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A high yielding, input responsive, non lodging varagu culture TNPsc 176 was developed at the Centre of Excellence in Millets, Athiyandal. It is a pure line selection from DPS 63. It is characterized by tufty and medium tall plant stature, strong and sturdy culm with regular, long panicles. It has 10-15 productive tillers/plant and non-shattering grains on the panicle. It matures in 105-110 days and has recorded 2506 and 4394 kg/ha of grain and straw yield, respectively in a total of 223 trials under rainfed conditions during the past eight years of evaluation at national and state levels. The yield was observed to be 12.5 and 13.8 per cent increase in terms of grain and 15.5 and 13.0 per cent increase in terms of straw over the check varieties, CO3 and TNAU 86, respectively. In view of the superior performance and desirable attributes viz., easy threshability, synchronized maturity, non-lodging growth habit, bold and attractive light brown-coloured grains with good nutritional and cooking qualities, the varagu culture TNPsc 176 was released as ATL 1 during the year 2021, for cultivation in Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Perambalur, Pudukottai, Salem, Vellore, Villupuram and Virudhunagar districts of Tamil Nadu.

Twenty one sweet – normal corn crosses and twenty one normal – sweet corn crosses obtained by [3 × 7] sweet corn × normal corn and [7 × 3] normal corn × sweet corn crosses, respectively were scrutinized for the advantage of reciprocal cross effects in addition to the combining ability studies to screen superior hybrids for yield and quality related traits. Based on the mean reciprocal cross effect of common parental genotypes, NCL3 and NCT7 were identified as the best fit for seed and pollen parents for green cob weight, respectively. Potential heterotic combinations were discovered indirect and reciprocal crosses as well. Reciprocal cross effects were significant only for green cob weight, plant height and reducing sugars, however when screened at specific cross combinations levels, many crosses had appreciable hybrid vigour in reciprocal crosses. Thus maternal effect as an added approach for hybrid screening is advisable.

The sorghum culture TNS 648 (APK 1 x M35-1) recorded an average grain yield of 2445 kg/ha and fodder yield of 6490 kg/ha with an increase of 10.30 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively over CO 30 under rainfed condition. It also excelled K 12 by recording a 9.17 per cent and 13 per cent increase for grain and fodder yield, respectively. In irrigated situation, TNS 648 recorded an average grain yield of 2911 Kg/ha and fodder yield of 11710 kg/ha with a yield increase of 12 per cent and 10, respectively overruling sorghum variety CO 30. TNS 648 also performed better over K12 by recording an 11.32 per cent and 14 per cent increase for grain and fodder yield, respectively. Under AICRP on Sorghum national level testing, TNS 648 recorded a mean yield of 3100 Kg/ha and fodder yield of 11453 Kg/ha and excelled CSV 17 by recording 6.11 and 29.99 per cent increase of grain and fodder yield, respectively. It matures in 105 - 110 days, Grains are highly acceptable, yellowish white in colour, borne on medium semi-compact ear heads. The sorghum culture TNS 648 is moderately resistant to important shoot pests viz., shoot fly and stem borer. It is moderately resistant to downy mildew and grain mold. It has high protein (11.31-14.66 %) and fiber content (5.8 %) along with better cooking quality traits. Hence, the promising culture TNS 648 has been proposed for new release during 2020 and released as sorghum CO 32 for general cultivation in Tamil Nadu for both under rainfed and irrigated condition.

Sixty single cross hybrids of maize synthesised through Line × Tester mating design along with their sixteen parental lines were evaluated for their performance in the experimental field. Genetic parameters viz., genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficients were estimated to understand the association among yield and its attributes in enhancing the grain yield. The observed thirteen biometric traits differed significantly in all the genotypes. Correlation studies concluded that cob weight (rg=0.994), the number of kernels per row (rg =0.897), plant height (rg =0.882), ear height (rg=0.841), and hundred seed weight (rg= 0.830) were strongly and significantly correlated with grain yield. Path analysis showed that cob weight (0.887) and shelling percentage (0.150) had the highest direct effects over yield which emphasized their importance during selection for yield improvement. Developmental traits viz., days to 50% flowering and days to 50% silking negatively contributed to yield, and hence the selection for these traits could be restricted.

In the present study 300 doubled haploid lines from six populations were phenotyped with four yield related traits under water stress at flowering. Quantitative trait loci analysis was done for 263 lines which were genotyped successfully based on individual location and combined locations. For the four yield related traits viz., Anthesis silking interval, ear weight, ears per plant and chlorphyll content a total of 48 significant QTLs were detected based on the separate individual location analysis, of which 26 were detected for Hyderabad location data and 22 detected for Aurangabad location data. In the combined analysis there were 18 QTLs detected in which four QTLs found in population group 1(for ASI), four QTLs in population group 2 (one each for ASI and ears per plant and two for ear weight)and 10 QTLS detected in Pooled population analysis (two for ASI, one for chlorophyll content, five for ears per plant and two for ear weight). However, in combined location QTL analysis one common overlapping QTL was identified on chromosome 8 with same interval for ears per plant and ear weight. Meanwhile eight and three major QTLs were identified in individual location and combined location analysis. These genomic regions could be candidate targets for further fine mapping and marker-assisted breeding in maize.

An experiment on correlation analysis involving brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) was carried during rabi 2018 at college orchard, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Genotypic correlation coefficient was similar in nature and higher in magnitude than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficient for most of the characters. Total yield per plant exhibited highly significant and positive relationship with length of the fruit and the number of fruits per plant is significantly but negatively correlated with shoot borer infestation. Thus, the yield per plant can be enhanced by making selection of these traits during the yield improvement programme.

Genetic variability analysis is an essential criterion in the selection of crops for improvement programmes and components like Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation, Genotypic Coefficient of Variation, heritability and Genetic Advance as percent of Mean are useful for the exploitation of variability. Skewness and kurtosis indicate the type of gene action and the number of genes governing the trait and selection can be done based on these values. In the present study, variability, heritability, genetic advance, skewness and kurtosis were assessed for the intercross (IC2) population of (UMI1200×CE477) × (UMI1200×VQL1). Fourteen biometrical traits were recorded and the mean values were used for further analysis. Higher PCV values were obtained compared to their respective GCV values for all the traits of the population. Cob length (83.28% and 2.09%) showed the highest heritability and genetic advance suggesting higher genetic gain, which can be improved with simple selection methods and hence, showing additive gene action. Single plant yield showed higher heritability (77.29%) with low genetic advance (0.80%) and hence, requires appropriate selection methods to improve the genetic gain. With the exception of days to tasseling, all the traits showed platykurtic distribution suggesting that the large number of genes are involved in governing the traits. Days to silking, tassel length, the number of tassel branches, leaf length, leaf breadth, cob length, the number of kernels per row, cob weight, 100 kernel weight and single plant yield showed positive skewness suggesting dominant based complementary epistasis and hence, rapid genetic gain can be obtained by intense selection. Days to tasseling, plant height, ear height and the number of kernel rows per cob negative skewness showing duplicate gene action and hence, the rapid genetic gain can be obtained by mild selection.

