This study assessed genetic variability, correlation and multivariate analysis in 645 exotic cowpea collections. These accessions, along with five checks, were evaluated using an augmented block design (ABD) over two consecutive years (2022-23 and 2023-24) for 26 agro-morphological traits. ANOVA revealed significant differences among accessions for all quantitative parameters except SPP, indicating substantial variability. In the genetic variability analysis, high GCV and PCV were observed for DF50, HSW, PDL, and PH, indicating a high degree of variation in these traits. High heritability and high GAM for most traits except PB and SPP indicated that selection would be effective for these traits. High phenotypic diversity (H′ ≥ 0.60) was observed for the qualitative traits IPC, SS, SC, TT, Ssol, LC, SCC, FC and PS. A significant positive correlation was found among yield-contributing traits, with SPP positively associated with PL and PDL, and HSW correlated with SL, SW, PL, TLL and TLW, suggesting their utility for indirect selection in breeding programs. PCA analysis identified EC724705, EC723906, EC724358, EC723854, EC724530, EC724289, EC723685, EC723735, EC724538, EC723698, EC723695, EC724759, EC724269 and EC723992 as the potential parental candidates for heterosis breeding. The large-scale evaluation of 645 exotic accessions identified unique variability patterns and promising donor accessions for future cowpea improvement programmes. Cluster analysis showed that accessions in Cluster III have the potential to improve key agronomic traits, including HSW, PB, PDL, SW, TLL, and TLW, making them valuable for cowpea breeding. This study elucidates genetic diversity and trait relationships in exotic cowpea germplasm, supporting the identification of promising accessions for genetic enhancement, climate-resilient breeding, sustainable crop improvement, and the strengthening of food and nutritional security under changing climatic conditions.

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], is an Indian-origin legume crop and is emerging as an excellent food for human health and nutrition globally. However, the narrow genetic base in its released varieties is a bottleneck in mungbean yield enhancement. Therefore, 3903 accessions of mungbean were characterized to identify trait-specific donors, understand potential traits for breeding purposes, and select a core collection for enhancing germplasm utilization in the mungbean breeding program. A common set of 28 phenotypic traits was used for evaluation at two locations for two years (for 2019 and 2020) in an augmented block design. A substantial amount of phenotypic variation was observed in mungbean collections as revealed by diversity indices, frequency distribution, hierarchical clustering, and principal component analysis. Traits such as plant biomass, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, and number of seeds/pod showed higher levels of heritability and genetic gains. The core development strategy involved the development of five independent core sets of 400 accessions based on different statistical methods. Among the five sets, a core collection i.e., EN100 (average entry-to-nearest-entry distance with 100% weightage), was identified as the best among all five core sets based on quality evaluation indices. The chosen core collection was further compared with the entire collection using various statistical parameters. The core collections showed optimum results based on the various quality assessment parameters such as mean difference (MD, 66.67%), variance difference (VD, 100%), coincidence rate of range (CR, 97.4%), variable rate of range (VR, 119.6%), class coverage (100%) and a higher level of coefficient of variation (CV) for all the quantitative traits. These findings provide insights into the mungbean germplasm diversity, which will play a significant role in the mungbean improvement programs. Additionally, the diversity-rich core collection will be a ready resource for breeders and researchers to address various research problems.

Diverse germplasm of mungbean serves as a source of resistant gene, screening of germplasm for BCMV resistance will provide resistance source. So, in 2018–2019 a total of 65 diverse mungbean accessions along with susceptible and resistant checks were screened against BCMV under natural conditions in the field and artificial inoculation under controlled conditions. Transmission electron microscopy, per cent disease incidence, serological Direct antigen coating- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostics were used to detect and identify the BCMV resistant accessions. The study revealed that a total of 29 accessions were found to be immune to BCMV infections. However, these accessions need to be further evaluated in BCMV disease hotspots and under multilocation trials. Therefore, in the present study, accessions that were immune to BCMV may serve as valuable donors for the BCMV resistant mungbean breeding programme.

