Cold stress (CS) is a significant obstacle in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) farming, significantly affecting plant development, photosynthetic activity, and cellular redox balance. In recent decades, bio-stimulants have created environmentally friendly substances that make the plant resistant to abiotic stresses, such as cold stress. The recent developments highlight bio-stimulants as a sustainable solution to improve cold stress tolerance in tobacco production. These substances promote plant growth, thereby increasing plant resilience to unfavorable temperature conditions. This review assesses the role of bio-stimulants in improving cold stress tolerance in tobacco, focusing on physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses. It summarizes the effects of various bio-stimulants on plant growth, antioxidant defense systems, and photosynthetic performance under low-temperature conditions. The enhancement of enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants by bio-stimulants helps overcome oxidative damage. Evidence in molecular biology studies to understand bio-stimulant-mediated regulation of stress responsive genes is also critically discussed in order to understand the role bio-stimulants play in enhancing the genetic potential of tobacco to cold stress. This review presents an integrated scheme of the multifarious functions of bio-stimulants in improving cold stress tolerance of tobacco. It also highlights existing knowledge gaps and provides research directions on how to explore efficient, sustainable, and climate resilient tobacco production systems in the future.
This study aimed to elucidate how canopy architecture influences the distribution and utilization of soil moisture and light, with the ultimate goal of improving cotton yield performance under different environmental conditions. This study, conducted over 2 years (2020-2021) at the Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China, evaluated six Gossypium hirsutum L. (Upland cotton) varieties (T-0, Ji228, SCRC28, TQ-1, CCRI50, and CCRI60) using a randomized complete block design. The investigation focused on patterns of soil moisture and light distribution across different canopy architectures to identify traits associated with high yield performance. Soil moisture was monitored using sensor grids, while light interception (LI) and leaf area index (LAI) were measured throughout the growing season across six cotton cultivars. Loose-type varieties such as Ji228 and SCRC28 exhibited higher LAI values (up to 4.23), greater vegetative biomass (up to 11,063.98 kg hm-2), and higher LI (ranging from 0.54 to 0.85). Soil moisture was mainly utilized in the 20- to 60-cm depth, with losses in the 0-20 cm and 60-80 cm layers. Ji228 and SCRC28 achieved the highest seed cotton yields in both years. Canopy structure significantly affects water and light distribution, influencing biomass accumulation and yield. Loose-type varieties, particularly Ji228 and SCRC28, demonstrated superior performance, indicating their adaptability and potential for higher yield under diverse environmental conditions.
The membrane-bound proteins belonging to DUF677 (domain of unknown function 677) are found mainly in green plants. The function of the DUF677 gene (AT14A) has been investigated in Arabidopsis and tomato in relation to drought stress tolerance. Overexpression of AT14A improves drought tolerance in tomato, promotes growth in Arabidopsis during drought stress, and confers tolerance against oxidative damage caused by drought stress in suspension-cultured A. thaliana. However, the role of the DUF677 gene family has not yet been reported in cotton. We identified 148 DUF677 genes from 15 selected plant species using domain-based and homology-supported bioinformatics approaches and classified them into two major groups (I and II) based on phylogenetic analysis. Group I is further divided into two sub-groups (IA and IB). Structural analysis revealed the presence of a few introns in the DUF677 genes. The evolution and expansion of the DUF677 protein family were primarily driven by segmental duplication. Seventy-one miRNAs were predicted to target 29 GhDUF677 genes, including Ghi-MIR397, Ghi-MIR8722, and Ghi-MIRN1429. Several cis-elements, such as MBS, ABRE, TCA elements, and W-Box, which were known to play a role in abiotic stress response, were observed in the promoter region of GhDUF677 genes. RNA-seq data were analyzed for tissue-specific expression, and qRT‒PCR was performed on six selected genes. The outcomes revealed high levels of GhDUF677 gene expression across different tissues under abiotic stress conditions. This study provides a genome-wide bioinformatics and expression-based characterization of the DUF677 gene family in cotton, identifying candidate genes potentially associated with drought and salt stress responses. While the findings are based on evolutionary, regulatory, and transcriptomic evidence, they do not constitute direct functional validation. Instead, this study establishes a theoretical and genomic foundation for future functional studies aimed at elucidating the precise roles of DUF677 genes in cotton stress tolerance.