Drought is a restraining factor for the major dependent factors like yield. Pertaining to this issue, analyzing the drought potential of the sweet corn is a major concern. The present investigation was carried out to reveal the drought tolerant potential of sweet corn genotypes by invitro screening under four levels of osmotic stress (0, -2, -4 and -6 bar) using PEG. The material used for the study included six lines and five testers and their corresponding thirty hybrids synthesized in a line x tester mating design. The seedlings exhibited a significant variation for all the traits and indices analyzed. Under high stress, SVI of the selected entries were found to be higher because of increase in germination percentage and seedling length which would ultimately lead to better field emergence. Performance of the hybrids WNC12039-1× 45503, WNC12039-1×45678 and SC11-2×45679 excelled over the commercial check i.e. Misthi when subjected to lower water potential. Based on the preliminary study, the identified inbreds WNC 12069-2, SC 11-2 and the hybrids WNC12039-1×45503, WNC12039-1×45678 and SC11-2×45679 could be further evaluated in the field.

A high yielding and early maturing prosomillet culture TNPm 230 was developed at the Centre of excellence, Athiyandal, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and released TNPm 230 as ATL1at national level. It is a derivative of the cross involving TNAU 164 x IPM 19. It yields on average grain yield of 2152 kg/ha and straw yield of 5970 kg/haunder rainfed condition. This variety has registered 12 and 15 per cent increased grain yield over the checks TNAU145 and GPUP 21 respectively in All India Coordinated trials. Proposed variety has given Eight and 11 per cent increased grain yield over the qualifying varieties TNPm 228 and DHPrMV 2721 respectively. TNPm 230has semi-compact panicle, bold seeds and exhibited better grain quality than the checks; on par for a response to agronomic practices, susceptible to banded blight in AP only. Therefore, the entry TNPm 230 as ATL1 is recommended for the national level release except in Andhra Pradesh.

An investigation was carried out to assess the combining ability and nature of gene action in sweet corn genotypes using Line x Tester mating design using ten lines and five testers. Investigation on combining ability indicated the predominance of non-additive gene action for all the traits under study. The variance due to genotypes was highly significant among the parents and hybrids for all the traits studied. This result strongly suggests the utilisation of heterosis breeding methods to exploit hybrid vigour. The lines L1, L8, L7, L10 and testers T1, T5 had superior per se performance for yield and yield contributing traits. The results also revealed that, the lines L1, L7 and testers T1, T5 had high per se performance coupled with high gca for most of the yield attributing traits. Based on per se performance and sca effects, the hybrids L2 x T2, L1 x T1, L1 x T5, L7x T4and L4x T1 were found to be good. Among these hybrids,L2 x T2 was considered best because it recorded highest per se performance coupled with high sca for yield and yield contributing traits.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops of India in terms of production and consumption. Maize is called as Queen of cereal crops. Currently, it is produced in all the agro-ecological zones of the country. In India, Genotype by Environment interactions (GxE) effects on maize grain yield is usually significant due to the diverse environmental conditions at growing sites. A proper understanding of the effects of GxE on variety evaluation and cultivar recommendations is vital. The study was conducted in 2019 at four locations in India to (i) determine the presence of G x E of 106single cross maize genotypes and (ii) To use the GGE biplot methodology to determine grain yield performance and stability of the genotypes evaluated across four environments. The effects of genotype and environment were significant (P < 0.01) for grain yield. Also, GxE was significant for the same trait. G44, G105, G86, G97, G65 and G76 were identified as high yielding and most stable hybrids. Therefore, these hybrids have the potential for production across the test locations. On the contrary, G26, G10, G81, G102, G96 and G22 were not only low yielding but also among the least stable genotypes.

A high yielding and early maturing Samai TNPsu 177 was developed at the Centre of Excellence In Millets, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Athiyandal and released as ATL 1. It is a derivative of CO(Samai) 4 x TNAU 141 with 1587 kg/ha grain yield and 3109 Kg/ha of straw yield in 85-90 days under rainfed condition. Being a short duration variety, this variety fits well in the existing double cropping rainfed condition of North, North western and western zones of Tamil Nadu. Samai is grown in June- July as a preceding crop to horsegram in more than 80,000 ha. It has yield advantage of 11.2 and13.7 percent for grain yield while11.8 - 14.4 percent for straw yield over the check varieties viz.,CO(Samai) 4 and Paiyur 2. Samai line TNPsu 177 has strong and sturdy culm with long, semi-compact panicles and drought tolerance. The plant has 6- 8 productive tillers and non-shattering grains. It has special attributes like easy threshability, synchronous maturity and nonlodging growth habit. The grains are bold with attractive golden yellow colour. In view of stable yield performance across seasons and locations, special attributes and drought tolerance, Samai TNPsu 177 is proposed for release as ATL 1 to fulfill the long felt need of the drylands, hilly and tribal areas in Dharmapuri, Thiruvannamalai, Vellore, Salem and Krishnagiri districts of Tamil Nadu where samai is predominantly grown under rainfed condition

Phytic acid is an abhorrent anti-nutritional factor ascertaining several micronutrient deficiencies to monogastric animals by their chelating ability. Hence, screening of germplasm accessions by a rapid assay is necessary to identify the potential donors for low phytic acid in maize. This compound involves in a complex pathway inhabiting the role of several genes, establishes the difficulties in the molecular screening and elaborates the importance of an initial rapid assay in facilitating the screening of germplasm resources. Although, several methods have been followed for phytic acid content estimation, the direct estimation of phytic acid by Megazyme kit is found to be more precise than any other methods adopted. This Megazyme kit utilizes the natural phytase enzyme to liberate the free phosphorous from the samples and measures the phytate phosphorous content. But, estimating by this kit increases the cost of estimation while going for screening of a large number of samples. Thus an alternate rapid method that estimates the phytic acid content with a similar efficiency to this Megazyme assay has to be followed to facilitate the screening in a larger population. Among all the known methods, the Indirect assay described by Davies and Reid (1979) is found to be rapid and easy to be carried out in the initial screening of germplasm resources. Hence, a comparative study of phytic acid content estimated by these two protocols in a set of fiftyeight lines were subjected to a chi-square and paired t test. The phytic acid estimated by direct assay ranged from 2.04 to 15.59 mg/g and by indirect assay the range was observed from 2.77 to 16.70 mg/g. Although there were minor variations, there was not much difference observed between the two protocols. The chi- square test revealed a perfect goodness of fit between the protocols ( 2Calculated< 2 Table). Simultaneously, the paired t test between the means of phytic acid estimated from two protocols also exhibited a null difference (t calculated < t table) among them. Thus, we can conclude that the rapid indirect assay described by Davies and Reid (1979) could be effectively followed for initial screening of large number of germplasm accessions to identify the spontaneous donors of low phytic acid content in maize.

