PLANT CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

In vitro Regeneration of Hymenodictyon orixense (Roxb.) Mabb., a Highly Valuable Tree Species of Rubiaceae Family

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hymenodictyon orixense (Roxb.) Mabb. (Rubiaceae) also called as Bridal Couch tree, is a medicinal tree species parts of which are rich source of bioactive metabolites imparting the plant an impressive antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Early loss of viability in seeds, lack of optimized propagation methods and increased anthropogenic pressure has led to conservation concern in this valuable tree species. The paper presents a robust in vitro propagation protocol for mass multiplication of H. orixense through seedling explants. In vitro seed germination was done in basal Murashige & Skoog’s (MS) medium and nodal segments from aseptically grown seedlings were used for further culture establishment. MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg L^-1 kinetin was found optimal producing the highest mean shoot number (7.67 ± 0.88) and mean shoot length (4.91 ± 0.15cm). The addition of 0.025 mgL^-1 GA₃during shoot multiplication cycle enhanced the shoot length to a mean 8.49 ± 0.33 cm nearly double the shoot length achieved with kinetin alone. Root formation was 100% with ½ strength MS medium containing 1 mg L^-1 IAA and 0.025 mg L^-1 kinetin with highest mean number of roots. A 15-day cycle in optimized medium without gelling agent enhanced the quality of in vitro roots and developed plantlets were successfully acclimatized under greenhouse conditions with 85% survival. As the species possesses considerable medicinal importance, the propagation method described in the present study offers significant potential for the large-scale multiplication of selected genotypes exhibiting superior phytochemical characteristics. Furthermore, this approach may serve as an effective strategy for the ex situ conservation of the species, thereby contributing to its sustainable utilisation and long-term preservation.

Haplotype-Resolved Genomics for Complex Crop Genomes: Technologies, Insights, and Breeding Applications

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The significance of haplotype-resolved genome assemblies, which enable the reconstruction of individual chromosomal copies while preserving allele-specific variation, has been brought to light by recent advances in plant genomics. The techniques provide a better representation of genetic variation than traditional genome assemblies, which recombine the homologous sequences into one consensus, especially in heterozygous and polyploid crops. This review explains the role of haplotype-resolved assemblies in enhancing our understanding of genome evolution, conducting research on allele-specific expression, and improving the accuracy of genomes. Important technologies are also discussed, including trio binning and phasing techniques, long-read sequencing (PacBio HiFi and Nanopore), and Hi-C scaffolding. They have been used to detect key characteristics and support the breeding process of crops like potatoes, wheat, grapevine, and cassava. All things considered, these methods have a great deal of potential to generate high-yielding, stress-tolerant cultivars and accelerate crop improvement.

Dissection of Quantitative Genetic Variability and Heritability for Phenological and Yield Component Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chickpea breeding is constrained by a narrow genetic base and limited natural outcrossing, necessitating the identification of diverse parental lines to broaden genetic variation and enhance pre-breeding efforts. Given the lack of information on crossability variation within cultivated chickpea, this study evaluated a targeted set of diverse accessions to explore potential differences in crossability that could facilitate the utilization of genetic resources in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic variability, estimate the heritability and genetic advance for the 13 quantitative traits from a diverse panel of chickpea germplasm, consisting of ten accessions of desi and kabuli each along with four checks. The substantial amounts of genetic variability were shown with significant differences between genotypes for all traits, which provides ample opportunity for effective crop improvement. The high level of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation for the number of tertiary branches and the number of apical secondary branches indicated that there is opportunity for improvement of these traits. The broad-sense heritability estimates were relatively high for most of the evaluated traits, with the highest estimates for the number of days to 50% flowering, 100 seed weight, and number of days to maturity, indicating strong genetic control over the expression of the trait. The 100-seed weight shown high levels of heritability and genetic advance as a percent of the mean which indicated predominant additive gene action and direct phenotypic selection will be effective. Therefore, the evaluated accessions could provide parental lines for future chickpea breeding programs for improving yield and diversifying the genetic base of the crop.

Comparative in vitro Evaluation of Botanical Extracts and Chemical Fungicides against Alternaria brassicae: Concentration-dependent Efficacy Assessment for Sustainable Disease Management