Background: Association of several morphological traits such as trichome length and trichome density on the pod surface have been found to influence host plant resistance to insect pests. Genetic diversity analysis is used to identify the divergent genotypes and to utilize these genotypes to exploit heterosis. Further, morphological characters are stable across environments owing to oligogeneic nature, they serve as morphological markers in breeding which can be used in varietal or genotypic identification, varietal purification and even in seed production. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate on host plant resistance using portable paper microscope 'foldscope', genetic diversity and morphological characters.Methods: A total of 154 germplasm lines with three checks were evaluated in augmented block design (ABD) at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), Kalaburagi, during kharif, 2018 to study their genetic diversity. Trichome length and trichome density were recorded using 'foldscope' 75 randomly selected genotypes, then correlated with shrivelled seed yield per plot due to pod fly incidence. Morphological characterization of 14 qualitative traits were recorded.Result: Grouping of 157 germplasm lines into twelve clusters indicated a wider genetic diversity for the traits studied, of which 7 clusters were solitary with one entry each. The genotypes with more trichome density and length had less damage by the pod fly. Large variations for morphological characters was observed among the genotypes for qualitative traits such as pod colour, stem colour, flower colour, seed morphology and pod trichomes.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is one of the major cool-season pulse crops worldwide. Its increasing demand as a staple pulse has led to the unlocking of diverse germplasm collections conserved in the genebanks to develop its superior varieties. The Indian National Genebank, housed at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, India, currently has 2,324 accessions comprising 1,796 indigenous and 528 exotic collections. This study was conducted to unveil the potential of lentil germplasm by assessing its agro-morphological characteristics and diversity, identifying trait-specific germplasm, and developing a core set. The complete germplasm set was characterized for two years, i.e., 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, and data were recorded on 26 agro-morphological traits. High phenotypic variability was observed for nine quantitative and 17 qualitative traits. A core set comprising 170 accessions (137 Indian and 33 exotic) was derived based on the characterization data as well as geographical origin using a heuristic method and PowerCore software. This core set was found to be sufficiently diverse and representative of the entire collection based on the comparison made using Shannon–Weaver diversity indices and χ2 test. These results were further validated by summary statistics. The core set displayed high genetic diversity as evident from a higher coefficient of variance in comparison to the entire set for individual traits and overall Shannon–Weaver diversity indices (entire: 1.054; core: 1.361). In addition, the total variation explained by the first three principal components was higher in the core set (70.69%) than in the entire collection (68.03%). Further, the conservation of pairwise correlation values among descriptors in the entire and core set reflected the maintenance of the structure of the whole set. Based on the results, this core set is believed to represent the entire collection, completely. Therefore, it constitutes a potential set of germplasm that can be used in the genetic enhancement of lentils.

Tuber Cowpea [( Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich.] collection conserved in Indian National Genebank was grown for developing key morphological descriptors and descriptor states for its characterization and preliminary evaluation. During characterization process, enormous variability was observed in agro-morphological descriptors, which include both qualitative and quantitative traits. Important morphological traits such as leaf shape and size, flowering behaviour, seed shape, size and colour, tuber shape and tuber weight showed sufficient variability in the germplasm available in the Indian national genebank. Root tuber is one of the essential and economic parts of this legume. The agro-morphological descriptors and descriptor states have been devised considering the importance of different plant parts in this multipurpose legume. Based on critical analysis of existing variability in the germplasm, a set of 56 (37 qualitative and 19 quantitative) key morphological descriptors have been proposed for characterization and preliminary evaluation of tuber cowpea germplasm.

Vigna stipulacea (Lam.) Kuntz., commonly known as Minni payaru is an underutilized legume species and has a great potential to be utilized as food crop. To evaluate and select the best germplasm to be harnessed in the breeding programme, we assessed the genetic diversity of V . stipulacea (94 accessions) conserved in the Indian National Genebank, based on morphological traits and microsatellite markers. Significant variation was recorded for the morphological traits studied. Euclidean distance using UPGMA method grouped all accessions into two major clusters. Accessions were identified for key agronomic traits such as, early flowering (IC331436, IC251436, IC331437); long peduncle length (IC553518, IC550531, IC553557, IC553540, IC550532, IC553564); and more number of seeds per pod (IC553529, IC622865, IC622867, IC553528). To analyse the genetic diversity among the germplasm 33 SSR primers were used anda total of 116 alleles were detected. The number of alleles varied from two to seven, with an average of 3.52 per loci. The polymorphic information content values varied from 0.20 to 0.74, with a mean of 0.40. The high number of alleles per locus and the allelic diversity in the studied germplasm indicated a relatively wider genetic base of V . stipulacea . Phylogenetic analysis clustered accessions into seven clades. Population structure analysis grouped them into five genetic groups, which were partly supported by PCoA and phylogenetic tree. Besides, PCoA and AMOVA also decoded high genetic diversity among the V . stipulacea accessions. Thus, morphological and microsatellite markers distinguished V . stipulacea accessions and assessed their genetic diversity efficiently. The identified promising accessions can be utilized in Vigna improvement programme through introgression breeding and/or can be used for domestication and enhanced utilization of V . stipulacea .

