Genetic variability of early flowering and yield contributing traits in Barnyard Millet [Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb). Link] grown at different altitudes

Barnyard millet is an important up surging minor millet in Asia countries for food and nutritional security. Being a minorcrop, the genetics and inheritance of the traits need to understand, for effective utilization in the crop improvementprogrammes. Here, we investigated the genetic background and inheritance of different traits in barnyard millet genotypes.Forty germplasm accessions were evaluated in different ecological environments of southern India for 17 quantitative traits.Genetic variability analysis using GENSTAT and the pooled REML mean data results revealed that Phenotypic Co-efficientof Variation (PCV) was greater than the Genotypic Co-efficient of Variation (GCV) over the diverged ecological locationsindicating the existence of environmental influence on all the biometric traits studied. In the Western Ghats region (E1),high heritability coupled with high genetic advance was exhibited for traits like days to flowering, plant height, days tomaturity, number of nodes, length of nodes, number of basal tillers, stem diameter, flag leaf length, flag leaf width,inflorescence length, inflorescence width, length of peduncle, number of racemes, single ear head weight and grain yield perplant. Traits like thousand grain weight expressed moderate genetic advance with high heritability while, length of lowerracemes expressed moderate heritability with high genetic advance. Similarly, high heritability coupled with high geneticadvance was recorded for all the characters in valley region (E2) except thousand grain weight that showed high heritabilitybut moderate genetic advance. In contrast, in the area of plains (E3), all the traits exhibited high heritability coupled withhigh genetic advance. Since, majority of the traits have shown high heritability with high genetic advance, selection mightbe effective in these traits irrespective of the environment.

Path Coefficient Analysis, Character Association and Variability Studies in Selected Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes Grown in Southern Nigeria

The success of any selection process is greatly enhanced by using appropriate selection indices. The knowledge of the relationship among various traits affecting grain yield is imperative to arrive at potentially effective selection index. The study was carried out to unveil the different attributes of genetic variability, the type of interrelationships among the various traits affecting yield. Fifteen local and improved maize inbred lines were crossed to three tester varieties to develop 45 test cross progenies. The parents and crosses (63 entries in all) were evaluated in two different locations with three replications at each location using the Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data generated was recorded for the quantitative traits evaluated and subjected to statistical analysis for estimation of various variability parameters namely GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance alongside computing genotypic correlation coefficients and path coefficient analysis to unveil the direct and indirect effects of the various traits studied. The analysis of variability parameters evaluated revealed the presence of significant variability for all the traits studied. Grain yield, ear length, ear height, 100-seed weight and ear diameter showed high GCV estimates, with high heritability. The genetic advance was higher for plant height, ear length, grain/row and grain yield. The genotypic correlation coefficient revealed that ear diameter, 100 seed weight, ear length, kernel rows/ear and grains/row had highest significant correlation with grain yield. The path coefficient analysis revealed that highest direct effect on grain yield was exhibited by 100 seed weight followed by grains/row, kernel rows/ear, ear length and ear diameter. Most of the traits exerted their positive indirect effects through 100 – seed weight, kernel rows/ear and grains/row. The inferences of the results of the present study and their possible implications in maize breeding have been revealed.

Profiling of major biochemical compounds for identification of nutritionally rich genotypes in mango

Aim: Mango is a major fruit crop grown in India with wide variability for fruit colour, size, shape and fruit quality. The main objective of this study was profiling of mango genotypes and their genetic estimates for major biochemical compounds to identify superior genotypes as parents for developing nutritionally rich hybrids in future. Methodology: Fifty mango varieties were analysed for biochemical compounds such as total antioxidants, total phenols, total flavonoids and total carotenoids. The L*, a*, b* values were recorded for pulp colour, and genetic estimates were also worked for genetic parameters such as genotypic variance, phenotypic variance, GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance. Correlation matrix for major biochemical compounds and L*, a*, b* values were also calculated. Results: The present study revealed the presence of wide genetic variability in mango gene pool for biochemical compounds and pulp colour. The total phenolics ranged from 24.44 to 148.33 mg 100g-1 of pulp, total flavonoids 10.33-49 mg 100g-1, total carotenoids 0.48-7.50 mg 100g-1 and total antioxidants 0.14-1.59 µmol Trolox 100g-1 of pulp. The future genetic estimates showed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters was slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), indicating the presence of environmental influence to some degree in the phenotypic expression of characters. However, the difference between PCV and GCV for all the traits was narrow suggesting that the traits were less influenced by environment. The broad sense heritability (H2b) for all the compounds was high which indicates the phenotype of that trait strongly reflects its genotype. Interpretation: High values of PCV, GCV and heritability for total antioxidants, total phenols, total flavonoids and total carotenoids indicated high genetic variability and better scope for selection and improvement through hybridization.

