Heterotic pools in African and Asian origin populations of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Forty-five African or Asian origin pearl millet populations bred either in Africa or Asia were investigated to generate information on heterotic pools. They were clustered into seven groups (G1 to G7) when genotyped, using 29 highly polymorphic SSRs. Fourteen parental populations representing these seven marker-based groups were crossed in diallel mating design to generate 91 population hybrids. The hybrids evaluated at three locations in India showed mean panmictic mid-parent heterosis (PMPH) and better-parent heterosis (PBPH) for grain yield ranging from − 21.7 to 62.08% and − 32.51 to 42.99%, respectively. Higher grain yield and heterosis were observed in G2 × G6 (2462 kg ha− 1, 43.2%) and G2 × G5 (2455 kg ha− 1, 42.8%) marker group crosses compared to the most popular Indian open-pollinated variety (OPV) ICTP 8203. Two heterotic groups, Pearl millet Population Heterotic Pool-1 (PMPHP-1) comprising G2 populations and Pearl millet Population Heterotic Pool-2 (PMPHP- 2) comprising G5 and G6 populations, were identified based on hybrid performance, heterosis and combining ability among marker group crosses. Population hybrids from two heterotic groups, PMPHP-1 × PMPHP-2 demonstrated PMPH of 14.75% and PBPH of 6.8%. Populations of PMPHP-1 had linkages with either African or Asian origin populations, whereas PMPHP-2 composed of populations originating in Africa and later bred for Asian environments. Results indicated that parental populations from the two opposite heterotic groups can be used as base populations to derive superior inbred lines to develop high yielding hybrids/cultivars

Effect of integrated agronomic practices on hybrids and pure-line varieties under different environmental conditions in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

The field experiment was conducted at two locations during kharif 2011 and 2012 at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, Maharashtra and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh to study the effect of various integrated agronomic practices on hybrids and pure-line varieties of pigeonpea. The genotypes used were three medium maturity group hybrids (ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740 and ICPH 3762) and three pure-line varieties (BDN 711, BSMR 736 and Asha) laid out in split-plot design with three replications in Vertisols. The experimental material was planted in three treatments viz., T1 [75 x 30 cm + 100 kg DAP (basal) + no protective irrigation]; T2 [75 x 60 cm + 50 N:100 P2O5 kg ha-1 (split application: 50% as basal and 50% at 60 days) + two protective irrigations (during mid-flowering and mid-pod development stage)]; and T3 [150 x 30 cm + 50 N:100 P2O5 kg ha-1 (split application: 50% as basal and 50% at 60 days) + two protective irrigations (mid-flowering and mid-pod development stage)]. The results indicated that significantly higher seed yield, biomass and harvest index was recorded in T2 at 3923.9 kg ha-1, 8816.6 kg ha-1 and 30.8%, respectively as compared to T3 (3262.5 kg ha-1, 7670.1 kg ha-1 and 29.8%, respectively) and T1 (2932.3 kg ha-1, 7633.3 kg ha-1 and 27.8%, respectively). Genotype × environment interaction indicated that over the two locations in two years, hybrids recorded higher seed yield as compared to pure-line varieties. However, G3T2 [ICPH 3762 + (75 x 60 cm + 50 kg N:100 P2O5 kg ha-1 (split application at 50% as basal and 50% at 60 days after sowing) + two irrigations (during mid-flowering and mid-pod development stage)] recorded the highest seed yield (4153.6 kg ha-1). Number of pods plant-1 and biomass weight (kg ha-1) showed significant variation in the interaction of environment × genotype × treatment (EGT). E1G3T3 recorded significantly higher number of pods plant-1 (1181.9) followed by E1G3T2 (1026.1) which significantly converted into higher seed yield plant-1 (237.1 g & 240.1 g respectively) while E2G2T2 exhibited significantly greater biomass (11977.9 kg ha-1). Among all the genotypes tested, Hybrid ICPH 3762 recorded highest number of pods plant-1 in T3 in almost all environments

Integrated cultural management on the yield and yield traits of pigeonpea hybrids and varieties

Six pigeonpea genotypes of medium duration hybrids (ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740 and ICPH 3762) and varieties (BDN 711, BSMR 736 and Asha) were evaluated applying different integrated agronomic approaches for the various yield and yield traits of pigeonpea at Vansantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, Maharashtra in k 2011 and 2012. The findings indicated that among the three treatments, T recorded the highest seed yield of 4378.87 kg/ha as compared to T (3530.71 kg/ha) and T (3151.79 kg/ha). Of the six genotypes, ICPH 3762 produced the highest number of pod clusters (394.6), number of pods (725.91) and seed yield/plant (171.98 g) which translated to total seed yield of 3931.51 kg/ha.The effect of genotype × treatment interaction showed that ICPH 3762 withT recorded higher number of pod clusters (514.07), more pods (830.13) and better yield/plant (198.47 g) which tantamount to higher seed yield of 4566.67 kg/ha. The resultsindicated that following spacing of 75cmx60cm along with fertilizer rate of 50kg N:100P O kg/ha insplitapplication at 50% as basal and 50% at 60 days after sowing including two protective irrigations (at mid-flowering and mid-pod developmentstage)significantly increases total seed yield(kg/ha)

