Niraj Tripathi

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital food legume worldwide, rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. However, its production is significantly impacted by drought stress. Marker-assisted selection offers a promising approach to enhance chickpea resilience to abiotic stresses. This investigation aimed to assess the genetic diversity and putative drought tolerance ability among 78 chickpea genotypes using drought tolerance indices and 19 gene-specific microsatellite markers. A total of 15 microsatellite markers exhibited polymorphism with PIC values ranging from 0.2265 to 0.6744, indicating the presence of substantial genetic variation. Drought tolerance indices, including the relative drought index (RDI), geometric mean productivity, yield index and stress tolerance index, were calculated to evaluate putative genotypic response against drought. Results indicated significant variations in drought tolerance among genotypes, as some genotypes showed higher tolerance based on the indices. Genotype SAGL-162371 showed the highest yield under control (26.02 g/plant) and stress (23.68 g/plant) conditions, along with maximum value for YI (1.8571), STI (2.3941) and GMP (24.8216), while SAGL-22-112 displayed the highest RDI (1.2531). Population structure analysis revealed two subpopulations and AMOVA indicated that 91 % of genetic variation occurred within populations. Cluster analysis, principal coordinate analysis and population structure analysis were employed to assess genetic relationships among the genotypes. These results underscore the presence of substantial molecular and phenotypic diversity, providing valuable genetic resources to develop drought-tolerant chickpea cultivar(s).

Glycine max (L.) Merrill is a vital leguminous oilseed crop valued for its high protein and oil content, contributing significantly to human and animal nutrition. Understanding genetic diversity exist within soybean germplasm lines is essential for breeding, conservation and crop improvement. This study aimed to assess the qualitative trait variability present among 153 soybean genotypes to aid in genotype classification and conservation strategies in future crop improvement programmes. The experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research station ZARS, Morena, RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India during the Kharif 2024, using an augmented block design. Ten morphological traits viz., hypocotyl colour, leaf shape, leaf colour, plant growth habit, flower colour, pod pubescence, seed shape, seed colour, seed lustre and hilum colour were evaluated following the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) and Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing criteria. The results indicated existence of considerable phenotypic variation among the genotypes. For instance, the semi-erect growth habit, which was predominant and observed in 122 genotypes and dark green leaf colour, which was the most common and recorded in 102 genotypes. The Shannon diversity index (H′) identified seed hilum colour as the most variable trait, suggesting its potential utility in genetic improvement. Cluster analysis (UPGMA) classified the genotypes into two major clusters, providing insights into genetic relationships and aiding in parental selection for hybridization. These findings underscore the importance of morphological characterization in genotypic classification, germplasm conservation and utilization in breeding programmes. This study provides a scientific foundation for soybean genetic resource management, supporting breeding efforts for improved yield, adaptability and sustainability.

As an important source of protein, vitamins and minerals, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are the most significant self-pollinated pulse crop. The main cause of its low production is Fusarium wilt, which is brought on by the fungal disease Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. Thus, the present investigation aimed to conduct field-level screening of 71 chickpea genotypes against Fusarium wilt disease as well as microsatellite markers-based analysis in the laboratory. In the field investigation, one genotype was found to be resistant, 13 genotypes were moderately resistant, 34 genotypes moderately susceptible, 14 genotypes susceptible, while 9 genotypes were highly susceptible at the reproductive stage under wilt sick plot. Out of 22 markers, 13 markers were found to be polymorphic and the highest PIC value was shown by the marker TA200 followed by H3A12, TA110, GA137, GA20, TR2, TS79, TA37, TR19 and H1B06. Based on the dendrogram, all 71 genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters. In this investigation, a structured population in tested chickpea genotypes was demonstrated. All genotypes were stratified into 2 populations (P1, P2), representing 50.70% and 49.29% of genotypes used in structure analysis respectively. Based on both sick plot and molecular screening result analysis, it can be concluded that the genotypes viz., JG315, RVSSG84, JAKI 9218, ICC 4958, SAGL-152339, RVSSG 52 and RVSSG 74 are resistant against Fusarium wilt and therefore, may be effectively used by the breeders in Fusarium resistant chickpea breeding development programmes.

