Browsing by Author "Jiji Joseph"

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Assessment and induction of variability through in vitro mutagenesis in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
(Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2015) Hilario Ernesto Magaia; Jiji Joseph
The study entitled “Assessment and induction of variability through in vitro mutagenesis in cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz.)” was carried out between 2012 and 2014 in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The objective of the study was to assess the genetic variability in the short duration cassava germplasm and induction of variability through in vitro mutagenesis in selected genotypes. Field evaluation, standardization of protocols for in vitro regeneration, in vitro mutagenesis and assessment of variability of in vitro mutated plants were done. Wide genetic variability existed among the collected short duration cassava genotypes. The colour of petiole and root cortex was found to be the most variable qualitative trait for above ground and tuber portions respectively. High magnitude of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation along with high heritability and high genetic gain was observed for branch number, branch height, tuber fresh weight, and Cassava Mosaic Disease. All traits except tuber neck, branch number, scar number and internode length were positively correlated with fresh tuber yield. High direct contribution towards tuber yield was exerted by shoot biomass, tuber dry matter content and harvest index indicating that these are reliable predictor variables for increased yield. Among the biochemical traits, high heritability and high genetic gain was observed for HCN content, amylose content and starch content. Biochemical analysis indicated the occurrence of high starch genotypes (Sree Jaya, CC10 and CC7) suitable for industrial starch production. Vellayani Hraswa with lower starch content was more suited for food or feed purposes, than industrial purposes. The genotype CC10 with easiness in peeling, good taste after cooking and less cooking time scored maximum in organoleptic evaluation. Sree Jaya was sweet on chewing, had highest starch content, lowest HCN content and less fibre content. Diversity analysis indicated that the cassava genotypes grouped into five clusters. No parallelism was found to occur between geographic distribution and genetic diversity. Selection index constructed for the identification of the best genotypes indicated that CC1 and Sree Jaya were the most promising genotypes. CC1, a farmers’ variety from Malappuram district was found to be the best genotype with respect to yield and resistance to CMD, but with a comparatively high HCN content. In vitro mutagenesis in cassava was done using the genotypes CC1 and Sree Jaya. Sterilization of cassava nodal and leaf explants was accomplished by washing with 5 per cent Teepol solution for two minutes, followed by washing for one minute with 75 per cent ethanol and washing for one minute with 0.05 per cent solution of mercuric chloride. Friable embryogenic callus (FEC) for both CC1 and Sree Jaya genotypes was obtained from immature leaf explants cultured in MS media with 3.0 per cent sucrose (MS3), either with 6.0 to 8.0 mg l-1 of 2,4- D , or with 1.0 mg l-1 BAP + 0.2 to 0.5 mg l-1 NAA. Somatic embryos for both genotypes were obtained from FEC cultured in media MS3 with 8.0 to 10.0 mg l-1 picloram and germinated into the plantlets on MS3 media with 4.0 mg l-1 BA or 0.25 mg l-1 TDZ. In vitro regeneration and multiplication from nodal explants were obtained in MS3 media containing either 0.25 mg l-1 TDZ or 2.0 mg l-1 BAP. Rooting of the in vitro plantlets was obtained in MS3 + 0.25 mg l-1 TDZ or 1/2MS1. The LD 50 value varied with the cultures used for in vitro mutagenesis. The LD 50 value for gamma radiation was 40 Gy, 30 Gy and 50 Gy for FEC, somatic embryoids and plantlets, respectively. LD 50 value for EMS was 1.20 per cent for FEC and somatic embryoids and 0.90 per cent for plantlets. Variation in response to mutagenesis was also observed between the two genotypes subjected to in vitro mutagenesis. There was significant difference in the growth characteristics of the mutagen treated in vitro cultures in both genotypes. Reduction of the number of shoots and leaves were more in CC1 compared to Sree Jaya. A combination of SoilriteTM with pure sand at 1:1 proportion was the best substrate for acclimatization of the plantlets outside the tissue culture lab. Fan and pad green house was the best structure for in vitro acclimatization of plantlets resulting in 47 per cent of success rate. Variability with respect to quantitative traits like height, number of shoots and number of leaves was observed in vitro plantlets in the hardening stage. The qualitative traits like colour of the petiole, stipule, emerging leaf and of the stem and the shape of central lobe of leaves varied between the mutated plants.
