Comparative pollination efficiency of freshly harvested pollen of Imperata cylindrica and Zea mays for haploid induction in bread wheat

Pollen viability is among the critical factors, which determine the success of a doubled haploidy breeding programme, thus the present investigation was undertaken to assess the functional viability and relative longevity of the pollen from Zea mays and Imperata cylindrica for the chromosome elimination mediated approach of doubled haploidy breeding. Two wheat genotypes representing spring and winter ecotypes, namely DH 40 and Saptdhara were pollinated with freshly harvested pollen of two known potential haploid inducing sources, namely Z. mays (grown in polyhouse conditions) and I. cylindrica (wild grass) for 15 and 17 days, respectively, keeping five minutes interval between two subsequent pollinations. The results revealed a significant decrease in the viability of Z. mays pollen up to 95 percent in Saptdhara and 85 percent in DH 40 within one hour, whereas Imperata pollen was found to be functionally viable even at the end of experimentation period, showing high embryo formation in both the wheat parents. I. cylindrica exhibited higher frequencies for haploid induction parameters in both the wheat parents as compared to Z. mays. I. cylindrica pollen, being viable for relatively longer periods than Z. mays can hasten the haploid induction endeavours, thus may be a more efficient alternative to Z. mays for breeding programmes using doubled haploidy technique

Synergizing biotechnology and natural farming: pioneering agricultural sustainability through innovative interventions

The world has undergone a remarkable transformation from the era of famines to an age of global food production that caters to an exponentially growing population. This transformation has been made possible by significant agricultural revolutions, marked by the intensification of agriculture through the infusion of mechanical, industrial, and economic inputs. However, this rapid advancement in agriculture has also brought about the proliferation of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation, which have given rise to long-term environmental crises. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed a concerning plateau in crop production, the loss of arable land, and dramatic shifts in climatic conditions. These challenges have underscored the urgent need to protect our global commons, particularly the environment, through a participatory approach that involves countries worldwide, regardless of their developmental status. To achieve the goal of sustainability in agriculture, it is imperative to adopt multidisciplinary approaches that integrate fields such as biology, engineering, chemistry, economics, and community development. One noteworthy initiative in this regard is Zero Budget Natural Farming, which highlights the significance of leveraging the synergistic effects of both plant and animal products to enhance crop establishment, build soil fertility, and promote the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms. The ultimate aim is to create self-sustainable agro-ecosystems. This review advocates for the incorporation of biotechnological tools in natural farming to expedite the dynamism of such systems in an eco-friendly manner. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, we can increase the productivity of agro-ecology and generate abundant supplies of food, feed, fiber, and nutraceuticals to meet the needs of our ever-expanding global population

Comparative efficiency of triticale × wheat derived F1, F2, F3, BC1F1 and BC1F2 recombinants towards Imperata cylindrica-mediated doubled haploid induction

Doubled haploidy breeding from F1 population accelerates the varietal development programmes by producing instant homozygosity but the plants undergo only one round of recombination. Generation of doubled haploids (DHs) from F2/F3 or backcrossed populations may allow for more recombination and selection of rare homozygous recombinants. However, very few reports on this account are available to suggest utilization of the filial generations that should be utilized for double haploid production. Keeping this in view, the present investigation was formulated to evaluate triticale × wheat derived F1, F2, F3, BC1F1 and BC1F2 generations towards haploid induction parameters following the Imperata cylindrica-mediated chromosome elimination approach. Based on statistical analysis, the backcrosses (BC1F1 and BC1F2) were observed to be significantly better than the F1, F2 and F3 populations towards haploid induction parameters under consideration. Among the backcrosses, BC1F2 outperformed BC1F1 towards pseudoseed formation (average 41.28 and 42.50% in 2013–14 and 2014–15, respectively) whereas the latter was significantly better than the former towards haploid embryo formation (average 33.22 and 37.03% in 2013–14 and 2014–15, respectively). Both populations were observed to be at par with each other for haploid regeneration (average 49.36 and 49.56% in 2013–14 and 49.08 and 49.90% in 2014–15) but significantly better than other generations used in the experiment. Hence, involving backcrosses in doubled haploidy breeding programmes may increase the number of haploids and DHs thus resulting in rapid development of mapping populations

Interactive genotypic influence of triticale and wheat on their crossability and haploid induction under varied agroclimatic regimes

The investigation was undertaken at two different climatic regimens of NW Himalayas, to determine the response of diverse genotypes of triticale and wheat and environment on their crossability as well as to evaluate the efficiency of Imperata cylindrica-mediated chromosome elimination approach for haploid induction in triticale × wheat (Triticum aestivum) hybrids. The experimental material included three elite hexaploid triticale genotypes (DT123, DT126 and TL9335) and five bread wheat genotypes (DH40, HPW155, HS295, VL829 and C306). Significant genotypic and environmental variations were observed for seed setting at two agroclimatic zones. Among parental genotypes, DT126 (triticale) and C306, HPW155 and HS295 (wheat) responded significantly better for seed setting due to significant positive GCA effects at both locations. Maximum seed set of 39.53% and 45.37% was recorded at short day and long day climates, respectively, proving later as the better location for seed setting in most of the crosses. For all the three parameters of haploid induction, viz. pseudoseed formation, embryo formation and regeneration, significant differences were recorded in all the triticale × wheat hybrids depicting the potential of I. cylindrica-mediated approach for haploid induction. Triticale × wheat cross DT126 × HS295 followed by DT126 × HPW155 were found to be significantly more responsive towards embryo formation and regeneration