Yaragorla Hanumantha Rao, Mukesh Srivastava, Siddharth Singh — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Alternaria brassicae causes devastating blight in Brassica crops, leading to yield losses of up to 71% across major growing regions. Traditional chemical fungicide management raises concerns about environmental persistence, resistance development, and residue accumulation. Botanical extracts offer sustainable alternatives through bioactive antifungal compounds. This study evaluated and compared the in vitro antifungal efficacy of botanical extracts and chemical fungicides against A. brassicae through concentration-dependent assessment to determine effective concentrations, characterise inhibition patterns, and identify sustainable alternatives for disease management in mustard cultivation systems. It was hypothesised that botanical extracts would demonstrate significant, concentration-dependent antifungal activity against A. brassicae, though chemical fungicides would achieve superior pathogen suppression. These findings confirm the study hypothesis. A key limitation of this study is that all experiments were conducted under controlled in vitro conditions; field validation is required before these findings can be applied to commercial disease management. Five botanical extracts (garlic, ginger, turmeric, tulsi, lantana) at 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations, and five fungicides (Carbendazim+Mancozeb, Difenoconazole, Fluxapyroxad, Penflufen, Trifloxystrobin) at 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% concentrations were evaluated using the poisoned food technique on PDA medium. Radial growth inhibition was calculated using Vincent’s formula, with appropriate statistical analysis. Botanical extracts showed concentration-dependent inhibition, with garlic achieving the highest efficacy (66.44% at 10%), followed by turmeric (66.00%), tulsi (64.00%), ginger (63.44%), and lantana (60.78%). Fungicides demonstrated superior inhibition, with four achieving complete suppression (100%) at 0.1%: Carbendazim + Mancozeb (98.13% at 0.025%), Trifloxystrobin (97.18%), Difenoconazole (96.83%), and Fluxapyroxad (96.56%). Penflufen showed incomplete inhibition (97.78% at 0.1%). All treatments exhibited significant dose-dependent responses. Chemical fungicides provide superior pathogen suppression, but botanical extracts, particularly garlic and turmeric, offer promising, sustainable alternatives with substantial antifungal activity. Concentration-dependent efficacy patterns support optimized dosing strategies. Integrating botanical extracts with reduced fungicide applications represents a viable, eco-friendly approach to sustainable management of Alternaria blight in mustard production systems.

Nanotechnology Applications in Plant Disease Diagnosis and Management: A Review

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and other phytopathogens represent a major challenge to global agriculture and food security, leading to approximately 20–40% annual crop losses worldwide. Traditional methods of disease diagnosis and management are often limited by delayed detection, low sensitivity, excessive dependence on chemical pesticides, environmental pollution, and the emergence of resistant pathogen strains. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as a highly promising and innovative strategy for enhancing plant disease detection, monitoring, and management through the use of nanoscale materials and advanced delivery systems. Various nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, polymeric nanoparticles, and silica-based nanomaterials exhibit unique physicochemical characteristics including large surface area, high reactivity, improved stability, and controlled-release properties that enhance their agricultural effectiveness. Nano-enabled diagnostic technologies, including nanosensors, nanobiosensors, quantum dot-based sensors, and nanoparticle-assisted molecular diagnostics, facilitate rapid, sensitive, and real-time detection of plant pathogens even at very low concentrations. In disease management, nanotechnology-based formulations such as nanopesticides, nanofungicides, nanobactericides, and nanoencapsulated agrochemicals improve antimicrobial efficiency while reducing chemical dosage and minimizing environmental hazards. Nanoparticles inhibit pathogens through multiple mechanisms including reactive oxygen species generation, disruption of cell membranes, intracellular damage, and alteration of microbial gene expression. In addition, nanotechnology supports controlled agrochemical delivery, seed treatment, activation of plant defense responses, and precision crop protection systems. Despite these advances, concerns regarding nanotoxicity, bioaccumulation, environmental persistence, and adverse effects on beneficial microorganisms necessitate comprehensive biosafety assessments and regulatory evaluation before large-scale agricultural adoption. Eco-friendly synthesis approaches, particularly green and biologically mediated nanoparticle production methods, are gaining increasing attention because of their reduced toxicity and environmental compatibility. Furthermore, the integration of nanotechnology with artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and precision agriculture technologies is expected to transform future plant disease diagnosis and sustainable crop protection systems.

Genetic Diversity and Multivariate Analysis of Yield-Attributing Traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Groundnut yield improvement depends on the availability of genetically diverse genotypes possessing desirable yield and quality traits. Evaluating genetic variability, trait associations and multivariate diversity among genotypes helps breeders identify superior parents for developing high-yielding and quality cultivars. This study evaluated genetic variability, trait associations and selection efficiency in twenty-three groundnut genotypes. Kernel traits varied widely, with 100-kernel weight (25-38 g), sound mature kernel (SMK) weight (23-35 g) and SMK percentage (86-95%). Pod yield (3314-4970 kg ha^-1) and kernel yield (2156-2967 kg ha^-1) also showed considerable variability. Kernel yield exhibited a strong positive association and high direct effect on pod yield, indicating its usefulness as a selection criterion, although negative correlations with quality traits suggested a trade-off between yield and quality traits. Principal component analysis showed that the first three components explained 80.83% of total variation with PC1 alone contributing 46.41%. Cluster analysis grouped genotypes into four clusters, with Cluster IV showing superior yield performance. The genotypes K-9, K 2658, K 2660 and K 2659 grouped in Cluster II, showed moderate yield, desirable quality traits and early flowering. Therefore, the genotypes in Cluster IV and II, can be used as parents for developing high-quality and high-yielding groundnut cultivars.