Micro- and nanobubble (MNB) technology (MNBT) has been identified as emerging strategy in sustainable farming, specifically in improving soil health, nutrient cycling, and the rhizosphere functionality using drip irrigation systems. MNBs have exceptional physicochemical characteristics (e.g., tiny size and longer residence in aqueous media) that enable efficient delivery of air, oxygen or other gases directly to the plant rhizosphere. This review investigates MNBs role in altering the most important biological, chemical and physical processes, explicitly in the rhizosphere oxygenation, modulation of the microbial community, activation of enzymes and enhancement of carbon and nitrogen cycling. Firstly, the prospects of the MNBs in saline and heavy-metal-contaminated soil remediation through oxidative degradation and redox regulation have been summarized. Secondly, we compiled new evidence on the effects of MNBs on soil aggregation, pH, redox potential, and water retention, along with their potential agro-environmental benefits. Thirdly, to establish a strategic framework of integrating MNBs in synergy with biological soil amendments, precision agriculture, circular water reuse systems, and bioengineered soil solutions, while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ultimately, the main knowledge gaps were summarized to support up-scaling and low-chemical approaches for restoring soil vitality and sustainable agroecosystems.
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is a crucial cash crop in China, with yield performance influenced by genotype, environmental conditions, and management practices. The aim of this study was to assess the yield performance, biomass accumulation, and growth of nine cotton genotypes in Henan Province during three growing seasons (2017-2019) with different climates. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) at the Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Anyang, China. Plant height, true leaf number, and boll number per plant were among the morphological characteristics that showed the most variance across years and genotypes. Reproductive biomass, leaf area index (LAI), and biomass accumulation followed distinct seasonal trends, with LAI rising during boll formation and flowering. Yield parameters such as seed cotton yield, lint percentage, and boll weight vary by genotype and year, with the highest yields recorded in 2019. According to correlation study, temperature and precipitation had a negative impact on seed cotton production and final biomass, whereas climatic parameters had a favorable correlation with the harvest index. The genotypes were divided into distinct categories according to growth and yield characteristics using heatmap clustering. These findings provide insight into the best cotton genotypes for increased productivity and resilience in a variety of climates, allowing breeders and farmers to make more informed cultivar selections.
Cotton, an essential part of the worldwide textile sector, is very vulnerable to heat stress (HS), which endangers its development and output. This research assessed 18 upland cotton varieties to pinpoint resilient genotypes under heat stress by examining their physiological and morphological reactions. In the years 2019-2020, characteristics like pollen viability, cell membrane thermostability, boll weight, lint percentage and fibre quality were evaluated. Statistical analyses indicated considerable variation among cultivars under HS, showing positive correlations between pollen viability, fibre length and lint percentage, as well as a strong relationship between lint percentage and boll weight. Principal component analysis revealed clear groups of physiological, agronomic and fibre quality characteristics. Genotypes were classified into four categories: CS-85, X-62 and X-84 exhibited outstanding combined physiological and agronomic resilience, whereas MCU-5, D-55, HG-BR-8 and ZC excelled in morphological characteristics; R-89 and S-5 displayed improved lint percentage and fibre length. These results highlight the promise of particular cultivars to guide breeding initiatives aimed at developing heat-resistant cotton varieties, tackling the difficulties created by increasing global temperatures.
Cold stress has a huge impact on the growth and development of cotton, presenting a significant challenge to its productivity. Comprehending the complex molecular mechanisms that control the reaction to CS is necessary for developing tactics to improve cold tolerance in cotton. This review paper explores how cotton responds to cold stress by regulating gene expression, focusing on both activating and repressing specific genes. We investigate the essential roles that transcription factors and regulatory elements have in responding to cold stress and controlling gene expression to counteract the negative impacts of low temperatures. Through a comprehensive examination of new publications, we clarify the intricacies of transcriptional reprogramming induced by cold stress, emphasizing the connections between different regulatory elements and signaling pathways. Additionally, we investigate the consecutive effects of cold stress on cotton yield, highlighting the physiological and developmental disturbances resulting from extended periods of low temperatures. The knowledge obtained from this assessment allows for a more profound comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that regulate cold stress responses, suggesting potential paths for future research to enhance cold tolerance in cotton by utilizing targeted genetic modifications and biotechnological interventions.
