PLANT CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

RNA Interference for Precision Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes: Mechanisms, Delivery Constraints and Translational Evidence

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Plant-parasitic nematodes are persistent constraints on crop productivity because their behaviour, protected habitats and intimate relationships with host roots complicate both diagnosis and control. RNA interference offers sequence-guided suppression of nematode gene expression without requiring a conventional toxicant to act on a broad physiological target. Yet molecular specificity should not be conflated with biological control, and promising experiments have produced uneven results across species, life stages, delivery systems and scales. This critical narrative review examines research on double-stranded RNA exposure, target validation, host-induced gene silencing, artificial microRNAs, non-transgenic formulations, nanocarriers and translation to field use. Peer-reviewed experimental and methodological studies published through 14 August 2026 were considered, with seminal earlier work included to establish the mechanism. The strongest evidence concerns gene knockdown and reduced infection or reproduction in controlled plant systems, particularly root-knot and cyst nematodes. More recent soil-directed formulations for potato cyst nematodes and trunk-injected complexes for pine wood nematodes indicate that deployment beyond transgenic plants is technically possible, but do not establish general efficacy across agricultural soils. Critical barriers include uptake across nematode feeding structures, RNA degradation, stage-dependent susceptibility, inconsistent phenotypic reporting, poorly quantified exposure, limited off-target testing and the scarcity of replicated yield and durability data. A central distinction emerging from the synthesis is between sequence selectivity, delivery selectivity, life-stage accessibility and agronomic performance. These requirements are related but are not interchangeable. Future progress depends on experimentally linking confirmed target engagement with biologically meaningful crop protection, testing formulations under realistic soils and plant growth conditions, assessing non-target organisms and specifying manufacturing and resistance-management pathways. RNA interference is a credible complement to integrated nematode management, but its precision and readiness must be demonstrated for each pest–crop–delivery combination.

Combined Effect of Hydro-priming and Seed Storage Duration on Germination, Growth, and Tolerance to Water Deficit in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world’s leading cereal crop. In Côte d’Ivoire, maize is a strategic crop for food security and rural economies. Despite its importance, this crop is highly sensitive to early water stress. In the face of climate change, which poses a major constraint on cereal production, improving plant tolerance to water deficit through environmentally sustainable techniques such as seed hydro-priming is a key challenge. Against this background, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydro-priming maize seeds in improving germination performance and seedling growth under different levels of water availability. Maize seeds underwent hydro-priming pre-treatment followed by different storage periods (0, 1, 2 and 4 weeks) and were then assessed under four water regimes corresponding to 100 per cent, 50 per cent, 25 per cent and 12.5 per cent of field capacity. A completely randomised experimental design was adopted to analyse the combined effects of pre-treatment and water stress on germination and growth parameters. Seedling performance was assessed in terms of emergence rate, germination rate, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, collar diameter and biomass. The results showed that hydro-priming significantly improved seedling establishment compared with untreated seeds, particularly under severe water-deficit conditions. Hydro-primed seeds stored for a short period (1 to 2 weeks) performed best, with an improvement in germination rate of up to approximately 79 per cent under general conditions and values exceeding 90 per cent under certain water-deficit regimes. The treatment also promoted a significant increase in growth parameters such as biomass, leaf development and root architecture. These results demonstrated that hydro-priming is a promising agroecological strategy for enhancing maize resilience to water stress induced by climate change.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous and Ethanolic Root Extracts of Cyperus scariosus Their Characterization and Evaluation of their Anthelmintic Activity

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Helminthiasis is a widespread disease affecting over a billion people globally. Current treatment measures for helminthiasis rely predominantly on antibiotics; however, growing anthelmintic drug resistance necessitates the inclusion of alternative treatment measures. Thus, this study pursued a sustainable nanotechnology approach through the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous and ethanolic root extracts of Cyperus scariosus.

The extracts were evaluated for their phytochemical profiles and utilised for the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesised AgNPs were characterised by UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Both plant extracts, the synthesised AgNPs, and the standard drug Albendazole were evaluated for their comparative anthelmintic potential against the earthworms Eisenia fetida.

Phytochemical screening revealed tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, and phenols in the aqueous extract, vis-a-vis alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, and phenols in the ethanolic extract. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed AgNP formation, with surface plasmon resonance peaks obtained at 450 nm for aqueous AgNPs and 416 nm for ethanolic AgNPs. FTIR analysis exhibited eight peaks for aqueous AgNPs and five for ethanolic AgNPs, indicating the presence of varied functional groups. TEM analysis revealed quasi-spherical nanoparticles, with the well-dispersed aqueous AgNPs averaging ~91 nm and the less-dispersed ethanolic AgNPs averaging ~24 nm. FESEM confirmed the surface morphology, and EDX confirmed the silver content of both AgNP preparations, with 47.72 weight % silver in aqueous AgNPs and 34.91 weight % in ethanolic AgNPs. The anthelmintic assay showed potent dose-dependent effects for both aqueous and ethanolic AgNPs, surpassing the respective plant extracts and the standard drug Albendazole.