Breeding cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) for resistance to spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata Fab.)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Vellanikkara, 2018) Ambavane Ajinkya Rajendra; Jiji Joseph
Characterization and distant hybridization for biotic stress tolerance in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Asna, A C; Jiji Joseph
Characterization and identification of black pepper accessions (Piper nigrum L.) for stress tolerance and quality
(Department of plant breeding, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Prakash, K M; Jiji Joseph
Characterization of exotic germplasm of rice (Oryza sativa L.) for yield and quality attributes
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Maqsoodullah; Jiji Joseph
Genetic diversity in rice, one of the most ancient and major food crop of the world, far exceeds that in any other crop. The present study on “Characterization of exotic germplasm of rice (Oryza sativa L.) for yield and quality attributes” was done in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, and at the experimental farm of NBPGR Regional station, Thrissur, during June 2019 to October 2019. Hundred exotic accessions of rice received from IRRI, Philippines were evaluated along with five checks varieties viz., PTB 39 (Jyothi), Jaya, Thulasi, PTB 60 (Vaisakh) and Manurathna. The experiment was set in augmented block design with 5 blocks; each block comprising of 20 exotic accessions and five check varieties. Each entry was planted in plots of 5m2 at a spacing of 15 x 20 cm2. Out of hundred accessions, eighty-nine germinated and were evaluated for qualitative and quantitative traits at appropriate stages as per DUS descriptor (2006). Out of the 25 qualitative traits observed, eight each were monomorphic and dimorphic. The traits flag leaf attitude, lemma and palea colour, colour of apiculus, distribution of awns, panicle attitude of main axis, panicle exsertion, and pericarp colour were found to be trimorphic. Colour of awns and caryopsis shape had four classes. Qualitative traits were less affected by the environment and they can be used as robust morphological markers for identifying genotypes. Twenty-two accessions were identified as superior with erect leaf, erect flag leaf, erect and strong culm and well exserted panicle. Based on qualitative characters accessions grouped into 12 clusters. Thirty-five accessions belonged to the first cluster. Cluster 3 comprised 25 accessions, Cluster 9 and 11 consisted of 11 accessions each. Second cluster included two accessions, while cluster 10 had three accessions. Other six clusters were composed of single accessions. Observation on quantitative characters showed that seventeen accessions were having low height than the check varieties. Thirty-six accessions were having longer ligule, while, fifteen accessions were having longer leaf and accession EC 204863 had broader leaves. Thirty-three accessions were early to flower and 34 accessions were early to mature. Accessions EC 207747, EC 204863, EC 205042 and EC 205128 had high number of tillers. Accessions EC 207747, EC 204863, EC 205070 and EC 415401 had high number of productive tillers per plant. Accessions EC 204847, EC 205001, EC 205223, EC 205314, EC 415448 and EC 415452 had more number of spikelets. While, comparing with check varieties, eighteen accessions had longer panicles. Eight accessions had more grain number and nineteen accessions had longer grains. Majority of the accessions had grain yield on par with check varieties. Correlation studies showed that plant height had positive correlation with leaf length and width, number of total and productive tillers, panicle length and grain width. Correlation of ligule length with leaf length and grain width was negative. Leaf length was correlated with leaf width, number of total tillers and grain width. Leaf width exhibited positive association with plant height, length of leaf blade, number of total tillers, hundred seed weight, panicle length and grain width. Days to fifty per cent flowering expressed negative association with test weight. Total number of tillers was positively associated with plant height, length and breadth of leaf, number of productive tillers, panicle length and grain width, whereas, it was negatively correlated with grain length. Number of spikelets per panicle had positive correlation with grains per panicle and negative association with grain length. Positive and significant association was observed between 100 grain weight and grain yield. Dendrogram constructed using average linkage distance resulted in four clusters with majority of the accessions falling in the cluster 1. Accessions EC 207747, EC 204970, EC 204999, EC 205042, EC 205047, EC 205192, EC 2052015, EC 205223, EC 205333, EC 415392, EC 415403, EC 415407, EC 415413, EC 415420, EC415421, EC 415422, EC 415445, EC 415452 were identified as superior when quantitative and qualitative traits considered together and these exotic accessions can be used in breeding programmes after further confirmation studies.
Combination breeding for high protein cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Sarath, P S; Jiji Joseph
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is one of the most important legume crops grown in India. It is a versatile pulse crop owing to its nutritional value, weed smothering nature, drought tolerant characters, soil restoring properties and multi-purpose uses. Protein deficiency has been reported to be one of the main nutritional problems in the developing world. About one billion people are reported to be suffering from protein deficiency and malnutrition worldwide. Studies have revealed that protein content in cowpea grain ranges between 18 to 40 per cent depending on the genotypes. Identifying high yielding varieties of cowpea with high protein content will not only contribute to food security and alleviate poverty but could also contribute to the alleviation of protein deficiencies. Review on the earlier research pointed to poor emphasis on the genetic improvement of cowpea for improved protein content. Hence, the present study was envisaged to combine the high protein trait with high yielding genotypes. The study was grouped under three experiments, i) Evaluation of cowpea genotypes, ii) Hybridisation of the selected genotypes in line x tester design, iii) Evaluation of F1 hybrids. The experiments were conducted at College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during 2014-2015. All the crop management practices were followed as per KAU (2011). Evaluation of cowpea genotypes revealed that there was wide variability for all the traits studied except branches per plant among bushy and semi trailing types of cowpea. In trailing type, variability was observed for plant height, number of pods per plant, pod weight grain yield per plant and seed protein content. Among the twenty two genotypes evaluated, ten genotypes that exhibited a protein content of above 25 per cent were selected for hybridization programme. The selected genotypes (Vellayani Jyothika, Bhagyalakshmi, Anaswara, Kanakamony, Lola, Vyjayanthi, AV-5, PKB-3, PKB-4 and Sharika) were hybridized in line x tester (6 x 4) design. High magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability and genetic advance was observed for plant height, grain yield per plant and length of pods were observed in parents and hybrids suggesting scope for genetic improvement of these traits through selection. Seeds per pod and protein content exhibited low PCV and GCV but high heritability and low genetic gain, indicating that these traits were governed by non-additive gene action and therefore breeding method other than simple selection is required. Combining ability analysis revealed that higher magnitude of specific combining ability (SCA) variances than the general combining ability (GCA) variances for the traits like pods per plant, length of pod, test weight, grain yield per plant and seed protein content indicating preponderance of non-additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits. Higher estimates of GCA variances over SCA variances for plant height, days to flowering, days to first harvest, days to last harvest, pod-weight and seeds per pod implies the preponderance of additive gene action in controlling these traits. The hybrids were ranked based on mean value, sca effects and estimates of heterosis for the traits like days to flowering, pods per plant, seeds per pod, test weight, grain yield per plant and protein content. Four hybrids with the lowest scores were selected. Hybrids H2 (Vellayani Jyothika x PKB-3), H10 (Anaswara x PKB-3), H11(Anaswara x PKB-4) and H12 (Anaswara xSharika) were found to be the most promising. The transgressive segregants with high yield and protein content can be identified on further evaluation of the segregating population from the above hybrids
Development of stabilised population of cowpea segregants(Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp.) with high protein content and grain yield
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Ashni Varghese; Jiji Joseph