Background: Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is among the most significant edible legume crops and consumed in various parts of the world. Among different biotic factors, mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) affects this crop. The objective of the present investigation was to assess genetic variability among mungbean genotypes for MYMV resistance using simple sequence repeat markers. Methods: The present research was conducted to assess the genetic diversity among selected mungbean genotypes from field screening of 303 genotypes with an emphasis on resistance against MYMV. The field screening was done at Seed Breeding Farm, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during summer 2022, kharif 2022 and summer 2023. Thirty SSR markers have been utilized to measure genetic variation among the 32 studied genotypes. Result: Marker MB-SSR033 stands out as the most informative locus with the greatest PIC and gene diversity value. The cluster analysis, classified the 32 genotypes into two major groups and maximum distance was noted between PDM 139 and IC 314523. The SSR markers CEDG293 (10.14%) and DMBSSR008 (9.11%) were found considerably linked to MYMV resistance. Harnessing multiple sources of resistance gives a good possibility to boost the resistance and production of mungbean cultivars.

Drought stress is a universal crisis in sustaining the growth and production of major legumes, including the chickpea. Drought severely reduces the biomass of chickpea plants, with the effect on leaves appearing the most apparent. The aim of this study was to investigate, using various physiological and biochemical markers throughout the pod filling stage, how 78 desi chickpea genotypes tolerated drought stress. Most of the evaluated characteristics showed significant variations between control and drought treatments. The mean performance of most of the investigated parameters significantly decreased under moisture-stressed conditions. RWC, SWD, MSI, and CTD were investigated under terminal drought-stressed conditions. Except for saturated water deficit (SWD), all remaining characteristics declined with increasing stress. Genotypes SAGL152210, SAGL152252, SAGL152347, SAGL22-115, and JG11 were recognized as drought-tolerant based on physiological characteristics. Biochemical markers viz., protein content, total soluble sugar, lipid peroxidation, and proline content, had an impact on osmotic adjustment. Based on non-enzymatic biochemical traits, genotypes SAGL22-115, ICC4958, ICCV201108, ICCV201107, SAGL152252, and JG11 were identified for their capability to survive under drought-stressed conditions. H₂O₂ content, CAT, SOD, POD, APX, and DPPH were considered antioxidant agents. Genotypes SAGL152208, SAGL22-105, SAGL22-112, ICC201108, SAGL152278, SAGL152252, SAGL162371, SAGL162390, ICC 4958, and JG315 may be considered drought-tolerant based on antioxidant activities. These genotypes are believed to be better equipped with physio-biochemical mechanisms and antioxidant defense systems at the cellular level and can be used in breeding programs to breed drought-tolerant cultivar(s). They can also be screened in the future, allowing the line(s) that have remained consistent over time to be recognized and registered as drought-tolerant donors.

Background: Cicer arietinum (L.), is a legume being grown world wide as a good source of vegan protein. It is a vital part of human feed. Quantification of biochemical parameters of seed is one of the requirements for breeding programmes to develop cultivars suitable for human consumption and food industry. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate chickpea genotypes on the basis of biochemical parameters to select superior germplasm for further crop improvement. Methods: In this investigation, seventy-one chickpea genotypes employed for different biochemical parameters analysis including protein, total free amino acid and sugar content, reducing and non-reducing sugar, phytic acid, total phenol, flavonoid and tannin content along with DPPH radical scavenging activities. Result: Genotypes showed substantial variation for different biochemical parameters. Maximum seed protein content was found in genotype JG315 (25.1%) and lowest in SAGL-152344 (14.3%), whilst content of amino acid ranged between 2.4 mg/g (SAGL-152318) to 9.51 mg/g (SAGL-152330). Maximum phytic acid content was evident in genotype SAGL22-122 (20.7 mg/g) and lowest in JG315 (4.78 mg/g). Range of total phenol content varied between 0.72mg/g (RVSSG 92) to 1.91 mg/g (ICCV20116).

