<div>Background: Cluster bean was cultivated as a catch crop without external fertilization, solely to recharge the soil fertility and to harvest the residual nutrient after maize crop; clusterbean had been included as a succeeding crop. Doubling the fertilizer for maize would leave more residues. Even though maize is an exhaustive crop, since the nutrient uptake was need based, the excess fertilizers were effectively utilized by cluster bean.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
Methods: A field research was carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore under irrigated conditions. Experimental trials were adopted to estimate the effect of high density with nutrient management practices on maize which influences the performance of succeeding cluster bean under maize-cluster bean cropping sequence during Rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 by using cultivar Pusa Naubahar. No separate treatments were adapted to cluster bean crop.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results of cluster bean sown after the high density of 1,33,333 plants ha-1 maize with nutrient level of 200 per cent RDF produced taller plants, higher drymatter production (636 and 607 kg/ha), increased yield attributes, higher yield (6.58 and 6.81 t/ha) and better economics (B:C ratio -1.87 and 1.94) in both the seasons. Post-harvest available nutrient status revealed that the higher population by closer spacing with increased fertilizer levels (T7) maintained its superiority during both the years. Moreover, this proved to be the most viable practice for production and residual nutrient uptake, by including pulse (cluster bean) as succeeding crop and soil health was effectively maintained by fixing atmospheric nitrogen by cluster bean.</div>

Effect of Maize High Density Planting on Cluster Bean Performance under Maize-cluster Bean Cropping Sequence

<div>Background: Cluster bean is a drought tolerant, warm season legume crop, cultivated mainly as a rain fed crop in arid and semi-arid regions of India. The productivity of guar seed is low as it is cultivated in varied and harsh environments so development of new varieties with stable performance over environments as well as identification of discriminative environments for proper testing of cultivars is absolutely essential.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In the present study, 13 guar genotypes developed by pedigree method of breeding at Pulses Research Station, SDAU, S.K.Nagar were evaluated for yield performance during kharif 2020, at eight different locations. Pooled analysis of variance and stability analysis was performed by AMMI and GGE biplot. 
 
Result: The results of pooled analysis indicated the presence of significant G x E interaction (GEI) for seed yield and hence the data was subjected to stability analysis. From stability analysis, it was evident that the genotypes viz., G8, G4, G2 and G5 were with high mean values for the trait concerned and exhibited less variation over environments whereas other genotypes had a greater variation with the environment. Among the environments, E7 (VIJ)) was found to be the best test environment having high discriminative ability and representativeness for selecting generally adapted genotypes.</div>

AMMI and GGE Biplot Analysis of Multi-environmrnt Seed Yield Data in Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.]

The present investigation was carried out to estimate galactomannan content in mature seeds of 17 guar genotypes and activity of enzymes involved in galactomannan metabolism. Galactomannan content was found in the range of 16.82 (in IC 310630) to 36.68 per cent (in HG 3-2). The developing pods were sampled at 25, 32, 39 and 46 days after flowering (DAF) for a-galactosyltransferase, &szlig;-D-mannosidase &amp; &szlig;-1, 4-mannanase assay. The mean a-galactosyltransferase specific activity increased from 25 to 39 DAF (1557 to 3093 units) followed by decrease at 46 DAF (1484 units). The mean specific activity increased from 392 to 3166 units with the increase in galactomannan content from 16.82 to 36.68 per cent. Thus, this enzyme showed highly positive correlation with the galactomannan content. The mean specific activity of &nbsp;&szlig;-D-mannosidase increased gradually from 25 to 39 DAF (67 to 138 units) followed by sharp decrease at 46 DAF (32 units). The mean specific activity of &nbsp;&szlig;-1, 4-mannanase was found maximum at 25 DAF (102 units) and afterwards, it decreased continuously with advancement of days after flowering up to 46 days (9 units). On the whole, it can be said that the &szlig;-D-mannosidase requires prior activity of &nbsp;&szlig;-1, 4-mannanase for galactomannan catabolism while a-galactosyltransferase activity is positively correlated with galactomannan content and play a major role in guar gum synthesis and can be further used for gum improvement via genetic manipulation.

