0.94) and bract size (0.10). Second principal component (PC 2) was associated with leaf shape (0.98) and bract size (0.11). PC 3 was correlated with bract size (0.74) and boll size (0.24). Forth PC (PC 4) was associated with nectarines (0.82) and bract size (0.57). Fifth PC (PC 5) was related with leaf lobbing (0.97). Maximum diversity index was recorded for the trait stem color (6.70). The trait leaf shape showed lowest diversity index (6.472), followed by boll shape (6.492) and nectar (6.570). Lower the diversity index discriminated the accessions in higher order. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on qualitative traits revealed that traits namely boll shape, leaf shape and bract size distinguished all genotypes in higher order than other traits. Convex of the hull occupied by the genotypes namely A 32, AC 30, AC 32, AC 543, AC 544 and 78/1A, these genotypes showed the highest point among the factors. All the genotypes were grouped into six distinguished clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy one genotypes (54 F1 hybrids, 15 parents and two commercial checks) of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) were evaluated at Horticultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh to carry out the correlation studies between twelve quantitative traits and to estimate the direct and indirect effects of yield attributing traits on yield per plant. The phenotypic and genotypic association of fruit yield per plant was significant and positive with plant height, plant spread, number of fruits per plant and days to fruit maturity indicating the importance of these traits in selection for yield. The path analysis revealed that the direct contribution of number of fruits per plant and average dry fruit weight was high and positive on yield per plant. Whereas, it was moderate, positive for days to fruit maturity and low, positive for fruit length indicated that its true relationship with yield and direct selection based on these traits may be helpful in evolving high yielding genotypes of chilli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to estimate the magnitude of heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard checks (Tejaswini and Indam-5) for earliness, fruit yield and yield attributing traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) and developed 54 F1 hybrids by crossing nine lines with six testers using line x tester mating design. The 71 genotypes (54 F1's hybrids along with their 15 parents and two standard checks) were evaluated in Randomized Block Design during kharif 2014 - 15 at HRS, Lam farm, Guntur. The analysis of variance for L x T revealed significant differences among the parents and crosses for all the 12 characters studied indicating the presence of wide range of variability among them. Among 54 F1 hybrids, twenty seven, seventeen, two and four hybrids exhibited significant positive heterosis for fruit yield per plant over mid parent, better parent, and standard checks - Tejaswini and Indam-5 respectively and the hybrid LCA 607 x LCA 703-2 registered significant standard positive heterosis (20.99 per cent) followed by LCA 655 x LCA 703-2 (15.09 per cent) over best check Tejaswini. Among the 54 hybrids, the hybrid LCA 355 x LCA 703-2 was found to be superior for plant height, LCA 504 x LCA 703-2 for plant spread, LCA 466 x LCA 678 & LCA 466 x LCA 315 for no. of primary branches per plant and LCA 442 X G4 for days to fruit maturity recorded maximum standard heterosis in desirable direction over best check Tejaswini, while the hybrid LCA 655 x G4 recorded maximum positive heterosis for no. of fruits per plant but inferior to best check Tejaswini. The hybrid LCA 446 x LCA 453 for days to 50 % flowering, LCA 355 x LCA 315 for fruit length, LCA 466 x LCA 453 for fruit diameter, LCA 607 x LCA 453 for average dry fruit weight, LCA 615 x G4 for no. of seeds per fruit and LCA 607 x LCA 705-2 for seed weight registered maximum standard heterosis in desirable direction over best check Indam-5. The identified heterotic hybrids could be further evaluated to exploit the heterosis or utilized in future breeding programmes to obtain desirable segregates for development of superior genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining ability studies were carried out in interspecific (G. hirsutum L. X G. barabdense L.) hybrids of cotton for plant height, number of monopodia, number of sympodia, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, lint index, seed index, ginning out turn and seed cotton yield by following the line x tester analysis, involving 17 hirsutum lines and three barbadense testers with their 51 hybrids. The analysis revealed predominance of non-additive gene action for most of the characters except for number of monopodia and number of sympodia. This suggests the possibility of exploiting heterosis in the present material. Superior parents HBS-1, FQT-37 and HBS-146 in lines while BCS-23 in testers are having high gca effects for yield and its components and can be used to develop multiple crosses leading to further selection. Top five cross combinations viz., FQT-37 X SB-YF-425, 543403A03N106 X BCS-23, CSHH- 243M X BCS-23, HBS-1 X Suvin and HAG-1055 X SB-YF-425 exhibited high mean value with high sca effects for seed cotton yield. These crosses were found to involve at least one parent with high gca effect and the other parent having either high or low gca effect indicating the involvement of additive as well as non-additive gene action operating in these crosses except one cross where both the parents having high sca effects indicating the involvement of additive gene action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Station, Lam farm, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh during kharif, 2013-14 and 2014-15 to estimate the combining ability effects employing the line × tester mating design with nine lines and six testers. The analysis of variance revealed that significant differences among the parents and crosses for all the 12 characters studied. Six characters viz. fruit yield per plant, plant spread, days to 50% flowering, days to fruit maturity, number of fruits per plant and number of seeds per fruit were exhibited higher magnitude of sca variances than gca variances which revealed that non-additive gene action was played an important role in the inheritance of these trait. According to gca effects, the genotypes LCA-442, LCA-654, LCA-655, LCA-703-2 and LCA-453 found to be promising general combiners for yield and yield components. The sca effects revealed that nine crosses viz., LCA 466 × LCA 705-2, LCA 607 × LCA 703-2, LCA 355 × LCA 678, LCA 504 × LCA 705-2, LCA 446 × LCA 703-2, LCA 615 × LCA 453, LCA 442 × LCA 453, LCA 607 × G4 and LCA 654 × LCA were identified as promising hybrids for fruit yield and it's yield component characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate thirteen anthurium cultivars at Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Yercaud during 2012 - 2014 for quantitative and qualitative characters. Significant differences were observed for all the characters studied. The cultivar Claisto recorded the highest plant height (66.00 cm) and Fantasia recorded the maximum plant spread (73.20 cm). Cultivars Fantasia and Calsito produced the maximum number of leaves per plant (5.0). The leaf length was maximum in Calisto (33.54 cm) and minimum leaf breadth was recorded in Marysia (13.40 cm). The maximum number of suckers was recorded in Cultivars Lumina (3.14 no) and Rosa, Titicaca and Angel (3.04 no).With respect to the floral parameters cultivar Calisto recorded maximum petiole length (37.00 cm) and highest stalk length (41.00 cm). Fantasia and Calisto recorded the highest spathe length (12.67 cm) followed by Lumina (12.50 cm) and DO 32 (11.15 cm). Fantasia recorded the highest Spathe width of 13.50 cm and highest spadix length of 6.59 cm. Maximum number of spikes per plant per year was in cultivar Calisto (8.00 nos). The effect of holding solutions on the vase life of cut spikes was assessed. Among them, Sucrose 5%+ Al2(SO4)3 300ppm + Kinetin 25ppm showed the highest vase life of 29.00 days recoreded in Calisto followed by Fanstasia (28 days) and Titicaca (27.00 days).It could be concluded from the present investigation that out of thirteen cultivars evaluated the cultivar Fanstasia and Calisto were found to be the best cultivars both in yield and quality for cut flower production under Shevaroy condition of Eastern Ghat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]