<div>Background: The basic plant material consisted of 9 mungbean and 5 urdbean genotypes. 42 different crosses were made comprising 13 Vigna radiata x V. radiata, 4 V. radiata x V. mungo and 25 V. radiata x V. mungo crosses. Varying degree of success has been achieved in obtaining intraspecific and interspecific crosses having desired variability for yield and yield contributing traits along with MYMV resistance. 
 
Methods: The present investigation was done at Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during Kharif, 2019 and Summer, 2020. 42 intra-specific and inter-specific cross combinations were initially examined for their crossability. Out of these, six promising crosses with higher crossability percent were further analyzed for hybrid pollen fertility, hybrid lethality and, evaluation of F1 and parents for different yield traits 
. 
Result: Crossability per cent found highest in intraspecific cross HUM 2 x IPM 02-3 (41.86%) in mungbean while, in urdbean cross NDU 1 x R3/12 (41.38%). In interspecific crosses, the maximum crossability per cent was found in SKAU M 365 x R3/28 (34.92%). Two mungbean genotypes (HUM 2 and HUM 26) and two urdbean genotypes (R3/12 and R3/28) can be further utilized for genetic improvement through inter-specific hybridization as there cross combinations are better performing on the basis of yield attributes along with MYMV resistance.</div>

​Comparative Study of Crossability Behavior in Intra-specific and Inter-specific Crosses of Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo

<div>Background: Information on gene action governing yield and yield component traits need to be studied for adoption of effective breeding procedure to wards development and isolation of high yielding promising lines from the cross with resistant to bacterial leaf blight, blast and tolerance to low soil phosphorous. The present investigation was taken up in this context to estimate the gene effects for yield and yield components of the cross, YH3 &times; AKDRMS 21-54, using five parameter model of generation mean analysis.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experimental material, P1, P2, F1, F2 and F3 generations, for the investigation was generated from Kharif 2019 onwards and evaluated at Agricultural College, Bapatla during Rabi 2021-22. Gene effects for grain yield and yield attributing traits were studied.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Mean effects of all traits studied were significant indicating the presence of sufficient variation for the traits. Significance of scaling tests revealed additive-dominant model as inadequate, indicating the presence of epistasis. Digenic non-allelic interaction model with five parameters, namely, m, d, h, i and l revealed that the epistatic interaction model was adequate to explain the gene action for the traits studied in the present investigation. Dominance x dominance gene interaction was pre-dominant for grain yield per plant and majority of yield component traits studied coupled with duplicate epistasis, indicating the importance of population improvement approaches, such as bi-parental mating and recurrent selection, followed by isolation of purelines in later generations of the cross for effective improvement of yield and majority of the yield component traits.&nbsp;</div>

Generation Mean Analysis for Yield and Yield Component Traits in Inter-specific Cross of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background: Molecular markers are the landmarks on DNA that identifies a particular sequence of base pairs coding for a character. SCAR (Sequenced Characterized Amplified Region) markers are proving to be more effective in identification of genotypes as they are PCR based co-dominant markers. In view of plant variety registration under PPV and FRA, 2001 molecular characterization/ identification of the variety is essential to ascertain the trueness of the variety, hence present studies have been planned and executed. 
 
Methods: In present investigation CGMS based chilli hybrid UARChH42 and its parental lines were identified using molecular techniques. A line, B line, R line and hybrid seedlings were used for DNA extraction and characterized on the basis of polymorphism with respect to sterility or fertility by using SCAR markers. 
 
Result: P1 and P2 and coxII-SCAR which are sterility specific markers could amplify A line and hybrid showing a definite band. CRF-SCAR 870 is a fertility specific marker amplified R line and hybrid. Also CMS-SCAR 130 and CMS-SCAR 130/140 were able to identified A line, B line, R line and hybrid. Two of the markers viz. orf-456-SCAR atp6-SCAR and were not able to specify any case of parental lines or hybrid identification. Hybridity of UARChH42 (JCH42) chilli hybrid was determined by any similarity in the banding pattern with any of its parent. This study would help in the fulfillment of the requirements of protection of plant varieties and farmers&rsquo; rights authority (PPVFRA), New Delhi for registration purpose.

