To determine combining ability and heterosis analysis for seed yield and yield components, eight genotypes of Indianmustard (Brassica juncea L.) were crossed using a line X tester design. A randomised block design with three replicateswas used after fifteen crossings, and their parents were assessed in the field. None of the cross combinations displayedboth positive and negative significant SCA effects for seed yield/plant, while the GCA impacts of the parents, IC-571655,demonstrated positive significant effects for the majority of the characteristics. Each trait in the crosses underwent adistinct analysis of variance, and the hybrids exhibited significant heterosis. According to estimations of heterosis andper se performance, the most promising cross for seed yield/plant was IC-508692 x Ashirwad, which was followed by IC424414 x Ashirwad, IC-571655 x CS 54, and IC-571655 x Ashirwad

This study investigated the expression profile of the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) gene in goats across three reproductive groups - twin-bearing (n = 12), single-bearing (n = 10) and non-pregnant (n = 8) - using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Descriptive statistics revealed that twin-bearing goats were significantly heavier at service and kidding, with higher litter weights compared to other groups (p < 0.05). No breed-wise differences were observed, allowing pooled analysis for gene expression. Melt curve and amplification plot analyses confirmed primer specificity and efficient amplification. TLR2 expression was significantly upregulated in twin-bearing goats (ΔCt = -2.14 ± 0.89), with a mean 4.5-fold increase (p < 0.001) compared to non-pregnant controls, suggesting enhanced immune activation. Single-bearing goats showed negligible and non-significant changes in expression (ΔCt = -0.01 ± 1.45; p = 0.984). Statistical comparisons showed a significant difference in TLR2 expression between twin- and single-bearing groups (mean difference: 3.39; p < 0.001). These results reveals a significant association of twin pregnancies with elevated expression level of TLR2 gene in resource population. While the functional implications require further investigation, this upregulation may be associated with immune adaptations to increased gestational load. Overall, this study identifies TLR2 as a candidate gene expression marker strongly correlated with twin pregnancy in goats. Further validation through longitudinal studies on larger cohorts and investigation of tissue-specific expression is necessary to assess its potential predictive value for reproductive performance in small ruminants.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) supplementation on bovine semen quality, with a focus on determining whether green-synthesized AgNPs derived from ethanolic Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) extract could mitigate cryopreservation-induced damage. Bovine semen samples were supplemented with AgNPs at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μg/mL. The effects on semen quality were assessed by measuring antioxidant activity, sperm motility, morphological abnormalities, acrosome integrity, and lipid peroxidation, both in fresh semen and after cryopreservation. AgNP supplementation led to a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant activity. Among the concentrations tested, 20 μg/mL produced the most significant improvements in sperm motility and a reduction in morphological abnormalities in fresh semen. This concentration also enhanced acrosome integrity and decreased lipid peroxidation, indicating protection against oxidative stress during cryopreservation. While post-thaw motility showed limited differences, pre-freezing kinematic parameters improved with AgNP supplementation, suggesting enhanced sperm quality.Green-synthesized AgNPs, particularly at 20 μg/mL, have the potential to improve bovine semen quality and reproductive performance by reducing oxidative stress and supporting sperm function. These findings suggest AgNPs as promising additives for improving livestock reproduction, with additional research needed to explore broader applications in reproductive biology and agricultural sciences.

The present study investigated of general combing ability of the parents and specific combining ability of hybrids and gene action for biochemical traits of Ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) using three cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines and ten doubled haploid (DH) testers in a Line × Tester mating design to elucidate the genetic control of key biochemical traits related to pigment concentration and antioxidant capacity. Thirty F₁ hybrids, along with parents, were evaluated for chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenol, lycopene, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity (CUPRAC, FRAP) and ascorbic acid. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, indicating substantial genetic variability and strong potential for improvement. Significant line × tester interactions for most traits indicated the predominance of non-additive gene action. Mean performance identified CMS-3 × KTDH-55, CMS-1 × KTDH-56, and CMS-2 × KTDH-13 as superior hybrids for multiple biochemical attributes. GCA effects indicated CMS-1, KTDH-56, and KTDH-13 as promising general combiners for pigment and antioxidant traits, demonstrating the involvement of additive gene action. In contrast, several hybrids such as CMS-1 × KTDH-56, CMS-3 × KTDH-55, CMS-2 × KTDH-13, and CMS-1 × KTDH-29 exhibited high and positive SCA effects, confirming the influence of non-additive gene effects. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of CMS- and DH-based heterosis breeding for enhancing pigment concentration, biochemical quality, and antioxidant potential in ornamental kale. These findings provide valuable parental combinations and genetic insights for developing high-quality ornamental kale hybrids with improved aesthetic and nutritional properties.

About 357 potato accessions, comprising advanced breeding lines, exotic germplasm, and varieties, were conducted in India's sub-tropical Himalayan area, during two consecutive winter seasons (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). Phenotypic data of 15 agro-morphological attributes were recorded. Tuber yield and its associated attributes showed significant genetic diversity. Results indicated that Kufri Garima, CP 3585, CP 1767, CP 2390 and CP 1989 were the superior/desirable genotypes mainly due to producing the high numbers of tubers per plant and tuber weight. Besides, CP 4214, CP 3792 and CP 2339 showed a high number of stems per hill than, increasing the number of tubers per plant. The four most informative principal components with multiple eigenvalues were identified via principal component analysis. All PCs accounted for 68

Ectopic or extrauterine pregnancy is a pathological state that consists of a pregnancy developing outside the uterus. A 6-year buffalo having history of abdominal distention from last 15 days was presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex, LUVAS, Hisar. As per history provided by owner, animal had completed 9 months in gestation. Clinical examination revealed that distention was present in ventral abdomen and upon rectal palpation of genitalia no fetal part was palpable and unlike pregnant animal cervix could be retracted back into pelvic cavity but cervix was hypertrophied just as present in pregnant animal. Placentomes were visible on ultrasonographic examination. Thus, case was tentatively diagnosed as a case of ectopic pregnancy. Upon left flank laparotomy it was confirmed as case of secondary extra uterine pregnancy and live premature fetus was delivered.

The present study was carried out during the year 2022–23 and 2023–24 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Katrain, Himachal Pradesh on agro-morphological characterisation and antioxidant profiling of six long day garlic (Allium sativum L.) genotypes developed along with one check cultivar, viz. Agrifound Parvati. Significant variations were observed among the seven genotypes of garlic for different horticultural and quality traits. On the basis of mean performance, genotype ‘KTGRL-1’ recorded highest bulb yield (617.29 q/ha) followed by ‘KTGRL-2’ (566.63 q/ha). Besides this, ‘KTGRL-1’ also had appreciable amount of total phenolics (445.63 µg gallic acid/g FW), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) (3.70 µ mol trolox/g), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (1.71 µ mol trolox/g) and ascorbic acid (5.86 mg/100 g). Further, estimates of heritability along with genetic gain were observed high for leaf width, average clove weight, average bulb weight, bulb yield/ha, total phenolics, CUPRAC, FRAP and ascorbic acid, which highlighted the importance of additive gene action for the control of these traits and are more reliable for effective selection in garlic improvement. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified six most relevant principal components which account for 95.00% of the variance across all attributes. Further, results pertaining to correlation and path analysis revealed that selection based on average bulb and clove weight, number of cloves per bulb, bulb polar and equatorial diameter, leaf length and width, and plant height would be a fruitful strategy for yield improvement in garlic.

ABSTRACT The rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system faces major challenges such as stagnant yields, high input and energy demands, and increasing soil and air pollution. Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is a promising crop for diversification within rice‐based ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different sowing dates and nutrient sources on energy budgeting in diversified Indian mustard and to assess the impact of these nutrient sources on heat‐cum‐carbon efficiency. The experiment was conducted using a split‐plot design (SPD) with three sowing dates—November 17, November 27, and December 07—in the main plots, and eight nutrient sources in the subplots, where the recommended dose of fertilizer was 100 N:50 P2O5:50 K2O:40 S kg ha−1. The results, based on pooled data, indicated that among the sowing dates, November 17 recorded the highest values for several key metrics. These include energy use efficiency (EUE: 3.46, 5.12, and 12.16), energy production (EP: 0.152, 0.41, and 0.56 kg MJ−1), net energy (NE: 29,712, 50,483, and 92,558 MJ ha−1), energy profitability (EPr: 2.46, 2.88, and 6.34), human energy profitability (HEP: 364.82, 412.60, and 777.42), energy output efficiency (EOE: 364.69, 412.49, and 777.18 MJ d−1), carbon output (CO: 815, 2215, and 3030 kg CE ha−1), carbon efficiency (CE: 2.07, 5.59, and 7.66), and carbon sustainability index (CSI: 1.07, 4.59, and 6.66) for seed, stover, and biological yield, respectively, compared to the crops sown on November 27 and December 07. The study also revealed significant increases in heat use efficiency (HUE) on dry matter at 45 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) and on seed, stover, and biological yield (13.3, 8.46, 1.52, 4.16, and 5.69 kg ha−1°C days, respectively). In the subplots, the highest EUE (3.92, 5.10, and 12.1), EP (0.172, 0.408, and 0.58 kg ha−1), and EPr (2.92, 2.86, and 6.78) for seed, stover, and biological yield were observed in the control treatment, outperforming the other nutrient sources on a pooled basis. The highest SE production (8.59, 3.48, and 2.47 MJ kg−1) for seed, stover, and biological yield was recorded with the application of 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) combined with Azotobacter and phosphorus‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Furthermore, the highest NE (35,427, 52,203, and 102,370 MJ ha−1), HEP (434.02, 438.67, and 872.68), EOE (448.37, 452.68, and 901.04 MJ d−1), CO (972, 2359, and 3331 kg CE ha−1), CE (2.48, 6.01, and 8.48), CSI (1.48, 5.01, and 7.48), and HUE (1.67, 4.12, and 5.81 kg ha−1°C days) for seed, stover, and biological yield were observed with the application of 75% RDF + 25% nitrogen from pressmud, combined with Azotobacter and PSB. This study provides a novel framework for optimizing sowing dates and nutrient sources that can lead to the development of an energy‐efficient, heat‐cum‐carbon‐efficient, and eco‐friendly production system. Its findings offer scalable solutions for enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental footprints in rice‐based cropping systems.

In Himachal Pradesh, cultivation of temperate vegetables has evolved from subsistence farming to a commercialised, technologically integrated industry that provides a significant component of the state’s agricultural economy, as well as a significant share of the country’s vegetable supply. The diverse altitudinal zones, from subtropical low hills to dry temperate trans-Himalayan regions, create specific microclimatic conditions that enable off-season vegetable production and the cultivation of high-quality vegetables in Himachal Pradesh. Vegetable production has expanded significantly in area and productivity in the last decades owing to varietal improvement, protected cultivation, micro-irrigation and integration of pest management interventions. The sector creates substantial rural employment, promotes nutritional security, and contributes largely to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. Sustainability in the production of temperate vegetable crops can further be enhanced by addressing emerging challenges such as climate variability, evolving water resource dynamics, increased technology adoption at the farm level, better infrastructure, greater refinement of market operations, as well as reduced post-harvest losses. Strengthening farmer-market linkages through clusters, value chain integration, FPOs, precision farming, protected cultivation, as well as climate-resilient varieties is essential for risk mitigation and productivity enhancement. Despite being highly competitive in national markets, export potential has largely been underutilised owing to infrastructural constraints. Therefore, an innovation-led, climate-smart and value chain-oriented approach will be essential to enable Himachal Pradesh to turn into a model region for sustainable temperate vegetable horticulture in mountainous ecosystems.

The present study was carried out during summer, rainy (kharif), winter (rabi) seasons of 2022–23 at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Jachh, Nurpur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh to evaluate the cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) hybrids for round the year production in low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD-Factorial) in three replications. Five commercial hybrids of cabbage viz. Pusa Cabbage-1 (V1), Pusa Hybrid-81 (V2), Pusa Hybrid-82 (V3), Glorious (V4) and Field Rocket Plus (V5) were tested for their suitability for growing in three seasons, viz. rainy (kharif) season (S1), winter (rabi) season (S2) and summer season (S3). Among the hybrids, Pusa Hybrid-82 (V3) performed best over other hybrids, while among seasons; rabi (S2) was found most suitable for cabbage cultivation in the low hill areas of Himachal Pradesh. In overall, Pusa Hybrid-82 (V3) recorded highest yield (454.52 q/ha and 398.57 q/ha) during the rabi (S2) and summer season (S3), respectively. On the other hand, highest yield (159.35 q/ha) during the rainy season was observed in Pusa Hybrid-81 (V2) and this hybrid was also found to have highest ‘vitamin C’ content during all three seasons of study (kharif, 12.23 mg/100 g; rabi, 17.97 mg/100 g and Summer, 14.27 mg/100 g). Therefore, based on the present studies ‘Pusa Hybrid-82 (rabi and summer seasons) and Pusa Hybrid-81 (kharif) can be recommended for round the year production of cabbage in low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh.

Antioxidative treatment may have a positive impact on improving the blastocyst developmental competence, and may be a possible strategy to mitigate the effects of the heat stress on bovine fertility. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of exogenous melatonin treatment on in vitro blastocyst development rate, levels of antioxidant markers (malondialdehyde, MDA; superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione, GSH), steroid hormones, and pregnancy rate in cattle under heat stress. The experiment was conducted in nonlactating indigenous Sahiwal cattle, divided into treatment (n = 25) and control (n = 19) groups. The treatment group received (Day 0) melatonin at 18 mg/50 kg body weight (4 mL) I.M, while the control group received corn oil, 4 mL I.M. On Day 4, all cows were subjected to ovum pickup to aspirate cumulus oocyte complexes for in vitro embryo production. Blood samples (Day 0 and Day 4) were used to determine the concentrations of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and antioxidants (SOD, GSH), and to analyze plasma hormone concentrations. The blastocyst development rate was higher in the treatment group (p < 0.05). The treatment group showed increased (p < 0.05) antioxidant markers (SOD and GSH), plasma melatonin and estradiol concentrations, and decreased (p < 0.05) MDA concentrations in comparison to the controls. The pregnancy rate was non-significantly higher after transferring embryos developed from melatonin-treated group (40 %) than the control group (15.38 %) of cows. The results suggest a potentially beneficial role of exogenous melatonin administration in reducing the impact of heat stress and improving the developmental competence of blastocyst in indigenous cattle.

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is a major cause of infertility in dairy cows. This study aimed to investigate the impact of follicular cysts on the invitro blastocyst developmental competence of oocytes and the relative gene expression of blastocysts developed from the subordinate follicles of ipsilateral (ovary with cyst), contralateral (ovary opposite to cyst), and normal ovaries of buffaloes. A total of 2059 ovaries were collected from slaughterhouse and classified into three categories based on the presence of follicular cysts: a) ipsilateral, b) contralateral, and c) control (absence of cysts). Oocytes of grades A, B, and C were used for invitro maturation, invitro fertilization, and invitro culture. The cleavage rates of the ipsilateral (91.54%) and contralateral (95.71%) categories were higher (P<0.01) than those of the control (76.82%). Conversely, the blastocyst development rate was higher (P<0.01) in control (32.67%) than in ipsilateral (8.46%) and contralateral (7.14%) groups. The mRNA expression levels of maturation (BMP15), steroidogenesis (STAR, CYP19), antioxidant (SOD2, HSPB1) and anti-apoptotic (BCL2) genes were decreased in arrested embryos derived from both cystic (ipsilateral and contralateral) and control category follicles when compared to blastocysts derived from their respective category follicles. Conversely, BAX expression increased in arrested embryos. Expression of SOD2 and BAX was downregulated in blastocysts from both ipsilateral and contralateral categories compared to controls. The presence of one or more follicular cysts in either ovary affected the developmental competence of oocytes derived from subordinate follicles. Therefore, the buffaloes with cysts in either ovary should be avoided when aspirating follicles for IVF.

The experiment was conducted during kharif, 2020–21 at Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Bajaura, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh (175 121) a breeding program was initiated using two distinct tomato genotypes: Solan lalima and BN-7 to explore the development of novel colour development. These parent varieties were strategically chosen for their complementary traits, with the goal of combining and enhancing desirable characteristics, including unique color expressions, in their progeny. The initial step involved crossbreeding these genotypes to produce F1 hybrid plants. Following this hybridization, we embarked on a process of repeated self-pollination (selfing) and backcrossing. This technique, employed over six successive generations, allowed us to carefully select and propagate plants exhibiting the most promising combinations of traits, particularly focusing on fruit color. Chi-square analysis further revealed that Solan Lalima (red)×BN-7 (yellow) showed dominance of red colour over yellow colour.

Grain amaranth has recently gained global attention as a promising crop alternative to traditional cereals due to its nutritional value and adaptability to various growing conditions. Although gene banks conserve extensive collections of amaranth germplasm, the genomic and phenotypic characterization of these resources is limited, which hinders their full utilization in breeding programs. A major challenge is the lack of high-throughput genotyping assays essential for comprehensive genomic characterization and trait mapping. High-density SNP arrays have become standard tools for genome-wide analysis across multiple loci, enabling molecular breeding across a range of crop species. In this study, we developed a 64 K high-throughput SNP genotyping array named “AmahySNP”, using Affymetrix® Axiom® technology. The array contains 64,069 high-density SNPs distributed across both genic (55.17