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important pulse crop providing good source of protein and often referred to as poor man’s meat. It is a versatile crop, of which seeds are utilised as pulse, green pods as vegetable, leaves as forage and helps in restoring soil fertility. Many reports have indicated protein content of more than 30 per cent in certain cowpea genotypes, but at the cost of yield. Hence, the present study was proposed to develop cultures with high grain yield and protein content. The present study was conducted at Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture during 2017-2019. Twenty three lines with high yield and protein content in the F3 generation of two cowpea crosses H10 (Anaswara X PKB 3) and H11 (Anaswara X PKB 4) identified in previous studies formed the working material. These lines were evaluated in F4, F5 and F6 generations and pedigree selection was performed to select superior plants. Observations were recorded on 12 characters viz. plant height, number of branches, days to first flowering, days to first harvest, days to last harvest, number of pods per plant, length of pod, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight, grain yield per plant and protein content. The F4 generation of both the crosses exhibited lower mean value for most of the characters than the parent Anaswara, but recorded moderate to high variance and range. Higher mean value was observed for days to first flowering, first harvest, last harvest, number of branches and protein content. Genetic parameters indicated that GCV was moderate for length of pod, number of seeds per pod, and hundred seed weight and high for grain yield per plant. High heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance was recorded for number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight, and grain yield. Correlation studies in F4 generation revealed that grain yield was positively correlated with plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, length of pod, pod weight, number of seeds per pod and test weight. There was non-significant correlation between grain yield and seed protein content. Further path analysis confirmed that high positive direct effect on grain yield was given by pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and hundred seed weight. Based on these observations, characters like number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight and number of seeds per pod were simultaneously included along with grain yield for setting selection criteria to select superior individual plants. Based on these set criteria, 13 individual plants from cross H10 and 10 plants from cross H11 were selected and forwarded to F5 generation. In F5 generation, mean values for number of branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and protein content were higher than that of Anaswara with sufficient variance and range. GCV was moderate for number of branches, length of pod, pod weight, hundred seed weight and grain yield per plant. High heritability with moderate to high genetic advance was recorded for number of pods per plant, length of pod, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and grain yield. Based on the segregation pattern observed, the plants were grouped into two different categories - one with medium long pods and small seeds closely packed within the pod and the other type with long fleshy pods and bold seeds. Hence, separate selection criteria was developed for both the types comprising of characters like number of pods, number of seeds per pod, pod length, hundred seed weight, grain yield and protein content. Based on these set criteria, five individual plants from cross H10 (one type 1 and four type 2) and 17 plants from cross H11 (five type 1 and twelve type 2) were selected and forwarded to F6 generation. In F6 generation, mean value was higher than Anaswara for number of pods per plant but lower for plant height, days to first flowering, days to first harvest, days to last harvest, pod length and hundred seed weight. For other characters, mean value was comparable to Anaswara. Moderate GCV value was recorded for length of pod, pod weight and hundred seed weight. High heritability with high genetic advance was recorded for length of pod, pod weight and hundred seed weight. Separate selection criteria was developed for the two categories of plants and total five individual plants were selected, one from cross H10 and four from cross H11. The selected plants from F6 generation were subjected to organoleptic evaluation to find its suitability to be used for vegetable purpose. Three plants of type 2 and one plant from type 1 were found promising. The identified lines, H11-3.9-1-7-13-7, H11-3.9-1-1-18-13, H11-49.7-1-8-10-15, H10-71-16-1-9-15-12, and H11-2-20-3-14-16-12 can be evaluated in replicated yield trials and tested for stability over locations and seasons
Genotype x environment interaction in advanced breeding lines of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Swathi, S; Jiji Joseph
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is an important tropical and subtropical annual legume crop grown for its green pods, grains and is also being used as a forage crop. It is one among the widely cultivated and consumed grain legumes, globally. As the grains contain high amount of protein (23.4 %) possessing better biological value on dry weight basis, cowpea is often considered as “vegetable meat”. Its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and drought tolerance makes it a suitable component in all major cropping systems. The present study entitled ‘Genotype x environment interaction in advanced breeding lines of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)’ was an attempt to identify suitable and stable lines for general cultivation as a dual purpose type (both as grain purpose and vegetable purpose). Materials used for the study comprised of five cowpea cultures in stabilized F 7 generation developed as a result of pedigree selection from two crosses at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, along with two check varieties, Anaswara and Kanakamony. The crop was raised during February 2021 to May 2021 over three environments viz., RARS Pattambi, CoA Vellanikkara and RRS Vyttila. Field experiments were laid out in plots of size 65 m 2 adopting randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Observations were recorded on twelve characters: plant height (cm), number of branches, days to first flowering, days to first harvest, days to last harvest, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), pod weight (g), number of seeds per pod, test weight (g), grain yield per plant (g) and protein content (%). All the observations were recorded at the time of harvest except for days to first flowering. The recorded observations were subjected to individual, location wise analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by pooled analysis of variance (pooled ANOVA) over three locations. From the pooled ANOVA, the characters that exhibited significant genotype x environment (G x E) interaction were further assessed for stability using three models of stability. The Eberhart and Russell model, the Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction effects (AMMI) model and the Genotype main effects plus Genotype-by- Environment interaction effect (GGE) biplot were the three models of stability used for the study.ANOVA revealed significant difference between lines for all the twelve characters considered. However, the Bartlett’s test for examining the homogeneity of error variance was found to be significant only for six characters. These six characters viz., days to first flowering, days to last harvest, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, grain yield per plant and protein content were subjected to pooled ANOVA across three environments. Significant G x E interaction was observed in the six characters considered and were hence forwarded for analysing the stability. The Eberhart and Russell model recognizes a stable genotype as the one with high mean performance, non-significant regression (bi) as well as deviation from regression (S 2 di) values. The genotypes were ranked according to their mean values and stability parameters and it was observed that genotype L 2 with the lowest score was the most stable one followed by L 1 and L 3 respectively. The AMMI model with its additive as well as multiplicative formulations could interpret the complex G x E patterns effectively through the AMMI biplots. Genotypes were scored and then ranked , according to their stability index (SI) value computed on the basis of rank of AMMI stability value (rASV) and the rank of performance for each character (rY). It was observed that L 2 with its lowest score ranked as the best and stable genotype followed by L 1 and L 5 . The GGE biplot model enabled effective interpretation of genotype x environment interaction by providing visual understanding of genotype and test- environment evaluation through mean versus stability graph, ranking of genotypes, ranking of environments and which won where analysis. On an overall basis it was - - identified from GGE biplot method that L 1 , L 2 and L 3 were the most stable and superior performing genotypes. Comparison of results from the three models of stability confirmed L 1 and L 2 as the most stable and promising genotypes. Hence these genotypes can be evaluated in large fields so as to confirm with the results and for checking the suitability of these genotypes to be released as a variety.
