The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins has become an important strategy for effective insect pest management and enhanced crop productivity. The present study evaluated 40 commercially available Bt cotton (BG-II) hybrids for Cry protein expression and refugia proportions using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Qualitative ELISA demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for detecting Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins in cotton leaf tissues. The percentage of non-Bt plants (refugia) among hybrids ranged from 0.0 to 11.9%, indicating considerable variation in compliance with the recommended 5-10% refugia requirement. Several hybrids were below the prescribed refugia limit, while one hybrid exceeded the upper permissible limit. Seed cotton yield among hybrids varied from 1911 to 3813 kg/ha, with significant variability also observed for boll number, boll weight, lint yield, and phenological traits. Statistical analysis revealed substantial differences among hybrids for agronomic and quality traits, indicating the presence of considerable genetic variability. The findings demonstrate that ELISA is an efficient and reliable tool for routine monitoring of Bt protein expression and verification of refugia proportions in Bt cotton hybrids. This study supports regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and sustainable resistance-management strategies in transgenic cotton cultivation.

A systematic survey across cotton-growing districts of Haryana revealed the occurrence of tobacco streak virus (TSV) in cotton, marking the first documentation of the virus in Northern India. Infected plants predominantly exhibited chlorosis and necrosis of leaves, with necrotic spots varying in size (small to large), color (purplish to purplish-brown), and shape (irregular or ring-like), distributed across the interlobular regions, leaf apex, or the entire lamina. Virus presence was initially detected through serological assay and subsequently confirmed as TSV by sequencing of the coat protein gene in RNA-3 segment. This finding underscores the northward emergence of TSV beyond Southern India, warranting vigilant monitoring and management to mitigate its spread in major cotton-growing regions.

The cotton jassid, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida), has become a major pest of cotton. Host plant resistance (HPR) through morpho-physiological and biochemical traits reveals a crucial role in plant defence against sucking pests. In this study, 127 Gossypium hirsutum accessions were evaluated during Kharif 2021 and 2022 for various morpho-physiological and biochemical traits/parameters to determine their impact on leafhopper population. Leafhopper population showed significant positive correlations with jassid injury grade (r = 0.77**), total sugars (r = 0.62**), stomatal conductance (r = 0.45**), transpiration rate (r = 0.33**), and leaf water content (r = 0.24**). Conversely, significant negative correlations were observed with gossypol content (r= -0.77**), trichome density (r=-0.68**), phenol content (r=-0.67**), tannin content (r=-0.66**), seed cotton yield (r =-0.39**), trichome length (r=-0.26**) and photosynthetic rate (r=-0.23**). Regression analysis indicated that morpho-physiological and biochemical traits collectively explained 75.88% of the impact on leafhopper population, with trichome density alone having a 45.33% impact. Based on two-year field evaluations for jassid injury grade studies, four genotypes, viz., H 1652, HS 45, H 1655, and DL1, were found to be resistant. Three genotypes (B 61-2128, HS 1652, and SHAHD 50) significantly out yielded the tolerant check RS 2013 (100.37 g per plant), producing seed cotton yields of 118.65, 115.03, and 111.97 g per plant, respectively. Traits such as leaf trichome density, trichome length, and the contents of sugar, phenol, tannin, and gossypol showed both high heritability and high genetic advance, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action. The present investigation identified the major role of leaf trichome density and phenol content on leafhopper population in cotton. These can be utilized for the simultaneous improvement of yield and leafhopper resistance.

