Context: Insights into crop eco-phenology and genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) are essential for advancing crop improvement strategies. Objectives: This study aimed to (i) elucidate the impact of diverse climatic conditions on the eco-phenology and productivity of black gram and their associations and (ii) evaluate GEI to identify mega-environments for targeted breeding. Methods: Twenty-nine black gram genotypes were evaluated across twenty-seven locations spanning five agroclimatic zones of India to delineate crop-environment associations and assess the contribution of GEI factors. Empirical methods were employed to identify mega-environments and ranking genotypes' stability. Results: Substantial variability in crop traits across locations, measured as coefficients of variation, were observed for days-to-flowering (14 %), days-to-maturity (10 %), reproductive period (RP) (20 %), grain yield (30 %), and 100-seed weight (13 %). Environmental factors accounted for the largest proportion of yield variability (61 %), followed by GEI (31 %). Minimum temperature during flowering and RP significantly influenced grain yield, with high cumulative heat units and low humidity during RP favoring higher productivity. Grain yield demonstrated a positive association with extended RP. The study identified six mega-environments as well as 'ideal' testing locations with high desirability indices to enhanced selection efficiency. Among the tested genotypes, IU 92-14 emerged as the most stable across diverse Indian climates. Conclusion and significance: The findings underscore the substantial influence of climatic factors on the phenological developments and productivity of black gram. Strategic breeding program tailored to the identified mega- environments will be pivotal in leveraging positive GEI effects to improve yields in India, with the potential for extrapolation to international contexts.

Sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) is an important fibre crop known for its rapid growth and ability to improve soil fertility, making it a vital component of sustainable agriculture. However, to enhance its productivity and meet the increasing demand for high-quality fibre, it is crucial to identify and utilize genetically diverse genotypes with superior yield traits. The present study was conducted at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, during the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to assess genetic variability and character association for yield and its component traits among 67 sunnhemp genotypes. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, were conducted using R software to dissect the phenotypic diversity among the genotypes. The results revealed substantial genetic variability for yield and its associated traits, indicating a promising potential for genetic improvement. Genotypes ADSH 1750, ADSH 1701, ADSH 1736, ADSH 1715, and ADSH 1742 exhibited superior performance in key yield-related traits, making them valuable candidates for future breeding programs focused on developing high-yielding, high-fibre varieties. Cluster analysis delineated four distinct clusters, with Clusters I and IV showing significant divergence and highlighting the presence of unique genetic material. Key plant production traits such as plant height, leaf breadth, basal stem diameter, yield, and number of leaves were the primary contributors to the first two principal components. These findings suggest that direct selection based on these traits could effectively improve biomass yield in future sunnhemp breeding efforts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable fibre crop production.

The present study assessed five pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces along with two commercial varieties. Protein (9.57 ± 0.18–12.46 ± 0.01%), zinc (19.9 ± 0.5–27.6 ± 0.4 μg/g) and iron content (10 ± 0.2–15.7 ± 0.2 μg/g) of the pigmented landraces were higher thanvarieties. With a high breakdown value, highest peak viscosity and low amylose, Norungan was classified as a high-quality cooking rice.Bold-type grains possessed higher amylose and resistant starch (RS) content compared to slender types. Karun Kuruvai recorded thehighest RS content (7.0 ± 0.3%), which lowers the glycemic index. Therefore, there is a need to unravel these nutritional properties todevelop a therapeutic variety

Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a promising alternative to the traditional puddled rice system. It has become more popular among rice growers as a result of socioeconomic shifts and global climate change. Although DSR offers advantages, rice plants experience greater anaerobic stress at sowing from unpredicted rainfall. Rice is unique among cereals in its ability to germinate under anaerobiosis. The coleoptile of rice rapidly elongates above the water surface to obtain more oxygen and enhance vigorous seedling growth. A panel of 115 landraces and four check varieties were subjected to anaerobic stress with a water level of 10 cm for up to 15 days. The present study observed significant variation in anaerobic germination percentage (AGP) (10%-100%) and anaerobic vigor index (AVI) (150-4,433). Landraces Karuthakar, Poovan samba, Mattaikar, Edakkal, Manvilayan, and Varappu kudainchan were identified as genotypes tolerant to early water submergence. The shoot and root length of susceptible landraces were significantly lower than the tolerant landraces under hypoxia condition, implying that landraces with longer shoots and roots had a higher survival rate. The response index substantiated this. The results clearly show that tolerant and moderately tolerant landraces possessed higher mean values for root and shoot lengths than susceptible landraces. The landraces grouped under the long-bold category had superior AGP and AVI scores to other grain type groups. This raises the possibility that differences in kernel breadth, which is linked to grain type, could affect anaerobic germination potential. Molecular confirmation using gene-specific markers, viz., DFR, TTP_G4, RM478, RM208, and RM24161, for which the polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.36 (RM478) to 0.68 (RM206) suggests that this diverse panel of landraces must be assessed further using advanced molecular tools to precisely clarify the genetic mechanism behind this phenomenon. The tolerant landraces thus identified may become donors in breeding programs. The introduction of these traits would contribute to the development of rice varieties tolerant to anaerobic stress, resulting in sustainable yields. This solution could promote the DSR system across the world.

Magnaporthe oryzae poses a serious risk to rice growing regions worldwide. To combat this, future breeding efforts that aim to develop resistant varieties will need to identify and screen blast-resistant cultivars from existing germplasms. Thus, present study aimed to identify four major blast resistant genes (Pi54, Pi5, Pi2 and Pi9) in 20 traditional rice varieties using functional and linked markers. Results of the present study identified that fifteen traditional rice landraces were found to possess at least one resistant gene and three traditional landraces (Aanaikomban, Chenellu and Jai Sri Ram) had two resistant genes. These identified traditional rice landraces could be used as promising donor against rice blast disease for future rice breeding programmes to develop superior cultivars.

Sugarcane must be processed quickly after being harvested because it is a destructible commodity. Harvested cane may degrade for a variety of reasons, including exposure to microbes, mechanical or manual harvesting, cultivar, maturity, cut-to-crush interval, and storage. Due to the quick loss of sucrose and deterioration after harvest, sugarcane needs to be treated at the right time and way. The higher sugar content of mature internodes offers the perfect conditions for microbial growth, which enters the harvested stalk through wounds or cut ends. The bacteria Leuconostoc spp. is primarily responsible for these post-harvest losses, which negatively affect sugar percent. The trials were carried out to assess the efficacy of Sodium metasilicate (SMS), Benzalkonium chloride (BKC), Nisin (Lactobacteria), and Neem sources on sugarcane for reducing the post-harvest degradation losses. An investigation is underway now to reveal that foliar spray of neem cake @ 5% + dried neem leaves extract @ 5% (in heaping) is the most effective and eco-friendly substance that might be able to significantly enhance sugar recovery. This treatment was comparable with the chemical formulation of SMS @ 2% (3 days before harvest) + BKC @ 2000 ppm (in heaping) which might be a consequence of controlling the proliferation of Leuconostoc spp. bacterium. Likewise, the juice obtained from these treatments has a lower rate of inclination in pH, reducing sugar, total soluble solids, titrable acidity index, invertase activity, higher sucrose, and commercial cane sugars (CCS) recovery, furthermore with relatively smaller losses in cane weight. Hence, these treatments offer a significant potential role in reducing post-harvest deterioration losses in the sugar industry.

Two hundred traditional landraces and exotic genotypes from 12 countries were assessed for variability for eight-grain quality traits by UPGMA cluster analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and principal component analysis. Analysis by the UPGMA method clustered 200 genotypes into two clusters. In PCA analysis, the first five principal components explained about 74.19 % of the total variation among the eight characters. Component 1 had contributions from all the traits and it accounted for 22.46 % of the total variability. Component 2 had the contribution from Grain width and Zinc content which accounted for 15.75% of the total variability. Component 3 had a contribution from grain length and amylose with a variability of 13.11%. Component 4 contributed from ASV and amylose and component 5 for ASV and GC with a variability of 11.63 per cent each. Thus, the results indicate a high level of genetic variation in the rice germplasm.

Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) yields are noticeably poor due to a shortage of improved varieties and an aggravated narrow genetic base. An attempt was made to isolate novel blackgram mutants by selecting for yield-related traits derived through gamma irradiation and testing the mutant genotype’s stability across the different environments. The irradiated blackgram populations M1-M5 were established in the background of cultivars ADT 3, Co 6, and TU 17-9. Desirable mutants were selected from M3 to M5 generations. It was observed in M2 and M3 that gamma rays showed higher mutagenic efficacy and generated good inherited variance for the yield-related traits. M4 established three divergent groups in each blackgram cultivar revealed by clustering analysis. The number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant, and number of pods per cluster showed a strong direct association with single plant yield and could be considered as selection traits. G × E interactions were higher than the variation due to genotype for single plant yield. Limited environmental interaction was observed for the genotypes G24, G16, G36, G30, and G17, as revealed by AMMI, and the genotypes G18 and G29, as revealed by GGE. GGE biplot revealed the environment-specific genotypes G13 for E1 (Aduthurai), G7 for E2 (Kattuthottam), and G34 for E3 (Vamban) and also portrayed the highly discriminating (E3) and representative (E2) environments. Selected novel blackgram genotypes from this research are useful genetic stocks for genetic improvement and breeding.

The rice variety ADT 53 (AD07073) is a short duration culture (110-115 days) which was released during 2019 by TNAU for Kuruvai/ Kodai/ Navarai season of Tamil Nadu. This variety was evolved through pedigree breeding from the cross ADT 43 / JGL 384. It has non-lodging compact plant type with well exerted compact panicle. The variety recorded an average grain yield of 6334 kg/ha in 242 trials which are 9.4 per cent higher than ADT 43 (5788 kg/ha in 112days) and 14.0 per cent over CO 51 (5562 kg/ha in 112 days). The culture had shown a resistance reaction to leaf folder and moderately resistant to brown spot, blast diseases and rot under field condition. The variety ADT 53 possesses a medium slender grain with a 1000 grain weight of 14.8 grams. It has 65 per cent milling outturn and good cooking quality parameters like a soft gel consistency, moderate amylose and gelatinization temperature.

The present study was aimed to compare physiochemical and cooking properties of high yielding rice varieties of Tamil Nadu. Various physiochemical properties were studied in twenty five rice varieties. The milling percentage ranged between ADT 44 (50.0) to ADT 42 (71.0). HRR% varied from IR 50 (45.0) to CR1009 (64.0). The hulling percentage highly significantly associated with milling percentage, head rice recovery and gel consistency. Milling percentage positive significant association with HRR, BER and GC. The kernel length is highest in ADT 41(7.5 mm) which shows long grain length and lowest in short grain type ADT 37(4.9 mm) while the kernel breadth ranged between 1.9 – 2.9 mm. The Kernel length after cooking ranged from ADT 37(8.0mm) to ADT 41 (11.5mm). The volume expansion ratio in rice cultivars ranged from 3.27 in TKM 13 to 4.7 in ADT 39 and the gel consistency ranged from 48.0- 118.0 mm. The varieties IR50, ADT 45, ADT 41 and ADT 48 poses high zinc content more than 30μg/g in brown rice. The relationship between physical, cooking and nutritional properties was determined using Pearson’s correlation. Correlation was done for determining the nature of interaction among the characters. The cluster analysis suggested that the genotypes present in cluster I showed high hulling percentage, Milling percentage and Head rice recovery.

A high yielding blackgram variety ADT 6 suitable for rice fallow season of Cauvery Delta Zone was released during 2017. The variety ADT 6 (ADBG 13004) is a cross derivative of VBN 1 x VBG 04-006 and matures in 65-70 days. The plant type is semi erect and determinate. The seeds are bold, black oval in shape with dull lustre and the mean 100 seed weight is 4.7 g. The variety manifests good battering and recorded an average of 21.6 per cent protein and 5.7 % arabinose content. The average yield of ADT 6 is 741 kg/ha which is 13.8 per cent increased yield over ADT 3(651 kg/ha). The culture possesses moderate resistance to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV), leaf crinkle and powdery mildew diseases. The variety is fast spreading among the farmers of Cauvery Delta as a rice fallow blackgram variety.