Genotype X environment interaction in blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Gambhire Vilas Bhagwat; Jiji Joseph
In vitro mutagenesis and evaluation of somatic embryo derived plantlets in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Riya Antony; Jiji Joseph
Introgression of resistance to bacterial wilt and shoot and fruit boren in brinjal (Solanum melogena L.)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2025-02-01) Kasireddy Sivasankarreddy.; Jiji Joseph
Brinjal or Eggplant [Solanum melongena L. (2n = 24), family: Solanaceae] is an important vegetable grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. It is attacked by several diseases and insect pests which led to lower yield potential and it is varies from location and season. Among the various biotic stresses, bacterial wilt disease and shoot and fruit borer are most devastating stresses and they are widely dispersed throughout brinjal growing areas of the world. The management of these two biotic stresses by cultural, biological and chemical methods is difficult due to the soil-inhabitant nature of the wilt pathogen and internal feeding nature of insect pest. Developing host plant resistance using germplasm in gene banks is an effective method to mitigate these stresses. In this context, the present investigation entitled “Introgression of resistance to bacterial wilt and shoot and fruit borer in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)” was done following three-way cross mating design during July 2022 to November 2024. One hundred and one genotypes belonging to four Solanum species were screened against bacterial wilt in the sick plot at NBPGR, Vellanikkara, in randomized block design (RBD) from June to December of 2022. Out of these , 19 were highly resistant (0% plants wilted), 12 were resistant (1-20% plants wilted), 26 were moderately resistant (21-40% plants wilted), 19 were moderately susceptible (41-60% plants wilted), 19 were susceptible (61-80% plants wilted), and 6 were highly susceptible (>80% plants wilted) based on per cent disease incidence (PDI). The highly resistant genotypes were used for confirmatory screening in the next experiment. The second experiment involved pot culture for bacterial wilt resistance screening, yield and quality to select suitable resistant genotypes for hybridization. The bacterial wilt pathogen was isolated, cultured, and confirmed through morphological and molecular characterization. Seedlings were transplanted in grow bags in a completely randomized design (CRD) from December 2022 to June 2023. Artificial screening was conducted one month after transplanting, by drenching virulent bacterial suspension at the injured portion and wilting symptoms recorded periodically. One accession, IC624213 (S. violaceum) was identified as highly resistant followed by thirteen as resistant and four as moderately resistant to bacterial wilt. The genotypes showed significant variation for yield and related traits. Organoleptic evaluation of fruits was conducted with 21 descriptors. It showed significant variation in odour, appearance, texture, flavor, taste, and overall quality attributes. A selection index was constructed by giving equal weightage to bacterial wilt resistance, yield, and overall quality of the fruits. The top two ranked genotypes, IC636521 and IC624240, were selected for a three-way cross hybrid breeding program. The five selected parents viz., Ponni, Vengeri, IC618016, IC636521 and IC624240 were crossed in half-diallel fashion and produced ten single cross hybrids. These hybrids were evaluated for brinjal shoot and fruit borer resistance (BSFB) and yield from January to June 2024. The mean per cent of shoot infestation (PSI) and per cent of fruit infestation (PFI) were ranging between 3.95% (Vengeri x IC636521) - 24.19% (Surya, BSFB susceptible check) and 3.46% (IC618016 x IC636521) - 40.19% (Surya), respectively. The PFI was significant and positively correlated with total sugars, PSI, protein and negatively correlated with trichomes on the leaf, polyphenol oxidase, and phenol. Yield and its attributing traits showed significant variation between the parents, hybrids and checks. The ANOVA for combining ability revealed the presence of significant general combining ability (GCA) for parents and specific combing ability (SCA) for hybrids for all the traits. It also suggested predominance of non-additive gene action for days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant and additive gene action for number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, and fruit breadth. Significant heterosis was observed for most of the hybrids for quantitative traits. The organoleptic evaluation revealed that out of 21 organoleptic descriptors, only seven descriptors showed significant differences among genotypes with the least variation which validated the accurate selection of parents. The ten single cross hybrids were crossed with five parents in three-way fashion to produce thirty three-way cross (TWC) hybrids. These hybrids were evaluated for resistance to bacterial wilt, BSFB and yield from July to November, 2024. The screening for bacterial wilt resistance was performed by artificial inoculation of pathogen at seedling stage by root injury method and transplanted to sick plot at NBPGR, Vellanikkara. The BSFB screening was performed by random xl planting of BSFB susceptible check, Surya (not inoculated). The parents, TWC hybrids and checks showed significant variation for bacterial wilt resistance under severe bacterial wilt stress condition (artificial inoculation + sick plot planting and favourable weather of rainy season). Similarly, the genotypes exhibited significant variation for BSFB resistance and yield traits. Since, the three-way cross hybrids developed due to one round of crossing which allowed for further segregation and recombination which lead to accumulation of favourable alleles/genes and makes them heterogeneous and broad genetic bases. Hence, a selection index was constructed to identify the transgressive segregants in terms of combined resistance with better marketable fruit traits by giving first preference to individual plants that are completely free from bacterial wilt symptoms till harvesting period followed by PFI and marketable yield of the plant. A total of 77 individual plants were immune to bacterial wilt and other insect pests and among these thirty were free from fruit borer infestation. The ranks were assigned to individual lines to forward them in future breeding programme. Seven DNA markers reported for bacterial wilt resistance were validated using resistant and susceptible parents and randomly selected wilt resistant TWC hybrids. Out of seven primers, one primer (SSR-46) exhibited polymorphism with expected sizes of 240 bp (resistant) and 220 bp (susceptible check). Thus, SSR–46 indicated the presence of tight linkage with bacterial wilt resistant gene/loci of S. melongena. The in silico The 5kb flanking region of the amplicon was matched with a gene, UDP-Glucuronate:Xylanalpha-Glucuronosyltransferase. This gene enables the activity of xylan glucuronosyltransferase (GUX), which is involved in hemicellulose xylan (cell wall polysaccharide) biosynthetic process. The literature or recent researches suggested that GUX is vital for proper cell wall and vascular tissue development and involved in diverse physiological processes in plant growth, development and defence response to pathogens. Thus, this key finding suggests the possibility of establishment of association between the GUX with bacterial wilt resistance in future. The top thirty promising lines (which include 21 transgressive segregants lines) obtained with combined resistance and better marketable yield can be forwarded to next generations. The validated molecular marker can be used for early selection of bacterial wilt resistant lines.
Pedigree breeding in early segregating generations of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Sunil, R; Jiji Joseph
Pulses represent an essential component of agricultural food crops and considered as an important crop to meet food and nutritional security. They complement cereal crops in terms of dietary requirement as a source of protein and minerals. In several countries of the tropics and sub-tropics, cowpea serves as an important food legume. It plays an essential role in enrichment of daily diet, mainly as a grain and green pods. In general, cowpea seeds contain 23.4 per cent protein, 60.3 per cent carbohydrates and 1.8 per cent fat. It also provides considerable amount of vitamins and phosphorus. The protein availability in cowpea seeds and green pods is almost double/ triple the amount of available cereal protein. The average grain yield of cowpea is still low and no single variety is adaptable for all growing conditions. Exploiting genetic variability is an essential method, to overcome the complex nature of cowpea breeding and to identify an elite high yielding genotype. Selection of best lines with high yield and other associated characters, in segregating generations paves a way to develop new varieties. The present study aimed to evaluate the F2 and F3 generations for high yield and protein content in two crosses (H 10 and H 11), involving Anaswara, PKB 3 and PKB 4 as parents. In general, the F2 families of both the crosses showed high mean performance and variance over the parents. Grain yield showed very low phenotypic coefficient variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient variation (GCV). All other characters showed a moderate PCV and GCV values in segregating generation expect for days to first flowering, days to first harvest and days to last harvest. Most of the characters showed high heritability (h2) in F2 generation. In F2, the lowest value for h2 was observed for single pod weight in H 10 family and for grain yield in H 11 family. Similarly, High genetic advance over mean (GAM) was exhibited by 100-seed weight in H 10 family and number of pods per plant in H 11 family. Selection based on characters with high h2 and high GAM will be highly effective. In F2 generation of H 10 family, single pod weight showed significant and positive correlation with hundred seed weight and grain yield per plant. Days to first harvest and days to last harvest had a significant negative correlation with grain yield per plant. Days to first flowering, days to last harvest and single pod weight had significant negative correlation with protein content. In F2 generation of H 11 family, days to last harvest and number of pods per plant showed significant and positive correlation with grain yield per plant. Number of pods per plant showed a significant positive correlation with protein content. Days to first harvest showed significant negative correlation with grain yield per plant and days to first flowering with protein content. On path analysis, plant height, days to first harvest, pod length and hundred seed weight showed a positive direct effect on grain yield. Negative direct effect was exerted by protein content towards grain yield. A selection criteria was fixed based on number of pods per plant, grain yield per plant and protein content for selecting best lines to be forwarded to F3 generations. Eight lines from F2’s of H 10 family and fifteen lines from F2’s of H 11 family were identified to be the best and forwarded to next generation. F3 family of both H 10 and H 11 followed a general trend for mean, variance, GCV, PCV, h2 and GAM. Mean and variance were high for most of the characters and GCV and PCV values were moderate except for days to first flowering, days to first harvest, days to last harvest, 100-seed weight and grain yield, where it was low. F3 families showed high heritability and moderate GAM, for most of the characters. In F3 generation of cross H 10, days to last harvest had significant positive correlation with grain yield per plant. There was no significant positive correlation with the characters towards grain yield, in the F3 generation of cross H 11. Significant and negative correlation, showed by days to first harvest with grain yield per plant and days to first flowering with protein content in family H 10. Whereas, in family H 11 hundred seed weight showed significant negative correlation with protein content. On path analysis, days to first flowering showed very high positive direct effect followed by single pod weight, plant height and 111 number of pods per plant. Very high negative direct effect showed by days to first harvest through days to first flowering towards grain yield. Nine lines each from F3’s of H 10 and H 11 with high yield and protein content was selected and shall be forwarded for next generation evaluation
Pedigree selection for spotted pod borer resistance in the segregating generation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2022-09-19) Minnu Thomas.; Jiji Joseph
Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an important pulse crop grown across the world mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Being a drought-tolerant and warm-weather crop, it is a promising food and forage species in a typical tropical lowland climate. Low productivity in cowpea is mainly attributed by the severe attack of pest complexes, diseases, low fertile soils and lack of inputs. Among the various obstructions responsible for diminishing the production of cowpea, the predominant factor is the damage caused by insect pests. Among the various insect pest causing economic losses, the spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) acts as the most damaging one. Hence, the present investigation was conducted in the Department of Plant breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, KAU, Vellanikkara with the objective of Pedigree selection from early segregating generations of cowpea hybrids for resistance against spotted pod borer. Ambavane (2018) identified that ten superior F2 lines from the cross Vellayani Jyothika × EC 98668 were resistant to spotted pod borer. The present study involved the reconstitution of the above cross and the pedigree analysis of resultant segregating material. Through hybridisation between Vellayani Jyothika and EC 98668, ten hybrid plants were produced. These hybrids were evaluated on morphological basis for resistance. Seeds from F1 hybrid were then sown to raise the F2 population. A population size of 500 plants was maintained in the F2 population and individual plant observations were taken for analysing their quantitative characters. The F2 population showed high variability for the characters like days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, no. of pods per plant, pod length and grain yield per plant. However, low variability was observed in characters like no. of primary branches per plant, no. of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight. Selection was not carried out in the F2 population and the seeds were forwarded to raise the next generation. The genetic variability studies of the F2 population revealed that high PCV, GCV, heritability and GAM was recorded for characters like pod length, grain yield per plant and 100 seed weight. In F3 population, morphological and biochemical observations was carried out with the objective to select superior lines showing resistance to pod borer. The F3 population showed reduced variability for all quantitative characters except No. of seeds per pod compared to F2 population. The genetic variability studies of the F3 population also showed a similar trend like F2 population and showed high PCV, GCV, heritability and GAM for characters like pod length, grain yield per plant and 100 seed weight. Analysis of morphological basis of resistance to pod borer revealed a negative correlation of pod wall thickness, trichome density on pod and bud with pod damage. With respect to the biochemical basis of resistance to pod borer, total sugar content and total protein content showed significant positive correlation with pod damage. However, total phenol content and polyphenol oxidase activity was found to be negatively correlated with pod damage and the correlation was non-significant. Based on the correlation study and taking into account of the work of earlier studies, it is evident that the biophysical characters like pod wall thickness, pod trichome density, bud trichome density and biochemical characters like total sugar content, total protein content, total phenol content and polyphenol oxidase activity are highly associated with spoted pod borer resistance. Based on these results, a selection criteria was fixed. Thirty superior plants from F3 population were selected. These plants could be further evaluated to identify high yielding resistant lines.
Plantlet regeneration through somatic embryogenesis in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Jiji Joseph; Mallika, V K
Investigations on 'Plantlet regeneration through somatic embryogenesis in cocoa' were undertaken in the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during 1992-94. Studies were made to identify the most suitable medium, the most responsive genotype and most favourable conditions for embryogenesis in cocoa. Conditions for germination of embryoids to plantlet were also standardised. Among the different media tested for embryogenesis namely, MS, WPM and B5, MS medium was found to be the most ideal. Embryoids could be induced only from the tender cotyledon and embryonal axis of immature embryos of 100 days old pods. Other vegetative tissues like leaf, stem, petal, gynoecium, integumant etc. Yielded only non-embryogenic calli in media for somatic embryogenesis. An important finding in the present study was the standardisation of an ideal medium which favoured maximum embryogenesis from embryonic tissues. This medium was MS+ NAA 1.8 + thiamine 1 mg 1-1 + CW 15 per cent + sucrose 4 per cent. This is a modification of medium proposed for cocoa somatic embryogenesis by Adu-Ampomah et al. (1988). As already reported by other workers, the maximum embryogenesis occurred under dark incubation. The ideal incubation temperature was 30±20C. The embryoids originated singly or in clusters from the cotyledon explants. Most of the embryoids lacked a suspensor but some of them did have a suspensor. A typical embryoids had an embryonic axis and two cotyledons. However, aberrant forms were not uncommon with excessive proliferation of cotyledons as well as with disproportionate axes and cotyledons. The study helped to identify some genotype which showed maximum degree of embryogenesis. The Series I hybrid H 6.5 was found to be the ideal source of explant giving high frequency and intensity of embryogenesis as well as with larger sized embryoids having lesser percentage of abnormalities. The selfed progeny (S1) of this out-breeding crop exhibited minimum degree of embryogenesis. This indicates that the degree of embryogenesis may be associated with the vigour of the explant. Germination of embryoid to plantlet was a difficult process. Liquid media with 1/2 MS salts and 5 per cent sucrose was found to favour germination. A pretreatment was required to remove the inhibitors by washing and desiccation. Only embryoids of larger size (>4 mm) germinated properly to plantlet. The recovered plantlets were too small for field establishment. The most significant achievement in the present study was the plantlet regeneration from somatic embryoids and its planting out in the nursery. This was achieved by micrografting the embryoid derived plantlet to a three week old seedling rootstock. The presence of cotyledons was found to be inhibitory and at least a small leaflet in the embryoid derived plantlet was essential for success in micrografting.