Identification of Parental Lines and Hybrid using Molecular Techniques in CGMS based Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Hybrid UARChH42 (JCH42)

<div>Background: In soybean yellow seed coat is preferred in the market, however, colored ones are currently gaining attention because of their medicinal and nutritive values; besides. Hence it is essential to breed varieties with desired seed coat colour.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Twelve genotypes with six each having yellow and black seed coats were screened with fourteen primers linked to seed coat colour governing loci.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Out of them twelve primers showed polymorphism. Monomorphism was observed with both T loci specific and two of the three R loci specific primers. However I locus specific primers i.e. SM303, SM305 and TR showed polymorphism shared by their seed coat color. SM303 amplified a 180 bp sized band in yellow seed coated genotypes and a 130 bp band in black seed coated genotypes. SM305 amplified dual bands with a 200bp band being monomorphic and an additional band (192-216 bp range) present in only yellow seed coated genotypes, of which a 208 bp band was shared by four yellow seed coated genotypes. Cold induced seed coat discoloration specific TR primer generated bands of different size ranges in yellow seed coated (336-344 bp) and black seed coated genotypes (300-320), of which a 340 bp band was shared by four yellow seed coated genotypes.</div>

<div>Verification of Soybean Seed Coat Colour Specific Markers Reveals I Loci Specific Markers Capable for Distinguishing Genotypes Differing in Seed Coated Colour</div>

<div>Background: Ricebean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi] is a multipurpose grain legume of Mid-Himalayan region mainly cultivated for food, fodder, green manure and has emerged as a good alternative to other pulse crops such as blackgram and greengram which do not flourish in this region due to their susceptibility to cold temperature stress. It is well reported that the nutritional value of ricebean is higher as compared to many other legumes of the Vigna family and has some superior qualities greater than greengram, blackgram and cowpea. It is also resistance to drought, diseases and pests specially the storage pests during growth period and possesses high percentage of seed viability. Despite having all the favourable traits, it is not much popular among the farmers due to the late maturity and indeterminate growth habit. Instead, farmers prefer other crops which fit easily into their cropping pattern and are easy to harvest. A little genetic improvement with respect to maturity and growth habit can revive its cultivation and show great results in its production as a valuable crop. Thus, the present investigation was formulated to introgress desired traits from mash and adzukibean into otherwise high yielding ricebean genotypes using inter-specific hybridization. &nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present investigation involves the inter-specific hybridization among three Vigna species viz, ricebean (Vigna umbellata), blackgram (Vigna mungo) and adzukibean (Vigna angularis). In the year 2017, six genotypes of ricebean (RBHP-36, RBHP-38, RBHP-43, RBHP-61, RBHP-107 and RBHP-108) were crossed with two genotypes of blackgram (HimMash-1 and Palampur-93) and one genotype of adzukibean (HPU-51) in glasshouse conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The study revealed that successful crosses were possible only between ricebean and blackgram. All the Inter-specific crosses showed very low pod set percentage ranging from 0 -4% and F1 germination percentage ranging from 20-42%. Pod set percentage and pods harvested varied with combinations of two parental cultivars of each species for most of the inter-specific hybrids. The successful pod set was observed in 16 out of 36 inter-specific crosses. Highest crossability was observed in blackgram and ricebean crosses. Crossing of adzukibean with ricebean showed poor or no pod set among the entire cross combinations which are attributed to early embryo abortion and degeneration during embryogenesis.</div>

<div>Crossability Barriers in Interspecific Hybridization of Ricebean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi] with Other Vigna Species</div>

<div>Background: Indian vegetable oil economy is world&rsquo;s fourth largest after USA, China and Brazil. India was a net exporter of oilseeds and edible oils till 1960s but with stagnation in production and increasing demand for edible oils, India became net importer of edible oils by late-1970s. The government decided to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oilseeds through various policy/schemes such as NODP (1984-85), TMO (1986), OPDP (1991-92) was launched under the TMOP and ISOPOM (2004-05). Karnataka is the sixth largest state in area and production of oilseeds crops in India. Among the oilseed crops, sunflower accounts highest in area (36.71%) and production in state. Hence, the study was undertaken in Karnataka state with the objectives of assessing the growth and instability of sunflower production. 
 
Methods: The growth trends and instability analysis of sunflower was corrie out in Karnataka. The four divisions of the states viz., Bangalore, Mysore, Belgaum and Gulbarga with 30 districts were selected for the study. The data pertaining to area, production and yield of sunflower were collected from many secondary sources and analysed for the period I: 1975-1995 (Pre-WTO), Period II: 1995-2015 (Post-WTO) and whole period: 1975-2015 by using CAGR and CDI Index.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align:justify"> 
Result: The growth pattern of sunflower showed a downward trend with respect of area, production and yield in all the four regions of the state during the period II than compared to period I. It might reflect the adverse effect of modern technology on production of sunflower in Karnataka state. The study indicated that the fluctuation in area, production and yield of sunflower were higher during post-WTO period when compared to pre-WTO period in across the districts and divisions. The mixed trend was observed during whole period with respect to growth and instability of sunflower production.</div>

<div>Growth Trends and Instability of Sunflower in Karnataka: An Inter-Districts and Inter-Divisional Analysis</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: The main cause for low yield in greengram is its susceptibility to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) which is the most prevalent and destructive viral pathogen cause 85% yield lose. Inter specific hybridization between Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo could be an alternate approach to develop MYMV resistant genotypes in greengram which leads to additional source of creating variability for desirable attributes including yield, nutritional quality, biotic and abiotic stresses. 
 