Thus, Cyperus scariosus root extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) serve as promising biogenic agents for AgNP synthesis, with the synthesised AgNPs showing potent therapeutic potential in anthelmintic applications.

Response of Phosphorus and Zinc on yield Parameters of Chickpea in Khaila, Jalandhar, Punjab, India

Nalini Singh, Neha, Praveen Singh, Sumegha — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2023 at the research farm of the Department of Agriculture, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, Khiala, Jalandhar, Punjab, to assess the response of chickpea yield parameters and economic returns to phosphorus and zinc application. The experiment was arranged in a randomised block design with three replications and ten treatments comprising the recommended fertiliser dose and different phosphorus and zinc levels applied individually or in combination. Yield observations included pods per plant, seeds per pod, test weight, seed index, seed yield, straw yield, biological yield, and harvest index, together with cost of cultivation, gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio. Combined phosphorus and zinc application generally produced better yield and economic performance than individual nutrient applications and the control. The highest values were recorded for pods per plant (61.1), seeds per pod (2.67), test weight (270.23 g), seed index (14.20 g), seed yield (20.20 q ha⁻¹), straw yield (24.80 q ha⁻¹), and biological yield (44.70 q ha⁻¹). The same treatment recorded a cost of cultivation of ₹42,056 ha⁻¹, gross return of ₹125,187 ha⁻¹, net return of ₹83,131 ha⁻¹, and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.98. Under the conditions of this experiment, combined phosphorus and zinc application was associated with improved yield-related traits and economic returns in chickpea.

Standardization of an in vitro Callus Induction Protocol Using Nodal Explants of Maize (Zea mays L.): An Elite Inbred Line

Anil Kumar, Ayyanagouda Patil, Suvarna B., B. Kisan, Sharanabasappa B. Yeri — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop with substantial value for food, feed and industrial applications. However, the efficiency of in vitro regeneration in maize is often influenced by genotype, explant type and culture conditions, which can limit the reproducibility of tissue-culture-based approaches. Therefore, developing an efficient callus induction system using readily available nodal explants is important for establishing a reliable foundation for subsequent regeneration and related biotechnological applications. This study evaluated an in vitro callus induction protocol for maize (Zea mays L.) genotype CML1514 using split nodal explants. Healthy nodal segments were excised from 7- to 10-day-old in vitro-raised seedlings and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators. Seeds were surface sterilised with Tween-20 followed by 0.1% mercuric chloride and germinated in vitro prior to node excision; the excised nodes were further surface sterilised with 70% ethanol before culturing. For callus induction, nodal explants were cultured on MS medium containing ten combinations of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D; 1.0-5.0 mg/l) with either 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 1.0-2.0 mg/l) or kinetin (1.0-2.0 mg/l). Among the tested treatments, MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg/l 2, 4-D and 2.0 mg/l BAP showed the strongest callusing response, with callus initiation observed within 5.7 days and a callus formation frequency of 93.3%. BAP consistently promoted faster callus initiation than kinetin across all 2, 4-D concentrations tested. Of the ten media combinations, six produced compact, embryogenic callus, while the remaining four produced soft, non-embryogenic callus. The study indicates that nodal explants can be used for rapid, high-frequency callus induction in CML1514, providing a reliable foundation for subsequent somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. All experiments were conducted in triplicate and the data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis.

Chromolaena odorata: An Integrative Review of Biology, Ecology, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Allelopathy and Emerging Agricultural Applications

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chromolaena odorata combines invasive ecological behaviour with chemically diverse biomass that is investigated for medicinal and agricultural uses. These attributes are often reviewed separately, encouraging either an exclusively harmful portrayal or insufficiently qualified claims of usefulness. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on population biology, invasion mechanisms, phytochemistry, biological activities, allelopathy and agricultural applications published through 31 July 2026. Literature was selected through targeted searches of accessible scholarly indexes, regional sources and reference networks, with study design, material identity, exposure conditions and external validity used to interpret findings. The evidence supports context-dependent invasion success shaped by provenance, propagule production, resource availability, competitor identity and soil-mediated interactions. Chemical investigations identify flavonoids, phenolic constituents, volatile compounds and pyrrolizidine alkaloids, but their distribution and biological relevance vary with plant organ, extraction procedure and formulation. Isolated compounds and extracts demonstrate biochemical, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, while cell and animal experiments provide a stronger, although still preclinical, basis for selected wound-healing mechanisms. These findings do not establish clinical effectiveness or general safety. Allelopathic potential is supported by controlled assays, but the contribution of naturally occurring chemical exposure to field-scale invasion remains less securely resolved. Agricultural evidence is differentiated: compost has some crop-field support, whereas biochar, botanical herbicides and nematicidal preparations remain strongly dependent on soil conditions, processing and experimental setting. The same biomass can suppress seedlings when freshly extracted yet support crop growth after suitable transformation, without these outcomes being contradictory. A defensible development pathway therefore links authenticated material and chemical characterisation to realistic exposure, appropriate controls, safety assessment and net agronomic or ecological benefit. Utilisation should be evaluated as a component of containment and removal, rather than as a rationale for introducing or cultivating an invasive species. Priorities include replicated field experiments, environmental fate measurements, batch-standardised products and explicit assessment of the incentives created by biomass markets.