Screening early segregating generation of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) for resistance against shoot and fruit borer
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture Vellanikkara, 2024-01-31) Ankit Kumar Upadhyay; Jiji Joseph
Brinjal, known as eggplant or guinea squash (Solanum melongena L.), belongs to the Solanaceae family. The fruit from the genus Solanum is also called “The King of vegetables”. It is an important solanaceous crop cultivated worldwide and is native to the Hindustan-China center, where it still grows in the wild. The brinjal crop is highly vulnerable to several pests and diseases. Among these, the production and productivity of the crop are severely affected by brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB; Leucinodes orbonalis G.) reducing its market value. The loss caused by the pest may reach up to 70 - 92 per cent. The inadequacy of reliable biological control for the management of BSFB leaves farmers to resort to insecticides. This underscores the critical necessity for extensive research and the development of varieties resistant to shoot and fruit borer. Such resistant varieties have the potential to emerge as the most environment friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable method for pest control. In this context, the present study entitled “Screening early segregating generations of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) for resistance against shoot and fruit borer” was conducted to investigate and select the superior lines with resistance to shoot and fruit borer from early segregating generations. Segregating generations of two crosses i.e., Ponni × Vengeri (F3 and F4 generations) and Ponni × IC624241 (F2 generation) were evaluated along with the parents and check varieties. Segregation with wide variation was observed in all the generations viz—F2, F3, and F4 of the respective crosses. Regarding fruit colour, both the segregating generations of Ponni (green) × Vengeri (purple-green) showed wide variation in the colouring pattern. The segregating generations had both oblong and long-shaped fruits similar to parental types i.e., Ponni (oblong) and Vengeri (long). Besides, elongated fruits were also observed in both generations. All the fruits in the F2 generation of Ponni × IC624241, exhibited green colour similar to the parent Ponni whereas, the fruit shape was round as in IC624241. Range, mean, variance, genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) (%), phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) (%), heritability (H2), genetic advance (GA), genetic advance as percentage over mean (%) (GAM), skewness, kurtosis, and correlation between growth and yield traits were estimated in F2, F3, and F4 75 generations of the respective crosses. PCV was higher than GCV for all the traits in all the generations. The observed variability across all studied populations remained consistently high for various traits. This variability persisted in the subsequent generations, as indicated by the range, GCV, PCV, H2, GA, GAM, skewness, and kurtosis. This suggests that a single seed descent (SSD) method was employed throughout the generations without any selection process. For pedigree selection BSFB scoring according to Mishra et al., (1988) at the fruiting and shooting stage was performed and all the lines were categorized as susceptible to highly susceptible in accordance with their scale. The selection criteria for identifying the best-performing lines were based on percentage of fruit infestation, marketable yield, fruit yield per plant, and percentage of shoot infestation. Based on the selection criteria lines 1.2.18, 1.2.10, and 1.3.10 were identified from the F3 generation of the cross between Ponni × Vengeri and were forwarded as F4 lines. In the F2 generation of the cross between Ponni × IC624241, five F2 plants showed 50 per cent of fruit resistance but, due to susceptibility to bacterial wilt and low population size, further studies were not conducted. Correlation data from F3 (Ponni × Vengeri) and F2 (Ponni × IC624241) generation of the crosses revealed a positive association between the number of flowers, number of shoots, fruits per plant, and length of fruit with shoot and fruit infestation. However, in the F4 generation of Ponni × Vengeri the length and diameter of the fruit showed a negative correlation with the shoot and fruit infestation by BSFB. Fruit yield per plant was positively associated with the number of flowers, shoots, fruits, length of fruit, and average fruit weight in all the studied populations. The diameter of the fruit also showed a positive association with yield in the F2 (Ponni × IC624241) and F4 (Ponni × Vengeri) populations of the crosses. Superior lines selected through the pedigree method in terms of marketable yield and resistance to BSFB were identified from the F3 forwarded F4 generation of Ponni × Vengeri, the lines were 1.2.18.8, 1.2.10.7, and 1.3.10.7 (in descending order of their performance). The superior lines with resistance for fruit infestation from F4 generation developed through SSD were 1.3.11.2 (0 %), 1.4.13.2 (50 %), and 1.10.16.4 (0 %). The identified lines from the F4 generation of cross Ponni × Vengeri may be forwarded further to develop resistant varieties and other studies.