Pteridophytic Responses to Heavy Metal and Atmospheric Pollution across Ecological Zones of Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh, India

Vaishalee Thakur, Anoop Singh Baghel — Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pteridophytes are highly sensitive vascular plants whose distribution and physiological responses reflect changes in environmental conditions such as pollution, habitat disturbance, and climatic stress, making them effective bioindicators of ecosystem health. In the ecologically diverse Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, increasing mining, industrialization, and urbanization have altered natural habitats, necessitating the use of pteridophytes to assess heavy metal contamination, air quality deterioration, and freshwater ecosystem changes. The present study evaluates the role of pteridophytes as bioindicators of environmental health across different ecological zones of Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh. Field surveys, species assessment, and physiological analyses were conducted in three ecological zones: Zone A (Patalkot and Tamia Hills), Zone B (mining belts of Parasia and Junnardeo), and Zone C (urban-industrial regions). The results revealed significant variations in pteridophyte distribution and physiological responses under different environmental stresses. In mining-affected Zone B, Pteris vittata showed strong heavy metal accumulation with a Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) greater than 1.5 for arsenic and lead, indicating severe soil contamination. In industrial and urban regions of Zone C, Adiantum species exhibited nearly 30% reduction in chlorophyll content along with reduced stomatal density due to atmospheric pollutants such as SO₂ and particulate matter. In contrast, the undisturbed forest ecosystems of Zone A supported Cyathea spinulosa, indicating stable and humid climax forest conditions. Aquatic pteridophytes such as Azolla pinnata and Marsilea minuta reflected nutrient enrichment and eutrophication in local water bodies. The study demonstrates that pteridophytes serve as efficient and cost-effective bioindicators for monitoring heavy metal pollution, air quality deterioration, habitat degradation, and freshwater ecosystem changes. These findings highlight their ecological significance in environmental monitoring and biodiversity conservation in the Satpura region.

Influence of Seaweed Extract on the Amount of Phosphorus Fertilizer for Onion Production

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for onion (Allium cepa L.) growth and bulb formation; however, its low use efficiency due to soil fixation processes often leads to excessive fertilizer application, increasing production costs and environmental risks. This study investigated the potential of seaweed extract (SE) derived from Ascophyllum nodosum to reduce phosphorus fertilizer requirements in winter onion production while maintaining or improving growth, yield, and quality. A field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during November 2024–March 2025 using a randomized complete block design with six treatments and six replications. Treatments comprised T₁ (100% recommended NPK dose, control), T₂ (90% P + 1 L ha⁻¹ SE), T₃ (80% P + 2 L ha⁻¹ SE), T₄ (70% P + 3 L ha⁻¹ SE), T₅ (60% P + 4 L ha⁻¹ SE), and T₆ (50% P + 5 L ha⁻¹ SE). Results demonstrated that treatment T₃ consistently outperformed all other treatments, recording the highest plant height (62.30 cm at 90 DAT), leaf number (6.60 at 90 DAT), pseudostem diameter (1.66 cm at 90 DAT), chlorophyll content (64.03 SPAD), individual bulb weight (69.5 g), and total yield (20.85 t ha⁻¹). Furthermore, T₃ produced superior bulb quality attributes, including vitamin C (5.49 mg 100 g⁻¹), total phenol content (6.26 mg g⁻¹), total chlorophyll (1.97 mg g⁻¹), and enhanced mineral composition (Na 1.59%, K 2.22%, S 1.24%). The lowest values for all parameters were observed in T₆. These findings indicate that integrating seaweed extract at 2 L ha⁻¹ with 80% of the recommended phosphorus dose (T₃) effectively compensates for reduced phosphorus input by improving nutrient use efficiency, photosynthetic capacity, and physiological performance. This sustainable approach reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, lowers production costs, and minimizes environmental impacts while enhancing both productivity and nutritional quality of onion. Further research is recommended across different agro-ecological zones and onion varieties to validate these findings.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Components in Local Rice Land Races of Tamil Nadu, India

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Traditional rice landraces of Tamil Nadu constitute an important reservoir of genetic diversity for yield and adaptive traits, offering valuable resources for rice improvement programmes. Assessing genetic variability, trait associations, and the direct and indirect effects of yield-contributing characters is essential for identifying effective selection criteria for the development of high-yielding rice cultivars.

The present investigation was carried out of assess the extent of genetic variability, association among traits and direct and indirect effects of yield contributing characters in traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes. A total of 50 traditional rice genotypes were evaluated for thirteen quantitative characters. Analysis of variability revealed high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for total number of grains per panicle, number of productive tillers per hill and flag leaf length indicating the existence of substantial variability among the genotypes. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was recorded for the number of productive tillers per hill, total number of grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle, and unfilled grains per panicle, indicating the predominance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. Such findings suggest that these characters may respond effectively to direct selection in breeding programmes.