The current investigation was done to understand the role of phytic acid and its contribution to yield and yield attributing traits in maize. Phytic acid is an anti-nutritional factor involved in chelating phosphorus and other micronutrients in food. On contrary, it is a major regulator of the metabolic pathways in plants. This study involved the correlation and path analysis of nineteen morphological and two biochemical traits with phytic acid as the dependent factor. A significant positive correlation of seed girth, seed thickness, hundred seed weight, cob weight, starch content and single plant yield with phytic acid were observed. This elaborated the essentiality of phytic acid in seed set and pollination in maize. Consequently, this study also ensured the increase in free inorganic phosphorous content in reduced phytic acid lines through their negative association and revealed its chelating ability in foods. Further the path analysis established highest positive direct effect of single plant yield, seed girth, cob placement height, cob weight, days to 50 percent silking and cob girth towards the phytic acid content in maize. This reinforces the direct contribution of phytic acid in crop development. The correlation also encompasses the role of phytic acid in starch accumulation and seed thickness in maize by means of their positive association. Therefore, from this study it could be concluded that phytic acid has a functional relationship with the major yield contributing traits in maize. Hence proper selection criteria have to be followed for producing elite lines with low phytic acid in maize.

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance are the important factors which provides the knowledge about the nature of traits in breeding programme. The aim of this study is to estimate the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance in the backcross population of UMI1200β+ × HKI163 and UMI1230β+ × HKI163 to identify the individuals in the population with superior agronomic traits. Fourteen biometrical traits were analysed and thus revealed that all the backcross (BC1F1, BC2F1) and selfed (BC2F2) generations, phenotypic coeffiecient of variation is higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation. Highest heritability combined with genetic advance as percent of mean was observed in BC2F2 generation for 100 kernel weight (UMI1200β+ × HKI163) and single plant yield (UMI1230β+ × HKI163). Hence, the genetic gain of the individuals in the population are controlled by additive gene action.

The number of genes controlling the traits and the nature of gene action are the important criteria for the selection of individual traits in a segregating population. The current study is focused to analyze the skewness and kurtosis in the backcross population of UMI1200β+ × HKI163 and UMI1230β+ × HKI163. The BC2F2 population showed positive skewness and platykurtic distribution for plant height. In the present study the dominant × dominant based complementary gene action played a role and more number of genes controlled the plant height. Hence, rigorous selection is needed to achieve the genetic gain in the later generation. The negative skewness and platykurtic distribution was recorded for single plant yield in UMI1200β+ × HKI163 which indicated the duplicate gene action and required mild selection to fix the individual traits for rapid genetic gain.

The present experiment was carried out to determine colchicine sensitivity in African marigold (Tagetes erecta)var. Pusa Narangi Gainda to various levels of colchicine (0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1%) at different duration of soaking (0, 1, 2 and 3 hours). The experimental results indicated that the effect of colchicine concentration and duration of treatment has a significant effect on morphological parameters of African marigold. Result showed gradual and significant reduction in germination percentage (40%), survival of seedlings (9%), shoot length (6.1cm), root length (3.2cm), leaf length (3.25cm) and leaf width (1.35cm) with the increase in concentration of colchicineat 0.1% for 3 hours of soaking. The probit curve analysis based on mortality percentage of treated seeds revealed, the LD50 dosage of colchicine to be 0.11% with a soaking duration of one hour for African marigold var. Pusa Narangi Gainda.

Phytic acid is a major constraint in affecting the nutritional concerns of the people feeding on maize. Being a strong negatively charged chelator, this compound binds all the positively charged minerals like iron and zinc. It also acts as a major storage compound of phosphorous. Thus monogastric animals lacking phytase, fails to absorb these minerals and is considered as a antinutritional factor. This experiment was conducted to identify the potential donors for low phytic acid to produce hybrids with moderate phytic acid content. With this objective a reference set for phytate (2-16 mg/g) formed from a base population was screened. A D2 analysis in the reference set was done and this classified the genotypes into eight clusters. The genotypes with low phytate were grouped in cluster 4. Highest significant variability was observed for all the traits including phytic acid. Cob weight followed by phytic acid had a highest heritability with high genetic advance as percent of mean indicating the effectiveness of selection for these traits due to the presence of additive gene action. Among the six low phytate lines observed, UMI-113 had lowest phytate content of 2.77 mg/g. These six low phytate genotypes classified in cluster 4 were then selected as testers and were crossed to four elite lines. Among the 24 hybrids produced, three hybrids., UMI 1200 x UMI 1099, UMI 1201 x UMI 1099 and UMI 1210 x UMI 1099 yielded higher than the standard check with medium levels of phytic acid ranging from 10.23-10.46 mg/g. The line UMI-1099 was found be a good general combiner for yield related traits with a negative combining ability for phytic acid. Hence this line could be successfully used in low phytate breeding programs and these identified hybrids could be further used in poultry testing trials for analyzing the bioavailability of nutrients.

The present investigation was conducted to explore the genetic variability, character association and path analysis for yield and yield component traits in maize. One hundred maize inbred lines obtained from Department of millets,TNAU were raised along with five checks in Augmented block design II and observations were recorded on twenty morphological traits. Analysis of variance showed significant genotypic variance for all the characters. High PCV, GCV heritability and genetic advance as percentage of mean were recorded for anthesis silking interval, number of tassel branches, number of kernels per row, grain yield per plant, cob weight, ear height and number kernel rows per cob. This indicated the effectiveness of selection towards these traits. Critical analysis of results obtained from character association indicated that grain yield per plant had positive significant association with cob weight, cob girth, number of kernels per row plant height, cob length, ear height,100 kernel weight, tassel length and chlorophyll index. Thus selection for these traits could bring about an improvement in yield attributes of maize. Path analysis for the attributed traits revealed the direct influence of cob girth followed by number of kernels per row, shelling percentage, days to 50 percent silking and ear height on grain yield. Hence these traits could be used as an effective selection indicator to identify the elite genotypes from a population.

A set of forty-two maintainers and seventeen restorer lines were evaluated in RCBD(Randomized Complete Block Design) design during Kharif 2018 with a view of studying genetic parameters and association studies for eleven quantitative characters. Analysis of variance indicated that significant differences were observed for all studied characters in the experimental materials. The values of PCV were higher than GCV but in a narrow range indicating that the least influence of environment on the expression of traits. Estimates of high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean were observed for the characters viz., leaf sheath length, leaf blade length, spike length, spike girth, plant height, 1000 seed weight and single plant yield suggesting that these characters are governed by additive gene action. Correlation and path analysis studies revealed that number of productive tillers/plant and 1000 grain weight could be considered as good selection indices for selecting genotypes for yield improvement.