Blackgram [ Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is a protein rich pulse crop of Indian origin. The crop is cultivated in diverse range of agro-ecological regions, cropping systems and cultural environments, since ancient times. This has resulted in build-up of substantial amount of genetic diversity, directly or indirectly associated with survival and useful economic traits. However, the diversity remains underutilized in the crop improvement. This has adversely impacted the crop improvement programs. Therefore, in this study, we have characterized 840 accessions of blackgram for important agro-morphological traits to highlight the useful diversity available in the crop genepool. Statistical analyses have revealed a substantial amount of genetic diversity available in blackgram. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation showed a wide range of variation for pod length, seeds per pod, seed weight, flowering and maturity related traits. Comparatively high level of genetic gain was observed for days to initial flowering (57.12), flowering period (40.35), days to 50% flowering (37.26), days to end of flowering (31.23), canopy height (31.06) and days to 80% maturity (29.6). The first seven principal components (PCs) explained 92.197% of the total variability in the blackgram germplasm. Plotting of the first two major PCs in 2-dimnentional space highlighted the relationship among traits, and certain associations between traits and observations. Promising accessions with desirable magnitude of trait variation were also identified. The implications of results obtained from this study in blackgram breeding programs may prove useful in enhancing yield and genetic variability in the crop.

In the INGB (Indian National Genebank), a total of 66,283 accessions belonging to 15 genera of 98 species of grain legumes are conserved, which includes 55,757 indigenous collections and 10,526 exotic collections. Many novel and unique traits have been identified in the conserved germplasm including resistance to major pests and disease, agronomic and nutritional value. Conserved legume genetic resources have the potential to mitigate future climate change and revolutionize the legume breeding programme.

Twenty accessions of Lathyrus belonging to four different species such as L. sativus, L. cicera, L. aphaca and L. odoratus were obtained from ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) genebank, New Delhi and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). All the accessions were grown at the experimental farm of ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, India, during the rabi seasons of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. Agro-morphological delineation was carried out using 24 qualitative and 18 quantitative traits by following standard Lathyrus descriptors. The results indicated a wide range of variation for both qualitative and quantitative characteristics among the accessions. Remarkable distinguishing feature was observed at the different crop growth stages like seedling, pod and maturity stage. Among the species, L. odoratus had early maturity, whereas L. aphaca exhibited late maturity. The average value of hundred seed weight was highest in L. sativus followed by L. cicera and L. odoratus while the lowest value was recorded in L. aphaca. Based on hierarchical clustering, all accessions were grouped into four clusters. Our findings could be used as reference in species identification and understanding the diversity within and among Lathyrus species.

An experiment was conducted at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi to assess physiological and biochemical parameters to identify factors contributing to the loss of seed viability. Ultra-dried seeds of Cotton, Safflower and Groundnut stored at different MTS and ambient condition, viz. Cotton MTS 3.3%, Cotton Ambient 3.3%; Safflower MTS 6%, Safflower Ambient 3.8%; Girshell MTS, Gir Ambient 6.2% were used for present study. Result showed significant difference for all the physiological and biochemical traits as the seeds that were stored at MTS condition having high germination percentage, high vigour index, less moisture content, and lower Electrical conductivity (E.C.) and higher Dehydrogenase activity in comparison with seeds that were stored at Ambient condition. In SDS-PAGE profile of Cotton, Safflower and Groundnut some of the old bands were found to be missing at Ambient condition while some new bands were found to be appear in case of seeds that were stored at MTS condition. Deterioration was observed in seeds that were stored at Ambient condition. Whereas seeds that were stored at MTS condition were not deteriorated as much when compared to seeds that were stored at Ambient condition.

An atypical morphotype of pea ( Pisum sativum L.) was identified during the germplasm characterization programme at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi. This accession was recognised with prominent and intact funiculus on the seed. To explore the possible role of the extended funiculus, imbibition and physiological behaviour study was carried out on the seeds of selected accession of similar morphology. Compared to checks, the higher water uptake was reported in the seeds with extended funiculus in the exotic collection (EC0414478). Moreover, EC0414478 also showed the highest biomass along with the chlorophyll and Relative Water Content in response to drought at the early vegetative stage. This can be utilized as donor for drought tolerance for developing variety/genetic stocks for early sown peas, especially in rice fallow areas. A more detailed investigation is required to assess the drought tolerance potential of identified germplasm under field conditions.