Evaluation of Turnip (Brassica napus) Production on Different Substrates in Côte d’Ivoire

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Turnip (Brassica napus) production in Côte d’Ivoire is constrained by limited cultivable land, while reliance on chemical fertilisers raises environmental concerns. This study evaluated locally available soil–compost substrates for turnip production under soilless conditions at the École Normale Supérieure d’Abidjan from June to December 2025. Five substrate treatments were assessed: 100% soil (S1), 100% compost (S2), 75% compost + 25% soil (S3), 50% compost + 50% soil (S4), and 25% compost + 75% soil (S5). Seeds of the hybrid turnip variety MAXIMUS were sown in pots arranged under a shade structure, with watering applied as required. Germination rate, leaf production, plant height, and yield were evaluated. Germination was most rapid on S4, while substrates containing compost generally supported greater vegetative growth than the soil-only control. The highest number of leaves was recorded on S4 and S5. Plant height was greatest on the 100% compost substrate. Yield was highest on S4, reaching 1,820 kg/ha, whereas the soil-only control produced the lowest yield at 383 kg/ha. Overall, the 50% compost + 50% soil mixture provided the most favourable balance between vegetative development and yield. These findings support the use of a locally formulated soil–compost substrate for turnip production under the conditions of this experiment.

Identification of Blast-resistant Pearl Millet Genotypes under Field Conditions

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Blast caused by Pyricularia grisea is an economically important foliar disease of pearl millet. The cultivation of resistant genotypes is the most economical, environmentally safe and sustainable approach for its management. Therefore, 40 pearl millet genotypes/varieties were evaluated for resistance to blast under field conditions at the Centre for Crop Improvement, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, during the Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with two replications. A highly susceptible genotype, ICMB-95444, was planted as an infector line to ensure adequate and uniform disease development. Blast severity was assessed using the standard 0–9 disease-rating scale recommended by AICRP on Pearl Millet. None of the evaluated genotypes exhibited a highly resistant reaction. The genotypes ICMB-91777 and ICMB-10777 consistently exhibited a resistant reaction during both seasons. ICMB-91777 recorded disease intensities of 6.28 and 5.78 per cent during 2018 and 2019, respectively, whereas ICMB-10777 recorded corresponding disease intensities of 8.55 and 8.33 per cent. Eight genotypes were moderately resistant, 11 were moderately susceptible, 17 were susceptible and two were highly susceptible. JMSB-15388 and ICMB-07777 exhibited highly susceptible reactions during both seasons. The consistently resistant genotypes ICMB-91777 and ICMB-10777 may be utilized as potential resistance donors in pearl millet breeding programmes after validation across locations and against diverse pathogen populations.

Genetic Divergence and DUS Characterization for Yield and Quality Traits in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Genotypes

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

An investigation was carried out to assess the extent of genetic divergence and to characterise the morphological DUS traits of thirty brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes raised in an RBD with three replications during the kharif season. Divergence among the genotypes was estimated for seventeen yield, yield-component and biochemical quality characters using the generalised distance (D²) procedure of Mahalanobis, and the genotypes were subsequently sorted into groups by Tocher's method. The analysis resolved the genotypes into four non-overlapping clusters of unequal size, with cluster II accommodating the largest number of genotypes (twelve), followed by cluster IV (eight), cluster III (seven) and cluster I (three). Intra-cluster distances ranged from 4.148 in cluster II to 6.078 in cluster III, while inter-cluster distances varied from 5.100 between clusters II and IV to a maximum of 7.605 between clusters III and IV. Cluster mean comparisons revealed that cluster III combined the highest fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit-setting percentage and fruit dimensions, cluster II was distinguished by the tallest plants, the greatest number of leaves, flowers and fruits per plant, and cluster I recorded the highest ascorbic acid content and total soluble solids. Fruit yield per plant contributed the largest share (12.56%) to the total divergence, followed by number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant and number of branches per plant, while days to last fruit harvest, total phenol content and fruit width contributed the least. DUS characterisation of fruit shape and fruit colour showed considerable morphological diversity across the genotypes, with fruit shape and fruit colour serving as distinguishing features. The findings collectively indicate that adequate genetic divergence and morphological distinctness exist within the evaluated germplasm to support both varietal identification and the planning of hybridisation programmes aimed at combining high fruit weight with prolific fruit bearing.