Screening of fertility restorers for cytoplasmic genic male sterile (CGMS) lines in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Adarsha, B; Jiji Joseph
The study entitled “Screening of fertility restorers for Cytoplasmic Genic Male Sterile (CGMS) lines in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture during the period 2009-11. The study envisaged evaluation of different CGMS sources and identification of potential restorers and maintainers among high yielding varieties of Kerala. Separate experiments viz., 1. Morphological evaluation of parents and 2. Development and evaluation of F1 hybrids, conducted to realize the objectives. Materials for the present study comprised of two CGMS lines viz., CMS 2A from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and IR 68897A, from Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Seven popular high yielding varieties of Kerala were used as male parents. Parental lines were raised and observations on qualitative and quantitative traits were recorded. Hybridization was done between CGMS lines and restorers in Line x Tester design. The F1 and the parents were raised and observations were recorded. The results on qualitative traits showed that the male parents Onam and Uma had well exserted panicle, semi-erect flag leaf orientation and well exserted stigma which are helpful in out crossing. None of the hybrids were found to be superior to parents with respect to yield due to increased spikelet sterility. Even though, hybrids CMS 2A x Kanchana, CMS 2A x Onam, IR 68897A x Aiswarya and IR 68897A x Uma recorded high pollen fertility none of the male lines can be considered as restorer. The varieties Aiswarya, Jyothi, Kanchana, Matta Triveni, Onam and Uma can be considered as a partial restorer for CGMS line CMS 2A. For the CGMS line IR 68897A, the male lines, Aiswarya, Jaya, Jyothi, Matta Triveni and Uma can be considered as partial restorer. Considering the pollen fertility of CGMS line CMS 2A, Jaya with 43.73 per cent pollen fertility can be considered as partial maintainer and for IR 68897A, Kanchana and Onam can be identified as a partial maintainer. However, in the hybrids CMS 2A x Uma and IR 68897A x Onam, few plants exhibited high pollen sterility per cent. These can be utilized to develop CGMS lines in the genetic background of Uma/Onam in future, through backcross breeding programme.
Stability analysis of hybrids and pedigree selection in brinjal (Solanum melongena) with resistance to shoot and fruit borer
(Department of plant breeding and genetics, college of agriculture , vellanikkara, 2023-07-15) Arya Sidharth, M; Jiji Joseph
Brinjal, also known as ‘eggplant’ or ‘Guinea squash,’ is one of the most popular and commercial crop grown in India and other parts of the world. It is often referred as vegetable of masses and believed to have originated in Indo-Burma region. The main factor limiting the production of eggplant in the Indian sub-continent is the infestation of the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (BSFB) or Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (EFSB) (Leucinodes orbonalis Guen.). Farmers mostly rely on chemical insecticides to control EFSB, which lead to massive pesticide overuse. The environment friendly method to minimize pest-related damage is Host Plant Resistance (HPR). However, to get a satisfactory yield in addition to being resistant to fruit and shoot borer, the varieties should be stable in performance over a range of environments. The present study entitled “Stability analysis of hybrids and pedigree selection in brinjal (Solanum melongena) with resistance to shoot and fruit borer” comprised of two experiments. First experiment was an attempt to identify suitable high yielding hybrids resistant to shoot and fruit borer for general cultivation across three agroecological units of Pattambi, Vellanikkara and Vadakara. Materials used for the study comprised of four F1 hybrids (Ponni x Vengeri, Ponni x Arka Kusumakar, Haritha x Vengeri and Ponni x IC 618044) developed at Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, along with their parents and standard check for yield, Neelima. Field experiments were laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The second experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluation of F2 populations of two crosses ( Ponni x Vengeri and Haritha x IC 624241) and pedigree selection for resistance to shoot and fruit borer. The experimental materials included two crosses (200 plants each), their parents and standard check, Neelima. Observations were recorded on eleven characters: number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, number of infested fruits per plant, number of shoots per plant, number of infested shoots per plant, number of primary branches per plant, fruit weight (g), fruit yield per plant (g), marketable yield per plant (g), per cent fruit infestation and percent shoot infestation. The recorded observations were subjected to individual location wise analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by pooled analysis of variance (pooled ANOVA) over three locations. From the pooled ANOVA, the characters that exhibited significant genotype x environment (G x E) interaction were further assessed for stability using two models, Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction effects (AMMI) model and the Genotype main effects plus Genotype-by Environment interaction effect (GGE) biplot. ANOVA revealed significant difference between genotypes for all the eleven characters considered. However, the error variances were homogeneous only for the characters number of fruits per plant, number of infested fruits per plant, number of shoots per plant, number of infested shoots per plant, fruit weight (g), marketable yield per plant (g) and per cent fruit infestation in Bartlett’s test. These seven characters were subjected to pooled ANOVA across three environments. Significant G x E interaction was observed in all characters considered and were hence forwarded for analysing with the stability. The AMMI model with its additive as well as multiplicative formulations could interpret the complex G x E patterns effectively through the AMMI biplots. Genotypes were scored and then ranked, according to their Stability Index (SI) value computed on the basis of rank of AMMI Stability Value (rASV) and the rank of performance for each character (rY). It was observed that Ponni x Vengeri and Neelima with lowest score, ranked as the best and stable genotypes followed by Vengeri. The GGE biplot model enabled effective interpretation of genotype x environment interaction by providing visual understanding of genotype and test environment evaluation through mean versus stability graph, ranking of genotypes, ranking of environments and which-won-where analysis. On an overall basis, it was identified from GGE biplot method that Neelima, Vengeri and Ponni x Vengeri were the most stable and highly performing genotypes. Comparison of results from the two models of stability confirmed Neelima, Vengeri and Ponni x Vengeri as the most stable and promising genotypes that these genotypes can be evaluated in large fields so as to confirm with the results and for checking the suitability of genotype Ponni x Vengeri to be released as a variety. In second experiment, F2 population of the cross Ponni x Vengeri exhibited wide range of segregation for all the characters evaluated. Correlation study revealed that marketable yield per plant (g) exhibited a significant positive association with number of flowers, number of fruits, number of shoots, fruit weight (g) and total yield (g), and a negative correlation with per cent fruit damage in the cross Ponni × Vengeri and the yield could be boosted through selection based on these characters. Ten best performing plants having a marketable yield of more than 600 g were selected and can be forwarded to the further generations. But in case of the cross Haritha × IC 624241 none of the plants performed well. So this cross need not be forwarded for further improvement.