Minni Payaru [Vigna stipulacea (Lam.) Kuntz] is an underutilized traditional legume species mainly used for food, animal fodder and green manure, particularly in Southern India. In the era of global climate change, this indigenous crop has the ability to survive under harsh environment and also has resistance against various biotic and abiotic stresses. Based on acquired knowledge about this crop, farmers prefer Minni Payaru compared to other commercial kharif pulses. Though Minni Payaru has huge potential to be used as main legume crop, it has not gained popularity in India. Currently, the cultivation of Minni Payaru is restricted to the Southern regions of India. The present review summarises the budding role of Minni Payaru in human nutrition, animal fodder and green manure.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second largest pulse crop grown worldwide and ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr. is the most devastating disease of the crop in all chickpea growing areas across the continents. The pathogen A. rabiei is highly variable. The resistant sources available are not sufficient and new sources needs to be identified from time to time as resistance breakdown in existing chickpea varieties is very frequent due to fast evolution of new pathotypes of the pathogen. Therefore, this work was undertaken to evaluate the existing chickpea germplasm diversity conserved in Indian National Genebank against the disease under artificial epiphytotic conditions. An artificial standard inoculation procedure was followed for uniform spread of the pathogen. During the last five winter seasons from 2014–15 to 2018–19, a total of 1,970 accessions have been screened against the disease and promising accessions were identified and validated. Screening has resulted in identification of some promising chickpea accessions such as IC275447, IC117744, EC267301, IC248147 and EC220109 which have shown the disease resistance (disease severity score ≤3) in multiple seasons and locations. Promising accessions can serve as the potential donors in chickpea improvement programs. The frequency of resistant and moderately resistant type accessions was comparatively higher in accessions originated from Southwest Asian countries particularly Iran and Syria than the accessions originated from Indian sub-continent. Further large scale screening of chickpea germplasm originated from Southwest Asia may result in identifying new resistant sources for the disease.

The extent of hardseededness due to seed coat impermeability and pre-treatments to overcome it have been worked out in 34 accessions comprising 14 species of V. luteola (Jacq.) Benth. Mart., V. vexillata (L.) A. Rich., V. wightii (Bedd.) Babu and S.K.Sharma, V. pilosa (Klein ex.Willd.) Baker, V. parkeri Baker, V. reticulata Hook. f., V. dalzelliana (Kuntze) Verdc., V. hainiana Babu, Gopinath and S.K.Sharma, V. trinervia var. bourneae Gamble, V.radiata var. sublobata (Roxburgh) Verdc.(6), V. radiata var. setulosa (Dalzell) Ohwi and Ohashi, V. membranacea A.Rich., V. stipulacea (lam.) Kuntze, V. racemosa (G Don) Hutch. & Dalziel. The percentage of hard seeds ranged from 45 to 95 within accessions and species tested. All the pre-treatments, which are mechanical scarification, hot water soaking at 50 °C for 15, 25 and 30 min and at 80 °C for 15 and 30 min, reduced hard seed percentage and increased final germination significantly (p < 0.01) as compared to the controls. There were significant differences between the species, treatments and species over treatments. In general, mechanical scarification was the best pre-treatment in most of (eleven out of fourteen) species studied with germination ranging from 73 to 100% among the species. This was followed by hot water at 50 °C for 30 min (40–100%) and hot water at 50 °C for 25 min (43–99%).

An atypical morphotype of lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik.) was identified during mega germplasm characterization programme at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi undertaken during rabi 2017–2018. On the basis of the comparative evaluation of lentil morphotype with two distinct subspecies, viz., L. culinaris subsp. macrosperma and L. culinaris subsp. microsperma , this atypical morphotype was classified under the latter subspecies. Based on comparative study with selected accessions for seed morphology, quality traits and physiology, this accession was identified with very distinct and prominent funiculus on the seed coat, higher rate of water uptake and nutritional traits (rich in sugar, starch, protein and minerals). Present studies identified this germplasm as unique type that deserves for the detailed study to explore its genetic resource potential.

The enantioselective desymmetrization via remote C(sp2)-H amidation of the prochiral 2,2-disubstituted cyclopentene-1,3-dione with N-methoxybenzamide has been developed. The overall process was catalyzed by a chiral bifunctional thiourea catalyst through a sequential conjugate-addition-elimination-tautomerization. This strategy provides rapid access to highly functionalized five-membered carbocycles, bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereogenic center through remote stereocontrol in high yields with moderate to excellent enantioselectivities.