Association Studies for Yield Related Traits in Elite Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbreds

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Yield-related trait associations were studied in 30 diverse maize inbred lines, two of which were checks, during kharif 2024 at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CSK HPKV, Palampur. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with three replications for correlation and path coefficient analyses. Significant positive relationships with grain yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels were detected for 100-kernel weight, cob girth, cob length, the number of kernels per row, plant height, shelling per cent, the number of kernel rows per cob and cob height. In the phenotypic path analysis, cob length had the greatest positive direct effect and 100-kernel weight the second greatest. In the genotypic path analysis, days to 50% silking ranked first for positive direct effect, followed in order by the number of kernels per row, 100-kernel weight and the number of kernel rows per cob. The residual values were 0.16708 phenotypically and 0.07791 genotypically. The findings support 100-kernel weight, the number of kernels per row and the number of kernel rows per cob as useful selection traits for improving grain yield in maize.

Plant DNA Damage Response and Repair Pathways: from Molecular Mechanisms to Crop Improvement

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Genome stability is essential for plant growth, development, reproduction and adaptation under changing environmental conditions. Plants are continuously exposed to endogenous metabolic by-products and environmental stresses that generate diverse DNA lesions and threaten genome integrity. This review synthesises the molecular basis of plant DNA damage responses and major repair pathways, with emphasis on their coordination and relevance to crop improvement. The plant DNA damage response integrates lesion sensing, signal transduction, cell-cycle regulation, chromatin remodelling and repair. ATM and ATR kinases, together with the plant-specific transcription factor SOG1, coordinate responses to double-strand breaks, replication stress and other forms of DNA damage. Major repair mechanisms include direct reversal repair, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, homologous recombination, classical non-homologous end joining and alternative end joining. Their combined activities support genome stability, stress adaptation, photosynthetic performance and reproductive fitness. DNA repair pathway choice also influences the outcomes of mutagenesis and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, including gene knockout, targeted insertion and allele replacement. Integration of DNA repair biology with molecular breeding, genomic selection, speed breeding and multi-omics approaches provides a framework for improving editing precision and exploiting useful genetic variation. A more integrated understanding of plant DNA repair regulation may therefore support the development of crop varieties with improved resilience to adverse environmental conditions.

Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with Grain Zinc Concentration in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Micronutrient malnutrition, commonly referred to as “hidden hunger”, continues to affect more than a billion people globally, particularly in developing nations where diets are heavily cereal-based. To combat this crisis sustainably, bio-fortification in rice represents a step towards that vision, one gene at a time. Rice, being the dominant cereal and a major staple food in Asia, is a prime target for bio-fortification to tackle micronutrient malnutrition in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Since zinc is an essential micronutrient for plants, its uptake is required for general metabolism, while Fe plays an irreplaceable role in oxygen transport via haemoglobin and myoglobin. In the present study, parental polymorphism between two parents was studied using rice microsatellite (RM) markers. The experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. Rice varieties RNR15048 and Karuppunel, which are rich in grain iron and zinc, were used to study parental polymorphism. Of the 1,600 SSR markers used for parental polymorphism, 210 markers exhibited polymorphism at the expected base-pair size, of which 38 Zn-related SSR markers were selected for further study. Therefore, these polymorphic rice microsatellite markers can be used for fine mapping of zinc-related genes in mapping populations obtained from these parents. ZBR (0.898619**) was positively correlated with ZPR. A total of 39 QTLs were identified on seven chromosomes, including 9 QTLs for plant height, 3 for number of tillers, 4 for number of productive tillers, 2 each for SPAD, DFF, and SPY, 6 for ZBR, and 11 for ZPR. Most QTLs for the different traits were identified on chromosome 1. The phenotypic variability explained ranged from 2.1037 to 12.958. Furthermore, exploiting information regarding molecular markers tightly linked to QTLs governing these traits will facilitate future crop improvement strategies in rice.

Studies of Genetic Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis between Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Biofortified Lines of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)

Santosh Kumar, Banshidhar, Beera Abhilash, Priyanka Jaiswal, Saroj Bala — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Field experiments were conducted at the Student Instructional Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, during the Rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 to examine associations among grain yield, yield-attributing traits, and grain zinc and iron concentrations in 50 biofortified wheat lines with three checks, using an augmented design. Correlation analysis showed that days to 50% flowering was positively associated with spike length but negatively associated with biological yield and grain yield. Days to maturity was positively associated with plant height and negatively associated with harvest index and grain yield. Plant height was positively related to peduncle length, grain weight per spike, and test weight, but negatively related to tiller traits. Spikelets per spike, grains per spike, biological yield, and harvest index showed significant positive associations with grain yield. Grain iron concentration was positively associated with grains per spike, whereas zinc concentration was positively associated with peduncle length. Phenotypic path coefficient analysis indicated that harvest index and biological yield had the largest direct positive effects on grain yield. The negative associations of days to 50% flowering and days to maturity with grain yield were mainly attributable to indirect effects through biological yield and harvest index, while the direct effects of most other traits were comparatively small. These results identify harvest index and biological yield as the principal direct contributors to grain yield within the evaluated biofortified wheat material, with other traits contributing mainly through indirect associations.