Correlation analysis further demonstrated that single plant yield exhibited a significant and positive association with the number of productive tillers per hill, plant height, panicle weight, number of branches per panicle, filled grains per panicle, and total number of grains per panicle. These relationships highlight the importance of these yield-contributing traits in determining overall productivity.

Moreover, path coefficient analysis revealed that total number of grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle, and number of productive tillers per hill exerted strong positive direct effects on single plant yield. The results therefore emphasise that these traits constitute reliable and effective selection indices for the improvement of grain yield in traditional rice genotypes.

Integrated Multi-omics Approach for the Enhancement of Secondary Physiological Traits to Develop Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Cereal Breeding

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Abiotic stresses, particularly salinity, drought, and heat, pose severe threat to the productivity of major cereal crops, threatening global food security at a time when climate variability is intensifying. Conventional yield-based selection strategies have proven inadequate under these conditions, largely owing to the complexity of genotype × environment interactions that hide the true genetic potential of stress-tolerant lines. Consequently, attention has shifted toward secondary physiological traits as more dependable for stress adaptation. In rice, sodium exclusion capacity and sustained stomatal conductance have been closely associated with salinity tolerance, while in wheat, reduced canopy temperature and high stomatal conductance serve as meaningful markers of drought resilience and yield stability. In sorghum, stay-green lines demonstrate a remarkable capacity to sustain photosynthetic activity under water-deficit conditions, and in maize, reduced anthesis-silking interval alongside stay-green phenotypes confers a measurable advantage under drought stress.

Complementing these physiological insights, multi-omics approaches have substantially advanced our mechanistic understanding of stress adaptation at the molecular and metabolic levels. Metabolomic profiling of wheat and rice under drought conditions has revealed consistent patterns of soluble sugar and osmoprotectant accumulation, while genome-wide association studies and quantitative trait locus mapping have successfully pinpointed genomic regions governing stress-responsive phenotypes. When these molecular tools are coupled with high-throughput phenotyping platforms, the resulting framework offers both precision and scalability in breeding programmes. Collectively, this integrated strategy holds considerable promise for accelerating the development of climate-resilient grain varieties, stabilising crop yields under environmental adversity, and ultimately reducing the vulnerability of agricultural systems to the growing pressures of a changing climate.

Evaluation of Genetic Variation for Yield and Growth Traits in Different Types of Oats (Avena sativa L.)

Udit Pandey, Sachchida Nand Mishra, Mudit Pandey — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The majority of the crop produced by cultivars was sown in the spring, however in places with a high elevation, genotypes are sown in the autumn, and locations with sweltering summers. This present study aimed to examine the level of genetic diversity within different genotypes of Oats (Avena sativa L.) for yield and other growth characters during the rabi season (2025-26). The research trial was conducted during the rabi season of 2025-26 at the Agricultural Research Farm of Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. In the present investigation, 13 Oats genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design method having three replications. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the genetic variation, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient, path coefficient and genetic diversity (D²) analysis for yield and its contributing factors. Data were collected for 18 traits. Based on analysis of variance, revealed significant differences among all genotypes for all eighteen characters, indicating the presence of considerable genetic variability. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was more than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits. Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield plant⁻¹ (g) exhibited highly significant positive association with seeds per panicle, tillers count per plant, leaves count per plant, width of flag leaf (cm) and harvest index (%). Path coefficient analysis indicated that seeds per panicle and Seed yield plot⁻¹ (kg) exerted the highest positive direct effect on seed yield plant⁻¹ (g). The Mahalanobis D² and Tocher’s cluster analysis methods were used to determine divergence based on genetic diversity within different Oats genotypes. The total number of genotypes were divided into five groups. Group I had the highest number of genotypes, while group IV and V had only one genotype each, which indicated high differentiation among the genotypes. The highest inter-group distance was found between group II and group V. The lowest inter-group distance was found between group I and group IV. Based on cluster mean performance, cluster II appeared to be superior for yield-related traits, whereas cluster III had high biological yield (kg) and maturity period. Therefore, it may be concluded that highly diverged clusters, such as clusters II and V.

Biochar-trichocompost Integration Enhances Soil Organic Carbon, CEC, and Stability in Char Lands Soil Restoration

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Soil degradation and declining organic carbon in vulnerable charland ecosystems threaten long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability. Integrating biochar and trichocompost offers a promising strategy to enhance soil health, improve nutrient retention, and increase carbon sequestration under sustainable farming systems.

This study evaluated the effects of rice husk biochar and trichocompost on soil properties through a two-year field experiment (2022–2024) conducted at two charland sites in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. Two cropping systems—Potato–Groundnut–T. aman and Potato–Mungbean–T. aman—were tested in a randomised complete block design with ten treatments combining biochar (2–3 t ha⁻¹), trichocompost (1 t ha⁻¹), and chemical fertilisers at 100% or 75% of the recommended dose. Soil organic carbon (SOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), pH, and aggregate stability were assessed.