The present investigation was undertaken to study the frequency and spectrum of Chlorophyll mutations along with the mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of different doses of EMS, Gamma ray and combination of both, in barnyard millet variety CO(Kv). 2. In M2 generation, no chlorophyll mutations were observed in the control population. The treatments behaved differently in the frequency of occurrence of chlorophyll mutations. The spectrum of chlorophyll mutations (chlorina, xantha, albino, viridis, and striata) were observed and grouped. Except striata, remaining four kinds of mutations viz., xantha, chlorina, viridis and albino were observed more frequently. The overall mutation spectrum showed that chlorina (0.47%) occurred with the highest frequency, followed by albino (0.37%), xantha (0.26%) viridis (0.19%) and Striata (0.08%). The mutagenic effectiveness decreased with the increase in dose of mutagen in both mutagens, indicating that negative relationship between effectiveness and dose of mutagen. Mutagenic efficiency (mutation rate in relation to M1 damage) in both mutagens was highest at the lowest dose and it decreased with the increase in dose. The study concluded that Barnyard millet, Co(Kv).2 millet responds well to EMS, Gamma ray and combination of EMS and Gamma ray treatments.

The present study was carried out to determine the combining ability of six sweet corn inbred lines and their hybrids and to ascertain the association between different biometrical and quality traits for increased green cob yield in sweet corn (Zea mays con var saccharata). Six sweet corn inbred lines were used as parental lines and they were crossed in full diallel fashion. The resultant sweet corn hybrids and their parents along with check hybrid were evaluated in randomized complete block design. The SCA variance was found to be greater than GCA variance indicating the predominance of non additive gene action for all the characters studied. Highly positive sca effects were noticed in the hybrid 45683x45508 for cob placement height, plant height, cob length, cob breadth, number of kernels per row. The cross 45684x45508 expressed highly significant and positive sca effect for the most important trait, green cob weight and quality traits viz., total sugar and non reducing sugar and possibility of commercial exploitation of this hybrid to be assessed based on its stability. The traits viz., cob length, cob breadth, number of kernels per row and plant height had positive association with green cob weight which indicates the possibility of green cob yield improvement through selection in favour of these correlated traits.

Kodo millet accessions 103 numbers were evaluated and characterized for 21 qualitative characters. The traits viz., leaf character, leaf blade pigmentation, panicle exertion, spikelet arrangement on rachis, panicle appearance, spike curvature, degree of culm branching, degree of lodging, shattering and grain colour showed higher variation and thus exhibits scope for selection of traits useful for breeding programmes. The traits growth habit, leaf sheath pigmentation, sheath base pigmentation, leaf juncture pigmentation, internode pigmentation, flag leaf at the second primary axis node, nerves on glumes, spike branching, spikelet density, senescence and grain shape showed no variations. Cluster analysis was carried out which grouped the 103 accessions into 13 clusters. Cluster III was the largest cluster with 39 accessions followed by cluster VII with 21, cluster IV with 13, cluster I with nine, cluster X with six, cluster IX with four, cluster V with three, cluster II and VIII with two accessions each and clusters VI, XI, XII and XIII with one accession each. The genotypes within the same cluster considered to have the similar phenotypic characters. And the genotypes between the clusters are more diverse ones. Therefore, the genotypes of most diverse cluster may be used as parents in hybridization programmes to develop high yielding varieties.

Combining ability and heterosis analysis were performed in ten lines, five testers and their fifty hybrid combinations of maize using line x tester analysis. Combining ability analysis among the sixteen traits revealed significant line x tester interaction for most of the traits studied. Variance due to sca was found to be more than gca for all the traits studied which indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action. Among the parents, the lines viz., N67, N10-65-3, N10-153-1-2 and the tester UMI 1210 exhibited higher per se along with positive gca effects and found to be good general combiners among the parents. Standard heterosis was calculated by comparing TNAU maize hybrid CO 6 as the standard check. Considering the per se, sca and standard heterosis, single cross hybrid N10-65-3 x E.No.8 was identified as the best hybrid for grain yield and other major yield contributing traits followed by the hybrid N44 x UMI 1221.

A genetic study in the F2 populations of three crosses viz, UMI1200 x UMI1099, UMI1201 x UMI1099 and UMI1210 x UMI1099 was carried out in Kharif 2017. The genetic parameters studied include genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variances, heritability, genetic advance as percent of mean and correlation coefficient. Performance of the individual genotypes of all the three F2 populations for 17 traits including seed yield and phytic acid revealed the presence of significant difference among genotypes, indicating the presence of genetic variability. Marginal difference between genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) indicated that variability was due to genetic factors for most of the traits studied. Traits that exhibited high heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean (GAM) which can be used for selection were identified. Association studies depicted that plant height, cob placement height, cob length, cob breadth, number of rows per cob, number of kernels per row, cob weight, hundred kernel weight and shelling percentage exhibited positive correlation with yield. Correlation between yield and phytic acid content was found to be non-significant in the current study which revealed that selection can be progressed in both directions independently and its possible to obtain inbreds with low phytic acid content and high yield in the later generations through effective breeding and selection strategies.

Heterosis and combining ability was studied in F1 hybrids of maize with respect to grain yield and yield attributing traits using twenty-two hybrids which were developed through Line × Tester mating design. The parents and their hybrids were subjected to assess the combining ability and nature of gene action governing the quantitative traits. The results inferred that the predominance of non-additive gene action was observed for all the traits. Among the parents, the overall study of gca effects suggested that parent UMI 1200-7-26-1-6-1, N 14, N 107 and N 285 were significant general combiner for yield, these can be used to improve hybrids with desirable traits in future. Significant positive SCA effects were found for all the studied traits. Among the hybrids, N 14 × UMI 1200-7-26-1-6-1 showed desirable standard heterosis percentage over the checks CO 6 and NK 6240 along with good sca effects and per se performance for grain yield and other important yield contributing traits over different locations thus it can be used for commercial seed production programme.

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of a character assist in setting up the breeding programmes for the improvement of the particular trait. In the current study high estimates of PCV and GCV were recorded for cob weight and single plant yield among the cross derivatives of UMI 1200 × CE 477. The GCV estimates of single plant yield (23.28 in BC1F1, 38.10 in BC2F1 and 33.23 in BC2F2) was observed in the cross derivatives of UMI 1200 × CE 477. Higher PCV and GCV values were obtained for cob weight and single plant in the other cross UMI 1230 × CE 477 also. The GCV values for single plant yield (39.00 in BC1F1, 39.00 in BC2F1 and 37.11 in BC2F2) were found among the cross derivatives of UMI 1230 × CE 477. The PCV and GCV values suggested sufficient variability and thus offers scope for genetic improvement through selection. Both the characters cob weight and single plant yield exhibited higher heritability associated with high genetic advance and hence direct selection of such characters would be effective in improving the yield.