Trait Association and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) yield is influenced by interactions among morphological, phenological, productivity and seed-quality traits. Understanding these relationships is important for effective selection. The present study aimed to identify traits associated with seed yield and their contribution to yield improvement in chickpea.

Study Design: Augmented block design with four blocks and five checks.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Vijayapura, Karnataka, India, during the rabi season.

Methodology: Eighty-nine chickpea genotypes, including five checks, were evaluated for 13 characteristics encompassing morphological, phenological, productivity and seed-quality traits. Phenotypic and genotypic correlations were estimated to determine associations with seed yield. Path analysis was performed with seed yield as the dependent variable to partition the correlations into direct and indirect effects and identify selection criteria.

Results: Seed yield per plant showed significant associations with plant height and secondary branches (r = 0.82 each), followed by days to maturity and seed protein content (r = 0.45 each), hundred-seed weight (r = 0.34) and days to first flowering, pods per plant and seed vigour (r = 0.28 each). Seeds per pod also showed a significant positive association with seed yield (r = 0.24). Path analysis revealed the strongest direct effect of pods per plant (0.738), followed by days to first flowering (0.198), hundred-seed weight (0.187), primary branches (0.177) and days to maturity (0.176). Plant height had a negligible direct effect (0.002) but an indirect contribution via pods per plant (0.334), whereas seeds per pod exhibited a negative indirect effect through pods per plant (−0.642).

Conclusion: The number of pods per plant and hundred-seed weight were found to be important traits for enhancing seed yield in chickpea. The direct and indirect effects observed among yield components underscore the complexity of trait interrelationships. Therefore, simultaneous consideration of trait associations along with the direct and indirect contributions can strengthen the selection efficiency and facilitate the identification of superior, high-yielding chickpea genotypes.

In vitro Efficacy of Various Fungicides and Bio-agent against Alternaria alternata Causing Alternaria leaf Blight of Groundnut

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To evaluate the in vitro antagonistic potential of seven systemic fungicides at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm and seven biological control agents against Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of Alternaria leaf blight of groundnut.

Study Design: Completely Randomised Design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra, India. The study was carried out during 2025-2026.

Methodology: Alternaria alternata was isolated from infected groundnut plants showing small, irregular, scattered pale-yellow to light-brown spots on the leaves. Seven systemic fungicides (Carbendazim 50% WP, Tebuconazole 25.9% EC, Thiophanate methyl 70% WP, Propiconazole 25% EC, Hexaconazole 5% EC, Pyraclostrobin 20% WG and Difenoconazole 25% EC) were evaluated at concentrations of 500 ppm and 1000 ppm using the poisoned food technique. Seven bioagents (Trichoderma asperellum, T. harzianum, Aspergillus niger, T. hamatum, T. koningii, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis) were evaluated using the dual-culture technique on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA).

Results: All tested systemic fungicides significantly inhibited pathogen mycelial growth compared with the control (P = 0.01). Tebuconazole 25.9% EC, Propiconazole 25% EC, Hexaconazole 5% EC and Difenoconazole 25% EC recorded complete inhibition (100.00%) of mycelial growth. Average inhibition was 52.49% with Pyraclostrobin 20% WG, 47.95% with Carbendazim 50% WP and 45.68% with Thiophanate methyl 70% WP.

Trichoderma asperellum recorded the lowest radial mycelial growth (20.16 mm) and the highest mycelial growth inhibition (77.60%), followed by T. harzianum (21.16 mm and 76.48%), Aspergillus niger (23.50 mm and 73.88%), T. hamatum (29.66 mm and 67.04%), T. koningii (24.33 mm and 72.96%), Bacillus subtilis (44.33 mm and 50.74%) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (48.33 mm and 46.30%), respectively.

Conclusion: Among the chemical treatments, Tebuconazole 25.9% EC, Propiconazole 25% EC, Hexaconazole 5% EC and Difenoconazole 25% EC, and among the biocontrol agents, Trichoderma asperellum, exhibited high antagonistic efficacy in vitro. These treatments warrant further evaluation for potential incorporation into integrated disease management strategies against Alternaria leaf blight of groundnut.

In-vitro Efficacy of Fungicides, Bio-agents, and Organic Amendments against Sclerotium rolfsii Causing Stem Rot of Chilli

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To assess the in vitro fungitoxic and antagonistic potential of systemic fungicides, contact/combi-product fungicides, fungal and bacterial biocontrol agents, and organic amendments against Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent associated with stem rot of chilli.

Study Design: Completely Randomised Design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra, India; 2025–2026.

Methodology: The pathogen was isolated from symptomatic chilli collar/root tissues and identified morphologically on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Seven systemic fungicides (500 and 1000 ppm), seven contact/combi-product fungicides (2000 and 2500 ppm), and seven organic amendments (5% and 10%) were evaluated using the poisoned-food technique. Seven biocontrol agents were screened using a dual-culture assay. Each experiment was conducted in a CRD with three replications.

Results: Propiconazole 25% EC, Tebuconazole 25.9% EC, and Hexaconazole 5% SC produced 100.00% inhibition at both systemic-fungicide concentrations. Six of the seven contact/combi-product fungicides produced 100.00% inhibition at 2000 and 2500 ppm; copper oxychloride was less effective. Among the bioagents, Trichoderma harzianum produced the greatest inhibition (66.22%; colony diameter 30.40 mm), followed by Aspergillus niger (65.52%; 31.03 mm). Groundnut and cotton seed cake extracts produced 100.00% inhibition at 10%, with average inhibitions of 92.27% and 89.46%, respectively.

Conclusion: The assays identified several treatments with strong in vitro activity against S. rolfsii. These treatments are candidates for subsequent compatibility, greenhouse, phytotoxicity, and field efficacy studies before being recommended as components of integrated disease management.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes Using Mahalonobis D2 Statistics

Rajat Kumar Ratawal, Shubham Khichi, Suneeta Pandey, Udit Prakash, Nakka Amulya — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop, and the identification of genetically divergent parents is useful for crop improvement through hybridization. The present investigation evaluated genetic diversity among 50 chickpea genotypes grown during Rabi 2024–25 at Dr. BRC Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications, and observations were recorded for 15 phenological, yield-related, physiological, and biochemical traits. Genetic divergence was assessed using Mahalanobis D statistics, and the genotypes were grouped into 11 clusters using Tocher’s method. The maximum intra-cluster distance was recorded in Cluster IX (167.27), followed by Clusters II, VI, and I, indicating comparatively greater variability within these groups. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Clusters III and IX (573.48), followed by Clusters V and XI (542.06) and Clusters VI and XI (511.71), suggesting substantial divergence among these cluster combinations. Protein content contributed most to total genetic divergence (29.80%), followed by chlorophyll content (24.41%), days to 50% flowering (20.16%), and relative water content (10.78%). Cluster means also revealed substantial variation among groups for yield-related, physiological, and biochemical traits. The findings indicate that genetically divergent genotypes, particularly those belonging to widely separated clusters, may be useful as parental material in chickpea breeding programmes aimed at generating variability and improving desirable traits.

Trait Associations and Path Analysis for Green Fruit Yield in Elite Selections from Multi-parent Derived Populations of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Green fruit yield is a complex quantitative trait influenced by several yield-related components, and understanding the relative contribution of these traits is essential for effective selection in chilli breeding. The present study was undertaken to assess the association of green fruit yield with yield-related traits among elite selections derived from five superior eight-parent multi-parent (MP) populations of chilli. The selected MP-derived populations comprised D4 × D3, D4 × D2, D5 × D2, D6 × D2 and D7 × D2. Elite progenies derived from superior plants within these populations were evaluated during the 2020 rainy season at the experimental farm of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru. Observations were recorded for average fruit weight, average fruit number plant^-1, average fruit length, average fruit width and green fruit yield per plant. Phenotypic correlation coefficients were estimated separately for each MP-derived population, while path coefficient analysis was performed using the pooled dataset to partition the correlations into direct and indirect effects. Average fruit number plant^-1 exhibited a strong and positive association with green fruit yield across all five populations. Average fruit length showed significant positive associations with green fruit yield. Path analysis revealed the highest positive direct effect for average fruit number plant^-1, followed by average fruit width and average fruit weight. The findings suggest that fruit number plant^-1 may serve as an important selection criterion for improving green fruit yield, with fruit length and fruit width serving as complementary traits depending on the genetic background of the population.

Genetic Diversity in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Using Microsatellite Markers

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This study assessed SSR-based genetic diversity among 75 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes to identify genetically diverse parental resources for chickpea improvement.

Study Design: Laboratory-based molecular characterisation and genetic diversity analysis using SSR markers followed by similarity and cluster analyses.

Place and Duration of Study: Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vijayapur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad in 2021.

Methodology: Seventy-five chickpea genotypes were characterised using 20 polymorphic SSR markers distributed across the genome. Genomic DNA was extracted from young leaf samples using the CTAB method, followed by PCR amplification and separation of SSR products on 3% agarose gels. The amplification profiles were scored as binary data and used to estimate genetic similarity based on the Nei and Li coefficient. Genetic relationships were assessed through UPGMA cluster analysis using NTSYSpc and marker informativeness was evaluated using polymorphic information content (PIC).

Results: The 20 SSR markers generated a total of 73 alleles across the 75 chickpea genotypes, with an average of 3.65 alleles per marker. The number of alleles per marker ranged from 1 to 6, with TA22, TA28 and TA29 exhibiting the highest allelic variation (6 alleles each). PIC values ranged from 0.419 (TA194) to 0.797 (TA28), with 17 markers recording PIC values above 0.50, indicating their high discriminatory potential. UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into 23 distinct clusters, with Cluster II being the largest (29 genotypes), followed by Cluster I (10 genotypes), while the remaining clusters comprised fewer or single genotypes, reflecting substantial genetic differentiation among the genotypes.