Stable performance of Thermo-sensitive Genic Male Sterile lines (TGMS) for pollen and spikelet sterility is critical for hybrid seed production in two -line hybrids of rice.The objective of this study is to investigate nine traits in twenty five TGMS lines across three locations viz., Coimbatore (E1), Aduthurai (E2) and Ambasamudram (E3).GGE biplot method was used to analyse the multi-environment data.There was a significant interaction between genotypes and environments for focused traits viz., pollen and spikelet sterility.Among the two weather parameters studied, temperature was found to be the major determinant for sterility induction besides genotypic background.

The experiment was carried out to explore correlation and path coefficient analysis in two F2 populations of rice derived from the cross AD 16019 x ADT43 and AD16019 x WGL 14377 at TRRI, Aduthurai during 2016-18. In both the crosses single plant yield shows positive association with 1000 grain weight, plant height, number of productive tillers, panicle length. In the cross AD 16019 x ADT43 1000 grain weight and number of productive tillers per plant showed high direct positive effect on single plant yield and in the cross AD16019 x WGL 14377 only 1000 grain weight had high positive direct effect on single plant yield. Hence, selection of positively associated characters could bring improvement in yield and component characters.

The present investigation was carried out with F2 plants of three different crosses of rice viz., BPT 2270 x AD09493, AD 08142 x Co (R) 50 and AD09493 x AD 11168. In this experiment, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path analysis on seven quantitative traits viz., days to fifty per cent flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers, panicle length, thousand grain weight, spikelet fertility per cent and single plant yield were estimated. In all the three crosses, for the traits, days to fifty per cent flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers and thousand grain weight, minimum difference between PCV and GCV was obtained, indicating lesser influence of environment and more genetic control on the expression of these traits. The results of correlation analysis indicated that number of productive tillers had highest significant correlation with single plant yield and hence simultaneous selection for number of productive tillers, along with high spikelet fertility percentage can significantly improve the single plant yield in rice.

Character association studies with six field biometrics and nine grain quality traits recorded from 60 rice genotypes revealed that single plant yield was significantly correlated with number of filled grains per panicle (r = 0.516), and positively correlated with days to 50% flowering (r = 0.144), plant height (r = 0.129) and panicle length (r = 0.134). Kernel length is positively correlated with gel consistency (r = 0.006). Amylose content has positive correlation with gelatinization temperature (r = 0.215) and gel consistency (r = 0.014). Head rice recovery manifested good relationship with kernel breadth (r = 0.074) and milling (r = 0.466). Path coefficient analysis manifested that the traits number of filled grains/panicle (0.912), number of panicles/plant (0.582), and 1000-grain weight (0.404) had high positive direct effects on grain yield per plant and also kernel length (0.690) and milling percentage (0.577) had high direct effect on head rice recovery. Hence, these traits were regarded as significant attributes in devising selection criteria for attaining yield objectives.

Distribution pattern of segregants and heritability estimates in paddy (Oryza sativa L.) crop for 12 quantitative traits in two F2 populations derived from the cross AD 16019 x ADT43 and AD16019 x WGL 14377 was studied at TRRI, Aduthurai during 2016-18. Platykurtic symmetrical curve for the traits with positive skewness was registered for the traits 1000 grain weight and single plant yield. The traits have also manifested high heritability estimates with low or medium genetic advance as percent of gain. Number of filled grain, grain length and Alkali spreading value were observed to have positive skewness in distribution and platykurtic kurtosis in both the F2 population. Days to flowering, number of filled grains/panicle, grain length, L/B ratio and gelatinization temperature are found to be are positively skewed with mostly platykurtic distribution. Hence intense selection at early cycle will improve the traits flowering, filled grains per panicle and grain length and biparental mating can be adopted to obtain extreme genotypes. For the traits 1000 grain weight and single plant yield selection may be done at later stages of segregating generation for more genetic gain. The breeding strategy would be development of hybrids (heterosis) or biparental mating to create more variability and selection.