Lignin is a complicated phenolic polymer that is found in the secondary cell walls of plants. It is necessary for plant mechanical strength, vascular integrity, and stress tolerance. In sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), the amount and composition of lignin greatly affect forage digestibility, biomass recalcitrance to bioenergy production and biochemical conversion process efficiency. Brown midrib (bmr) mutants, which exhibit reddish-brown pigmentation of the vasculature, have been a classic and potent tool for identifying lignin biosynthesis and engineering cell wall traits. Over the last 60 years, sorghum bmr mutants have been analyzed extensively and their characterization led to the identification of crucial genes associated with monolignol biosynthesis, such as bmr6 (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase), bmr12 (caffeic acid O-methyltransferase), bmr2 (4-coumarate-CoA ligase), as well as having an indirect effect on lignification through one-carbon metabolism, i.e. bmr19. These changes modify lignin concentration, monomer composition, and interunit connections, leading to improved cell wall digestibility and decreased biomass recalcitrance. Lignin alteration involves physiological trade-offs that affect stem strength, lodging resistance, and disease susceptibility, and these are significantly influenced by genetic background and environmental factors. Recent advancements in genomics, systems biology, and genome-editing technologies have enabled precise manipulation of lignin pathways, uncovering compensatory metabolic networks that sustain plant fitness. This study consolidates existing knowledge on the molecular genetics, biochemical control, and physiological effects of brown midrib mutations in sorghum, focusing specifically on their implications in forage enhancement and renewable bioenergy generation. Through the amalgamation of traditional genetics and contemporary engineering methodologies, bmr sorghum serves as a paradigm C4 grass for sustainable lignocellulosic bioenergy and climate-resilient agriculture.

Multi-parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) populations offer high recombination and genetic diversity, providing opportunities for dissecting complex agronomic traits. In this study, 230 MAGIC rice recombinant inbred lines derived from eight indica founders were evaluated at the Assam Rice Research Institute, AAU, Titabor, to assess variation in five key traits: grain weight, grain number per plant, grain length, grain breadth, and 100-grain weight. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant genotypic variation (p < 0.001) for grain yield per plant and grain number per plant, while grain size traits showed limited differentiation among genotypes. These traits exhibited high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (> 50

Variability and diversity analysis were performed for 16 different yield and yield-related traits on 81 forage pearl millet lines (75 inbred lines and 6 checks). The ANOVA revealed the presence of enough variability among all forage pearl millet lines. High GCV and PCV were recorded for characters such as leaf to stem ratio, green and dry fodder yield in the first and second cut, as well as total green and dry fodder yield. For other traits, moderate and low GCV and PCV were recorded. High heritability and high genetic advance as a percentage mean were obtained for plant height, number of leaves per tiller, leaf /stem ratio, green fodder yield in first and second cut, total green fodder yield, dry fodder yield in first and second cut, and total dry fodder yield. For other traits, high heritability and moderate genetic advance as a percentage mean were recorded. The dendrogram revealed four distinct clusters, indicating the presence of divergence. For the crossing programme, 10 parent lines were selected from these 81 inbred lines. 45 crosses were made with a half-diallel method by using the protogynous nature of forage pearl millet lines. These 45 crosses or hybrids were evaluated for their yield traits by analysis combining ability (GCA and SCA) and heterosis (average and heterobeltiosis heterosis). The GCA effect and mean performance of parents indicated that the genotypes viz., IIMR AVS95 and IIMR AVS98, were good combiners for total green fodder yield. Based on the SCA effect, the hybrids, viz., IIMR AVS50 x IIMR AVS95, IIMR AVS77 x IIMR AVS98 and IIMR AVS95 x IIMR AVS11, recorded a positive effect. Considering mean performance, SCA effect and heterobeltiosis, the hybrids IIMR AVS50 x IIMR AVS95, IIMR AVS77 x IIMR AVS98 and IIMR AVS95 x IIMR AVS11 were identified as the superior performing hybrids for further utilization to improve fodder yield in pearl millet.