Integrated nutrient management significantly improved soil health in both systems. Macroaggregate stability increased to 64% and 63% in groundnut and mungbean systems, respectively, while microaggregate fractions declined. SOC increased to 0.90% and 0.99%, with SOC stock reaching 18.67 and 19.83 Mg ha⁻¹ and carbon sequestration of 841 and 1032 kg ha⁻¹ in mungbean and groundnut pattern, respectively. Microbial biomass carbon maximized at 385 ppm (groundnut) and at 459 ppm (mungbean) pH improved to 5.36 and 5.95, whereas CEC maximised at 14.59 and 15.74 meq 100 g⁻¹, respectively.

Overall, both the two cropping patterns performed well, the mungbean pattern consistently performed better than the groundnut rotation for SOC, pH, CEC, and microbial populations, thereby confirming the more important contribution to maintaining soil health.

These findings demonstrate that integrating biochar and trichocompost with reduced fertiliser inputs improves soil health and carbon sequestration in charland agroecosystems.

Genetic Divergence and Principal Component Analysis for Seed Yield and Yield- contributing Traits in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Lavudya Srilatha, R. K. Dubey, S. K. Singh — Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a nutritionally important legume, but its productivity is constrained by a narrow genetic base, limiting scope for yield improvement. Therefore, assessing genetic divergence and variability using multivariate tools like D² analysis and PCA is essential to identify diverse genotypes and key yield-contributing traits for effective breeding programs.

Aim: Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a nutritionally rich and economically important cool-season legume that plays a key role in sustainable cropping systems. However, the narrow genetic base of cultivated germplasm limits the scope for yield enhancement and genetic improvement. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate genetic divergence and analyze trait variability among field pea genotypes using multivariate approaches such as principal component analysis, in order to identify diverse and promising parental lines for future breeding programs.

Study Design: The study used three replications in randomized complete block design (RCBD).

Place and Duration: The experiment was conducted during the rabi growing season 2019-2020, at the Breeder Seed Production Unit, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Methodology: The present study, 40 field pea genotypes were analyzed for genetic diversity using Mahalanobis's D² statistics and principal component analysis (PCA). 19 key quantitative traits were recorded and genotypes were grouped into 10 clusters based on genetic distance using tocher’s procedure.

Results: Genetics divergence and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to assess seed yield and yield-contributing traits in field pea germplasm. The genotypes under the experiment were grouped into 10 clusters based on genetic divergence analysis. The highest number of genotypes found in cluster I. the highest intra cluster distance was found in cluster III followed by cluster I. the highest inter cluster divergence was observed between genotypes of cluster IV and X followed by cluster V and X. Cluster IX have early flowering and maturity genotypes. Pod cluster per plant has highest value in cluster I followed by plant height and pod bearing length has highest value in cluster III. According to Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the out of 19, only 6 principal components exhibited more than 1.0 eigen value and showed 81.66% of the total variance. The first principal component accounted for 27.51% of the variability and was mainly associated with yield-related traits. The genotypes FP-14-34, Lep-260 and FP-14-36 has highest positive PC values for yield-related traits. Yield-related traits exhibited the highest loading values on the principal components, with number of nodes per plant identified as the most important trait contributing to separation and should therefore be prioritized for future breeding programmes.

Conclusion: The present investigation revealed substantial genetic divergence among field pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes, confirming the utility of D² analysis and principal component analysis in characterizing genetic variability. The identification of diverse clusters and key yield-contributing traits offers valuable insights for the selection of superior and genetically divergent parents. The use of such genotypes in hybridization programmes is expected to enhance recombination efficiency and facilitate the development of high-yielding field pea varieties.

Morphogenetic and Hairy Root Induction Responses in Various Explants of Justicia adhatoda

Kandula Jayapaul, M. Ravinder — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Justicia adhatoda is an important medicinal plant widely utilised in rural healthcare systems for the treatment of various ailments. Its leaves contain bioactive pyrroloquinazoline alkaloids, notably vasicine and vasicinone, which are responsible for its therapeutic properties. The plant exhibits significant pharmacological activities, including expectorant, antiseptic, antiperiodic, and anthelmintic effects. In vitro plant tissue culture techniques offer valuable approaches for the controlled production and enhancement of secondary metabolites. Methods such as callus culture, cell suspension culture, and hairy root culture can be effectively employed to manipulate growth conditions and increase the yield of desired bioactive compounds. In the present study we report an efficient somatic embryogenesis and their histochemical analysis, plant regeneration, Induction of hairy roots using Agrobacterium rhizogene ATCC15834, harboring agropine-type plasmid pRiA4b and A4 strains from various explants of Justicia adhatoda. Hairy root suspensions were analyzed by HPLC and relative amount of the vasicine yield was estimated to be 8mg/gDW.