Path Analysis and Genetic Parameters for Grain Yield in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The experiment was conducted with 2 replications and 54 genotypes of wheat consisting 10 lines, 4 testers and their 40 crosses made in line X tester mating fashion in randomized block design during growing seasons 2014-2015. Spike length recorded the highest value of broad sense heritability while Canopy temperature index reported the highest value of genetic advance as a percent of mean and also reported highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation. Genotypic path analysis revealed that test weight and weight of grain/spike exhibited positive and strong association with grain yield and highest positive direct effects on grain yield. The selection for yield contributing test weight and weight of grain/spike must be given preference along with grain yield for speedy improvement grain yield.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Yield Components in Segregating (F4) Generation of Lablab Bean (Lababperpureus L. Sweet).

The genotypic correlation coefficients were slightly higher than phenotypic coefficients. Seed yield per plant was highly significant and positively correlated with number of pods per plant, primary branches per plant, hundred seed weight, days to maturity and number of peduncles per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic level, whereas it was significantly and positively correlated with days to first flowering at genotypic level only. Path analysis revealed that, number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight and number of primary branches recorded the highest direct effects in desirable direction. Their association with seed yield was also significant and positive indicating true and perfect association between these traits. Therefore direct selection for these characters would help in isolating high yielding genotypes.

Genetic Studies for Quality Traits of F2 Population in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

In the present investigation F2 population of 36 crosses were studied to estimate the variability, heritability, and genetic advance and genetic advance as percentage of mean for agronomic and grain quality traits. The Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) were low to moderate with low heritability and genetic advance for harvest index indicating that the character is highly influenced by non-additive genetic effects and thus the selection would be ineffective. The moderate heritability and genetic advance were recorded for grain quality characters viz., kernel length, kernel breadth and L/B ratio. Moreover phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variances were low which indicated the presence of nonadditive gene action.

Estimates of Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Certain Inbreeds of Maize (Zea mays, L.).

Genetic variability, heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance were studied in 39 inbreeds of maize. The data were recorded on twelve quantitative traits viz., days to 50% silking, days to 50% tasseling, plant height (cm), ear height (cm), ear length (cm), ear diameter (cm), ear weight without husk (g). ear weight with husk (g), number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels pr row, 100-seed weight and grain yield per palnt (g). Significant differences among the genotypes were observed for all the characters under study. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were highest for characters namely, ear weight without husk, ear weight with husk, number of kernels per row, 100 grain weight and grain yield per plant suggesting that these characters are under the influence of genetic control. High values of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was noticed for traits viz., grain yield per plant, ear height, plant height, number of kernels per row, number of kernel rows per ear, ear length, 100 grain weight, ear weight with husk and without husk indicating their effectiveness in selection.

Studies on Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Estimates in Newly Developed Maize Genotypes (Zea Mays L.).

The present study was carried out at Research farm, College of Agriculture, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif, 2011 to determine the various parameters of genetic variability, broad sense heritability and genetic advance estimates in newly developed 65 maize genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all the 11 characters studied. High to moderate estimates of GCV and PCV were recorded for Grain yield, number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight, ear length and plant height which represents considerable variability and offers scope for genetic improvement through selection. Grain yield, number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight, ear length and ear height had high GCV estimates with high heritability. Moderate estimates of genetic advance with high heritability was recorded for Grain yield, number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight, ear length, ear height and plant height which further leads to improvement of traits under selection. Thus provides better opportunities for selecting plant material for these traits in maize breeding program.

Study on Genetic Parameters on F2 Generation Involving Aromatic Rice Genotypes (O.Sativa).

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2010 and rabi 2010-11 at Rice section, ARI, Rajendranagar, involving 7 parents, 7 F1 hybrids and their corresponding F2 populations to study the genetic parameters i.e. variability, heritabiity and genetic advance cross-wise in aromatic rice. A critical examination of genetic parameters in each cross in F2 generation revealed the presence of wider range of variability for both yield and quality traits. The estimates of heritability and genetic advance varied depending on the cross and also the character. Estimates of heritability in broad sense and genetic advance were high for number of grains per panicle, grain yield per plant and kernel length whereas, the estimates were relatively low-moderate for the remaining characters. Keeping in view the gene action known from the genetic parameters, selection on important yield components viz., number of grains per panicle and grain yield per plant and the quality trait, kernel length was suggested to bring out further improvement in aromatic rice. The crosses, RNR 2354 × Sye 632002 and YAMINI × BM 71 for number of grains per panicle, PUSA 1121 X MTU 1010 for grain yield per plant, PUSA 1121 × BM 71 and PUSA 1121× MTU 1010 for kernel length were identified as better crosses for further advancement to develop pure lines with high yield and quality.

Studies on Genetic Parameters to Improve the Genetic Architecture of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.).

Selection which is the basis of every breeding programme operates only on variation which is of genetic nature. A wide range of variability present in any crop always provides the better chances of selecting desired types. A field experiment was carried out at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University during 2012 to evaluate the diverse genotypes of tomato. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters. The highest GCV and PCV were observed with the character fruit yield per plant followed by number of seeds per fruit. Whereas, the lowest GCV and PCV were recorded by the character days to 50% fruiting followed by days to 50% flowering. The heritability estimates were high for all the characters except number of branches per plant which showed moderate heritability. The maximum heritability was observed for number of seeds per fruit and average fruit weight. High GCV and heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for fruit yield per plant followerd by number of seeds per fruit indicating that they are governed by additive genes and could be effectively improved through selection.

Studies on genetic characteristics of pigeon pea and determination of selection criteria with path co-efficient analysis.

Genetic analysis and association studies were conducted in 128 germplasm lines of pigeon pea received from NBPGR for yield and yield attributing characters. Higher amount of variation was observed for seed yield per plant followed by number of pods per plant and plant height. High heritability with high genetic advance as percentage of mean were obtained for seed yield and number of pods per plant indicated the presence of additive gene action influencing the inheritance of these characters. Significant positive correlations were observed for 100 seed weight, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and plant height on seed yield per plant were high and positive. Selection for higher seed weight, days to maturity, primary branches, pods per plant and plant height would be the best criteria for increasing the seed yield per plant in pigeon pea.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Pearl Millet (Penisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) Genotypes.

Fifteen genotypes of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.) were evaluated at Sudan University of Science and Technology, The Demonstration Farm, College of Agricultural Studies, Shambat, during the summer season 2009 and 2010. The present study was conducted to assess the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability in broad sense and genetic advance among fifteen pearl millet genotypes for some growth and grain yield characters. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used at each season. Highly significant differences (P≤ 0.01) were observed for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity in the both seasons, for plant height, leaf area, number of grains /plant, 1000 grain weight and grain yield (t/ha) in the summer season of 2009, for panicle length in the summer season of 2010. Also highly significant differences were observed for genotypes and genotypes × seasons interaction for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. In general phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) estimates were higher than genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) estimates for all the studied characters in all genotypes displaying the influence of environment effect on the studied characters. The combined results for heritability showed that the high estimates of heritability and genetic advance were scored for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity indicating that these characters were under the control of additive genetic effects. The genotypes ICMV155 and SADC (long) scored the most minimum days to maturity (68) days whereas, the genotypes ICMW221 and Ugandi scored the highest yield values of 2.20 and 2.05(t/ha), respectively. Such genotypes can be manipulated for further improvement in millet breeding programs at the Sudan.

Genetic variability for seed yield and its components in linseed (linum usitatissinum l.).

Thirty diverse genotypes were studied for variability analysis with respect to yield and yield components in linseed under three environmental conditions viz., rain fed, irrigated and late sown, respectively. Seed yield per plant showed highest genotypic coefficient of variation under all the three environments. High heritability was recorded for days to maturity under irrigated condition, while high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for seed yield per plant under rain fed condition as well as under irrigated condition. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for 100-seed weight under irrigated condition.

Genetic variability and association among the various characters in groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L).

Seventy five groundnut genotypes were evaluated for yield and yield component characters indicated the existence of considerable genetic variation in the present investigation. The components of variance revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied indicating the role of environmental variance in the total variance. The magnitude of PCV and GCV was moderate to high for number of pods per plant, kernel yield, dry pod yield, hundred kernel weight, dry haulm yield. Heritability in broad sense was higher in most of the characters viz., hundred kernel weight, plant height, kernel yield, dry pod yield and number of pods per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for hundred kernel weight, plant height, kernel yield, dry pod yield and number of pods per plant indicating the role of additive gene in expressing these traits. Pod yield was positively correlated with kernel yield, number of pods per plant, hundred kernel weight and shelling percent. Non significant positive association of pod yield noticed with dry haulm yield. However, significant negative association with plant height and non significant negative association with days to 50 percent flowering and days to maturity were observed. Direct positive effect of kernel yield, no of pods per plant and hundred kernel weight was revealed on pod yield. Hence, a direct selection criterion should be followed for traits viz., no of pods per plant and hundred kernel weight to improve the pod yield.

