Background: Horse gram is an underutilized legume but possesses multi-utilities. The narrower genetic base warrants targeted crop improvement attempts. Induced mutagenesis evolved a few promising mutants for yield whose breeding potency through multiple environment experiments (MEEs) was assessed. 
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Methods: The stability of the high-yielding mutants was assessed through MEEs (six environments in two cropping years) using multiple trait-based selection indices (SIs). The coincidence index was utilized to identify the&nbsp;most common stable genotypes identified by SIs. The effectiveness of the SIs was assessed using the selection differential (SDs). 
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Result: The multi trait-based SIs namely MGIDI, FAI-BLUP and SH index facilitated the selection of superior and stable horse gram mutant genotypes. The results of both preliminary (PT) and confirmatory trials (CT) were analysed using the&nbsp;coincidence index and identified the most common stable mutant genotypes G1, G3, G27 and G22. Based on the SDs for yield-related traits, it is inferred that the SI MGIDI can be relied upon to enhance the genetic gain for yield-associated traits improvement. The SIs, FAI-BLUP and the SH shall be utilized to improve growth-related traits in horse gram.&nbsp;

Identification and Validation of Stable Horse Gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] Genotypes using Multi-trait based Selection Indices in Multi-environment Experiments

Background: Limiting phosphorus (P) availability severely reduces chickpea productivity by impairing P uptake, thereby stunting plant growth. Since root system architecture (RSA) drives P uptake efficiency yet remains insufficiently characterized in chickpea, decoding RSA plasticity under P limited conditions is crucial to uncover target traits. This understanding will accelerate breeding of chickpea lines optimized for P efficient nutrient uptake.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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Methods: During 2025, 31 chickpea accessions were assessed for root-related traits under limiting and non-limiting P conditions to characterize trait variability, RSA plasticity and inter trait correlations. To integrate diverse root-related traits and rank accessions by cumulative performance under contrasting P regimes, the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was applied to pinpoint accessions exhibiting superior overall root-trait performance. 
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Result: Root-traits showed highly significant differences due to genotype and P availability (p&lt;0.001), with genotype &acute; P level interaction non-significant except for primary root length (PRL), which was significant (p&lt;0.001), reflecting adaptive variation under P stress. Under limiting P conditions, growth of root-related traits of tolerant genotypes increased, indicating adaptive responses for enhanced P foraging, while average root diameter (ARD) declined, suggesting finer root formation. MGIDI identified Pusa72, BG3022 and Pusa2085 under limiting P and BG3022, Pusa 5023 and PG0515 under non-limiting P as the top performing genotypes.&nbsp; Furthermore, it confirmed that a superior P foraging capacity under limiting P conditions is underpinned by a combination of traits including longer total root length (TRL) and PRL, greater total surface area (TSA) and total root volume (TRV), a reduced ARD and a higher number of total root tips (TRT). These findings enhance understanding of RSA dynamics and provide a physiological foundation for genotype specific responses to contrasting P regimes.

Identification and Validation of Stable Horse Gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] Genotypes using Multi-trait based Selection Indices in Multi-environment Experiments

Decoding the Dynamics of Root System Architecture in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Contrasting Phosphorus Regimes