Mechanisms of Heat Stress Tolerance in Wheat: Integrating Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Insights with Breeding Approaches

Ravi Ranjan, Shiv Prakash Shrivastav, Harmeet Singh Janeja — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a critical global food staple, but its productivity is increasingly threatened by climate change-induced heat stress (HS). A 1°C rise in temperature can reduce global wheat yields by approximately 6%. This paper reviews the multifaceted impacts of HS, including impaired germination, reduced photosynthetic capacity and reproductive failure. Key tolerance mechanisms involve the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which act as molecular chaperones and the activation of antioxidant defense systems to mitigate oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Physiological traits like stay-green duration and canopy temperature depression (CTD) are highlighted as effective selection criteria for developing thermotolerant cultivars. Furthermore, the integration of conventional breeding with molecular tools—such as QTL mapping and marker-assisted selection is essential for introgressing heat-tolerant traits from wild relatives and landraces into bread wheat to ensure future food security.

Smart Breeding: Integrating AI, Genomics and Phenomics for Next-Generation Crops: A Review

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), genomics and phenomics is ushering in a new era of smart breeding a paradigm that promises to dramatically accelerate genetic gain while reducing the time and cost associated with developing elite crop varieties. Conventional plant breeding, though enormously successful over the past century, is increasingly challenged by a rapidly changing climate, a growing global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050 and the biological complexity of quantitative traits. Smart breeding leverages exponential growth in genomic data, high-throughput phenotyping platforms and the analytical power of machine learning and deep learning algorithms to navigate these challenges. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge across three interdependent pillars: AI and machine learning for genomic selection, trait prediction and decision support; next-generation sequencing and multi-omics tools that have transformed our understanding of crop genetic architecture; and field and controlled-environment phenomics platforms that bridge the genotype phenotype gap. Further discuss integration through digital twins, knowledge graphs and federated learning frameworks and examine applications in gene editing, stress tolerance and yield improvement. Key challenges data standardization, interpretability of black-box models, regulatory frameworks and equitable access are critically assessed and a roadmap for the next decade of smart breeding is proposed. Another point highlighted in this review is the need to conduct collaborative and interdisciplinary research to achieve the full potential of smart breeding technologies. It emphasizes the necessity of capacity-building, data sharing systems and policy support to provide sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth. Moreover, the paper highlights the importance of new innovations in developing resilient and productive and future-oriented crop systems.

Estimation of Magnitude of Heterosis for Quantitative Characters in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

K. Sudha Sundari, Y. Anitha Vasline, Y. Vinod Kumar Reddy, D. Saritha — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Exploitation of hybrid vigour is an important approach for improving yield and its associated traits in sesame. In recent years, efforts have focused on developing sesame hybrids using methods such as manual emasculation and pollination, chemical hybridizing agents, and genetic and cytoplasmic male sterility systems. An experiment was conducted in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) at Students’ farm, School of Agriculture, Loyola Academy during Dec 2021-September 2022 to assess the extent of heterosis for nine quantitative characters. Eight lines and four testers were crossed in line x tester fashion to develop 32 hybrids. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the 32 hybrids for all the characters. The performance of thirty two hybrids over the mid parental value (average heterosis), better parental value (heterobeltiosis) and standard check variety RT-125 (standard heterosis) for various traits was tested. Based on standard heterosis, the hybrids DORG 37-11 x RT-125, IC 500393 x RT-125, CT-50 x Phule Til-1 and CT-50 x JLT-408 were adjudged as the best hybrids as they recorded high standard heterosis for seven, six and five characters respectively. The cross IC 500393 x RT-125 exhibited the best standard heterosis for seed yield per plant (11.76) followed by CT-50 X Phule Til-1(11.14) and DORG 37-11 X RT-125(8.34).

Advances in Oyster Mushroom Spawn Production: Substrate Innovations and Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) cultivation is a sustainable approach for converting agricultural wastes into nutritious food. This review highlights spawn production using various grain and non-grain substrates, emphasizing the role of nutrient composition and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in mycelial growth. Grain substrates, particularly pearl millet and maize, showed superior performance due to balanced nutrients. Factors affecting spawn quality, including moisture, sterilization, and inoculum quality, are discussed. The application of nanotechnology, especially nanoparticles such as ZnO and Ag, demonstrates significant potential in enhancing mycelial growth, yield, biofortification, and antimicrobial activity. Integrating these approaches can improve productivity and sustainability in oyster mushroom cultivation systems.