Conclusion: The SSR markers effectively revealed substantial genetic diversity and distinct molecular relationships among the chickpea genotypes. The identified genetically diverse genotypes can be utilised as promising parents to broaden the breeding base and develop diverse populations for improving chickpea productivity and adaptability.

Comparative in vitro Evaluation of Systemic Fungicides and Bioagents against Pigeonpea Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To evaluate the in vitro fungitoxic potential of seven systemic fungicides at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm and seven fungal biological control agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum, the causal pathogen of pigeonpea wilt.

Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra, India. The study was conducted during 2025–2026.

Methodology: The wilt pathogen (F. oxysporum f. sp. udum) was isolated from infected pigeonpea root tissues displaying characteristic vascular discolouration. Seven systemic fungicides (Carbendazim 50% WP, Myclobutanil 10% WP, Propiconazole 25% EC, Thiophanate methyl 70% WP, Difenoconazole 25% EC, Tebuconazole 25.9% EC, and Hexaconazole 5% EC) were screened at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm using the Poisoned Food Technique. Seven fungal bioagents (T. harzianum, T. virens, T. hamatum, T. asperellum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus) were evaluated using the dual-culture technique on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA).

Results: All tested systemic fungicides significantly inhibited pathogen mycelial growth compared with the control (P = .01). Carbendazim 50% WP produced complete growth inhibition (100.00%) at both 500 ppm and 1000 ppm. Among the remaining fungicides, Tebuconazole 25.9% EC exhibited mean inhibition of 85.18%, followed by Propiconazole 25% EC (82.78%), Thiophanate methyl 70% WP (80.14%) and Hexaconazole 5% EC (71.77%). Among the bioagents, T. harzianum achieved the maximum growth inhibition (82.04%), closely followed by T. virens (80.55%) and T. asperellum (74.82%), whereas Aspergillus flavus recorded the lowest inhibition (63.71%).

Conclusion: Among the chemical treatments, Carbendazim 50% WP, and among the biocontrol agents, T. harzianum, exhibited high efficacy in vitro, highlighting their potential for incorporation into integrated disease management strategies against pigeonpea wilt.

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators in Enhancing Fruit Retention, Yield, and Quality of Anola (Emblica officinalis L.)

Amit Singh Yadav, V. K. Tripathi — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A field experiment was conducted during 2025-26 at the Nursery Farm, Department of Fruit Science, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.), to evaluate the response of aonla (Emblica officinalis L.) cv. NA-7 to foliar sprays of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), applied singly and in combination. Nine treatments comprising GA₃ at 25 and 50 ppm, NAA at 25 and 50 ppm, their four combinations, and a water-sprayed control were evaluated in a Randomised Block Design with three replications; sprays were applied at flowering and post-fruit-set stages. All recorded parameters responded significantly to the treatments. The combined spray of GA₃ 50 ppm + NAA 50 ppm (T₈) consistently produced the best response among the treatments: fruit drop decreased to 19.10% compared with 62.10% in the control, fruit retention increased to 80.90%, and yield reached 216.00 kg per plant, representing a 32.52% increase over the untreated trees. The same treatment produced the longest, widest, and heaviest fruits, the highest pulp weight, and the most favourable pulp-to-stone ratio (21.09, approximately 1.78 times that of the control). In terms of quality, it increased total soluble solids to 12.20°Brix, reduced titratable acidity to 1.72%, increased the TSS:acid ratio to 7.09, and increased ascorbic acid content to 608.32 mg per 100 g pulp. These results suggest a synergistic response to the combined application of GA₃ and NAA rather than a simple additive effect and support the use of GA₃ 50 ppm + NAA 50 ppm to reduce pre-harvest fruit drop and improve yield and fruit quality in aonla cv. NA-7 under the agro-climatic conditions of the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh.

Screening of Tomato Germplasm for Resistance to Fusarium Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici under in vivo Conditions

Nentia Chib, S. K. Singh, Md. Thabrez, Vineeth M. — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, is a major constraint on tomato production worldwide. The present study was undertaken to evaluate thirty tomato germplasm accessions obtained from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi, for their response to Fusarium wilt under field conditions during the 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons at SKUAST-Jammu, Chatha. The thirty germplasm accessions were evaluated under artificial disease pressure, and disease development was assessed through disease incidence, apparent infection rate (r), and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), with Pusa Ruby included as the susceptible cultivar. Significant variation was observed among the germplasm accessions in disease development and progression. Based on pooled disease incidence, one germplasm accession was categorised as tolerant (T), two as moderately susceptible (MS), ten as susceptible (S), and seventeen as highly susceptible (HS), whereas no germplasm accession showed resistant (R) or moderately resistant (MR) reactions. The germplasm accessions also exhibited considerable differences in infection rate and AUDPC values, reflecting variability in the speed and cumulative development of Fusarium wilt. Arka Saurabh exhibited comparatively lower disease development, while highly susceptible germplasm accessions showed rapid disease progression and greater disease accumulation. The identified tolerant and less susceptible germplasm accessions can be utilised as potential sources in tomato improvement programmes for developing Fusarium wilt-resistant cultivars.