The immature hybrid embryos of five back crosses viz., (MCU 5 x G. armourianum) MCU 5, (MCU 5 x G. raimondii) MCU 5, (MCU 12 x G. raimondii) MCU 12, (TCH 1569 x G. armourianum) TCH 1569,(TCH 1609 x G. raimondii) TCH 1609 were excised 8 days after pollination and were cultured in various concentrations of auxin and cytokinin. To prevent boll shedding in all the crosses, growth hormones NAA 100 mg/l and GA3 50 mg/l was applied at the base of the pedicel for 8 days and then the ovules were excised and cultured on media to form calli. Out of different media combinations tried, maximum callus induction was observed in the medium containing IAA 2.0 mg/l, Kn 1.0 mg/l, CH 250 mg/l, AS 40 mg/l in all the crosses. Maximum response of callus induction was observed in the cross (MCU 5 x G. raimondii) MCU5.

Plants with high levels of antioxidant enzymes have been reported to have greater tolerance to this oxidative damage caused by salinity. Role of antioxidative enzyme activity in salt stress and screening maize hybrids for salinity tolerance was investigated in this study. A pot culture experiment was conducted to evaluate six maize hybrids (CO 6, CO 7, CO 8, CO 10, NK 6240 and 900M gold) for their tolerance to saline water irrigation. The maize hybrids were irrigated with saline water having a natural EC of 0.06, 3.2, 4.8, 6.2 and 8.9 dSm-1 for 30 days and replicated thrice in a FCRD. The antioxidant activities such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) and superoxy dismutase (SOD) were measured in maize hybrids grown under saline water irrigation besides recording and dry matter production (DMP) and growth attributes. CO 6 and CO 7 were identified as saline tolerant maize hybrids based on their antioxidant enzyme activities and DMP. However CO 8 has been observed as a salt sensitive maize hybrid as it showed lesser enzyme activities and DMP. The order of tolerance exists among the maize hybrids to irrigation water salinity were: CO 6 > CO 7 > NK6240 > 900M gold > CO 10 > CO8. Antioxidant enzyme activities and dry matter production were found to be useful traits for identifying salinity tolerance in maize hybrids at seedling stage.

The experimental material comprised of one hundred and three germplasm accessions of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) were evaluated to assess the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for fifteen yield component traits. Analysis of variance revealed that there were significant differences among the accessions for all the traits studied. The coefficient of variation at phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) levels were high for Zn content, grain yield per plant, Fe content, number of productive tillers and thumb length. Broad sense heritability ranged from 54.18 per cent for length of the longest raceme to 97.30 per cent for days to 50 per cent flowering. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height, number of basal tillers, number of productive tillers, flag leaf width, inflorescence length, thumb length, Zn content, Fe content and grain yield per plant which indicates that these traits are under the influence of additive gene effects and selection may be effective for these characters.

Line × tester analysis was carried out involving fourty two lines and three testers in maize for assessing the combining ability for yield and its component characters. Hybrids recorded significant variance for all characters studied. Variance due to parents were significant for characters viz., days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking, plant height (cm), ear height (cm), cob length (cm), cob girth (cm), number of grain rows per cob, number of grains per row, number of grains per cob, 100 grain weight (gm) and grain yield per plant (gm). The variance due to sca was higher than gca indicating the predominance of non-additive type of gene action for the above mentioned traits. Among the lines, the line RML 12, was identified as the best general combiner with higher per se performance for most of the yield contributing traits followed by RML1, RML 26, RML 27 and RML 34. Considering the testers, RML 48 was found as the best general combiner with better mean performance for most of the yield contributing traits followed by RML 47. Among the crosses, RML12 x RML48 was found to be the superior with positive significant sca effects and better mean performance for grain yield, cob girth, number of grain rows per cob and no of grains per cob. Similar superior positive significant sca effects with better mean performance were also observed in RML26 x RML48 (no of grains per cob, grain yield per plant and grain yield per plot), RML27 x RML48 (grain yield per plant, grain rows per cob, grains per cob) and RML37 x RML48 (cob girth, hundred grain weight, grain yield per plant and grain yield per plot.

A high yielding pearl millet variety, UCC 32 was developed as composite by mixing and random mating of five elite inbred lines with resistant to downy mildew disease at Department of millets, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. It has been tested extensively in Tamil Nadu and in other states under MLT, ART, OFT and All India Co-ordinated programme for the past four years. It performed well both under rainfed and irrigated situations in Tamil Nadu. This variety is medium in stature (160 -180 cm) and in duration (85 - 90 days). It produces 4 - 6 productive tillers with mostly lanceolate shaped ears. The size of the grain is bold and is grayish yellow in colour. The variety UCC 32 is highly resistant to downy mildew under both normal and sick plot condition. This new variety recorded a mean grain yield of 3474 kg/ha under irrigated conditions, which are about 17 and 23 per cent increase over the checks CO (Cu) 9 and ICMV 221 respectively. The mean grain yield under rainfed conditions is 2916 kg/ha which is 15 and 24 per cent increase over CO (Cu) 9 and ICMV 221 respectively. The variety UCC 32 is medium in duration, high yielding, resistant to downy mildew, bold grain, compact ear head, non-lodging and fertilizer responsive. The protein content is high (12.07 %). It has acceptable cooking quality and suited for consumption.

An experiment was conducted to estimate the lethal dose of the physical mutagen gamma ray in Kodomillet variety CO 3. Genetically pure seeds were treated with different doses of gamma rays viz., 100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy and 500 Gy. Untreated seeds were used as check for comparison. The LD50 values were observed based on growth reduction of seedlings after gamma ray treatment. The LD50 dose for gamma ray under in vitro and in vivo condition was fixed 300 Gy based on probit analysis. As the doses of applied gamma ray increased, there was a decrease in germination, survival rate of seedlings, root length, shoot length, seedling height, vigour index under in vitro conditions and emergence and survival under field (in vivo) conditions in M1 generation as compared to the control.

Combining ability analysis helps in the evaluation of inbreds interms of their genetic value and in the selection of suitableparents for hybridization. It is also useful technique in identification of superior cross combinations. In the present study,the general combining ability of the 19 parents and specific combining ability of 84 hybrids resynthesised using thoseparents were estimated through combining ability analysis for yield, yield components and fibre quality parameters in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum) using a Line x Tester design. The estimated components of GCA and SCA variances showedpreponderance of non additive gene action for the characters studied. This showed the possibilities of improvement of thesetraits through heterosis breeding. Based on the gca effects the lines TCH 1702, TCH 1726, HSC – 1 – 521 were identified asgood combiners for most of the characters. These parents can be used in pedigree breeding for incorporation of desiredtraits. The hybrid combinations TCH 1705 x HSC – 1 – 521, NARASIMHA x HSC – 1 – 521, TCH 1726 x HSC – 2 – 133,H 97 x HSC – 1 – 521 recorded as the highest specific combiners. These hybrids could be exploited commercially.