Evaluation of Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Fodder Yield and Associated Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) and Teosinte Germplasm

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Maize (Zea mays L.) serves as a crucial fodder crop, as it produces substantial biomass which is palatable and rich in nutrient content. The research focused on evaluation of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for fodder yield and related traits in 23 maize genotypes and five teosinte accessions grown at Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during Kharif 2024 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed the significant differences among all genotypes for all the traits indicating considerable genetic diversity. The study revealed that the green leaf weight (GLW), dry stem weight (DSW), green stem weight (GSW), green fodder yield (GFY) and dry fodder yield (DFY) showed high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variance (PCV and GCV) which indicated that these traits contained high variability and can be selected for enhancing fodder yield. The broad sense heritability was observed high for days to 50% tassel emergence (DTE), days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, plant height (PH), green fodder yield (GFY), leaf number (LN), leaf area (LA), stem girth (SG) and leaf length (LL). The traits like green leaf weight (GLW), dry stem weight (DSW), and green fodder yield (GFY) exhibited both high heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage of mean suggested the predominance of additive gene action and may be used directly for selection for high fodder biomass production. The study demonstrates that the evaluated maize and teosinte accessions possess significant genetic potential to enhance fodder yield and its component traits for developing high yielding fodder maize hybrids using specific breeding methods.

Climate Change and Drought Challenges in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) Cultivation- Future Prospects for Sustainable Production under Climate-Smart Agriculture

Saiprava Baug, M. S. Darvhankar — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is a cornerstone of edible oil production in India, yet its productivity, is increasingly threatened by the rising frequency and intensity of drought stress. This review highlights the multi-dimensional impact of moisture scarcity on mustard, ranging from inhibited germination to significant yield losses. It also details the physiological and biochemical responses including stomatal regulation, osmotic adjustment via proline accumulation and the activation of antioxidant defense systems to combat oxidative damage, Furthermore, this review also explores the transition from conventional breeding to advanced biotechnological interventions such as integration of muti-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and phenomics), marker-assisted selection (MAS) and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. By reorienting breeding programs toward climate-smart agriculture, this paper outlines the future prospects for ensuring sustainable mustard production and long-term edible oil security in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Analysis of Genetic Diversity of Banana Cultivars Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Analysis of genetic diversity using molecular markers assesses the genetic variation within different genotypes at DNA sequences among the individuals. Further, molecular markers in genetic diversity analysis are very effective due to their co-dominance, morphological neutrality, abundance, development stage, tissue and environmental independent expression. Genetic variations and relationships among fifteen important banana cultivars were evaluated using 15 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) primers. The result indicated that MAOCEN 12 had the highest number of alleles (5) and resulted the highest polymorphism among all the tested markers. Three markers, namely Ma 1-27, Ma 3-103 and Ma Gss 160 exhibited monomorphism. The polymorphism percentage was recorded in the range 0.0-100.0 % in all the used markers. Eighty (80.0%) per cent of the tested markers were found to be polymorphic in nature. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value varied from 0.00-0.374. The heterozygosity index (HI) and marker index (MI) ranged from 0-0.498 and 0-0.021, respectively. The resolving power (RP) ranged from 0.0-1.142 and discriminating power (DP) varied from 0.0- 1.0. The UPGMA cluster analysis of the banana cultivars were also done by using Dice’s coefficient and dendrogram was constructed. The tree distance in the dendrogram was 0.000-0.278. The fifteen banana cultivars were grouped into two major clusters. The tetraploid banana cultivar FHIA-01 formed one major cluster and rest all the diploid and triploid banana cultivars in another cluster. This study identified genetically dissimilar groups within the fifteen banana cultivars that revealed their evolutionary background. The outcome of the experiment will be helpful for germplasms management and planning for future crop improvement programmes in banana.

Biotechnological Approaches to Modify Flower Color, Fragrance and Vase Life in Ornamental Plants

Satendra Kumar, Hariom Katiyar, Naveen Chandra — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ornamental plants are of immense economic and aesthetic significance worldwide, with global trade valued at hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Key quality attributes — flower color, fragrance, and postharvest vase life — are primary determinants of market value and consumer preference. Classical breeding approaches have been largely effective but are constrained by sexual incompatibility barriers, long generation times, and genetic complexity. Over the past three decades, biotechnological and molecular biological tools have emerged as powerful alternatives to precisely engineer these traits. This review comprehensively examines the current status and future prospects of biotechnological interventions targeting the three principal ornamental quality traits. In the realm of flower color, we discuss the manipulation of flavonoid and carotenoid biosynthetic pathways, transcription factor engineering, and the revolutionary application of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. For fragrance modification, we explore the biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including terpenoids, benzenoids, and fatty acid derivatives, alongside metabolic engineering strategies. Regarding vase life extension, we analyze ethylene signaling, senescence gene suppression, water transport optimization, and pathogen resistance enhancement. The review further highlights successful commercial cases, biosafety considerations, regulatory frameworks, and emerging genomic tools such as multi-omics integration and synthetic biology. We identify major research gaps and propose future research directions to accelerate translational applications in the ornamental plant industry.