Background Cotton leafhopper or jassid has become a major pest of cotton and inflicts substantial yield losses. Developing insect-resistant cultivars is a key economic strategy for mitigating this damage. Host plant resistance (HPR) through morpho-physiological and biochemical traits reveals a crucial role in plant defence against sucking pests. In this study, 127 Gossypium hirsutum accessions were evaluated during Kharif 2021 and 2022 for various morpho-physiological and biochemical traits/parameters to determine their impact on leafhopper population. Results Leafhopper population showed significant positive correlations with jassid injury grade (r = 0.77), total sugars (r = 0.62), stomatal conductance (r = 0.45), transpiration rate (r = 0.33) and leaf water content (r = 0.24). Conversely, significant negative correlations were observed with gossypol content (r=-0.77), trichome density (r=-0.68), phenol content (r=-0.67), tannin content (r=-0.66), seed cotton yield (r=-0.39), trichome length (r=-0.26) and photosynthetic rate (r=-0.23). Regression analysis indicated that morpho-physiological and biochemical traits collectively explained 75.88% impact on leafhopper population, with trichome density alone had 45.33% impact. On the basis of two-year field evaluations for jassid injury grade studies, four genotypes viz., H 1652, HS 45, H 1655 and DL1 were found to be resistant. Three genotypes (B 61-2128, HS 1652, SHAHD 50) significantly out yielded the tolerant check RS 2013 (100.37 g/plant), producing seed cotton yield of 118.65, 115.03 and 111.97 g/plant, respectively. Traits such as leaf trichome density, trichome length, and the contents of sugar, phenol, tannin, and gossypol showed both high heritability and high genetic advance, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and implying that these traits can be effectively improved through direct selection. Conclusions The present investigation identified the major role of leaf trichome density and phenol content on leafhopper population in cotton. Four genotypes viz., H 1652, HS 45, H 1655 and DL1 were identified as resistant against leafhopper and these can be effectively exploited in future breeding programmes against leafhopper resistance. Three genotypes viz., B 61-2128, HS 1652 and SHAHD 50 (moderately resistant/resistant against leafhopper) showed significantly higher seed cotton yield (118.65, 115.03 and 111.97 g/plant, respectively) than the tolerant check RS 2013 (100.37 g/plant). These can be utilized for the simultaneous improvement of yield and leafhopper resistance.

Aim: The primary objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the genetic diversity among twenty-four Gossypium hirsutum genotypes for yield and fibre quality traits using multivariate statistical approaches. This evaluation aims to identify genetically divergent parental lines suitable for breeding programs focused on yield improvement and fibre quality enhancement. Design: A field experiment was conducted in Kharif 2022–23 using a randomized block design in three number of replications with the spacing of 67.5 x 30 cm. Methodology: Twenty-four cotton genotypes were analyzed using multivariate techniques specifically, cluster analysis (based on Ward’s method) and principal component analysis (PCA using Kaiser’s criterion) to quantify genetic diversity and trait contribution to variability. Eight yield and fibre quality attributes were recorded. Data analysis was executed using R software (version R4.2.1). Results: Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into three distinct clusters, with Cluster 2 having the highest number of genotypes (12), followed by Cluster 1 (11) and Cluster 3 comprising a single genotype (HAU Bt-5). PCA revealed that the first two principal components accounted for 71.08% of the total phenotypic variance. PC1, contributing 57.70%, was predominantly influenced by boll number, seed cotton yield, ginning out turn and micronaire. The trait biplot and clustering patterns underscored significant diversity among genotypes, highlighting potential combinations for hybridization. Conclusion: Significant genetic variability was observed among genotypes. Traits such as seed cotton yield, boll number, boll weight and ginning out turn were key contributors to diversity. The multivariate approach effectively identified superior parental lines for use in cotton breeding programs.

Background: Cotton is a natural fibre grown in over 100 countries worldwide and is a key agricultural crop that provides raw material for various industries (Radhakrishnan, 2017). One effective strategy to address yield and productivity issues, as well as reduce cultivation costs, is to utilize the Gossypium arboreum species. This species has the ability to thrive in rainfed conditions, is resistant to sucking pests and requires fewer inputs compared to Bt cotton hybrids. Methods: Twenty-nine genetic male sterility -based intra-arboreum cotton hybrids were evaluated for yield and fibre quality traits compared to the standard check AAH 1. The study was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications at the research area of the cotton section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the Kharif season of 2023. Result: Analysis of variance showed significant differences for all traits. The standard heterosis for seed cotton yield varied from -47.1% (AAH 73) to 23.67% (AAH 59). Hybrid AAH 59 displayed the highest positive standard heterosis for lint yield (35.03%) and ginning outturn (9.22%), while the highest standard heterosis for seed index (29.14%) was observed in hybrid AAH 60. Based on standard heterosis, hybrids AAH 59, AAH 54, AAH 66 and AAH 58 showed promise for seed cotton yield and its related traits, while hybrids AAH 61, AAH 47, AAH 56 and AAH 55 performed well for seed cotton yield and fibre quality traits. These heterotic crosses can be utilized for enhancing seed cotton yield and improving fibre quality.

