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Multi‐parent advanced generation inter‐cross (MAGIC) populations have been developed and utilized in crop improvement programs in several economically important crops. In the current study, soybean (Glycine max L.) MAGIC population was evaluated at four locations to identify stable and high‐yielding MAGIC RILs (recombinant inbred lines) and to understand the genotype and environmental interaction for grain yield and attributing traits. For different traits under study, pooled analysis of variance indicated the significant genotype × environmental interactions at p < 0.01. RILs such as G236, G455, G159, G493, and G488 found ideal for grain yield across the four environments. Through multi‐trait genotype‐ideotype distance index ideotype‐MAGIC RILs have been identified for each location. Significant positive correlation of grain yield with pods per plant, 100‐seed weight, plant height, number of nodes per plant, and branches per plant has been identified. Under field conditions, screening of F2:3 generation of MAGIC population revealed that only 59 progenies exhibited adult plant resistance for charcoal rot disease (caused by Macrophomina phaseolina). Although under controlled conditions parental genotypes EC 572136 and EC 572109 found to be partially resistant with least mean necrosis length, MAGIC RILs (F2:8) showed variable reaction. Thus, the study established diverse genetic resources useful for both mapping and varietal development program. Core Ideas: The study on G × E interactions identified number of ideal genotypes performing better across the four locations.These genotypes were valuable resources for direct release as varieties or large‐scale testing under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) trials.Charcoal rot screening revealed significant variation for the mapping studies in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Broadening the gene pool of staple food crops by incorporating desirable genes from wild/relative species is way to achieve higher genetic gains. The African rice species Oryza glaberrima Steud. is a source of genes for genetic improvement of Oryza sativa L. to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Aim: The study was undertaken to identify genomic regions associated with yield and yield-related traits in interspecific backcross mapping populations derived from variety IR64 (O. sativa indica) × O. glaberrima. Methods: The BC1F2 and BC1F2:3 populations were phenotyped for days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, panicle length, spikelet fertility and grain yield under irrigated conditions. The BC1F2 population was genotyped with 99 genome-wide polymorphic SSR markers. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with yield-enhancing traits were identified through single marker analysis. Key results: Significant genetic variability was observed with moderate to high heritability in mapping populations. Genotyping revealed the presence of segregation distortion and skewed genome composition. Single marker analysis identified 20 QTLs linked to the studied traits. A QTL linked to grain yield, qGY-4.1 , derived from O. glaberrima was found in both populations with high phenotypic variance. The chromosome region around marker RM510 was identified as a QTL hotspot and putative candidate genes were identified. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that O. glaberrima can serve as a valuable genetic resource for genetic improvement of yield-enhancing traits in O. sativa cultivars. Implications: The identified QTLs regions can be employed in molecular breeding. The promising introgression lines identified can be used as pre-breeding lines in future breeding programs. African rice species Oryza glaberrima as a source of genes for improvement of Oryza sativa is well established for various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, yield and yield-related QTLs derived from O. glaberrima were mapped in backcross mapping populations of IR64 × O. glaberrima. The outcomes of the study will help in harnessing useful genomic regions from O. glaberrima for genetic improvement of O. sativa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change is anticipated to have a profound impact on drought occurrences, leading to detrimental consequences for the environment, socioeconomic relations, and ecosystem services. In order to evaluate the extent of drought impact, a comprehensive study was conducted in the Hyderabad–Karnataka region, India. Precipitation data from 31 stations spanning a 50-year period (1967–2017) were analyzed using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) based on gamma distribution. The findings reveal that approximately 15% of the assessed years of experienced drought conditions, with a range of influence between 41% and 76% under SPI_3, and between 43% and 72% under SPI_6. Examining the timescale magnitude frequency provided insights into variations in the severity of drought events across different locations and timescales. Notably, the Ballari (−8.77), Chitapur (−8.22), and Aland (−7.40) regions exhibited the most significant magnitudes of drought events for SPI_3 with a 5-year return period. The heightened risk of recurrent droughts in the study area emphasizes the necessity of integrating SPI in decision-making processes, as such integration can markedly contribute to the development of reliable and sustainable long-term water management strategies at regional and national levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]