Decoupling the Yield-Quality Paradox in Wheat through Integrated Rhizospheric Bio-Priming with NPK Consortia

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The intensification of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) monocultures in the Indo-Gangetic Plains has precipitated a precarious "input-output" paradox, wherein escalating mineral fertilisation induces rhizospheric dysbiosis and severe pedological degradation. In these alkaline, calcareous landscapes, chemical immobilisation renders upwards of 80% of applied phosphorus and critical micronutrients, specifically Zinc (Zn²⁺), bio-unavailable, creating a profound metabolic bottleneck. This study interrogates the hypothesis that transitioning toward Microbial-Mediated Nutrient Canalisation via tripartite bio-inoculants can decouple productivity from environmental exhaustion. A field investigation was executed during the Rabi season of 2024 at KVK, Ghazipur, utilising a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The high-yielding cultivar DBW-222 was subjected to seven nutritional configurations, integrating Recommended Dose of Fertilisers (RDF) with diazotrophic Azotobacter, specialised NPK Consortia, and Zinc Solubilising Bacteria (ZSB). Physiological growth kinetics (Plant Height, LAI, CGR), grain proteomic stoichiometry (modified micro-Kjeldahl), and post-harvest edaphic biological status (CFU analysis) were rigorously quantified. Empirical outcomes elucidated a significant hierarchical progression (T7 > T6 > T4 > T3 > T5 > T2 > T1), with Treatment T7 (RDF + NPK Consortia + ZSB) achieving maximal vegetative vigour: plant height (85.6 cm), LAI (0.75), and CGR (22.5 g/m2/day). Notably, T7 demonstrated a superior qualitative profile with Protein Content peaking at 11.4%, effectively decoupling the typical inverse relationship between yield and quality. Economic productivity reached its zenith in T7 with a Grain Yield of 5.5 t/ha, underpinned by a three-fold increase in rhizospheric bacterial colonisation (34.7 times 106 CFU/g) over the control. The integration of multimodal microbial consortia with mineral regimes mitigates the "biological void" left by conventional fertilisation, restoring soil ecological functionality. The synergistic interaction between NPK-mobilizers and ZSB optimises the Carbon-Nitrogen-Phosphorus (C: N:P) stoichiometry, offering a mechanistic framework for regenerative intensification in high-input agrosystems.

Next-Generation Breeding: Integrating Multi-Omics and Artificial Intelligence for Advancing Nutritional and Food Security

Sreeram Harshitha, Rubby Sandhu — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Global food and nutritional security are increasingly challenged by rapid population growth, climate change, and the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, commonly referred to as hidden hunger. Conventional plant breeding approaches, although successful in improving crop productivity, are often limited by low precision, long breeding cycles, and inefficiency in dissecting complex traits such as yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality. In recent years, the integration of multi-omics technologies encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, phenomics, and epigenomics has revolutionized crop improvement by enabling a comprehensive understanding of biological systems at multiple regulatory levels. These approaches facilitate the identification of key genes, pathways, and molecular interactions underlying agronomically important traits. Simultaneously, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have provided powerful tools for analyzing large-scale, high-dimensional datasets generated through omics platforms. AI-driven models enhance predictive accuracy, enable genomic selection, and support data-driven decision-making in breeding programs. The integration of multi-omics with AI has significantly improved the efficiency of biofortification strategies aimed at enhancing micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and protein in staple crops, while also contributing to yield improvement and climate resilience. This review synthesizes recent advancements in multi-omics and AI applications in plant breeding, with a particular focus on their role in improving nutritional traits and ensuring sustainable food systems. It also discusses key challenges, including data integration complexities, computational limitations, and phenotyping bottlenecks, along with future prospects for precision breeding. The convergence of these technologies represents a paradigm shift toward predictive, efficient, and sustainable crop improvement strategies.

Biotechnology and Its Applications in Agriculture: GMOs and Gene Editing

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Agricultural biotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in addressing the dual challenges of global food security and environmental sustainability. The transition from conventional breeding to advanced molecular approaches, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas systems, has significantly enhanced the precision, efficiency, and scope of crop improvement. GMOs have contributed to increased productivity, improved resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and reduced reliance on chemical inputs, although their deployment remains contested due to biosafety, ecological, and socio-economic concerns. In contrast, genome editing technologies offer targeted and transgene-free modifications, enabling rapid development of improved crop varieties with potentially fewer regulatory constraints. Beyond these approaches, emerging biotechnologies such as synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics are redefining agricultural innovation through system-level interventions, precision input management, and data-driven decision-making. These technologies collectively enhance resource use efficiency, enable real-time crop monitoring, and support the development of climate-resilient agricultural systems. However, their integration into mainstream agriculture requires careful consideration of environmental risks, ethical implications, and regulatory uncertainties. This review critically examines the evolution, applications, and impacts of biotechnology in agriculture, with a focus on GMOs, genome editing, and emerging technological platforms. It further evaluates environmental implications, including biodiversity effects and ecological risks, alongside economic and societal dimensions such as market dynamics, public perception, and policy frameworks. The synthesis highlights the need for balanced innovation that integrates technological advancement with sustainability principles, regulatory transparency, and equitable access.