Galactomannan content and key enzymes of its metabolism in seeds&nbsp;of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.]

<div>Background: The three priming modes using various organic and inorganic compounds for hydro-priming, osmo-priming (PEG 6000, CaCl2, KNO3) and halo-priming (thiourea, GA3) with control were considered, to study the improvement in physiological performances of French bean seed.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The seeds were primed for 6 hours duration and observations associated to seven parameters considering seedling and biochemical activities were considered for getting the real exposure in physiological performances of seed for seedling establishment. 
 
Result: The treatment, T2 (thiourea, 750 ppm) was best performing with significant variation among diverse treatments except in peroxidase activity. In genotypes, V3 (RCM-FB-62) showed high significant demarcation for maximum parameters though, V2 (phyrngop) and V1 (RCM-FB-18) were highest for peroxidase activity and speed of germination. The treatment-genotype interactions showed significant demarcation with exemption in speed of germination and vigour index, however, T2V3 interaction was highest considering all parameters. Considerable parameters were pronounced contributors for cumulative upgradation in physiological performances of seed with exceptions in percent of germination and peroxidase activity. Diverse treatments specified the extent of effects on seedling or enzyme activity to upgrade the quality. Consequently, the treatment T2 resulted in improved physiological performance in French bean seed production.</div>

Modification in Physiological Performances of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Seed Through Seed Priming

<div>The effect of seed biopriming with different bioagents including plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR-1), rhizobial biofertilizer (Rhizobium strain B1) and biological control agent (Trichoderma viride) was observed on plant growth, seed yield and incidence of diseases in French bean cv. Contender conducting a field experiment during kharif season in the year &nbsp;2017 and 2018. Under field conditions in both the years, field emergence (95.18 %), plant height at 30 days after sowing (34.09 cm), plant height at final harvest (56.99 cm), days to pod harvest (52.33), harvest duration (18.67), pod length at final harvest (16.83 cm), number of pods per plant (20.17), dry pod weight (2.72 g), pod yield per plant (38.64 g), number of seeds per pod (7.17), seed yield per plant (20.76 g), seed yield per plot (875.33 g), seed yield per hectare (23.34 q), 100 seed weight (34.19 g), quality of harvested seeds were recorded significantly higher after seed biopriming with PGPR-1+ Rhizobium strain B1 (T4) as compared to carbendazim seed treatment and &nbsp;untreated control. This treatment combination also reduced the incidence of major diseases like, Rhizoctonia root rot and Angular leaf spot significantly as compared to carbendazim seed treatments and untreated control. It can be concluded from the present investigation that seed biopriming of French bean cv. Contender with PGPR-1+Rhizobium strain B1 @ 109cfu/ml for 8 hours was an effective treatment which significantly improved plant growth, pod yield, seed yield, seed quality and seed vigour and reduced disease incidence as compared to seed treatment with carbendazim @ 0.2% as well as untreated control under field conditions.</div>

<div>Effect of seed biopriming with indigenous PGPR, Rhizobia and Trichoderma sp. on growth, seed yield and incidence of diseases in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)</div>

<div>Background: Callosobruchus chinensis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is one of the major insect pests of Phaseolus vulgaris L. grains, commonly known as rajma seeds, in Europe and Asia including India. Infestations of these insects destroy majority of legume seeds including rajma which causes a great economic loss. Hence, a proper sustainable pest management measures are necessary for storage of rajma seeds. For this, the study aims to identify and quantify the n-alkane profile from the surface waxes of rajma seeds and their role as olfactory cue in C. chinensis. Individual synthetic alkane followed by the synthetic blends mimicking rajma seed surface wax n-alkanes as olfactory cue was also evaluated. 
 
Methods: Collected rajma seeds were solvent extracted to isolate surface waxes. The extract then fractioned by thin-layer chromatography and followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses to purify, quantify and identify n-alkanes. 
 