Genetic Variability, Trait Association and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield-Contributing Traits in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

P. M. Talekar, P. B. Wadikar, P. D. Adhao, P. M. Khandve, S. Sakthivel — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important oilseed crop in which improvement of seed yield depends on the availability of genetic variability and the identification of useful yield-associated traits. The present investigation was undertaken to assess genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path relationships for ten quantitative traits in 40 linseed genotypes. The experiment was conducted during rabi 2024–2025 at the College of Agriculture, Latur, Maharashtra, India, in a randomised block design with two replications. The traits evaluated included days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight, oil content, harvest index, and seed yield per plant. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the assessed traits.The recalculated estimates showed that GCV ranged from 4.61% for days to maturity to 22.15% for number of branches per plant, while PCV ranged from 5.14% for harvest index to 22.53% for number of branches per plant. Broad-sense heritability ranged from 63.06% for days to maturity to 98.24% for harvest index. Genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was highest for number of branches per plant (44.86%), followed by oil content (35.74%), 1000-seed weight (28.49%), number of capsules per plant (26.80%), number of seeds per capsule (26.16%) and seed yield per plant (25.96%). At the genotypic level, seed yield showed positive associations with number of branches per plant (0.7118), number of capsules per plant (0.7044), number of seeds per capsule (0.7265), plant height (0.0073) and 1000-seed weight (0.0141). The reported path analysis indicated positive direct effects of number of seeds per capsule (0.8083) and number of capsules per plant (0.3397) at the genotypic level, while number of branches per plant showed a high positive direct effect at the phenotypic level (1.6152). Thus, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule may be considered important selection criteria for improving seed yield under the present experimental conditions. The study was conducted at one location in one season; therefore, further multi-location and multi-season evaluation is necessary.

Stability Analysis Over Different Environments in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop whose productivity is strongly influenced by environmental variation and genotype × environment interaction. Identification of stable genotypes is therefore essential for improving yield consistency across diverse production conditions.

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the stability of 25 sesame genotypes across three environments for seed yield and associated quantitative traits using the Eberhart and Russell stability model.

Method: The experiment was conducted during kharif 2025 at Latur, Ambajogai, and Parbhani using a randomised complete block design with two replications. Ten quantitative traits were recorded, including days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, branches per plant, capsules per plant, capsule length, seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight, oil content, and seed yield per plant. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and stability parameters.

Results: Significant genotypic differences were observed for all traits across environments. Environmental effects were significant for most traits, while pooled deviation was significant for all traits except days to maturity. For seed yield per plant, TBS-9, TS-14, and AKT-101 recorded the highest mean values. Stability analysis identified TBS-5-1, TBS-7-3, and TLT-408 as stable under average environments, TBS-7-2 as adapted to favourable conditions, and V-21, TS-14, TLT-5, and AKT-101 as adapted to unfavourable conditions.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated substantial variation in genotype performance and stability across environments. The identified genotypes may provide useful material for further multi-environment evaluation and breeding programmes aimed at improving yield stability in sesame.

Phenotypic Diversity and Correlation Analysis of Morphological Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sixty rice genotypes were evaluated during the Kharif season of 2023 at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre (NEBCRC), G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, using an alpha-lattice design with two replications to quantify phenotypic diversity and examine associations among 15 morphological and yield-related traits. The traits comprised plant height, flag-leaf length, flag-leaf breadth, leaf area, days to 50% flowering, number of panicles per plant, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, grain length, grain breadth, grain length/breadth ratio and test weight. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that grain yield was strongly and positively associated with harvest index (r = 0.81, P < 0.01) but negatively associated with biological yield (r = -0.35, P < 0.01). Biological yield was positively associated with days to 50% flowering (r = 0.79, P < 0.01), flag-leaf length (r = 0.69, P < 0.01), leaf area (r = 0.68, P < 0.01), grains per panicle (r = 0.36, P < 0.01), plant height (r = 0.27, P < 0.05) and panicle length (r = 0.27, P < 0.05). Standardised Euclidean-distance-based hierarchical analysis partitioned the genotypes into five clusters containing 19, 8, 14, 10 and 9 entries, respectively. The greatest inter-cluster distance occurred between Clusters II and IV (6.885), while the smallest occurred between Clusters I and II (4.826). Cluster V showed the largest within-cluster distance (4.713), indicating comparatively high heterogeneity. Genotypes belonging to the widely separated Clusters II and IV constitute useful parental pools, provided their trait means and agronomic performance are also complementary. The results demonstrate appreciable morphological differentiation and identify trait relationships relevant to selection for rice improvement.