Four genetically diverse jassid resistant varieties viz., SRT 1, Khandwa 2, KC 2 and SVPR 3 (Females i.e lines) were crossedwith three standard varieties viz., MCU 5, MCU 7 and MCU 12 (male parents i.e., testers) in line x tester fashion for estimationin combining ability effects of twelve economic characters including fibre quality traits like 2.5% span length, bundle strength,fibre fineness, uniformity ratio and elongation percentage. Non-additive type of gene action was found relatively more importantfor all the characters. The jassid resistant parent KC 2 was a good combiner for boll weight, lint index, seed index and bundlestrength besides seed cotton yield. While the parents SRT 1 and MCU 5 were found to be good general combiner for 2.5 per centspan length. On the basis of sca effects the combinations KC 2 x MCU 5, KC 2 x MCU 12 and Khandwa 2 x MCU 5 were thebest hybrids for combining high yield, quality and jassid resistance.

Genetic advance denotes the improvement in the mean genotypic values of selected families over the base population. Thus, it helps the breeder select the progenies in the earlier generation. The objective of the study was to analyse the heritability, genetic advance and genetic variability for ten traits in brinjal contributing to fruit yield were studied in the F2 population obtained from the cross of Sevathampatti local x Seetipulam local. The study examined the subsistence of a significant extent of genetic variability for the traits considered. The characteristics of brinjal exhibited higher values of genotypic variation (GCV), viz., the height of the plant (20.93), yield per plant (17.42), number of branches (22.73) and shoot infestation (56.39) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) viz., the height of the plant (21.10), yield per plant (22.32), number of branches (23.42) and shoot infestation (57.24). However, the number of branches (45.44 %), height of the plant (42.76%), number of fruits (38.58%), fruit yield (28.02%) and shoot infestation (114.4%) exhibited high estimates of genetic advance and heritability for plant height (98.36), number of branches per plant (94.19) and shoot infestation (97.06). These characteristics can be effectively improved through selection. Association analysis mentioned that the yield of the fruit was significantly and positively correlated with the number of fruits, number of branches, individual fruits per plant and fruit girth. Direct selection may be executed because of these characteristics as the key choice of criteria to minimize the indirect result of additional traits throughout the improvement of high yielding varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important applications of genomic selection (GS) in maize breeding is to predict and identify the best untested lines from biparental populations, when the training and validation sets are derived from the same cross. A total of 300 hybrids were generated using doubled haploid lines crossed to single known tester. The test hybrids and checks were evaluated for drought tolerance, grain yield and yield attributes under well‐watered (WW) and water stress at flowering (WSF) conditions during rabi 2018 at Hyderabad and Aurangabad locations. The study was further deep dived and practiced GS using 3352 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. An extension of the genomic best linear unbiassed predictor that incorporates genotype × environment (GE) interaction was used to predict genotypic values; cross‐validation methods were applied to quantify prediction accuracy. Our results showed that the highest cross‐validation prediction accuracy for grain yield was 0.47 under WSF condition in TPS3, whereas under WW condition, prediction accuracy was 0.44 in TPS2, which is statistically on par with WSF condition. Among the secondary traits, the peak GS accuracies recorded for the traits anthesis silking interval (0.52) and ears per plant (0.48) under WSF. Under both the water regimes, anthesis silking interval and plant height recorded higher prediction accuracy when compared with grain yield. Hence, GS could be practiced for anthesis silking interval and ears per plant under stress condition in maize. Further while optimizing the population size, it was revealed from the study that increasing size of the population increases GS accuracy and TPS2 considered as optimum size of population for GS prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, molecular characterization was carried out at the Department of Plant Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to identify the strains of fall armyworm collected from pearl millet crop at four different locations in Tamil Nadu, India. PCR-RFLP profile of mitochondrial COI fragment exhibited the presence of both ‘C’ and ‘R’ strains of FAW. MtCOI region analysis revealed that, thirteen samples showed ‘R’ strain identity, and others assumed ‘C’ strain identity. Sequence analyses of mtCOI region of FAW feeding on pearl millet showed nucleotide variations in 22 positions. The Strain, ON142640 (Pearl millet Vridhachalam India) totally diverged from all populations subjected to phylogenetic analysis in this study and was suspected to be an inter-strain (R/C) hybrid. The per cent identity analysis of S. frugiperda ranged from 99% to 100% with previously deposited sequences in the NCBI-GenBank database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutation breeding is an important approach to crop improvement. Identifying beneficial mutagen and its optimum dose are the prerequisites for any successful mutation breeding program. The present study aimed to identify the optimum dose, mutagenic effectiveness, and efficiency of various concentrations of EMS mutagen in proso millet variety ATL 1. Ten treatment concentrations 10 to 100 mM and control were evaluated using germination paper, tray, and field method to estimate the effect of the mutagen on seedling growth and survival in M1 generation. Based on viable mutation frequency in M2 generation, the mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of the mutagen were determined. The mean lethal concentration (LD50) and mean concentration for 50 per cent reduction in growth (GR50) doses were determined to be 41 mM and 45 mM, respectively based on survival per cent and shoot length reduction over control. The mutagenic effectiveness was the highest at 50 mM and mutagenic efficiency was the highest at 40 mM. Broad-spectrum of viable mutants was identified in M2 generation that could be utilized to develop improved cultivars in the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at Department of Seed Science and Technology, Coimbatore during 2019-20 to standardize the pellet size for mechanized sowing in foxtail millet. The seeds of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were circumscribed by small amount of filler materials and adhesive to produce a globular unit of size and also supply nutrient to the plant. Pellet size in terms of seed size has been standardized by using TNAU pelleting powder as filler material and gum acacia as adhesive to suite the requirement of air assisted seed drill for precision sowing with minimum seed rate. Results showed that the pellet size of 3.1 mm was found to be optimum for mechanized sowing with seed drill and 11 layers of coating with filler material increases the seed size from 0.8 to 3.1mm. The seeds coated to 11 layers have recorded maximum germination (87%), root length(12.7 cm), shoot length (6.3 cm),vigour index (1656) with high speed of germination (6.5) at laboratory condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is a highly destructive lepidopteran pest known for its extensive feeding on maize ( Zea mays L.) and other crops, resulting in a substantial reduction in crop yields. Understanding the metabolic response of maize to FAW infestation is essential for effective pest management and crop protection. Metabolomics, a powerful analytical tool, provides insights into the dynamic changes in maize's metabolic profile in response to FAW infestation. This review synthesizes recent advancements in metabolomics research focused on elucidating maize's metabolic responses to FAW and other lepidopteran pests. It discusses the methodologies used in metabolomics studies and highlights significant findings related to the identification of specific metabolites involved in FAW defense mechanisms. Additionally, it explores the roles of various metabolites, including phytohormones, secondary metabolites, and signaling molecules, in mediating plant-FAW interactions. The review also examines potential applications of metabolomics data in developing innovative strategies for integrated pest management and breeding maize cultivars resistant to FAW by identifying key metabolites and associated metabolic pathways involved in plant-FAW interactions. To ensure global food security and maximize the potential of using metabolomics in enhancing maize resistance to FAW infestation, further research integrating metabolomics with other omics techniques and field studies is necessary.