Result: Rajma seeds&rsquo; surface waxes analysis revealed 18 n-alkanes between n-C15 and n-C33. The predominant alkanes were n-octacosane and n-hexadecane. n-Octadecane was the least abundant alkane in seeds. Total alkane content was 3502.67&plusmn;12.82&micro;g from 100 g (number 200 &plusmn; 5.13) seeds. Adult female C. chinensis elicited attraction towards the surface wax alkanes at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 seed(s) equivalent of rajma seed(s) in the Y-tube olfactometer bioassay, but the highest attraction was observed at 6 seeds equivalent. Hence, a synthetic alkane blend resembling of 6 seeds equivalent, present in seeds&rsquo; surface wax alkane or a combination of nine (which elicited positive response) synthetic alkane blend resembling 6 seeds equivalent could be used as lures in developing baited trap in insect pest management programme.</div>

<div>Interrelation between Surface Wax Alkanes from Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Seeds and Adzuki Bean Weevil [Callosobruchus chinensis (F.)] (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">The present experiments were carried out at Department of Horticulture, Dr. PDKV, Akola and Regional Research Centre, Amravati during the years 2013-14 and 2014-15. Fifty five genotypes of cluster bean were assessed for genetic divergence&nbsp;using Mahalanobis D2 technique. Among the characters studied in all four environmental conditions, gum content in seed&nbsp;(63.50%), plant spread (17.17%), number of primary branches per plant (4.65%), days to first flower (3.77%), hundred&nbsp;seed weight (2.09%), days to 50 % flowering(1.95%), seed to husk ratio (1.68%) and ten dry pod weight (1.35%) contributed&nbsp;95 percent to the total divergence. Genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters using Tocher&rsquo;s method. Cluster V was the&nbsp;largest group, involving 17 genotypes followed by twelve genotypes were grouped in cluster IV, eleven genotypes in&nbsp;cluster III and six genotype each in cluster I and II. The remaining solitary clusters (VI, VII and VIII) contained only one&nbsp;genotype each. The genotypes from the solitary clusters showed high divergence and useful in breeding. The intra-cluster&nbsp;distance ranged from 0 to 9.15. Cluster V possessed the highest intra-cluster distance (D2=9.15), followed by cluster IV&nbsp;(D2=6.34), cluster III (D2=4.71), cluster II (D2=3.31), and cluster I (D2=2.65). The clusters comprised of only one genotype&nbsp;had zero intra-cluster distance (cluster VI to VIII). The average inter-cluster distance reveled&nbsp; the maximum divergence(D&sup2;)&nbsp;between cluster V and VIII (D&sup2;=37.26) followed by cluster III and V (D&sup2;=29.92), cluster VI and VIII (D&sup2;=25.51). On the&nbsp;basis of inter cluster distance and performance observed in the present study a breeding programme involving genotypes&nbsp;for a specific character has been selected using cluster mean.</div>

Genetic divergence studies in cluster bean genotypes

Background: Karnataka is predominantly known for cluster bean production. The evidences claims that the cluster bean production is not a profitable option and has many constraints, which hinders farmers to take up this enterprise. The current study aims to analyze the growth in area, to forecast seed demand and to work out the economics of cluster bean production in Karnataka. 
 
Methods: The current study was based on the field survey conducted in Karnataka during 2019-20, to collect the primary data from cluster bean entrepreneurs. The study has also used secondary data for analysis. Four major districts in Karnataka were selected for the study, based on the maximum area and highest production. From each district, 30 farmers were randomly selected for collection of primary data, constituting a total of 120 farmers. The Compound Annual Growth Rate and cost-returns techniques were employed for data analysis. 
 
Result: The study indicated that Karnataka has registered a declined trend of 3.12 per cent per annum and the total estimated area under cluster bean would be 2,720 ha during 2021-22. Hence, the seed industry should cater seed demand to the tune of 544 quintals for the said period. Total cost of cultivation was worked out to be ₹ 35,176 per acre. The study emphasize that this enterprise provides higher gross and net returns to the tune of ₹ 70,851 and ₹ 35,675 per acre, respectively, with the Benefit-cost ratio of 2.01, indicating its profitability. Lack of availability of High Yielding Varieties/hybrid seeds and high wage rate were the major constraints notified in cluster bean enterprise.