Development of core collections in soybean on the basis of seed size

Core collections display a large fraction of the diversity contained in large collections in smaller germplasm panels. We used historical data (1973–2015) collected at the World Vegetable Center, Taiwan, for developing soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) core collections representing the diversity of the whole collection of 7853 accessions held by the Center. The collection was split into two groups on the basis of the 100 seed weight: large seeded (>25 g or equal to 25 g) and small seeded (<25 g). The large-seeded group (vegetable soybean/edamame) comprised 456 accessions, while the small-seeded group contained 7397 accessions. Within these two groups, we developed core collections based on seven quantitative and 14 qualitative traits collected during the autumn season, resulting in a core collection of 112 large-seeded vegetable soybean accessions and 1480 accessions for the small-seeded types

Physico-chemical, microbial and phytotoxicity evaluation of composts from sorghum, finger millet and soybean straws

Purpose Composting is an environmentally sustainable alternative for bioconversion of agricultural residues into a nutrient-rich product that can enhance soil fertility/microbial diversity and thereby improve agricultural productivity. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the decomposition pattern of the agro-residues and assess the maturity and phytotoxicity of the composts obtained using physico-chemical, microbial and statistical analyses. The study also attempted to determine a threshold germination index (GI) to serve as a maturity index for the composts by conducting seed germination assays with tomato, chickpea and soybean seeds. Methods Three agricultural residues/straws of Eleusine coracana (finger millet), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) and Glycine max (soybean) were subjected to aerobic composting for a period of 60 days to study the impact of saw dust on the decomposition pattern and the ultimate compost quality/characteristics. Results The results showed efficient decomposition pattern of the agricultural residues characterized by high temperature profiles (up to 70 °C), high microbial activity, a sharp decrease in C/N ratio of the composting materials, i.e., from an initial 41–61 to final 10–17. Conclusions Statistical evaluation of seed germination assays showed that only the compost obtained from sorghum straw + saw dust was mature and free from any phytotoxicity as all the tested seeds showed higher and statistically significant GIs. It was difficult to attribute a single threshold GI value to indicate maturity of compost and could not further be applied to different types of composts as different seeds responded differently to the same compost

Physico-chemical, microbial and phytotoxicity evaluation of composts from sorghum, finger millet and soybean straws

Purpose Composting is an environmentally sustainable alternative for bioconversion of agricultural residues into a nutrient-rich product that can enhance soil fertility/microbial diversity and thereby improve agricultural productivity. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the decomposition pattern of the agro-residues and assess the maturity and phytotoxicity of the composts obtained using physico-chemical, microbial and statistical analyses. The study also attempted to determine a threshold germination index (GI) to serve as a maturity index for the composts by conducting seed germination assays with tomato, chickpea and soybean seeds. Methods Three agricultural residues/straws of Eleusine coracana (finger millet), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) and Glycine max (soybean) were subjected to aerobic composting for a period of 60 days to study the impact of saw dust on the decomposition pattern and the ultimate compost quality/characteristics. Results The results showed efficient decomposition pattern of the agricultural residues characterized by high temperature profiles (up to 70 °C), high microbial activity, a sharp decrease in C/N ratio of the composting materials, i.e., from an initial 41–61 to final 10–17. Conclusions Statistical evaluation of seed germination assays showed that only the compost obtained from sorghum straw + saw dust was mature and free from any phytotoxicity as all the tested seeds showed higher and statistically significant GIs. It was difficult to attribute a single threshold GI value to indicate maturity of compost and could not further be applied to different types of composts as different seeds responded differently to the same compost

Evaluation of fodder yield and fodder quality in sorghum and its interaction with grain yield under different water availability regimes

Sorghum is widely grown as a failsafe crop in semi-arid regions particularly in post rainy season. Though the effect of drought on crop performance is studied widely there are few studies illustrating the association of fodder quality and agronomic traits under drought. To study the interactions we evaluated a set of 24 cultivars under drought for three years in post rainy season. The effect of drought was evident in delayed flowering (by 2 days) and reduce plant height (by 0.98 cm) compared to control. The fodder digestibility traits were reduced (in vitro organic matter digestibility by 2.25 times) under drought. All the plant growth and yield parameters recorded higher heritability compared to fodder quality parameters (<0.75) in most of the season in both control and stress environments. The scatter plot showed best (ICSV700-P10, N13, PB15881-3, SP 2417-P3) and poor (296B, ICSB377-P1, ICSV1, IS9830) performing entries in control and stress plots. The agronomic and the fodder quality traits have shown no significant relationship between them, hence independent association can be utilized to breed for desirable traits. Identification of contrasting lines could be the key to identify genes controlling the fodder quality traits under drought