Main Conclusion: A genetic linkage map representing the pearl millet genome was constructed with SNP markers. Major and stable QTL associated with flowering, number of productive tillers, ear head length, and test weight were mapped on chromosomes 1 and 3. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a major cereal and fodder crop in arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. Agronomic traits are important traits in pearl millet breeding and genetic and environmental factors highly influence them. In the present study, an F 9 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between PT6029 and PT6129 was evaluated for agronomic traits in three environments. Utilizing a genotyping by sequencing approach, a dense genetic map with 993 single nucleotide polymorphism markers covering a total genetic distance of 1035.4 cM was constructed. The average interval between the markers was 1.04 cM, and the seven chromosomes varied from 115.39 to 206.72 cM. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping revealed 35 QTL for seven agronomic traits, and they were distributed on all pearl millet chromosomes. These QTL individually explained 11.35 to 26.71% of the phenotypic variation, with LOD values ranging from 2.74 to 5.80. Notably, four QTL (qDFF 1.1 , qNPT 3.1 , qEHL 3.1 , and qTW 1.1 ) associated with days to fifty percent flowering, the number of productive tillers, ear head length, and test weight were found to be major and stable QTL located on chromosomes 1 and 3. Collectively, our results provide an important base for understanding the genetic architecture of agronomic traits in pearl millet, which is useful for accelerating the genetic gain toward crop improvement., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is an underutilized crop that encompasses nutritional benefits and climate resilience, making it a viable option for future crop development with nutraceutical properties. The cultivation of this crop has ancient roots, where it was revered for its ability to thrive in times of famine and was a vital companion crop to rice. Dishes made with Kodo millet are highly palatable and can be easily integrated into mainstream rice-based dishes. Among all cereals, Kodo millet is distinguished by its gluten-free composition, high phosphorus content, and significant antioxidant potential, which contributes to a diet that may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Often grown in rainfed zones by marginal farmers, Kodo millet is valued for its grain and fodder. This less demanding crop can tolerate both biotic and abiotic stress, allowing it to thrive in soils with low organic matter and with minimal inputs, making it an ideal dual-purpose crop for rainfed areas. Despite its nutritional and agricultural benefits, Kodo millet's popularity is hindered by challenges such as low yield, market demand, lodging at harvest, and poor dehulling recovery, which necessitate the development of high-yielding varieties through the latest breeding advancements. Systematic investment and concerted breeding efforts are essential to harness the full potential of this nutrient-dense crop. The absence of whole genome sequence for Kodo millet poses a barrier to uncovering novel genetic traits. Consequently, there is an imperative to establish a millet-based value chain that elevates these underutilized crops, shaping smart cropping patterns and enhancing nutritional profiles for sustainable diets. Accordingly, this review highlights the significance of Kodo millet and the impact of breeding to establish it as a smart food choice for the future., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