Economic Analysis of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] Entrepreneurs in Karnataka

Cluster bean is an important legume cultivated mostly on marginal and sub marginal lands of arid and semi-arid regions. Overall, India produces around 80% of global cluster bean production. It is cultivated on more than 4 m ha in India, Rajasthan alone accounts for &nbsp;around 80% of the area and production. Owing to its demand in the international market, it has been introduced in the non-traditional growing areas like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Further, its cultivation is also being taken up under irrigated conditions during summer. Cluster bean seed (endosperm) is a source of a natural hydrocolloid (galactomannan/&lsquo;guar gum&rsquo;). The gum has unique abilities with multiple commercial applications like textile, printing, paper, cosmetics, mining, pharmaceutical, petroleum, natural gas, well drilling and oil industries. Green pods are nutritionally rich and are routinely consumed as vegetable especially in northern and western parts of India. Additionally, cluster bean has been reported to have beneficial effects when cultivated as an intercrop. Cluster bean meal (high protein content) obtained from seed coat and germ cell is an excellent feed for monogastric animals. Cluster bean cultivars with high gum content (&gt;32%) and viscosity (4000-5000 cps) are more preferred for export. The value of cluster bean exports from India has increased from Rs 242 crores (1994) to Rs 2100 crores (2012-13). This review presents the various aspects of cluster bean cultivation and its emergence as an important industrial crop.&nbsp;

Cluster bean [cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], an important&nbsp;industrial arid legume: A review

Background: Twenty six genotypes of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] were evaluated under randomized block design with three replications under the field condition to estimate the range of variability and diversity present in cluster bean genotypes for fifteen yield and yield contributing traits. 
 
Methods: The experiment was carried out at Research Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat in the year 2020 on twenty-six genotypes of cluster bean. 
 
Result: Correlation coefficients of fifteen traits estimates indicated positive and highly significant correlation of seed yield per plant with pods per plant, pods per cluster, pod yield per plant and seeds per plant, so these characters should be considered for selection for increasing yield in cluster bean. Gum content was negatively and significantly correlated with days to 50% flowering, seed yield per plant and 100 seed weight at genotypic level hence, selection for gum content might not be desirable for test seed weight and seed yield. Principal component analysis revealed significant variation among traits evaluated with the five principal components explaining approximately the 75.8% of the total variation with &ge;1 eigen values. Most of the variation contributed by the pods per cluster, pods per plant, gum content, pod yield per plant and seed yield per plant, these traits should be considered while selecting the cluster bean genotypes. The PCA- biplot revealed GAUG-1305, GG-1801, RGC-936 and RGC-986 as the most diverse genotypes for various traits. Cluster analysis distributed 26 cluster bean genotypes into three different clusters by UPGMA method. In the present investigation, the genotype GAUG-1305 recorded higher pods per plant, while GAUG-1502 for higher pod yield per plant, the genotype RGC-1003 for high pod length and RGC-936 exhibited higher pods per cluster, seeds per pod and seed yield per plant. So, these genotypes could be used in the future breeding programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Effect of Maize High Density Planting on Cluster Bean Performance under Maize-cluster Bean Cropping Sequence

AMMI and GGE Biplot Analysis of Multi-environmrnt Seed Yield Data in Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.]

Galactomannan content and key enzymes of its metabolism in seeds of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.]

Modification in Physiological Performances of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Seed Through Seed Priming

Effect of seed biopriming with indigenous PGPR, Rhizobia and Trichoderma sp. on growth, seed yield and incidence of diseases in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Interrelation between Surface Wax Alkanes from Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Seeds and Adzuki Bean Weevil [Callosobruchus chinensis (F.)] (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Genetic divergence studies in cluster bean genotypes

Economic Analysis of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] Entrepreneurs in Karnataka

Cluster bean [cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], an important industrial arid legume: A review

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub]