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Not AvailableSix earlier reported markers closely linked to low glucosinolate QTLs of Brassica juncea, spread across ‘A’ genome (A2, A3 and A9) were validated in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of a cross between Pusa Mustard-21 (low erucic acid) and EC-597325 (double low) genotypes, to utilize them in marker-assisted selection (MAS). Of them, four markers viz., GER 1 amplified alleles of 650 bp and of 950 bp, GER 5 amplified 310 bp and 350 bp, At5gAJ67 amplified 500 bp and 450 bp and Myb28 amplified alleles of size 900 bp and 920 bp in EC597325 and Pusa Mustard-21, respectively and therefore differentiated low and high glucosinolate parents. These four polymorphic markers were then used to genotype the phenotyped RIL population consisting 608 plants. Marker-trait association was tested for goodness of fit using 2 test. Of the four markers, GER1 and GER5 showed higher phenotypic variance (R2 value) compared to the others, indicating their significance in determination of glucosinolates and prospects for use in MAS for development of Indian mustard genotypes with low glucosinolates contentNot Availabl

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Not AvailableIndia has witnessed a spectacular advancement in agricultural production and productivity during the last four decades. Foodgrains production registered more than five-fold increase, from 50 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 265 million tonnes in 2013-14, and productivity also increased by more than five times, from 522 kg/ha in 1950-51 to 2,100 kg/ha in 2013-14. Since the early eighties, this has enabled the country in achieving and sustaining self-sufficiency in grains production along with the adequate buffer stock to meet contingencies, and more recently for exports. This transformation is attributed to the development and adoption of high-yielding varieties/hybrids of several crops. The pace with which the country has progressed in the crop improvement programme would have not been possible without the simultaneous evolution of institutional system for crop breeding research and seed production. Crop improvement research immediately after independence was augmented in phases through the establishment of commodity-oriented National Institutes, National Research Centres and Project Directorates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. At present, there are 17 Crop Research Institutes, 5 Project Directorates, 3 National Network Projects, one National Research Centre, one deemed to be University for improvement of different field crops and one Institute for germplasm conservation. Another major step of the ICAR was to launch crops oriented All- India Coordinated Crop Improvement Projects, starting with maize in 1957; followed by wheat and rice in mid -sixties. Presently, there are 20 All-India Coordinated Crop Improvement Projects, ear-marked to research needs of different crops. In addition, there are 44 State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and three Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs) contributing towards crop improvement research in the country. A multi-disciplinary approach for varietal improvement and crop production-related problems; collective planning and testing; exchange of germplasm and breeding material; flexibility in operations, cutting-across administrative and other boundaries and linkages with the International Research Centres are some of the characteristics features of the AICCIPs. Conceptually, this testing system facilitates generation of multilocation data within the shorter period of a few years. This unique model of multi-disciplinary approach based on the multilocation testing facilitated rapid generation and identification of appropriate high-yielding varieties and development of improved package of practices for different agro-ecologies. More than 3,000 high-yielding varieties/hybrids of field crops have been developed till 2014; combining desired levels of resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses, adaptation to diverse agronomic variables and cropping systems. Meeting the prescribed quality standards in testing and production have helped in revolutionizing crop production. The international nurseries and trials, being organized worldwide by the CGIAR institutes, are basically modeled on the lines of AICCIPs. In spite of the impressive mileage, the system has given across crops since 1957, there has been an apprehension regarding its continued utility in the present form. There is a considerable scope to bring in changes in view of the new technological advancements, changing production conditions and evolving national and international policies and procedures. A set of uniform guidelines for plant variety testing, identification, release and notification of crop varieties in the country was developed and published in 2002 as “Guidelines for Crop Variety Testing under All- India Coordinated Crop Improvement Projects”. The system of identification and release of varieties as well as for the production of nucleus/breeder Preface seed and for on-farm verification trials are very well developed and standardized in crops like wheat and pearl millet. However, in several other crops, the situation is not the same. In some of the projects, for instance, the entries are subjected to specific zonal testings only without exposing them to other potential zones. Very often plot sizes and number of replications do not commensurate with the minimum requirements to properly assess genotypes for their yielding ability. In some cases, the number of testing locations are also not adequate, while in some crops, sufficient information is not generated even on the key components of yield, reaction to major diseases and insect-pests. In some cases no attempts are made to study responses to agronomic variables and adaptation to abiotic stresses. Details of weather parameters, and even occurrence and severity of stresses are not reported. Appropriate morphological descriptors to establish distinct identity of the test material are also not developed. The existing testing system is considered too rigid for variety identification and release with regard to the criterion of a number of years of testing before a strain becomes eligible for consideration for identification, release and notification. Although the AICCIP system is a proven success, there is unanimity that there is much potential to give more mileage by taking into consideration new developments due to globalization of agriculture and trade. Large-scale adoption of new breeding techniques such as marker -aided selection, requires appropriate consideration in varietal testing procedures. Genetically engineered varieties have become a reality in several crops. Their development and introduction necessitate appropriate testing procedures for ensuring bio-safety. The development of export-oriented agricultural produce, including foodgrains, is likely to increase considerably with globalization of economy and trade. Another important development is increasing role of private sector involvement in crop breeding, seed production and supply. This demands for creation of a reliable and a transparent testing and evaluation system. A Committee was constituted by the Council to critically review the existing guidelines and update these by incorporating the present needs. A series of meetings were held by the Committee and suggestions/ comments from Directors/Project Directors/Coordinators were also sought. The draft was circulated among all concerned, and it was discussed under the Chairmanship of Deputy Director General (Crop Science) to bring out this document to its present form. The Committee acknowledges the support rendered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Dr S. K. Datta, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) consistently facilitated in collection of information and Dr J. S. Chauhan, Assistant Director General (Seeds) also supported in getting appropriate inputs from all the Project Directors/Coordinators, which helped in bringing out this document in its form. All the PD/PCs suggestions for improving this document are also thankfully acknowledged. The Committee is also grateful to the Director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, for facilitating in logistics and in conducting meetings.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableGlobally maize is an important cereal crop for food, feed, fodder, and also a raw material for various food and non-food-based industries. The area, production, and productivity of maize are increasing continuously in India and the World. However, the rate of increase and level of productivity across different countries varies. The major reason for the variation in maize productivity across countries is the varying degree of adoption of improved technologies. To meet the growing demand for maize in the India and world, production and productivity of maize need to be enhanced which can be achieved by the increasing area under hybrids and by using improved packages and practices for its cultivation. The increasing area under the hybrids maize will create a high demand for hybrid seeds in near future. Hybrid technology is one such technology that has impacted significantly on the increase of maize productivity across the globe. In India, the area covered under hybrid technology is around 70% of the total maize area of the country. There is tremendous scope to bring more and more area of maize under hybrid technology. In this context, the Manual of hybrid seed production technology in maize published by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research is a significant contribution for accelerating quality seed production in the country. The seed production manual covers all aspects of maize hybrid seed production. The manual briefly introduces to the readers the bird-eye view of the global and Indian scenario of the hybrid seed market, current status, future scope, and system of seed production that existed in India and elsewhere. It covers the biology of maize which is a basic requirement in terms of understanding the crop per se before taking up hybrid seed production. The manual covers the major aspects of seed production like important considerations before taking up hybrid seed production, standardizing seeds production techniques for a new site, techniques of hybrid seed production, various agro-techniques involved in hybrid seed production, and crop protection. It also covers the procedure involved in seed certification. This manual of hybrid seed production in maize would serve as an important resource material for all those who are actively involved in maize hybrid seed production.ICA