In this study, we present the molecular and insecticidal characteristics of an indigenous Bt isolate T405 toxic against the maize fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda. The presence of cry1, cry2 (cry2Aa & cry2Ab) and vip3A1 genes in T405 was confirmed. The SDS-PAGE gel analysis confirmed the occurrence of Cry and Vip proteins with molecular masses of 130, ∼88 and 65 kDa in T405. LC 50 estimates of T405 and HD1 were 161.37 and 910.73 μg ml -1 for neonates whereas, 412.29 and 1014.95 μg ml -1 correspondingly for 2 nd instar FAW larvae. Scanning Electron Microscopy depicted the existence of bipyramidal, spherical and cubic crystals in T405 spore suspension. The whole genome sequencing and assembly of T405 produced a total of 563 scaffolds with a genome size of 6,673,691 bp. The BLAST similarity search showed that 12 plasmids were distributed in this genome. Genome annotation revealed the presence of 6174 protein coding genes, 13 rRNA and 98 tRNA, in which 6126 genes were completely annotated for their functions through sequence similarity search, domains/motifs identification and gene ontology studies. Further analysis of these genes identified the presence of many insecticidal toxin protein coding genes viz., cry1Ac32, cry1Ab9, cry1Aa6, cry1Ac5, cry1Aa18, cry1Ab8, cry1Ab11, cry2Aa9, cry1Ia40, cry2Aa9, cry1Ia40, cry2Ab35, cyt, vip3Aa7 and tpp80Aa and several additional virulence assisted factors viz., immune inhibitor A, phospholipase C, sphingomyelinase, cell wall hydrolases, chitinase, hemolysin XhlA and seven urease subunit coding genes (ureA, ureB, ureC, ureD, ureE, ureF, ureG) in the annotated genome., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All the authors have declared that they have no potential competing interests both in personally and financially., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Drought is a major constraint throughout the world, and it creates a major yield loss by changing the plant metabolic process. However, the negative effects of drought on plant growth and development were alleviated by using plant growth-promoting bacteria. With these backgrounds, the study was conducted to identify the drought-tolerant endophytic bacteria and to know their plant growth promotion (PGP) effect on sorghum plants under drought conditions. From sorghum root, Acinetobacter pittii, Bacillus lichiniformis, Bacillus sp., Pseudacidovorax intermedius, and Acinetobacter baumannii strains were isolated and identified through 16S rRNA sequencing. These strains had higher levels of proline, protein, exopolysaccharides (EPS), 1-aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase, indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), and gibberellic acid (GA). An experiment was carried out in the laboratory to evaluate the effects of three drought-tolerant strains, A. pittii, Bacillus sp., and P. intermedius, on the growth of sorghum seedlings. Whereas root length (RL), shoot length (SL), seedling vigor index (SVI), and total dry matter production (TDM) were more in the Bacillus sp., and P. intermedius inoculated plants in both stress and non-stress condition. Principle component analysis revealed that Bacillus sp. and P. intermedius improved the growth characteristics and protect the seedling from water stress situations. A correlation study between the variables showed a positive significant correlation between all variables except root: shoot ratio (RSR) and SL. Variable RSR was not significantly correlated with GP, GRI, and SL; SVI and TDM showed a non-significant correlation with RSR., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is a small millet species known for its excellent nutritional and climate-resilient traits. To understand the genes and pathways underlying dehydration stress tolerance of kodo millet, the transcriptome of cultivar 'CO3' subjected to dehydration stress (0 h, 3 h, and 6 h) was sequenced. The study generated 239.1 million clean reads that identified 9201, 9814, and 2346 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in 0 h vs. 3 h, 0 h vs. 6 h, and 3 h vs. 6 h libraries, respectively. The DEGs were found to be associated with vital molecular pathways, including hormone metabolism and signaling, antioxidant scavenging, photosynthesis, and cellular metabolism, and were validated using qRT-PCR. Also, a higher abundance of uncharacterized genes expressed during stress warrants further studies to characterize this class of genes to understand their role in dehydration stress response. Altogether, the study provides insights into the transcriptomic response of kodo millet during dehydration stress., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the bioavailability of nutrients are called antinutrients. Phytic acid (PA) is one of the major antinutrients present in the grains and acts as a chelator of micronutrients. The presence of six reactive phosphate groups in PA hinders the absorption of micronutrients in the gut of non-ruminants. Consumption of PA-rich diet leads to deficiency of minerals such as iron and zinc among human population. On the contrary, PA is a natural antioxidant, and PA-derived molecules function in various signal transduction pathways. Therefore, optimal concentration of PA needs to be maintained in plants to avoid adverse pleiotropic effects, as well as to ensure micronutrient bioavailability in the diets. Given this, the chapter enumerates the structure, biosynthesis, and accumulation of PA in food grains followed by their roles in growth, development, and stress responses. Further, the chapter elaborates on the antinutritional properties of PA and explains the conventional breeding and transgene-based approaches deployed to develop low-PA varieties. Studies have shown that conventional breeding methods could develop low-PA lines; however, the pleiotropic effects of these methods viz. reduced yield, embryo abnormalities, and poor seed quality hinder the use of breeding strategies. Overexpression of phytase in the endosperm and RNAi-mediated silencing of genes involved in myo-inositol biosynthesis overcome these constraints. Next-generation genome editing approaches, including CRISPR-Cas9 enable the manipulation of more than one gene involved in PA biosynthesis pathway through multiplex editing, and scope exists to deploy such tools in developing varieties with optimal PA levels., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Phytic acid is a ubiquitous compound that chelates the micronutrients in food and hinder their absorption. Hence, breeding for low phytate content for producing stable low phytic acid ( lpa ) hybrids is essential. Phytic acid content in maize grains has been found to vary across environments and its stable expression has yet to be explored. In a view of this, forty inbreds were screened with two checks viz., CO-6 and CO-H(M)-8 across three locations. Twenty morphological and three quality traits were observed to identify the stable lines for low phytic acid with higher free inorganic phosphorous and starch. Among all the lines, UMI-467, LPA-2-285, LPA-2-395 and UMI-447 recorded a stable performance in both AMMI and GGE biplot analysis for low phytic acid (2.52-3.32 mg/g). These lines also had a higher free inorganic phosphorous, ensuring its bioavailability (1.78-1.88 mg/g). There were perturbations in yield, starch and seed characteristics of the stable low phytic acid lines due to their lower phytic acid concentrations. This stated the role of phytic acid in plant physiology and established the constraints to be faced in breeding for low phytic acid in maize. Among the lpa lines, LPA-2-285 (57.83%) and UMI-447 (55.78%) had the highest average starch content. The lowest stable phytic acid content was observed in UMI-467 (2.52 mg/g) and this line had severe reductions in yield parameters. Considering the seed and yield characteristics, LPA-2-285, LPA-2-395 and UMI-447 performed better than UMI-467. Although these four stable lines were poor in their adaptability among all the genotypes, they could be utilised as promising stable donors to facilitate the development of stable lpa hybrids., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestAll authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Prof. H.S. Srivastava Foundation for Science and Society 2020.)

Phytic acid (Myoinositol 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 hexakisphosphate) is a ubiquitous compound present in plants. It is an important constituent in seed reducing the bioavailability of phosphorous and mineral nutrients when fed to monogastric animals like swine, poultry, fish etc. Hence, identification of maize germplasm with reduced phytic acid content is imperative to formulate the breeding programs to evolve low phytate lines. Towards this, three hundred and thirty-eight maize germplasm accessions available at Department of Millets, TNAU, were raised and screened for phytic acid content which varied from 2.77 to 16.70 mg/g of seed. Based on the variability present, a reference set with fifty-eight genotypes for phytic acid was formulated. The reference set was formed with random genotypes selected from the base population to follow a normal distribution (skewness; 0.17, kurtosis; 0.61 and K-S test for normality D n  = 0.70) for phytic acid. The non-significant difference between the means of the base and the reference ensured the entire representation of the base in the formulated reference for phytic acid. Among all the lines in the reference set, the lowest phytic acid content were observed in the lines UMI-113 (2.77 mg/g) followed by UMI-300-1 (3.17 mg/g), UMI-467 (5.50 mg/g) and UMI-158 (6.58 mg/g) could be used as donors for low phytic acid in breeding programs. The principal component analysis for studying the extent of variability in the reference, revealed six major principal components that exhibited 80.40% of variation with flowering traits, ear height and phytic acid as a major contributor for variability. The characters namely plant stand, germination percentage, kernel yield, ear length, ear diameter and number of kernels per row were found to be positively correlated with the phytic acid and this emphasizes the negative pleiotropic effects of low phytic acid lines in germination and seed set. Thus this formulated reference set enables the breeders to handle minimum population for further grouping the genotypes to analyse their heterotic potential combined with low phytic acid., (© Prof. H.S. Srivastava Foundation for Science and Society 2019.)

Gene duplication is an important mechanism for acquiring new genes and creating genetic novelty in organisms. Many new gene functions have evolved through gene duplication and it has contributed tremendously to the evolution of developmental programmes in various organisms. Gene duplication can result from unequal crossing over, retroposition or chromosomal (or genome) duplication. Understanding the mechanisms that generate duplicate gene copies and the subsequent dynamics among gene duplicates is vital because these investigations shed light on localized and genomewide aspects of evolutionary forces shaping intra-specific and inter-specific genome contents, evolutionary relationships, and interactions. Based on whole-genome analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana, there is compelling evidence that angiosperms underwent two whole-genome duplication events early during their evolutionary history. Recent studies have shown that these events were crucial for creation of many important developmental and regulatory genes found in extant angiosperm genomes. Recent studies also provide strong indications that even yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), with its compact genome, is in fact an ancient tetraploid. Gene duplication can provide new genetic material for mutation, drift and selection to act upon, the result of which is specialized or new gene functions. Without gene duplication the plasticity of a genome or species in adapting to changing environments would be severely limited. Whether a duplicate is retained depends upon its function, its mode of duplication, (i.e. whether it was duplicated during a whole-genome duplication event), the species in which it occurs, and its expression rate. The exaptation of preexisting secondary functions is an important feature in gene evolution, just as it is in morphological evolution.