Sorghum (S. bicolor) is a great millet that constitutes the staple food in many parts of the world and is cultivated in the semi-arid tropics. The grain is bestowed with traits that make it amenable for many value-added products, thus increasing the demand. Considerable progress is achieved in increasing the yield in the past through exploitation of primary gene pool species and secondary gene pool species to a very limited extent, but further increase is challenging and it necessitates bringing in the genetic diversity from other gene pools. Tertiary gene pool of sorghum has not been exploited so far due to limitations of cross-incompatibility. We accomplished inter-specific hybridization in sorghum with the wild species of tertiary gene pool. Derivatives from three inter-specific crosses (ISCs), Sorghum bicolor x S. versicolor (ISC304 and ISC320) and S. bicolor x S. usumbarense (ISC812), with the parental lines of popular Indian sorghum hybrids, 27B and 126B, are developed. Thirteen promising lines are identified, and they are subjected to field evaluation and molecular analysis to develop inter-specific derivatives that are equivalent to parent progenitors in agronomic traits yet diverse enough genetically. Analysis of phenotypic data in conjunction with genotype data revealed that derivatives of S. usumbarense are promising as compared to derivatives from S. versicolor, derivatives of S. usumbarense are closely clustered as compared to that of S. versicolor, and all the derivatives carry genomic regions from both the parents, with S. bicolor genome being predominant. GGE biplot analysis identified three genotypes (ISC320-5, ISC320-2, and ISC812-2) as highly promising. We successfully generated promising inter-specific derivatives from the tertiary gene pool in sorghum for ready use in crop improvement programs. Inter-specific hybridization followed by a single backcross is used to widen the genetic base of sorghum parental lines. Thirteen derivatives from three inter-specific crosses are evaluated in the field for six seasons. Morphological data for six seasons in conjunction with molecular data are used for characterization of these lines. Morphological and molecular clustering revealed that Sorghum versicolor derivatives are more dispersed than those of S. usumbarense. Genetically diverse lines with good agronomic performance for use in sorghum breeding programs are identified.

The experiment was conducted during kharif, (July–November, 2022) at ICAR–Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. In this experiment, 81 forage pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) lines was evaluated for its genetic diversity and variability. For all variables examined, an analysis of variance revealed a considerable variation between lines. Leaf-to-stem ratio, first-cut and second-cut of green fodder yield, as well as dry fodder yield, all had high PCV and GCV values. For Plant height, Leaf length, Number of leaves tiller-1, Number of tillers plant-1, Stem thickness, and Regeneration ability however, moderate PCV and GCV values have been identified. Plant height, Number of leaves tiller-1, Leaf-to-stem ratio, Green fodder yield in first cut, the Green fodder in second cut, and the yield of dry fodder all showed high heritability and high genetic advance. On the basis of Mahalanobis D2 statistics for clustering, genetic diversity was examined. The Tocher method was used to grouping of genotype lines into 11 clusters. The most lines were found in cluster I (52), followed by cluster VI with 14 lines, cluster III with 6 lines, and cluster IX with 2 lines. Cluster VI has the greatest intra-cluster distance (86.59), followed by clusters I (54.11), III (52.99), and IX (52.30). Between cluster III and IX had observed greater inter-cluster distance of 594.54 followed by cluster III and X (471.67), cluster IX and XI (458.76) and cluster I and IX (410.82). Intercrossing of these clusters lines might be useful to develop better forage pearl millet hybrids.

The present study evaluated genetic variability and trait associations in 103 forage pearl millet genotypes (97 genotypes and 6 checks) across three distinct environments (e.g., the Kharif season of 2022 (E1), Summer season of 2023 (E2), and Kharif season of 2023 (E3)) during 2022-23. Sixteen morphological traits were assessed using a randomized complete block design with two replications. Significant differences were observed among genotypes, environments, and genotype × environment interactions. Correlation analysis identified key traits positively associated with green fodder yield, such as leaf length, leaf width, and plant height at first cut. Principal component analysis revealed that four principal components explained 72% of the total variability, with the first component influenced by leaf count and width. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped genotypes into five clusters, with Cluster IV showing superior forage traits. This study identifies promising genotypes for future breeding programs focused on improving forage productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.

Forage sorghum is a versatile and sustainable crop that is less demanding on inputs, produces significant biomass, and is tolerant of drought. In the present study, a set of 30 forage sorghum genotypes, including 21 B–lines and 9 varieties or restorer lines were evaluated under five different environments in Assam and Hyderabad during kharif, rabi and summer 2020–2021 for 12 forage yield related traits. Phenotypic stability was analyzed using multivariate techniques, including the weighted average absolute scores of BLUPs (WAASB) stability index and the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI). A WAASBY, Y x WAASB bi-plot analysis revealed that genotypes G24 (348B), G25 (424B), and G30 (SSG-59-3) exhibited excellent stability with higher mean performance. MGIDI identified four genotypes, viz., G30 (SSG-59-3), G7 (NSS11B), G19 (327B) and G24 (348B) with higher mean performance and stability for all the 12 studied traits. These selected genotypes exhibited high heritability and genetic gain for green forage yield, indicating their stability and desirability. The strength-weakness plot showed that all selected genotypes were weak contributors to the MGIDI for all traits. This indicates that these genotypes are stable and closer to the ideotype, making them ideal candidates for breeding programs aimed at improving these traits.