Plant leaf extracts are a rich source of phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, and sugars that will serve as reducing, capping, and stabilising agents while reducing silver ions to silver, Syzygium cumini L. aqueous leaf extract was used to create silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These phytochemicals were quantified in an aqueous leaf extract, and their potential to mediate AgNP biosynthesis was then assessed. Using UVvisible spectroscopy, a particle size analyzer (PSA), FTIR (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), and HRTEM (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy), the optical, structural, and morphological characteristics of biosynthesized AgNPs were assessed. HRTEM analysis revealed the formation of AgNPs with a spherical shape and an average diameter of 15 nm. Using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, antioxidant potential was evaluated, biosynthesized AgNPs demonstrated increased antioxidant efficacy with IC50 = 17.02 mu g/ml compared to leaf extract with IC50 = 21.09 mu g/ml. With the phosphomolybdenum assay, the AgNPs (74.26 mg AAE/g) showed higher total antioxidant capacity than the aqueous leaf extract (53.61 mg AAE/g) at a concentration of 100 mu g/ml. Based on current research, AgNPs may prove as a potent antioxidant agent which enhances their biomedical applications in future.

Cotton production is tremendously impacted by the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) in the Indian subcontinent. Viral infection modifies physiological and biochemical processes in plants, which leads to the appearance of symptoms. Hence, the current study was to discern the quantifiable changes in physiological and biochemical parameters in leaves of cotton plants graft inoculated with CLCuV on different days after infestation (DAI). The results revealed that in the CLCuV-infected plants, the relative water content (RWC) and total soluble protein were decreased. Some enzymes involved in the activities like anti-oxidative and defence mechanisms such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and peroxidase (POX) were increased as the infestation period progressed with a concomitant increase in gossypol and total phenolic level. Contents of total soluble sugar, chlorophyll (Chl) along with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) were increased initially and decreased afterwards in all genotypes. Correlation analysis elucidates that RWC is negatively associated with electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. In contrast, Chl content showed a positive correlation with total soluble proteins, secondary metabolites like phenol and gossypol, anti-oxidative and defence enzymes. Three principal components (PCs) were produced by the principal component analysis (PCA) contributing 87.33% of the total variability in various physiological and biochemical traits of different genotypes. Phenolics profiling reveals that concentrations of rutin hydrate in the infected sample increased by 49.6% compared to the control one. Overall, the findings imply that CLCuV infection causes substantial changes in enzyme levels that result in the development of unrectifiable symptoms in susceptible genotypes.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a prevalent grain crop in the dry parts of Asia and Africa. It prolongs to be a staple food and is known locally as “Ragi” in southern states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, especially in Karnataka. It serves as fodder as well as grain. Its grain is the richest source of calcium and it is utilized in a wide range of food products, including cakes, puddings, sweets, and other baked products. There are many homemade products prepared with finger millet and some of the well-known products are ragi roti, ragi dosa, ragi balls, ragi porridge, ragi upma, ragi cakes, and ragi biscuits. In addition, it is used to manufacture beer and liquor (known as arake or areki in Ethiopia), and also its different products are fed to animals. Due to its high fiber, mineral, vitamin, macro and micro-nutrient, phytochemicals contents, and its endowing ability to fight off chronic diseases. A cheap, satisfying, and healthful diet can be made by including finger millet in a regular diet.

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana to study the relationship between morphological, biochemical and fibre quality parameters in 150 desi cotton [Gossypium arboreum (L.)] genotypes in augmented design. Findings of the experiment indicated that the seed cotton yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated with all the traits except days to first flower (-0.226) and plant height (-0.521), while, negatively correlated with biochemical and fibre quality traits. Thus, while improving other traits, seed cotton yield per plant will also increase. Fibre quality traits like fibre length was significant and positively (0.754) correlated with fibre strength but negatively correlated with seed cotton, suggesting quality and quantity can not be improved simultaneously. Hence selection should be done very precisely that as one can not be compromised. Path analysis also revealed that the maximum contribution towards yield was by the number of bolls per plant (0.57), boll weight (0.33), GOT (0.11) and the number of monopods (0.10). Fibre quality parameters did not show any significant contribution directly or indirectly to seed cotton yield. The five traits, viz. number of bolls per plant, number of monopods, ginning outturn (%), seed index (g) and number of seed per boll can contribute to the improvement in cotton. Overall, the significance of this study lies in its potential to yield improvement in desi cotton.

Extreme environmental conditions are the key constraints in agricultural production and productivity. Environmental stresses due to salt and water play a cardinal role as they influence photosynthesis directly or indirectly, hence reducing the crop productivity significantly. Various molecular mechanisms play pivotal role in combating these stresses by the plants. Also, the extent of stress tolerance depends upon genetic makeup of the plant and its interactions with the external environment at different developmental stages. Comprehensive studies on drought and salt tolerance have helped in designing strategies to improve plant architecture through conventional and modern techniques, thereby enhancing crop yields. Conventional breeding tools have scope for successful transfer of stress tolerant genes only when there is presence of ample genetic variability for the same and no barrier to crossing. However, the genetic variability for drought and salt stress is very limited in the germplasm for most of the crops, and it is further hindered by reproductive barriers. Advance breeding techniques like marker-assisted selection, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genetic engineering, genome editing, etc. have enormous potential to develop stress tolerant crop cultivars. The role of conventional as well as advance approaches in breeding for the development of drought and salt stress tolerant crop varieties and their future scope has been described in this chapter.

As a source of alternative medicines, plant derived drugs are of great potential and can be used to cure various health related ailments.Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels is commonly known as Jamun.Jamun seed powder is a very well known antidiabetic agent.Keeping in view the above concerns, the investigation of this plant aims to assess the phytochemical and antioxidant content of the ethyl acetate extract of locally available S. cumini seed samples.Seed samples were collected and moisture content was estimated.Various chemicals and phytonutrients like alkaloids, tannins, minerals, crude protein, crude fibre, flavonoids and total phenolics were estimated in shade dried samples.The total phenolic and flavanoid content were 12.05 mg GAE/g and 4.86 mg CE/g, respectively.The antioxidant activity of S. cumini seed extract was investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and total antioxidant capacity using phospho-molybdenum assay.The results showed that ethyl acetate extract of Jamun seed had stronger antioxidant activity.

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a unique multifaceted crop used for fodder and grain purpose. It’s grain has tremendous potential to offer health benefits, especially with the heightened emphasis on nutrition and food security. With this aim, quality traits were investigated among 62 oat genotypes, demonstrating significant variation. The biochemical analysis was conducted in laboratory of department of Genetics and Plant Breeding of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2019–21. Quality parameters depicted a wide range for seed crude protein (8.16–19.18%), forage crude protein (5.17–11.42%), phenol (0.61–1.22%), beta-glucan content (0.32–7.55%), total soluble sugar (4.90–8.49%), reducing sugar (1.07–4.28%) and non-reducing sugar (2.02–6.38%). The current research covered wide and powerful analytical approaches that helped to underpin the selection of the most promising genotypes and evaluated the contribution of different traits to heterogeneity. Furthermore, non-reducing sugar, reducing sugar and seed crude protein were emerged to be the major contributors of PC1, PC2 and PC3, respectively. The genotypes GP 492, HFO 1107, HFO 1003, HFO 1016, OS 403, HFO1105 and HFO 806 were the best performing based on quality parameters. Promiscuous genotypes can serve as pioneers in oat improvement programs, enabling the enhancement of nutritional value. These insights expand the prospects for the food industry and hence appraise the significance of oats among other cereals.

Purpose: To examine the effect of seasonal diseases on women netball player during all India inter-university Netball women’s tournament held at the central university of Haryana. Material and method: In this tournament, 40 players from different universities suffered severe illness due to the environment. Those age ranging from (18 to 25). In this competition, many players were admitted/attend to the health center due to different seasonal diseases, due to which their team performance was affected. Headache, fever, cough, cold, sore throat, vomiting, loose motion, stomach pain and weakness have been seen more often. That's why we sucked these as variables. Results: We found by our observation method that there were two players were suffered by stomach pain and vomit, one player who suffered by stomach pain and cough, five players were suffered by weakness and nausea, three player by cold and cough, three players by fever and cough, five players by sore throat and cough, two players by fever and headache, two players by fever and common cold and two players suffered by common cold and headache. Conclusion: In the last, we can say that teams from different states of India come to this tournament, which have their own culture, different environment and weather. This affects their performance because this competition was organized in Haryana in winter, so many teams whose training is not in this environment. Because of environmental adaptation many team players suffered from different types of diseases, and it impacted his team performance.

Background: As a source of alternative medicines, plant derived drugs are of great potential and can be used to cure various health related ailments. One of the most common medicinal plant, Syzygium cumini commonly known as Jamun is well known for its various pharmaceutical properties. In the traditional medicine, the entire plant has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. For the treatment of diabetes, the preparation of tea from the leaves of Syzygium cumini is known for its hypoglycaemic effect. Leaves are also used in the treatement of various skin diseases. Methods: Keeping in view the above concerns, the investigation of this plant aims to assess the phytochemical and antioxidant content of the ethyl acetate extract of locally available Syzygium cumini leaves samples acquired from the campus of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The proposed study was conducted in Department of Chemistry, CCS HAU, Hisar during 2019-2021. Samples were collected and moisture content was estimated. Various chemicals and phytonutrients like alkaloids, tannins, minerals, crude protein, crude fibre, flavonoids and total phenolics were investigated in shade dried samples. Result: The total phenolic and flavanoid content were 11.48 mg GAE/g and 5.17 mg CE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of Syzygium cumini leaves extract was investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and total antioxidant capacity using phospho-molybdenum assay. The result showed that ethyl acetae extract of Jamun leaves had potential antioxidant activity which justifies their medicinal applications for the treatment of various ailments.

Despite the long history of traditionally used and clinically potential plant Anacyclus pyrethrum (Akarkara; family – Asteraceae) root parts, the plant has never been investigated systematically for the scientific phytochemical and biological studies till date. Thus, present investigation was envisaged to perform experiments to study phytochemical and biological activities. The various extracts and fractions were subjected to phytochemical screening. The complete profile of pharmacognostic standards of plant was established as per standardized procedures. The results revealed that the plant contain alkaloids, anthraquinone glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins and flavonoids. The thin layer chromatography of petroleum ether-, chloroform and methanol extracts showed presence of three-, seven- and five spots. Quantitatively maximum phenolic content was found in ethyl acetate fraction (6.48 % w/w) followed by methanol extract (2.40 % w/w). Various extracts and fractions of plant were screened for antioxidant activity by DPPH method, and the results revealed that maximum activity was shown by ethyl acetate fractions as compared to other test samples. In antimicrobial studies, the zone of inhibition in mm was determined by cup plate method. Amongst various test samples, only the ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 7443, Staphylococcus epidermides MTCC 1133, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2449 and Escherichia coli MTCC 1235 followed by methanol extract whereas other test samples were devoid of antibacterial activity. In antifungal study, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity against Candida albicans MTCC 1637 and Aspergillus niger MTCC 1235, followed by methanol extract, whereas other test samples were devoid of antifungal activity. The research findings of the present investigations suggest that phenolic compounds might be responsible for the biological profile of plant. Further, it can be concluded that a complete monograph of plant has been established. These findings are very important for natural product scientists before performing any research work on plant.