The present study evaluated morphological diversity among 254 rice accessions, comprising 250 indigenous landraces and four checks (IR 64, JR 206, Improved Jeerashankar, and Improved Chinnor), using qualitative DUS descriptors and the Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index (SWDI). The study aimed to identify variable traits that could support varietal documentation, germplasm characterisation, and use in rice breeding programmes. The accessions showed substantial variation in several reproductive, panicle, awn, pigmentation, and grain-related traits, whereas some vegetative traits were conserved. Leaf collar and ligule presence were monomorphic, with 100% occurrence and no diversity (SWDI = 0.00). Leaf auricle and anthocyanin pigmentation of the nodes and internodes also showed limited variation. The highest diversity was recorded for panicle length of the longest awn (SWDI = 1.55), followed by awn colour (SWDI = 1.43), spikelet colour of the lemma tip (SWDI = 1.41), lemma and palea colour (SWDI = 1.40), and flag-leaf attitude at late observation (SWDI = 1.32). Panicle branch attitude was also variable, with semi-erect (40.94%), erect (30.70%), and erect-to-semi-erect (17.32%) types predominating. Moderate diversity was observed for culm attitude, spikelet pubescence, stigma colour, panicle exertion, sterile lemma colour, and secondary branching intensity. Overall, SWDI values ranged from 0.00 to 1.55. The highly variable qualitative descriptors identified in this study may support genotype identification, DUS characterisation, germplasm conservation, and the selection of diverse parental material for rice improvement programmes.
Vikash Sharma, Y. Singh, S. K. Singh et al.· Archives of Current Research...· 0 citations
A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024–25 at the research farm of Ch. Chhotu Ram (PG) College, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, under the aegis of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding (Agricultural Botany). The primary objectives were to quantify genetic variability, estimate heritability and genetic advance, and explore trait interrelationships for yield enhancement in Indian mustard. The analysis of variance demonstrated highly significant genotypic differences across all characters, confirming the presence of considerable genetic diversity within the germplasm. For the majority of traits, phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) estimates marginally exceeded genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), suggesting limited environmental influence on trait expression. Several yield-related attributes exhibited elevated GCV and PCV values, indicating substantial opportunities for selection-mediated genetic improvement. Traits registering high heritability alongside significant genetic advance as a percentage of the mean reflected the predominance of additive genetic effects, thereby supporting the efficacy of phenotypic selection in subsequent generations. Moreover, the pronounced direct contributions of these traits to seed yield underscore their potential as dependable selection indices in mustard breeding initiatives. Collectively, the findings establish the availability of exploitable genetic variability and identify key economically important traits that directly influence yield. Accordingly, prioritising these characteristics in breeding frameworks may accelerate the development of high-yielding, genetically superior mustard cultivars adaptable to diverse agro-climatic conditions.
S. K. Singh, Joni Kumar, S. Lal et al.· Annual Research & Review...· 0 citations
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