Aim: Leaf size and shape are key character for assessing photosynthesis, growth, genetic diversity, and plant health. Manual measurement is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and error-prone, particularly in large-scale phenotyping studies. This study aimed to develop QuickLeaf-LWA, a software tool for rapid, precise, and automated estimation of leaf size (length and width) and shape (aspect ratio) from digital images. Methodology: QuickLeaf-LWA integrates high-throughput automation (HTA) with comprehensive trait management and morphological analysis workflows. The software employs a robust image-processing pipeline using adaptive threshold for accurate leaf segmentation from complex backgrounds, followed by morphological operations to reduce noise. Leaf dimensions and aspect ratio are calculated using a rectangular-bounded, radially rotated image approach. Results: Accuracy assessment showed low mean error rates (0.584–3.283%) and high accuracy (96.717–99.416%). Root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) values were low (0.150–0.564 and 0.082–0.476, respectively), with strong correlations to manual measurements (R2 ≥ 0.96). Interpretation: QuickLeaf-LWA enables rapid analysis of hundreds of leaves within minutes offers an intuitive interface with batch-processing capability, making it a practical tool for plant physiology, genetics, agriculture, horticulture, and leaf phenotyping research. Key words: Aspect ratio, Digital image analysis, Leaf phenotyping, QuickLeaf-(LWA)
Aim: Identification of superior walnut genotypes from the existing germplasm collection at the SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar campus (Srinagar) based on key morphological traits intended for selecting promising parental lines to conduct walnut breeding programmes. Methodology: Eighty genotypes were evaluated and data on various metric and non-metric traits of walnut were recorded with five replications. Mean values were computed and used to assess the performance of individual traits, enabling comparison of the selected elite genotypes with the currently cultivated walnut varieties. Results: Among eighty genotypes, five superior genotypes (SKAU-W-24, SKAU-W-28, SKAU-W-34, SKAU-W-41, and SKAU-W-42) were identified based on nut and kernel characters. The maximum nut and kernel weight was recorded in genotype SKAU-W- 41 (14.44 g and 7.60 g). Kernel percentage was notably high across these genotypes, with SKAU-W-28 exhibiting the highest value (60.71%) followed by SKAU-W-34 (59.56%). The estimated kernel protein and kernel fat content were highest in SKAU-W-34 (17.35 % and 59.84 %). Interpretation: Genotypes SKAU-W-24, SKAU-W-28, SKAU-W-34, SKAU-W-41 and SKAU-W-42 exhibited superior nut and kernel traits compared to many commercial varieties. These promising genotypes warrant further evaluation and multiplication for use in future improvement programmes aimed to develop high-yielding walnut cultivars. Key words: Elite walnut genotypes, Juglans regia, Kashmir valley, Kernel traits
Aim: To identify morphological and molecular diversity of eggplant genotypes for utilization in breeding programmes for widening the narrow genetic base of brinjal. Methodology: Twelve brinjal genotypes varying in shape, size and colour were studied for twenty-six morphological traits, based on which principal component analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering were performed. Molecular characterization was done using SSR markers. Results: Wide variability was observed for the morphological and earliness traits. The first three principal components accounted for 74.88% of the total variation. The major contributors to the variation were fruit pedicel prickles, leaf prickles, fruit breadth, plant spread, plant stature, calyx spininess, number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, and plant growth habit. Clustering of genotypes formed two major clusters, with big sized round or oblong genotypes in one cluster and long or oval smaller-sized genotypes in the other cluster and crossing between the genotypes of different clusters would be an effective breeding strategy. Eight polymorphic SSR markers could distinguish between these twelve genotypes. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient showed that Pusa Purple Cluster and Pusa Purple Long were least similar, while Pusa Shyamla and Rajendra Baigan-2 were most similar, and lesser similar genotypes would be potential parental lines for brinjal. Interpretation: Genotypes in different clusters, with dissimilarity based on both morphological and molecular characterization may be used as parental lines for breeding programmes. The major contributor traits identified for the variation may be used as selection criteria. Key words: Brinjal genotypes, Morpho-molecular diversity, PCA biplot, SSR markers
Aim: To assess the influence of soil amendments and phosphorus on the performance of black gram, and to determine the optimum dose of phosphorus for better seed yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) in acid soil of Nagaland. Methodology: Four soil amendment levels [SA0 (control), SA1 (5% LR), SA2 (PSB), SA3 (5% LR + PSB)] and four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) were laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Black gram variety SBC-40 was sown at a spacing of 30×10 cm. The data were statistically analysed by Fisher-Snedecor ‘F’ test at 0.05 level of probability, and the optimum dose of phosphorus was estimated by employing linear regression on the basis of seed yield of two years of field trails. Results: Soil amendments and phosphorus significantly influenced the growth, yield attributes and yield of black gram. The pooled seed and stover yield increased by 29.9% and 35.7% over SA0 in response to SA3, and by 45.3% and 55.9% over control (P0) in response to 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 (P60), respectively. The optimum dose of phosphorus application was estimated to be 49.35 kg P2O5 ha-1. Interpretation: The study inferred that 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 as sole application or SA3P40 (5% LR+ PSB + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) were found to be most promising for obtaining better yield of black gram under acidic soil of Nagaland. Key words: Acidic soil, Black gram, Phosphorus level, Soil amendments
Aim: To develop an improved rainwater harvesting technique for field crops in drylands, and to study its efficacy to promote moisture conservation, mitigate soil erosion, in order to enhance crop productivity and water use efficiency. Methodology: This experiment was laid out in a strip-plot design with soil and water conservation (SWC) treatments and supplemental irrigation during 2021 to 2023 with maize -pigeonpea crop rotation. The SWC treatments were: M1- Raised bed with modified furrow system (RBMF); M2- RBMF with coir pith compost; M3- RBMF with farmyard manure; M4- RBMF with tank silt and M5- Control (without raised bed/ Farmers practice). The irrigation treatments were: I0-No irrigation (NI); I1-With supplemental irrigation using sub-surface (10 cm) drip (SSDI) and I2-With supplemental irrigation using surface drip (SDI) in three replications. Maize and pigeonpea was taken up in alternate years. The observations included soil physical and chemical properties, runoff, soil loss and grain yield. Results: During normal year, RBMF with coir pith compost or farmyard manure in the furrows increased the grain yield in maize by 17.0-18.4% and pigeonpea yield by 38.2 -54.2%, respectively.These treatments improved the soil moisture by 2-3% (dry basis) and controlled soil loss by 55 to 60%. Along with these treatments, two irrigations increased the pigeonpea yield by 80-88% whereas one irrigation in maize increased the yield by 33-35%. Among irrigations, the sub-surface drip system resulted in more crop yield and higher water use efficiency (WUE) of 3.25 to 3.40 kg ha-1 mm-1 during the period of drought year. Interpretation: RBMF along with coir pith compost or farmyard manure in the furrows had improved the soil moisture, reduced soil erosion, enhanced nutrient status of soil, crop productivity and water use efficiency considerably in the Alfisols. Key words: Alfisols, Drylands, Moisture conservation, Raised bed, Sub-surface drip, Supplemental irrigation
