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A panel of 25 nutmeg genotypes were evaluated at the Horticulture Research Station, Pechiparai, Kanyakumari district from 2019 to 2022 for the pattern of genetic divergence and relationship among them based on seven morphological traits by cluster and path analysis. Notable difference was observed for yield characteristics of genotypes, in which the genotype MF-4 was observed to record high plant height, stem girth, leaf length and fruit production. Genetic variability analysis revealed that traits such as stem girth, number of fruits and mace yield/tree were found to possess high genotypic coefficient of variation along with high heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean which implied that these traits had higher variability among the studied genotypes. The 25 genotypes were grouped in to four clusters based on cluster analysis. Path analysis revealed that traits such as number of fruits, single fruit weight and plant height had a favourable direct impact on the mace yield. These traits might be used as selection indicators in future breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the most widely cultivated fiber crop, cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties. A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits, such as high yield and fine fiber quality. In this study, the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents (six lines and three testers) and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line × tester mating design were analyzed. Results: The results revealed significant effects of genotypes, parents, crosses, and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits. Moreover, the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes. The F1 hybrids of (Giza 90 × Aust) × Giza 86, Uzbekistan 1 × Giza 97, and Giza 96 × Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics. Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield, while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield. Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield, fiber quality, and other agronomic traits. Conclusion: This study provides insights into identifying potential single- and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics, laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation comprising 36 diverse cauliflower genotypes along with three checks were raised during winter season of 2021-22 to study genetic variability, association between different characters, and direct and indirect effects of component traits to formulate selection criteria for utilization in crop improvement programme. The analysis of variance indicated exitance of sufficient genetic variability for all morphological and yield traits taken for the study. High PCV and GCV were reported for marketable curd weight, net curd weight and stalk length. Similarly, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for gross plant weight, marketable curd weight and curd solidity which indicates that these traits can be easily improved through simple selection. Correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that gross plant weight, net curd weight, curd size index, curd solidity, plant frame and stalk length could be considered as the best selection parameters for evolving high yielding cauliflower genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessions of traditional rice play a crucial role in preserving the genetic diversity of commercial rice. They contain specific and useful traits that can help to improve the overall yield, which cannot be achieved by relying solely on improved rice varieties. This is because traditional rice accessions display a wide range of morphological characteristics that contribute to their unique yield determinants. Fifty traditional and forty-five improved rice genotypes were evaluated for thirteen agronomic traits (days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers per plant, number of effective tillers per plant, number of leaves per plant, panicle length, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, number of grains per panicle, filled grain percentage, 100-grain weight at maturity, grain length, and grain width) to understand the yield determination of traditional and improved rice genotypes. Path analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS AMOS statistical software to understand the difference in the direct and indirect effect of the studied parameters. The direct effect of effective tillers per plant (ß = 0.519), filled grain percentage (ß = 0.496), and hundred-seed weight (ß = 0.403) on grain yield was high in improved rice varieties. In traditional rice accessions, the direct effect of effective tillers per plant (ß = 0.746) and filled grain percentage (ß = 0.395) on grain yield was high, but there was no direct effect of hundred seed weight. Filled grains per panicle recorded a moderate effect in both traditional (ß = 0.246) and improved (ß = 0.266) rice genotypes. None of the studied parameters directly and negatively affected the yield of improved rice varieties. Still, several traits (flag leaf length, days to 50% flowering, panicle length, seed length, and seed width) negatively affected the yield of traditional rice accessions. The contributions of yield determinants in traditional rice accessions deviated substantially from those observed in improved rice varieties, highlighting the critical role of plant architecture in determining the final yield. Fertile tiller number, filled grain percentage and grains per panicle are possible traits that can be used in direct selection criteria for improved and traditional rice genotypes for high yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty different varieties of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) were evaluated for character association. The findings showed that the genotypic correlation was higher than the phenotypic correlation coefficient for most traits. Strong positive correlation was observed between the number of fruits per plant, branches per plant, and fruit yield per plant. Positive correlation was observed between moisture content and fruit characteristics, such as fruit volume and average fruit weight. The path coefficient analysis revealed that high positive direct effect on fruit yield was exerted by fruits per plant, followed by moisture content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to assess character association and genetic diversity among green gram genotypes. The results of correlation coefficient analysis revealed a significantly positive correlation for the traits viz., plant height, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, pod length, and number of seeds per pod with single plant yield. The path analysis revealed that the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and hundred seed weight had the highest positive direct contribution to single plant yield. Pod length showed a low indirect contribution to the total variance and all other traits showed a negative contribution to total variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lavender is a highly valuable medicinal and aromatic perennial shrub lacking superior and stable varieties for varied environments in the western Himalayas. In the present experiment, estimates of genotypic effects and their interaction with the environment under various conditions of Himachal Pradesh were investigated to identify superior and stable genotypes. For that, seven selections with a check were evaluated at four different locations in randomized block design with three replications during 2020 and 2021. The pooled analysis of variance showed that genotypic and environmental main effects were highly significant for all the traits under study while, G×E interaction was significant (p=0.05) for plant height, spike length and spike yield. The highest mean performance for all the traits revealed that location-4 has favourable conditions for lavender cultivation, and LOH15141 followed by LOH15040 were the best performers over all the locations. These high-performing genotypes were clustered together with the check in a major cluster. The stability parameters of the Eberhart and Russell model showed that LOH15141 is stable and superior for both spike yield and essential oil content, further confirmed by GGE biplot analysis. GGE biplot analysis revealed that all the tested locations formed a single mega-environment. The strong positive yield contribution described through Pearson's correlation coefficients and genotypic path diagram states that plant height, number of spikes and spike length were significant contributors to the spike yield and could be used as selection criteria to improve spike yield due to their high heritability and genetic advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to understand the genetic variability and trait association in a set of 30 naturally coloured cotton hybrids along with their parents (five colour cotton and six white cotton parents). The Analysis of Variance revealed the significance of the mean square for most of the traits studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was more than that of the genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. High PCV and GCV were recorded for the traits number of monopodia and single plant yield. The heritability and genetic advance as percentage of mean (GAM) were high for the traits plant height, number of monopodia, number of bolls per plant, single boll weight, bundle strength, fibre fineness and single plant yield. The Number of sympodia, number of bolls per plant and boll weight were observed to have significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation with single plant yield, while upper half mean length was observed to have significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation with bundle strength and fibreelongation. Path analysis revealed that seed index and ginning out turn recorded very high direct effect with single plant yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is an important cereal crop in many countries, but its production in the Senegal River Valley is hampered by adverse climatic conditions. This study was aimed at evaluating the diversity among genotypes and the association between several phenological and yield attributes of irrigated rice to mitigate the consequences of climate change. During the dry season of 2013–2014, 300 irrigated high yielding oryza sativa indica panel were used in an Alpha-lattice experiment at the Ndiaye research station in Senegal. Results revealed considerable differences between genotypes in yield and yield attributes. Grain yields ranged between 1378 and 9776 kg/ha. There were also substantial differences in the genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, broad-sense heritability, genetic advance, and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean between evaluated traits. Days to heading (DH) had a higher broad-sense heritability (67.31%), indicating that the chances of transferring this trait for selection purposes will be higher, and genotypes may be used to generate early or late flowering lines. Significant positive and negative correlations were found between the studied traits and grain yield. Path analysis indicated that the maximum positive direct impact was observed with the harvest index (0.256), and the maximum negative direct effect was observed with the days to heading (−0.142). Results showed that 56 accessions outperformed the local check Giza 178, whose yield was 8987 kg/ha. Using principal component analysis and a dendrogram, genotypes were classified into four groups. The plant materials had significant variability and may be utilized to develop desired features in rice-breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro-morphological attributes are the key parameters for evaluating field crops including fodders. The genetic divergence of cereal forages provide sustainability to modern intensive production systems in the worlds. Changing climate situation is challenging for sorghum and other field crops. Therefore, characterization of agro-morphological attributes of sorghum is crucial for plant fitness, adaptability, livestock and human food supply in the worlds. A field study in the regular arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted at the experimental farm, RCA, Udaipur. The study was aimed to evaluate and characterize sixteen multi-cut fodder sorghum genotypes for various agro-morphological traits. As per recorded data, genotypes displayed significant variability for various traits. Additionally, green fodder yield (GFY) at first cut manifested significant and positive association with regeneration score whereas genotypic and phenotypic coefficient variation (GCV & PCV) remained high for dry fodder yield at second cut. Furthermore, high heritability (h2) along with high expected genetic gains were exhibited by dry fodder yield at second cut. Moreover, plant height exhibited the maximum direct effect on green fodder yield at first cut followed by regeneration ability score and leaf: stem ratio. To conclude, genotype SPH-1877 showed better performance for green fodder and dry fodder yield, and also exhibited better regeneration score compared to the rest of the genotypes. This study suggests that the best sorghum cultivar with better agro-morphological and yield related traits can be useful for sustainable sorghum production and ensuring the fodder supply for livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower production can be increased by exploring genetic variability present in the population. The nature of relationship between yield and its associated traits should be clearly understood to achieve parallel improvement of yield by indirect selection of beneficial traits. In the present study, 50 sunflower accessions along with five checks were evaluated for nine biometrical traits viz. days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, head diameter, hundred seed weight, volume weight, hull content, oil content and single plant yield to assess the variability and character association. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant variation among the genotypes for all the traits under consideration. Phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation values were high for hundred seed weight and single plant yield. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for the traits viz. days to 50% flowering, plant height, head diameter, volume weight, oil content, hundred seed weight and single plant yield. Correlation studies revealed the presence of a positive and significant correlation between single plant yield and the traits head diameter and hundred seed weight. Similarly, oil content exhibited a positive and significant correlation with head diameter and volume weight. Path analysis also indicated the presence of high and moderate positive direct effect of head diameter and hundred seed weight on single plant yield. Based on the above, head diameter and hundred seed weight could be used as selection indices for yield improvement in sunflower.

Different accessions of saffron were studied to analyze genetic diversity and heritable component of variation in yield and yield related traits. Dry pistil weight, fresh pistil weight, fresh flower weight corm-1 line-1, number of flowers corm-1 line-1 and big corm index, all had high genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance. The traits included in the selection scheme and correlation among traits (floral and agronomic) are important as varieties must have high yield associated with exemplary quality parameters. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels, the association was found significant among the traits. Stigma length and fresh flower weight had strong direct effect with respect to dry pistil weight followed by number of flowers corm-1 line-1, fresh pistil weight and big corm index. Therefore, these parameters can be taken as criteria for selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture deficit is the major constraint for sesame crop production during its main rainfed and summer cultivation seasons. In summer cultivation, the crop frequently gets exposed to soil moisture deficit at various crop growth stages. Therefore, it is essential to identify the traits along with promising genotypes adapted to soil moisture deficit. A set of 35 sesame genotypes with checks was used to quantify the variation in morpho-physiological, yield, and quality traits under irrigated (WW) and deficit soil moisture stress (WS) conditions in the summer seasons of 2021 and 2022. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of high variability among the genotypes for various measured traits. The mean performance indicated that WS negatively affects the growth, development, yield and quality traits. Moreover, the correlation, path analysis and D 2 analysis studies suggested that the traits, viz. leaf area (LA), total dry matter (TDM), canopy temperature (CT), number of branches per plant (NBP) and number of seeds per capsule (NSC) were significantly associated with seed yield under both the conditions. Quality traits like palmitic acid and oleic acid correlated positively with seed yield, particularly under WS. Furthermore, the genotypes with lower canopy temperatures were found to be better seed yielders under WS. In addition, mean performance and cluster analysis suggested that the genotypes: IC- 205776, JSCDT-112, JCSDT-26, IC-205610, and IC-204300, secured higher seed yield along with superior agronomical traits and net photosynthetic rate. These selected genotypes were most promising and could be used in future sesame crop improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the genetic variability of 26 rice genotypes and evaluation at two locations in Sulaimani governorate, Gaba and Chawtan which were completely different in their environmental condition during the season of 2019. The performances of the genotypes were analyzed at both locations as well as the average of both. Simple coefficients of correlation were used to assess the grain yield components and their relationships. Path analysis was used to determine the direct and indirect effects of such components on grain yield plant-1. The genotypes were grouped based on the agro-morphological features using cluster analysis. Almost all of the traits at both locations and the average of both locations showed highly significant differences; Chawtan outperformed Gaba location for the traits no. of tillers plant-1, no. of panicle plant-1, 1000-grain weight, and plant-1 grain yield, whereas higher values were found for plant height and no. of grains panicle-1 for Gaba location. At both locations, there was a highly significant and positive association between the number of tillers and panicles in plant -1 and grain yield plant-1. The number of panicle plants-1 had the most favorable direct effects on grain yield at both locations. At both locations, the highest positive indirect effect on grain output was provided by the number of tillers plant-1 via the number of panicle plant-1. Based on the agro-morphological features, the rice genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters at both locations. At both locations, Cluster V gave better values regarding grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted at the Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana, India during July to December 2021 by using thirty elite rice genotypes comprising of different durations i.e. short, medium and long to study the nature of relationship between grain yield and morpho-physiological traits by partitioning the correlation co-efficients between grain yield and morpho-physiological traits into direct and indirect effects. Observations were recorded on seven yield, six physiological and three root characters. The correlation studies revealed that, grain yield plant-1 had shown a significant positive association with yield contributing traits like 1000 grain weight, spikelet fertility, specific leaf area and root biomass, indicating the importance of these traits in yield improvement. Among all other yield attributing characters, spikelet fertility showed the highest significant positive correlation with yield whereas days to 50% flowering and number of productive tillers plant-1 exhibited non-significant positive association with grain yield plant-1. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the highest positive direct effect on grain yield was exhibited by spikelet fertility and 1000 grain weight. A high magnitude of negative direct effects on yield was shown by field emergence at 14 DAS. Thus, from the studies on correlation and path analysis, it could be concluded that the traits viz., spikelet fertility, 1000 grain weight, specific leaf area and root biomass could be used as selection parameters for improving grain yield under dry DSR system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to assess the genetic variability and association among yield attributing traits in 60 different safflower genotypes over six environments. The pooled analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that all attributes had a considerable degree of variation. The pooled analysis of variability parameters revealed that the phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV)for all of the characteristics evaluated, indicating that experimental variance contributed to total variation. Petal yield/plant and seed yield/plant had the highest PCV and GCV followed by number of capitula/plant, number of seeds/capitula, height of insertion of first branch, hundred seed weight, number of primary branches/plant, length of longest primary branches, number of secondary branches and height up to main capitula. Number of capitula/plant, seed yield/plant, petal yield/plant, height of insertion of first branch, number of seeds per capitula, hundred seed weight, number of primary branches/plant, length of the longest primary branches, number of secondary branches, height upto main capitula, capitulum diameter and plant height all had high heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean. Seedyield/plant showed positive, significant and directcorrelation with number of capitula/plant, number of seeds/capitulum, height up to the main capitulum, plant height, number of primary branches/plant, capitulum diameter, and hundred seed weight. Number of capitula/planthad the maximum direct effect on grain yield/plant followed by number of seeds/capitulum, hundred seed weight and petal yield/plant. Hence selection of these traits would improve seed and petal yield in safflower breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-seven genotypes of coriander including six check varieties were analyzed for variability, correlation, path coefficients, and genetic divergence. Genotypes were grown in RBD with three replications and observations were recorded for 13 different quantitative traits. Secondary branches per plant and total oil content confirmed high values of GCV and PCV. Seeds per umbel, test weight, and total oil content exhibited high heritability along with high GA (% of mean). Both genotypically and phenotypically, seed yield per plant exhibited a positive and significant association with umbels per plant, umbellates per umbel, test weight, and harvest index. On seed yield per plant, umbels per plant reported the highest positive direct effect. Genetic diversity analysis grouped the 37 coriander genotypes into 6 different clusters with the maximum inter-cluster distance seen between clusters III and VI. Among the thirteen traits, test weight contributed largely to the total genetic divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is the world's largest producer of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Drought stress harms the morphological and agronomic traits of beans. This study evaluates the reaction to water deficit in five genotypes of black beans. The experiment was conducted in the IDR‐IAPAR‐EMATER in Londrina‐PR, Brazil. A split‐plot design was used, with three replications. The genotypes were included in the subplots and the treatments with or without water deficit in the plots. Water deficit was induced on the pre‐flowering stage and maintained for 20 days in the plots submitted to drought stress. For the growth analysis, plants were collected at 35, 54 and 70 days after emergence. At the stage of physiological ripeness, several morphological and yield traits were evaluated. The genotypes IPR Uirapuru and BRS Esplendor can be considered tolerant and used as a tolerant source to water deficit in common bean germplasm banks. The line LP 08‐90 has morphological and agronomic adaptations efficient to overcome water deficit's effects, presenting a higher grain yield in both crop conditions, which indicates the success of black beans breeding to deal with water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the semi-arid region of Paraíba, cowpea has low productivity due to irregular rainfall and poor use of production technologies. An extensive study aimed at selecting more productive cultivars was conducted using biometric models. This first work had the following objectives: i. Quantify direct and indirect effects of primary and secondary components on grain production; ii. Identify variables with greater potential for cultivar selection in the semiarid region of Paraíba and iii. Determine the most appropriate selection strategies for the evaluated variables. The experiment was conducted in an experimental field. The influence of 6 primary and 6 secondary production components was evaluated on grain yield. Data were subjected to ANOVA. Genetic parameters, correlations and path analysis were estimated. Given the strong direct phenotypic and genotypic effects, pod yield results the most promising variable for higher grain yield selection. Direct and simultaneous selections are the most suitable strategies for the set of evaluated variables. However, further studies on selection indices are necessary to maximize genetic gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was taken up to estimate 32 advance breeding lines of rice for grain yield and the related traits in three different planting techniques, viz. direct seeded condition (E-I), transplanting with spacing of 15 x 15 cm (E-II) and 25 x 15 cm (E-III). The experimentation was carried out to explore the parameters of hereditary & variability for yield along-with yield components, to study the extent of association and direct and indirect special effects of different yield components on grain yield in rice. The analysis of variance from the experimental results documented significant changes amongst various genotypes for all studied traits with respect to the three-planting spacing. High GCV, high magnitude of broad sense heritability coupled with genetic advance as percentage of mean was detected for grain yield/plant and harvest index. These above-mentioned traits displayed considerable contribution of different additive gene action for their phenotypic appearance. The characters harvest index (%), biological yield/plant, flag leaf angle and no. of productive tillers/plant showed positive correlation & direct effect on grain yield per plant on pooled analysis. It indicated that these traits might be included in formulating criteria of selection for enhancement of the grain yield per plant in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fifty two genotypes of Indian bean were examined for the genetic variability parameters and trait correlation for 11 yield contributing traits in F5 progenies. Analysis revealed that these genotypes had a considerable level of diversity. The magnitude of GCV and PCV was high for seed yield per plant, which indicated the potential for selection based genetic enhancement. The GCV and PCV values were moderate for pod weight, pods width and pod length. High heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent mean was recorded for pod width, pod length, pod weight and seed yield per plant. The seed yield per plant had a significant positive correlation with pod weight, plant height, pod length, pod width and seeds per pod. The overall genotypic path analysis revealed that racemes per plant exhibited the highest positive direct effects on seed yield per plant followed by direct effects of pod length, pods per raceme, pod width and pod weight. Therefore, simple selection is advised for pod length, pod width and pod weight to boost the yield of the Indian bean. Based on mean values, the progenies W-19-26, W-19-22 and W-19-25 of GNIB-21 × GP-167 among all crosses had shown significantly higher seed yield over the check varieties GNIB-21 and GNIB-22 and hence identified as elite genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association between characters and path analysis in seventeen genotypes/lines of garlic (Allium sativum L.) was studied at the Vegetable Research Farm, BUAT, Banda during 2019 and 2020. The pooled data of correlation studies, revealed that gross yield plot-1 had positive and significant correlation with equatorial bulb diameter, weight of 20 bulbs and weight of 50 cloves at genotypic and phenotypic level respectively. This showed that improving these features could improve the crop's physiological capacity to mobilise and translocate photosynthates to economically valuable organs (the bulb), perhaps increasing bulb yield as seen in the study. Yield was significantly and negatively correlated with bulb shape index, number of cloves bulb-1, and thrips plant-1 at genotypic level. The genotypic path coefficient analysis showed that equatorial bulb diameter and plant height had the highest positive direct effect on bulb yield. Weight of 20 bulbs and collar thickness had negative direct effect on bulb yield. Positive direct effect of equatorial bulb diameter and plant height indicated good scope for improvement in bulb yield by selecting genotypes having bigger bulb along with increased plant height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of genotypes tolerant to drought stress is of major importance in wheat breeding. A two-year split plot field experiment was conducted to determine the traits affecting wheat grain yield and identify the most tolerant genotypes using drought-tolerant indices. Drought stress was applied to 28 genotypes by stoppage of irrigation at the growth stage of 50% inflorescence emergence. Crop yield and growth components were determined. Drought tolerance indices, correlation coefficients, multiple regression as well as path and cluster analyses were applied to determine the most tolerant genotypes. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among genotypes in terms of growth and yield. The genotype by treatment interaction was also significant. Drought tolerance indices indicated that Darya, Aftab, URBWYT-94-2 and URBWYT-94-4 were the most tolerant genotypes. URBWYT-94-2 had the highest average grain yield under drought stress. Correlation coefficients indicated a significant and positive correlation between geometric mean productivity (GMP) and mean productivity (MP) indices as well as between stress susceptibility (SSI) and drought tolerance (TOL) indices (p ≤ 0.01). Stress tolerance index (STI) was significantly correlated with MP and GMP. A significant correlation was found between harmonic (HARM), STI, GMP and MP indices (p ≤ 0.01). STI and GMP were the most suitable indices to identify drought-tolerant wheat. According to path analyses, the correlations among wheat yield components were positive and significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is an important cereal and drought stress is a critical abiotic stress that negatively influences the performance and productivity of rice crop, particularly under a changing climate scenario. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impacts of drought stress on grain productivity and water use efficiency of rice cultivars and to assess the genotypic variability among the tested cultivars. Two irrigation treatments including a control and drought stress were applied to the experiments during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. The statistical evaluation included a comparison of means, genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, path analysis, correlation assessment, hierarchical clustering of tested cultivars and principal component analysis. The results indicated that drought stress negatively affected the grain productivity of the rice cultivars. The grain productivity of the cultivars decreased, ranging between 21–45% and 21–52% in the first and second season, respectively. Similarly, water use efficiency was significantly decreased ranging between 7–53% and 21–55% during the first and the second season, respectively. The broad-sense heritability for grain productivity was differed under control and drought stress treatment, indicating that the chances of the transfer of grain-productivity-related traits could be affected during selection for stress tolerance. The correlation assessment indicated that the intensity of association among the evaluated parameters was higher under the control treatment. A maximum direct effect was observed by water consumption (1.76) under control whereas, by water use efficiency (1.09) under drought stress treatment on grain productivity in path analysis. Considering the water use efficiency as a desired trait for selection in path analysis, a maximum direct effect was observed by grain productivity under the control (0.68) and under drought treatment (0.88). Hom Pathum and Pathum Thani−1 were identified as highly tolerant cultivars in the hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis. It was concluded that the results obtained for the assessment of drought stress on grain productivity, water use efficiency and genotypic variability among these cultivars could be utilized in selection program for stress tolerance and the stress tolerant cultivars could be used for sustaining grain productivity to reduce the impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is an important cereal crop in many countries, but its production in the Senegal River Valley is hampered by adverse climatic conditions. This study was aimed at evaluating the diversity among genotypes and the association between several phenological and yield attributes of irrigated rice to mitigate the consequences of climate change. During the dry season of 2013–2014, 300 irrigated high yielding oryza sativa indica panel were used in an Alpha-lattice experiment at the Ndiaye research station in Senegal. Results revealed considerable differences between genotypes in yield and yield attributes. Grain yields ranged between 1378 and 9776 kg/ha. There were also substantial differences in the genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, broad-sense heritability, genetic advance, and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean between evaluated traits. Days to heading (DH) had a higher broad-sense heritability (67.31%), indicating that the chances of transferring this trait for selection purposes will be higher, and genotypes may be used to generate early or late flowering lines. Significant positive and negative correlations were found between the studied traits and grain yield. Path analysis indicated that the maximum positive direct impact was observed with the harvest index (0.256), and the maximum negative direct effect was observed with the days to heading (−0.142). Results showed that 56 accessions outperformed the local check Giza 178, whose yield was 8987 kg/ha. Using principal component analysis and a dendrogram, genotypes were classified into four groups. The plant materials had significant variability and may be utilized to develop desired features in rice-breeding programs.

An experiment was conducted with 39 rice genotypes to screen for salt tolerance and evaluate potential variation among the genotypes under sodic conditions. All the 39 rice genotypes along with two check varieties (TRY2 & TRY5) were screened in vitro for salt tolerance by imposing 100 mM NaHCO3 at the seedling stage under hydroponics and a salt injury score was given based on morphological symptoms. Observations on 12 biometrical traits were recorded under field sodic conditions and subjected to variability analysis. The ANOVA revealed that there was a significant difference for the 11 traits among the genotypes except for flag leaf breadth. Among the genotypes, the highest single plant yield was recorded by RG 50 (36.83 g). A correlation study revealed that, single plant yield exhibited significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic relation with panicle harvest index, the number of grains per panicle and panicle length. Path analysis showed that the traits viz., panicle harvest index, plant height and panicle length had a very high and positive direct effect on single plant yield. The traits viz., flag leaf breadth, SPAD meter reading and number of productive tillers per plant had a high and positive direct effect on single plant yield. In vitro studies revealed that the genotype RG113 was found to be highly tolerant to salt stress and it also showed a significantly higher yield (35.42 g) under field sodicity. The genotypes RG22, RG150, RG162 and RG188 which showed tolerance under in vitro screening and the moderately tolerant genotypes RG26, RG50, RG95, RG107, RG123 and RG176 were exhibiting significant yield under field sodicity conditions. Therefore, in order to breed for high yielding salt-tolerant rice varieties, the identified genotypes could be exploited as donor genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work was conducted to study the variability parameters, correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and quality traits in rice. Analysis of variance revealed the existence of significant differences among the genotypes for all traits under investigation. Traits viz., filled grain number per panicle and weight of 1000 grains showed high PCV and GCV. Total grain number per panicle, filled grain number per panicle, weight of 1000 grains, grain yield per plant, weight of panicle, head rice recovery, length of kernel after cooking, linear elongation ratio, length of kernel and kernel length/breadth ratio exhibited high heritability along with high genetic advance as percentage of mean. Days to 50% flowering and weight of 1000 grains had associated significantly positive with grain yield. Filled grain number per panicle, days to 50% flowering, total number of productive tillers per plant, length of kernel after cooking, height of the plant and length of panicle exhibited a high positive direct effect on grain yield per plant per plant. Therefore, these traits should be exploited in the selection process to identify superior rice lines with higher yield and quality genetic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Setaria italica is an essential crop in the developing world and yield levels are low. To improve the yield, the utilization of diverse germplasm in a breeding program is vital. Methods: The present study aimed to characterize 50 genotypes in the first year and out of 50, 10 genotypes in the second year using multivariant traits. Wide variation was observed in both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant differences for most symptoms. Higher estimates of GCV were followed for grain yields, followed by panicle lengths and organic outcomes. Higher estimates of PCV were observed for plant height and leaf length, followed by leaf width. Low GCV and PCV were recorded as leaf length, 50% flowering in days. PCV study indicated direct selection based on characters, panicle weight, test weight and strawweight showed a high and positive effect on grain yield per plant in both rainy and summer season indicating the proper relationship between these characters with grain yield per plant, which helps indirect selection for these traits thus in improving the grain yield per plant. Variability in foxtail millet germplasm allows plant breeders to effectively select specific donor lines for genetic improvement of foxtail millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] germplasm lines raised in simple lattice design during the kharif 2020. Genetic variability and character association were studied for thirteen morphological traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter, panicle length, panicle width, panicle weight, test weight, number of primary branches per panicle and seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean and high GCV were noticed for plant height, panicle width, panicle weight, test weight, number of primary branches per panicle and seed yield per plant. Seed yield per plant showed a significant positive correlation with number of leaves, leaf width, stem diameter, panicle width, panicle weight, test weight and number of primary branches per panicle. Characters like number of leaves, panicle width, panicle weight and test weight exerted positive direct effect and had a significant positive correlation with seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic level. So, simple selection based on these characters would be rewarding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study evaluated a total of 21 sugarcane genotypes across 27 diverse environments, including nine locations over three cropping seasons, to identify the superior and stable sugarcane genotypes. The pooled ANOVA results showed substantial genotype-environment interactions among the 21 genotypes under study. The genotype Co 11015 exhibited the highest mean value for CCS yield, CCS percentage, and sucrose percentage. With the help of GGE analysis and biplots, both stable genotypes as well as mega environments were identified. The following genotypes such as Co 13014, Co 11015, Co 13018 and Co 14016 emerged as the high-mean performers and exhibited stability across diverse environments. The outcomes from 'which-won-where' patterns suggested the existence of different mega environments which are classified as ME1, ME2, and ME3. When the genotypes were ranked, it revealed that Co 14016 is closer to the ideal genotype, followed by Co 13014, Co 11015, and Co 13018 as the most desirable genotypes. Similarly, the environments E8, E25, and E26 were identified as the most desirable ones, based on GGE biplot environment rankings. The Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) values highlighted the following genotypes such as Co 13018, Co 13003, and Co 11015 as stable ones with high performance across the traits and environments. The MGIDI (Multi-trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index) values inferred that Co 11015, Co 15007, and Co 13018 are the superior genotypes. Consequently, Co 11015 was released for commercial cultivation based on its stability and superior performance for biomass yield and quality traits across the locations and environments. [Display omitted] • Multi-environment trials (MET) are conducted in breeding program to identify superior genotypes for commercial cultivation. • To identify sites that best represents the target environment and to determine the pattern of genotypic response over environment. • The multi-trait stability analysis enables the breeder to determine the stability of particular genotype across environments by considering all the economically important traits rather than yield alone. • Upon evaluating 21 sugarcane clones for both cane yield and quality parameters, the genotype Co 11015 emerged as exceptional genotype with good yield and juice quality across diverse environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All the characters evaluated possessed high heritability (>80%) • Fruit yield significantly correlated with fruit length, width and fruit number • First six components accounted for maximum variations (>65%) • Seventy-five genotypes were classified into four clusters • Cluster i entailed maximum number of genotypes (37) Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) possess high genetic variability for different quantitative and qualitative traits. However, despite that, exploration of pickled chilli genotypes around the world is scarce. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate seventy-five pickled chilli genotypes for various variability parameters and character association at the Vegetable Research Farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. All the characters evaluated possessed high heritability along with high genetic advance as a percent of the mean except for number of fruits per plant. Fruit yield per plant exhibited a significant and positive correlation with fruit length, fruit width, pericarp thickness, number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis provided insights that number of primary branches, fruit length, pericarp thickness, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, capsaicin in green fruits, oleoresin content and colouring matter have direct and positive effect on fruit yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Therefore, emphasizing these particular traits in the selection programme would be beneficial for enhancing the fruit yield. Principal component analysis indicated that most of the variation among the genotypes was contributed by the first six principal components (>65%). Among the variables, plant height emerged as a key contributor, followed by the number of primary branches, fruit length and fruit width. Cluster analysis concluded that seventy-five genotypes were classified into four clusters. Cluster I entailed a maximum number of genotypes (37), followed by Cluster II (30), III (7) and IV (1). The maximum intra-class distance was found in cluster I, followed by cluster II and cluster III. The inter-class distance was highest between Cluster I and IV, followed by Cluster II and III. The more considerable the inter-class distance, the more distinct and well-separated the clusters. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is world-renowned for its nutritional and health benefits and its adaptability to different environments. Despite some research on quinoa cultivation, determining the appropriate planting date and density for different genotypes and regions needs to be studied. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of planting date and planting density on quinoa seed yield in climatic conditions of Kermanshah. In this regard, field experiments were conducted during two growing seasons (2019-2020) at the research farm of Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. The experiments were conducted as split-plot factorial in randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Three sowing dates (March 15th, April 15th, and May 15th) were assigned to the main plots, two planting densities (40 and 60 plants m-2), and three genotypes including Titicaca, Q29, and Red Carina as subplots. The results showed that the highest seed yield (2179.72 and 2267.39 kg ha-1) were achieved on April 15th, 2019 and May 15th, 2020, respectively. Sowing dates of April 15th in 2019 and May 15th in 2020 with a plant density of 60 plants m-2 and Titicaca genotype had the highest seed yield for quinoa in Kermanshah climatic conditions. The results showed that panicle length and biological yield had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield in all studied planting dates. There was a positive and significant correlation between grain yield and grain weight per plant, 1000-grain weight, and biological yield at both densities. The path analysis revealed that panicle length had the highest positive direct effect on seed yield followed by 1000-seed weight on the first sowing date in 2019 and 2020, while biological yield and panicle length had the highest positive direct effect on seed yield on the second and third sowing dates, respectively. This experiment showed that genotypes and planting dates are the most determining factors affecting quinoa growth, development, and yield compared with planting densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were conducted at Research cum Instructional Farm Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya at Pundibari, Coochbehar, West Bengal, India during (2019-20 and 2020-21) for characterization and evaluation according DUS descriptors of physiological characters developed by IPGRI, Rome, Italy. Path analysis and genetic divergence of characters were made where agglomerative or bottom-up approach was made with each observation for finding out the quantitative and qualitative characters association with yield. From the path analysis of the data, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, leaf breadth, pods per plant, pod length, pod width, seeds per plant, and seed index were found to have a direct effect on biological yield per plot at 5% and 1% level of significance. Indirect effects of all other characters in these characters were also evaluated. Selection can be done on these parameters for future breeding programme from direct observations. From the dendrogram and cluster analysis, genotypic relatedness among 10 genotypes, three groups of clusters were found. Group-I have five genotypes (Bidhan-1) BK-37-2, Kaikhali Local, Bidhan-2, Pundibari Local, and Alipurduar Local, Group-II has one genotype Berhampur Local, Group-III has four genotypes WBK-10, BK-2, BK-27-1, and BK-7-1. Here Berhampur Local was found to be very distantly related to all the genotypes. Breeding programs or crossing programs between the groups will have better future genotypes because of distantly related genotypes which will ultimately create a broad genetic base in the future lathyrus generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the genotypic variability among high-yielding bread wheat cultivars evaluated under three phosphorus (P) levels and three nitrogen (N) forms, clarifying the relationship between earliness and yield traits, and determining the amount of direct and indirect impacts of attributed agronomic traits on grain yield. The field experiment was carried out at Om- Elzain village, Zagazig, during 2017-18 and 2018-19 growing seasons. The results revealed that the evaluated cultivars revealed significant variation for all studied traits. Similarly, P levels presented significant effects on earliness and most yield traits in both seasons. While the N forms did not significantly affect all studied traits in both seasons except plant height, number of spikes/m², and 1000-grain weight. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all evaluated traits. The difference between PCV and GCV was very low for days to heading, days to maturity and number of spikes/m², while it was relatively higher for number of grains/spike and biological yield. The heritability in broad sense (h² b) values were high for 1000-grain weight, number of spikes/m², and days to maturity. Plant height, spike length, number of spikes/m², number spikelet/spike, 1000-grain weight and biological yield displayed positive direct effect on grain yield. The highest indirect effects on grain yield were assigned for plant height, 1000- grain weight and flag leaf area through biological yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out in a set of germplasm accessions for yield related traits in Chia. Results of the correlation coefficient revealed a highly significant and positive effect of the number of primary branches, harvest index and oil content on seed yield per plant on both genotypic and phenotypic levels, while plant height had a positive significant correlation with seed yield only at the genotypic level. Through analysis of path coefficients, the positive and significant direct effect of harvest index on genotypic as well as phenotypic levels was inferred, whilst days to 50% flowering and plant height illustrated positive direct effects on seed yield per plant only at the genotypic level. Moderate direct and positive effects of days to maturity at the genotypic level along with the number of primary branches at the phenotypic level were observed on seed yield per plant. The study revealed that harvesting index, days to 50% flowering and fruiting branches could be used as selection criteria traits, which will be very useful in future breeding programmes to enhance yield in Chia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeders are permanently looking for an efficient method of developing genotypes with improved yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of some durum wheat genotypes, the study of the correlations between traits and the direct effect of each trait on final grain yield. Twenty genotypes of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) were planted in the experimental fields of INRAA, Setif, Algeria in (2016 –2017) crop season. The genotypes tested were grown in a randomized block design with three replications. The analyses of variance (ANOVA) demonstrate the existence of genetic diversity between genotypes tested. In addition, significant and positive correlations were registered between grain yield (GY) and days to heading (DH), number of spikes per square meter (NSM) and number of kernels per spike (NKS). The path analysis (PA) demonstrates positive and significant direct effects of the number of spikes per square meter (NSM), thousand kernels weight (TKW) and number of kernels per spike (NKS) on grain yield. Overall, the results proved that the genotypes Rezzak, Ofanto and BIDI 17 have the best ranking with the highest grain yield, and these can be recommended as the best genotypes for some in this area. In addition, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) proved that the genotypes Rezzak, Bidi17, Ofanto, Kebir and Adnan 2 are very suitable genotypes for growing under semi-arid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the interrelationship and the direct and indirect effects of some yield components among themselves and with the grain yield in the 49 common winter wheat varieties originating from different countries. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of IPGR-Sadovo, Bulgaria during 2017-2019 growing seasons in the randomized block design in three replications and 10 m² plot size. Data were recorded for a number of days to heading, plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, thousand-kernels weight and grain yield per hectar. Grain yield per ha correlated positively and significantly with plant height, spike length, grain weight per spike and thousand grain weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the grain weight per spike, spike length and plant height had the highest direct positive effect on the grain yield per hectar. The results of study could be useful as selection criteria to increase the grain yield in common winter bread wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable crop, rich in vitamins and minerals and eaten fresh as a dessert. Its fruit yield is relatively low, though could be improved through knowledge of character association with it and selection of desirable materials for improvement programmes. Fifteen cultivars of Cucumber were evaluated at two locations (Abeokuta and Ibadan), South West, Nigeria in a randomized complete block design with three replicates in order to determine heritability, correlation, direct and indirect effects of characters on fruit yield. Data collected on agro-morphological characters were subjected to analysis of variance, estimates of heritability, correlation, and path analysis. Significant variations (p <0.05) were observed in the cultivars. High heritability estimates (>90%) was observed for fruit length at both locations. A significant phenotypic and genotypic correlation was observed between fruit yield and fruit weight. Number of days to 50% flowering and fruit width could also be selected directly for improvement of fruit yield in cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen cluster bean genotypes including the parent MDU 1 and fourteen determinate M5 generation cluster bean mutants were evaluated to determine the correlation and path analysis among yield and yield attributing characters. The genotypic correlation coefficient was observed to be higher in magnitude than the phenotypic correlation coefficient for most of the characters studied. The correlation analysis indicated the positive association of pod yield per plant with plant height, number of clusters per plant, total number of pods per plant, pod length, pod girth, pod weight, days to last harvest and number of seeds per plant. The path coefficient analysis indicated that the number of clusters per plant exhibited a very high positive direct effect on pod yield per plant at the genotypic level. ACMC-020-10 was identified as the best determinate mutant of MDU 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to carry out correlation and path analysis in Dolichos Bean (Lablab Purpureus L.) Genotypes . The field experiment was carried out using twenty-six genotypes of field bean in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Biometrical observations were recorded on days to fifty percent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pod/plant, grain yield (g) and green pod yield (g). Among the various polygenic characters, yield is a complex character and it depends on several yield attributing characters. Hence, the knowledge of association between yield and its component traits is needed, which forms the basis for selection. Partitioning of total correlation into direct and indirect effects by path coefficient analysis helps gain information on the relative status of the plant characters, making the selection more effective. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels, green pod yield recorded moderately significant and positive correlation with plant height and number of branches/plant and the traits viz., number of pod/plant and grain yield (g) exhibited an extremely significant and positive correlation with green pod yield. Days to maturity showed the first maximum positive direct effect (3.986) on green pod yield, followed by number of pod/plant (2.241) and number of branches/plant (0.143). Whereas the other characters viz., days to fifty percent flowering, plant height and grain yield recorded direct negative effect on green pod yield. The results indicated that the characters viz., days to maturity, number of branches/plant, number of pod/plant and green pod yield were the most desirable yield contributing characters. Their contribution to grain yield and green pod yield is in positive direction via direct effect. Hence, selection based on these characters would be rewarding for improving grain yield and green pod yield in Dolichos bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic improvement of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) through conventional breeding approaches depends mainly on the availability of diverse germplasm and the amount of genetic variability present in the population. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the extent of genetic variability in the 1995 Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) Hevea germplasm core collection to determine the correlation and the direct and indirect effects of morphological and bark structural characters on latex yield. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the nine characters studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variations was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variations for all characters studied, suggesting that the apparent variation is not only genetic but also influenced by the growing environment in the expression of the traits. High heritability and high genetic advance were noted for latex yield, indicating the possibility of improvement for this character through phenotypic selection. Latex yield showed significant and positive correlations with plant girth, total number of latex vessel rings, total bark thickness, and total leaf area at both phenotypic and genotypic level. Path coefficient analysis revealed the highest direct effect of plant girth on latex yield, followed by total number of latex vessel rings and total bark thickness indicating the importance of these characters for yield improvement and their potential as reliable indicators for indirect selection in the established core collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]