Variability studies for yield and yield components in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

A field experiment was conducted with 94 genotypes including three checks to study the variability for different characters. The range of variation for different characters indicated wide differences among the genotypes. The genotypic and phenotypic variation (GCV and PCV) was high for seed yield per plant, test weight and number of filled seeds was indicated these characters amenable for improvement by selection. Non additive gene action was observed for days to maturity, days to 50% flowering, oil content and number of leaves per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean for the traits viz., number of filled seeds per plant, test weight and seed yield per plant indicated the additive gene action controlling these traits.

Genetic variability studies for yield attributes and resistance to foliar diseases in groundnut (arachis hypogaea l.).

Twenty eight F2 populations (crossed in an 8 × 8 diallel fashion without reciprocals) of groundnut were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications for variability, heritability and genetic advance during rabi 2009-10. Observations on sixteen characters were recorded. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters except number of mature pods per plant and pod yield per plant. High GCV accompanied by high heritability and high GAM were obtained for percentage of leaves affected by foliar diseases per plant and number of immature pods per plant indicating predominant role of additive gene action and amenability for phenotypic selection in early generations. For late leaf spot and rust severities and harvest index moderate GCV and high heritability and GAM was observed. Moderate GCV, heritability and GAM were registered for plant height at harvest, number of primary branches per plant, number of leaves per plant at harvest, number of mature pods per plant, kernel weight per plant indicating that additive and non-additive gene actions have a role in their inheritance and phenotypic selection would be effective to some extent. For days to 50% flowering and days to maturity, GCV was low, heritability was high and GAM was low. For sound mature kernel percentage and shelling out-turn all the genetic parameters were low indicating larger role of non-additive gene action and selection would be effective in later segregating generations.

Variability, heritability and genetic advances in F2 generation of 15 crosses involving bold-seeded genotypes in groundnut (arachis hypogaea l.).

Significant differences were observed among F2 population of fifteen single crosses and parents for all characters. Plant height, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, pod yield/plant showed higher values of Genotypic Co-efficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV), heritability (broad sense) and Genetic Advance as per cent of Mean (GAM). The role of additive gene action seems to be significant in the inheritance of these traits. Thus phenotypic selection is early generations would help to make improvement in these characters. Number of mature pods and number of immature pods showed low to moderate values of GCV, PCV, heritability (broad sense) and GAM. The role of non-additive gene action seems to be significant in the inheritance of these traits. In these characters, early generation selection followed by biparental matings and selection in later generations would help to isolate lines with improvement in these traits. Shelling out-turn and sound mature kernel percentage were found to be governed by both additive and non-additive gene action.

Genetic variability for morphological, physiological, yield and yield traits in f2 populations of groundnut (arachis hypogaea l).

Twenty eight F2 populations were evaluated for genetic parameters of 23 characters of morphological, physiological, yield and yield attributes during rabi 2009. TPT-4 x ICGV-91114 was distinct for its lowest mean value for days to maturity and highest mean values for number of well-filled and mature pods per plant, shelling per cent, 100- kernel weight. The F2 involving JL-220 as one of the parents viz., JL-220 x ICGV-99029 for SCMR, JL-220 x TCGS- 647 for SMK per cent, protein per cent, kernel yield per plant and pod yield per plant showed the highest per se performance High genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of secondary branches per plant. High heritability and high GAM was recorded for number of secondary branches per plant, high heritability and moderate GAM observed for days to 50% flowering. Moderate heritability and high GAM was showed for leaf area index, number of wellfilled and mature pods per plant, dry haulms yield per plant and harvest index. This indicates that these characters are under additive genetic control and selection for genetic improvement will be worthwhile and may rapidly contribute yield.

Variability and genetic parameters for grain yield and its components and kernel quality attriburtes in CMS based rice hybrids (oryza sativa l.).

The present investigation was under taken to study the extent of variability and genetic parameters with 16 parents and 48 hybrids for nine yield and its components and twenty five quality characters. The magnitude of difference between PCV and GCV was relatively low for all the traits, indicating less environmental influence. High GCV and PCV were recorded for harvest index, total number of productive tillers per plant and gelatinization temperature in parents and for total number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, gelatinization temperature and amylose content in hybrids. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for gelatinization temperature, harvest index, total number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, kernel length, kernel L/B ratio and grain yield per plant in case of parents and for gelatinization temperature, amylose content, total number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle and harvest index in case of hybrids indicating the additive gene effects in the genetic control of these traits and can be improved by simple selection in the present breeding material.