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Groundnut is affected by a variety of abiotic and biotic stressors, including late leaf spot and rust, which cause significant economic loss. In this study, QTL for resistance to late leaf spot and rust from donor variety GPBD 4 were incorporated into a popular groundnut variety (ICGV 00350) through marker assisted backcross (MABC) breeding.Eight foreground SSR markers [AhXII (GM1009, GM1573 and Seq8D09) and AhXV (GM1536, GM2009, GM2079, GM2301 and IPAHM103)] linked with disease resistant QTLs were utilized in this study. A set of 217 SSR markers spanning the whole groundnut genome were employed for background analysis. Three backcrosses with recurrent parent and selfing were followed in the cross ICGV 00350 × GPBD 4. Background analysis was carried out in BCFive advanced backcross lines in BC

In groundnut, genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis was carried out for nine quantitative characters in four F3 population viz., CO 7 × VRI Gn 6, TMV 2 × VRI Gn 6, TMV Gn 13 × VRI Gn 6 and VRI 2 × VRI Gn 6. Considering the mean performance, the cross derivative TMV Gn 13 × VRI Gn 6 registered superiority for the characters viz., 100-pod weight (g), 100-kernel weight (g) and sound mature kernel (%). High percentage of PCV, GCV, heritability coupled with high GAM values were recorded by number of pods per plant, pod yield per plant (g), kernel yield per plant (g), late leaf spot score and rust score in varied crosses. Regarding the population distribution, significant and negative skewness were observed in all the four crosses for shelling (%) and sound mature kernel (%). Hence, based on mean performance and various genetic parameters, the cross CO 7 × VRI Gn 6 is considered as superior for late leaf spot and rust resistance in groundnut. Correlation analysis revealed that the traits number of pods per plant, 100-pod weight (g), 100-kernel weight (g), shelling (%) and pod yield per plant (g) were positively associated with kernel yield per plant (g). Inter-correlation among these traits also recorded significantly positive association in most of the crosses studied. So, these characters may be considered as the important yield attributing characters and due importance should be given while breeding for high pod and kernel yield per plant (g) in groundnut. Moreover in path analysis, the trait pod yield per plant (g) exhibited high positive direct effect on kernel yield per plant (g). It also possessed significant and positive association with kernel yield per plant (g). The pod yield per plant (g) plays a major role in determining the kernel yield per plant (g). The traits viz., number of pods per plant, 100-pod weight (g), 100-kernel weight (g) and shelling (%) recorded moderate to high indirect effect through pod yield per plant (g) on kernel yield per plant (g). Hence due emphasis should be placed on these traits for yield improvement in groundnut.

Contract farming is an agreement between farmers and processing and/or marketing firms for the production and supply of agricultural products under forward agreements, frequently at predetermined prices. Marigold is one of the most commonly grown flower crops used extensively as decorative plants, religious and social functions in different forms. It has gained importance amongst the growers and flower dealers on account of its easy cultivation and commercial uses. Considering the importance of contract farming in marigold, the present study has been undertaken to study the resource use efficiency in marigold cultivation under contract farming and to suggest policy measures to promote contract farming for sustainable increase in production and income of marigold farmers. The collected data were analysed by adopting average and percentage analyses, Cobb- Douglas and Stochastic Frontier production functions. The following findings and policy implications emerged from the study. The results of Cobb-Douglas production function would show that the inputs namely potassium, seed, irrigation, farm yard manure, plant protection chemicals, human labour and machine power were found to contribute significantly and positively to the yield. However the MVP/MFC ratios indicated the scope to increase the use of only nutrient potassium, seed, plant protection expenses, and machine power. The major problems faced by contract farmers were low price for the produce, labour scarcity, and non-provision of advance by the firm for growing marigold. In the case of non-contract farming the major problem was rejection of the produce in the market followed by price fluctuation, poor quality inputs, labour scarcity, problems in transportation for marketing the produce and lack of technical advice in cultivating marigold.