Methods: The present investigation was carried out at National Pulses Research Centre (NPRC), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vamban during 2016-2017. Interspecific hybridization has been effected between Vigna radiata var. VBN (Gg)2, VBN (Gg) 3 (as females) and Vigna mungo Var. Mash 114 (as male) during Summer 2016. The interspecific F1 hybrids, F2 and F3 populations were evaluated during Kharif 2016, Rabi 2016-17 and summer 2017 respectively. The F2 and F3 populations were evaluated for days to 1st flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of branches / plant, number of clusters / plant, number of pods / clusters, pod length (cm), number of seeds / pod, number of pods / plant, single plant yield (g.). The MYMV resistance has been confirmed under infector row method using CO 5 as susceptible check variety. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), Heritability (h2) in broad sense, genetic advance as per cent of mean, Skewness and Kurtosis were estimated for yield and yield components. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Four true F1 plants were recovered in Vigna radiata var. VBN (Gg)2 x Vigna mungo Var. Mash 114 cross combination. The fertile F1 had the shallow lobbed leaf of Vigna radiata var. VBN (Gg)2 and black colour seed of Vigna mungo var. Mash 114 with pollen fertility of 42.0 per cent and crossability of 12.50%. Most interestingly all the four interspecific F1 plants were free from MYMV disease. In F2 generation, only one healthy plant was survived which had a pod, stem and branching behaviour of blackgram and greengram characters of lobbed leaf and green seed colour. In F3 generation, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length and seed yield per plant had high GCV, high PCV, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean. Present study suggests that MYMV resistant cultivars of greengram can be explored through interspecific hybridization with Vigna mungo var. Mash 114 as a source of resistance and the hidden transgressive segregants can be recovered in F3 generation.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Interspecific Hybridization Between Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo Towards the Broadening of Genetic Base for MYMV Disease Resistance and Generating Variability</div>

<div>An experiment was carried-out with forty-eight hybrids of pigeonpea and two checks for nine characters at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University). Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the hybrids for all the nine characters studied. The results of genetic parameters revealed that, high genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic coefficients of variations (PCV) were observed for seed yield and number of pods per plant. Six characters viz., number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, test weight and seed yield exhibited high heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean which suggested that these traits were amenable for further improvement following simple selection methods. Character association revealed significant positive association of seed yield with plant height,number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and pod length. Based on divergence studies, the hybrids were grouped into nine clusters in Tocher&rsquo;s method, cluster II (14 hybrids) was the largest followed by cluster I (13), cluster VI (9), cluster IV (6), cluster IX (4) and the remaining clusters were solitary (III, V, VII and VIII). Out of the nine characters studied, seed yield, days to 50% flowering, test weight and plant height contributed 85.62 per cent of the total divergence and these traits were found to be important factors for genetic differentiation in the hybrids. The overall results of the study revealed that, hybrids under cluster IV and VIII and cluster VII and VIII had maximum and minimum inter cluster distances respectively and possessing high genetic diversity for the characters viz. plant height, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per pod and yield.</div>

<div>Genetic Analysis of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Hybrids for Yield and Yield Attributes</div>

<div>Background: Zea mays (L.), commonly known as maize or corn, is a diploid (2n= 2x= 20) grain crop which belongs to the family Poaceae. It is important to protect and prevent unauthorized commercial usage of hybrids at large scale, which can be best done through molecular profiling. The present study was operated with the purpose to obtain specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers which can identify maize hybrids from their parental lines.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: For this work, seven maize hybrids viz. HM 5, HM 8, HM 9, HM 10, HM 11, HM 12 and HM 13 along with their ten respective parents were used. A total of 45 SSR primers, well distributed on all the 10 chromosomes of maize were used for polymerase chain reaction amplification. 
 
Result: Molecular study using SSRs resulted in 12 polymorphic and 24 monomorphic markers. Three SSR primers viz. pumc2246, pumc1020 and pumc1040 could clearly distinguish different hybrids and their parents. The study will be useful in detecting unwanted seed mixing with the hybrid seeds.</div>

Molecular Profiling for Identification of Zea mays L. True Hybrids

A study involving three cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile lines and 14 diverse pollinators were crossed in a line &times; tester design during Kharif &nbsp;2011. The resultant 42 hybrids and their parents were evaluated in a lattice design. Analysis of variance revealed that the ratio of variance due to GCA to SCA was less than unity for all the traits except secondary branches indicating that these traits may be under the influence of non additive gene action and these characters are more likely to be improved through heterosis breeding. The gca effects of parents revealed that ICPA-2043, ICPA-2047, GRG-2009-4 and ICPL-20 were good general combiners for seed yield and it&rsquo;s direct components. The top three crosses exhibiting high specific combing ability effects along with their Per se performance, standard heterosis and gca status of the parents indicated that the cross combination ICPA-2047 x GRG-2009-4 was good specific combiner for seed yield per plant, number of secondary branches and number of pods per plant.