BACKGROUND:Forage sorghum is a highly valued crop in livestock feed production due to its versatility, adaptability, high productivity, and resilience under adverse environmental conditions, making it a crucial option for sustainable forage production. This study aimed to investigate ninety-five forage sorghum genotypes and identify the marker - trait associations (MTAs) in adaptive traits, including yield and flowering through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). RESULTS:Using 41,854 polymorphic SNPs, a GWAS involving the GLM, MLM, and FarmCPU models was performed to analyse fourteen adaptive traits. The population structure revealed the presence of two subpopulation groups. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) plots showed varying degrees of LD decay across the chromosomes, with an average LD decay of 19.49 kbp. Twelve common significant QTNs, encoding 17 putative candidate genes, were simultaneously co-detected and studied by at least two or more GWAS methods. Three QTNs were associated to days to 50% flowering; two each to leaf-to-stem ratio and number of nodes per plant; and one each to plant height, leaf width, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and internodal length. Six candidate genes were associated with days to 50% flowering, two each with leaf width, stem girth, leaf-to-stem ratio, and number of nodes per plant, and one each with plant height, number of leaves per plant, and internodal length. CONCLUSION:FarmCPU was identified as the most suitable and effective among all the models for controlling both false positives and false negatives. Further in-depth analysis of the newly discovered QTNs may lead to the identification of new candidate genes for the trait of interest. These studies elucidate gene functions and could transform forage sorghum breeding through marker-assisted selection and transgenic approaches, accelerating the development of superior forage sorghum varieties and enhancing global food security.

IntroductionIn the Asian tropics, unpredictable weather increases the risk of abiotic stresses in sorghum areas, making it harder to meet predicted demand. Genotype-by environment interaction (GEI) and the lack of an effective multi-trait-based selection approach make it challenging to breed climateresilient forage sorghum that adapts to nonconventional areas.MethodsThe present investigation carried out to estimate genetic parameters, inter trait associations, genetic gain under selection (SGs) of 95 diverse forage sorghum genotypes. Fourteen forage yield and other secondary traits were evaluated at five different growing seasons at two locations. Negative and positive genetic gains under selection were estimated across different growing seasons including Kharif, Rabi and Summer in the year 2020 and 2021.Results and discussionThe GEI effects were significant (P < 0.001) for all the studied traits. The multi trait based stability indices have been said to assist breeders in ensuring sustained progress in primary traits likeforage yield without sacrificing genetic advancement in secondary traits. Fourteen genotypes were selected through each evaluation methods including genotype – ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait stability and mean performance (MTMPS) and multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAIBLUP Index), assuming 15% selection intensity. According to MGIDI, the selected genotypes exhibited desired positive genetic gains for dry forage yield per plant, inter-nodal length, green forage yield per plant, and plant height and negative genetic gains for days to 50% flowering. The strength and weakness plot is a potential graphical tool as portrayed by MGIDI, to identify and develop desirable genotype for particular environment. Two genotypes, G36 (302B) and G89 (348B) were found to be common across all four evaluation methods based on all the studied traits.BackgroundMulti-trait stability evaluation approaches are reliable and accessible for selecting multiple traits under varied testing environments with low multicollinearity issues. These tools proved effective in enhancing selection strategies and optimising breeding schemes for the development of climate-resilient forage sorghum genotypes. The aforementioned genotypes were found to be the most reliable, high-yielding, and earlymaturing and could be suggested for variety and hybrid development and ideotype breeding programmes to ensure the food and nutritional security.

In response to the growing population and increasing demand for cattle products, enhancing sorghum forage yield is essential for ensuring food security. This study aimed to identify stable genotypes with high forage yields and key yield traits for sorghum breeding programs. Ninety-five forage sorghum lines were evaluated under five distinct climatic conditions over two years (2020–2021), revealing significant genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effects for 14 agronomic traits. Two BLUP-based mixed model stability methods, weight average absolute score based on BLUP (WAASB) and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI), were employed for stability analysis. Three genotypes, G90 (424B), G80 (382B) and G3 (349B) were identified stable and high yielding for forage yield based on WAASB based methods. The MTSI, a novel simultaneous selection index, effectively selected genotypes based on multiple agro-morphological traits, except for the leaf-to-stem ratio. Genotypes G81, G90, G80, and G89 were identified as desirable based on the MTSI. The strength and weakness plot is highlighted as a valuable graphical tool for identifying and selecting genotypes based on trait strengths and weaknesses. Among these, G90 (424B) and G80 (382B) stood out as superior, excelling in both forage yield and early maturity, as determined by WAASB based methods and MTSI method. These genotypes warrant further comprehensive investigation across diverse environments and show significant potential for future breeding programs.