Background: Drought is the foremost environmental restraint that effects the growth and yield of chickpea. The mechanism of response to drought differs with genotype and growth stages of individual crop species. The activation of antioxidant enzymes is an alternate defensive system against oxidative stress that ultimately decide development of putative drought tolerant mechanism. Methods: Eighty-three chickpea genotypes were grown under normal and drought stress conditions and leaf samples were used to estimate different biochemical parameters including total sugar, lipid peroxidation (MDA), chlorophyll, proline and protein along with estimation of activities of different antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase (CAT) (EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (EC 1.11.1.11), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX). Result: Positively significant correlation was found among proline under control with proline underwent stress (r=0.441), MDA under stress with proline under control (r=0.365) and MDA under control (r=0.336) at 1% level of significance. Positively significant correlation was also investigated between SOD under stressed condition with SOD under control (r=0.665), POX (0.449) and APX under stress (0.423), CAT under control (0.471) and CAT under stress condition (0.374) at 1% probability level. Heatmaps along with dendrograms represented expression levels of different antioxidant enzymes activities that showed variations among different genotypes. In conclusion. total sugar, proline and Malondialdehyde, have been increased under drought stressed condition whilst total chlorophyll and protein were decreased. While antioxidant enzymes viz., POX, APX, CAT and SOD levels increased under drought stressed conditions.

Millets are group of underutilized cereal crops with higher nutritional values. The present investigation used different classes of minor millets, including barnyard (sava), little (kutki), finger (ragi), kodo and foxtail millets, for evaluation of their nutritional parameters, i.e., the content of proteins, total amino acids, total sugars, insoluble fibers, soluble fibers, total dietary fibers, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), along with antinutritional and antioxidant parameters, viz., tannic acid, phytic acid, phenol, flavonoid, proline and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase activity were also thought to elevate millets as a viable staple meal. Foxtail millet showed the maximum inhibition, with an IC₅₀ value of 20.46 ± 1.80 µg mL⁻¹ with respect to α-amylase. The coefficient of correlation between nutritional and antinutritional compositions showed that the starch content was significantly and positively correlated with insoluble fiber (r = 0.465) and dietary fiber (r = 0.487). Moreover, sugar was positively correlated with the phytic acid (r = 0.707), Fe and Zn (r = 0.681) contents. To determine the peptides responsible for anticancer activity, the foxtail protein was subjected to ultrafiltration; it was found that the 3 kDa fraction retained the greatest anticancer activity. Selected millet germplasm line(s) that have the best nutraceutical properties could be used in millet improvement programs.

Background: Being a vital source of high-quality dietary protein, chickpea is an unavoidable legume. The present investigation was performed to study the applicability of the microsatellite markers linked with drought tolerance in Indian chickpea genotypes collected from different genetic background. Methods: In Rabi 2021-22, forty chickpea genotypes including national check for drought tolerance, elite cultivars, released varieties and advanced breeding lines were screened employing forty microsatellite markers linked with drought tolerance associated traits. Result: Among forty drought tolerance related microsatellite markers, twenty-six were found to be polymorphic and produced a total of 66 alleles, with a mean of 2.5 alleles per locus. Model-based population structure analysis clearly distinguished the drought tolerant genotypes including ICC4958, JG74, JAKI9218, JG16, JG6, JG14 and JG11. The principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) further confirmed these results. Findings of the present investigation would have a greater potential for further utilization in breeding of drought specific chickpea cultivar(s).

Chickpea is widely grown in rainfed areas of developing countries because of its nutritional abundance and adaptability. To overcome the environmental effect of drought on yield, a characteristic-linked selection strategy is proved as well-thought-out and advantageous for the development of drought-tolerant cultivars. To precisely understand the contribution of various physio-biochemical and yield-attributing traits toward drought tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), forty chickpea genotypes were evaluated in the years 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 under normal irrigated as well as drought-stressed conditions. Among the studied genotypes, genotype ICC4958 retained the highest chl content (0.55 mg g⁻¹ FW), minimal electrolyte leakage, and superoxide dismutase (1.48 U/mg FW) and peroxidase (2.21 µmol/min/g FW) activities while cultivar JG11 maintained the maximum relative water content and proline accumulation. The principal-component-based biplots prioritized the physio-biochemical and yield-accrediting characteristics based on their association significance and contribution to terminal drought tolerance. Under drought stress, grain yield per plant was depicted to have a strongly positive association with canopy temperature depression, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities as well as total soluble sugar, proline, and chlorophyll content, along with the numbers of pods and biological yield per plant. These identified physio-biochemical and yield-attributing traits can be further deployed to select drought-tolerant chickpea genotypes for the breeding of climate-smart chickpea genotypes.