Effect of sub-optimal moisture levels on the quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during storage in triple-layer hermetic storage bags

Storage is an important aspect of groundnut, as the in-shell and shelled kernels are prone to infestation by insects, pests, and fungi. Among several storage pests, the groundnut bruchid, Caryedon serratus, causes serious losses. Farmers often resort to different management practices, including hermetic storage, to control it. The moisture content of the commodity plays an important role in insect infestation during storage. Drying to safe moisture levels before storage is known to prevent the activity of various living organisms, such as storage pests. However, drying to low levels of moisture may not be economical for farmers, as they may not have access to devices to accurately check product moisture. In this regard, we wanted to demonstrate the efficacy of triple-layer hermetic storage bags in preventing the damage caused by C. serratus when the groundnuts are stored at intermediate (10%) and high (14%) levels of moisture compared to traditionally used bags such as polypropylene bags and jute bags. Groundnut pods at 10% moisture content and 14% moisture content were separately inoculated with adult bruchids and a toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus fungal inoculum before storing them for 6 months. Results from groundnut samples taken at two-month intervals indicated that groundnut pods stored in triple-layer hermetic bags were completely free from infestation by C. serratus by recording a zero number of eggs laid, number of pupae, adult emergence, percentage of loss, and percentage of damage up to 6 months of storage, by creating low oxygen (hypoxia) and high carbon dioxide (hypercarbia) conditions. Results also indicate no loss of pod weight stored in triple-layer bags, but a slight reduction in germination percentage was recorded due to a slight increase in fungal activity, but the reduction was significantly less in triple-layer plastic bags compared to other bag types. Similarly, biochemical constituents such as oil and protein content were slightly reduced in triple-layer plastic bags when pods were stored at a 10% moisture level, but a higher reduction was observed at a 14% moisture level. However, the reduction was very high and significant in other bag types at both 10 and 14% moisture levels

Genetic analysis of resistance to post flowering stalk rot in tropical germplasm of maize ( Zea mays L.)

Post flowering stalk rot (PFSR) is one of the major biotic constraints to maize production in tropical and sub-tropical environments. It is a complex disease caused by multiple pathogens, among which Fusarium moniliforme and Macrophomina phaseolina are the major ones that cause severe yield losses in the Asian tropics. A set of maize inbred lines was evaluated at two locations for Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) and Macrophomina stalk rot (MSR). Based on line evaluation trials, resistant and susceptible lines were selected and crossed following a Diallel mating design IV to study the gene action for resistance to these stalk rots and the estimating the combining ability of inbred lines. A 9 × 9 diallel (Diallel-A) produced 36 hybrids for studying FSR resistance, and a 12 × 12 diallel (Diallel-B) produced 66 hybrids to analyse the resistance towards both FSR and MSR. These hybrids were evaluated at two locations for MSR and one location for FSR with artificial inoculation. The hybrids differed significantly for FSR (p < 0.05), as was the general combining ability (GCA) effects (p < 0.01), while Specific combining ability (SCA) effects were found to be non-significant. The analysis of the trials under MSR, showed significant difference for GCA, SCA, GCA × environment (p < 0.01), and hybrid × environment (p < 0.05) while SCA × environment was non-significant. The Baker ratio, which shows the relative importance of GCA over SCA, was close to unity for both the stalk rots, and hence a predominant additive gene effect was inferred towards resistance to these diseases. Though the GCA × environment interaction was significant for MSR, this study identified lines and their cross combinations with high resistance and large GCA and SCA effects across environments for FSR and MSR This offers scope for source population improvement for resistance to these stalk rots, as well as developing maize hybrids with stable resistance to Post flowering stalk rot

An inflammation-targeting hydrogel for local drug delivery in inflammatory bowel disease

There is a clinical need for new, more effective treatments for chronic and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Targeting drugs selectively to the inflamed intestine may improve therapeutic outcomes and minimize systemic toxicity. We report the development of an inflammation-targeting hydrogel (IT-hydrogel) that acts as a drug delivery system to the inflamed colon. Hydrogel microfibers were generated from ascorbyl palmitate, an amphiphile that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. IT-hydrogel microfibers loaded with the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid dexamethasone (Dex) were stable, released drug only upon enzymatic digestion, and demonstrated preferential adhesion to inflamed epithelial surfaces in vitro and in two mouse colitis models in vivo. Dex-loaded IT-hydrogel enemas, but not free Dex enemas, administered every other day to mice with colitis resulted in a significant reduction in inflammation and were associated with lower Dex peak serum concentrations and, thus, less systemic drug exposure. Ex vivo analysis of colon tissue samples from patients with ulcerative colitis demonstrated that IT-hydrogel microfibers adhered preferentially to mucosa from inflamed lesions compared with histologically normal sites. The IT-hydrogel drug delivery platform represents a promising approach for targeted enema-based therapies in patients with colonic IBD