Commercial sugarcane hybrids are derivatives from Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum hybrids containing the full complement of S. officinarum and a few S. spontaneum chromosomes and recombinants with favorable agronomic characters from both the species. The combination of the two sub-genomes in varying proportions in addition to the recombinants presents a challenge in the study of gene expression and regulation in the hybrid. We now report the transcriptome analysis of the two progenitor species and a modern commercial sugarcane hybrid through long read sequencing technology. Transcripts were profiled in the two progenitor species S. officinarum (Black Cheribon), and S. spontaneum (Coimbatore accession) and a recent high yielding, high sugar variety Co 11015. The composition and contribution of the progenitors to a hybrid with respect to sugar, biomass, and disease resistance were established. Sugar related transcripts originated from S. officinarum while several stress and senescence related transcripts were from S. spontaneum in the hybrid. The hybrid had a higher number of transcripts related to sugar transporters, invertases, transcription factors, trehalose, UDP sugars, and cellulose than the two progenitor species. Both S. officinarum and the hybrid had an abundance of novel genes like sugar phosphate translocator, while S. spontaneum had just one. In general, the hybrid shared a larger number of transcripts with S. officinarum than with S. spontaneum, reflecting the genomic contribution, while the progenitors shared very few transcripts between them. The common isoforms among the three genotypes and unique isoforms specific to each genotype indicate that there is a high scope for improvement of the modern hybrids by utilizing novel gene isoforms from the progenitor species.

Aims: In this study, 634 accessions of proso millet were evaluated to assess phenotypic diversity using morpho-agronomic traits, aiming to identify specific donors for desired traits. Study Design: Augmented design. Place and Duration of Study: During the Kharif season of 2021, a total of 634 proso millet germplasm accessions were characterized, alongside three control varieties, as part of the Institute Project (IIMR/CI/2021-2026/150) at ICAR-IIMR in Hyderabad. Methodology: The experimental design employed was an augmented block design, and four check varieties, namely GPUP 8, TNAU 145, TNAU 164, and TNAU 202, were included. Results: The results revealed significant variation across all the traits studied. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the first three principal components accounted for 60% of the total variation. PC1 accounted for 27.3% of the variation, followed by PC2 (22.6%) and PC3 (10%). PC1 was primarily influenced by Leaf blade length (cm), Peduncle length (cm), Panicle length (cm), Plant height (cm), and grain yield (g plant-1). Furthermore, the study identified 21 accessions with superior performance in multiple traits (3-6 traits). Conclusion: These accessions can serve as valuable genetic resources for improving yield and quality traits. The selected multi-trait donors can be directly released for cultivation, serving as a short-term breeding goal. This approach has the potential to enable farmers to achieve high remuneration by harvesting increased yields.

Sugarcane is the largest world's tonnage crop, with an average yield of 80 tons per hectare. The theoretical yield potential of sugarcane is 381 tons per hectare. It contributes to food, feed, and energy, while mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in many regions of the globe. Apart from the genomic resources such as large expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries, SUCEST and BAC libraries, sugarcane reference genomes are also being developed that would greatly impact the future sugarcane molecular genetics and functional genomics. The available genomic resources aid in the application of new molecular approaches such as genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and genomic selection (GS) in the development of improved sugarcane cultivars.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a global health problem. Maize naturally accumulates carotenoids including ?-carotene, a major source of vitamin A. Thirty-seven Indian maize genotypes were screened for total carotenoids and ?carotene content. A positive significant association of kernel colour was observed with total carotenoid but not for ?-carotene. The level of ?-carotene among the selected 37 genotypes was low (0.14 to 4.63µg/g) as compared to total carotenoids (15.94 to 66.46 µg/g) thus necessitates the introduction and deployment of lines with high ?carotene. Hence, 54 inbred lines developed under the HarvestPlus programme were screened with functional markers of lcyE and crtRB1 genes of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. Three genotypes (HP704-13, HP704- 22, and HP704-23) amplified most of the favorable alleles for both these genes. However, due to long Anthesis Silking Interval (ASI) and poor adaptation HP704-13 and HP704-23 could not be maintained. Under normal storage condition genotype, HP704-22 recorded 7.32 µg/g of ?-carotene which can be used as a donor for provitamin-A or to diversify the Indian germplasm.

The single-cut and multi-cut forage sorghum genotypes, including released cultivars and varieties in the pipeline, were evaluated over two years for seed yield and seed quality. Significant differences in seed yield and quality parameters were observed in single-cut and multi-cut genotypes. The correlations based on biplots and prediction plots for genotypes were found helpful in identifying the cultivars and traits that were well represented. The most suited genotypes for seed production potential in terms of seed yield and quality under single-cut types were CSV 30F, UTF 85, UP Chari 2 and Pant Chari 5; and under multi-cut were CoFS 29, PC 23, CBR73-R14 and SSG59-3.