The growing worldwide population is driving up demand for cotton fibers, but production is hampered by unpredictable temperature rises caused by shifting climatic conditions. Numerous research based on breeding and genomics have been conducted to increase the production of cotton in environments with high and low-temperature stress. High temperature (HT) is a major environmental stressor with global consequences, influencing several aspects of cotton plant growth and metabolism. Heat stress-induced physiological and biochemical changes are research topics, and molecular techniques are used to improve cotton plants' heat tolerance. To preserve internal balance, heat stress activates various stress-responsive processes, including repairing damaged proteins and membranes, through various molecular networks. Recent research has investigated the diverse reactions of cotton cultivars to temperature stress, indicating that cotton plant adaptation mechanisms include the accumulation of sugars, proline, phenolics, flavonoids, and heat shock proteins. To overcome the obstacles caused by heat stress, it is crucial to develop and choose heat-tolerant cotton cultivars. Food security and sustainable agriculture depend on the application of genetic, agronomic, and, biotechnological methods to lessen the impacts of heat stress on cotton crops. Cotton producers and the textile industry both benefit from increased heat tolerance. Future studies should examine the developmental responses of cotton at different growth stages, emphasize the significance of breeding heat-tolerant cultivars, and assess the biochemical, physiological, and molecular pathways involved in seed germination under high temperatures. In a nutshell, a concentrated effort is required to raise cotton’s heat tolerance due to the rising global temperatures and the rise in the frequency of extreme weather occurrences. Furthermore, emerging advances in sequencing technologies have made major progress toward successfully se sequencing the complex cotton genome.
The architecture of the canopy tends to affect how light is reflected and distributed within it.Rational modelling and trimming can improve crop architecture, maximize the use of space, light, and resources such as land, and lay the groundwork for initial maturing, and maximum yield.Determining the interception of light inside the canopy is critical aimed at increasing the population's photosynthetic production.By implementing cultural practices that produce optimal plant populations and alter the plant canopy components, it is possible to maximize light utilization in the production of cotton.In order to forecast the expected yield for uses like crop management and agronomic decision-making, as well as to investigate potential impacts of environmental alteration on food security, crop growth models are used to estimate the correlation between plants and the environment.In this study, we highlight the light interception, canopy architecture and their use in crop growth models to improve crop productivity.Constructing a strong technological system capable of phenotyping crops in a high-throughput, multidimensional, large-data, efficient, and mechanically determining manner is the ultimate objective.
Identifying the ideal plant nature and canopy structure is of great importance for improving photosynthetic production and the potential action of plants. To address this challenge, an investigation was accomplished in 2018 and 2019 at the Institute of Cotton Research (ICR) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science (CAAS), Henan Province, China. Six cotton varieties with diverse maturities and plant canopy structures were used to evaluate the light interception (LI) in cotton, the leaf area index (LAI), the biomass, and the yield throughout the two years of study. The light spatial distribution in the plant canopy was evaluated using a geographic statistical method, following the increasing quantity of radiation intercepted, which was determined using the rules of Simpson. Compared to the cotton plants with a compact structure, varieties with both a loose and tower design captured a comparatively higher amount of light (average 31.3%) and achieved a higher LAI (average 32.4%), eventually achieving a high yield (average 10.1%). Furthermore, the polynomial correlation revealed a positive relationship between the biomass accumulation in the reproductive parts and canopy-accrued light interception (LI), signifying that light interception is critical for the yield development of cotton. Furthermore, when the leaf area index (LAI) was peaked, radiation interception and biomass reached the highest during the boll-forming stage. These findings will provide guidance on the light distribution in cotton cultivars with an ideal plant structure for light capture development, providing an important foundation for researchers to better manage light and canopies.
Background Cotton production is adversely effected by drought stress. It is exposed to drought stress at various critical growth stages grown under a water scarcity environment. Roots are the sensors of plants; they detect osmotic stress under drought stress and play an important role in plant drought tolerance mechanisms. The seedling stage is very sensitive to drought stress, and it needed to explore the methods and plant characteristics that contribute to drought tolerance in cotton. Results Initially, seedlings of 18 genotypes from three Gossypium species: G. hirsutum , G. barbadense, and G. arboreum, were evaluated for various seedling traits under control (NS) and drought stress (DS). Afterward, six genotypes, including two of each species, one tolerant and one susceptible, were identified based on the cumulative drought sensitivity response index (CDSRI). Finally, growth rates (GR) were examined for shoot and root growth parameters under control and DS in experimental hydroponic conditions. A significant variation of drought stress responses was observed across tested genotypes and species. CDSRI allowed here to identify the drought-sensitive and drought-resistant cultivar of each investigated species. Association among root and shoots growth traits disclosed influential effects of enduring the growth under DS. The traits including root length, volume, and root number were the best indicators with significantly higher differential responses in the tolerant genotypes. These root growth traits, coupled with the accumulation of photosynthates and proline, were also the key indicators of the resistance to drought stress. Conclusion Tolerant genotypes have advanced growth rates and the capacity to cop with drought stress by encouraging characteristics, including root differential growth traits coupled with physiological traits such as chlorophyll and proline contents. Tolerant and elite genotypes of G. hirsutum were more tolerant of drought stress than obsolete genotypes of G. barbadense and G. arboreum . Identified genotypes have a strong genetic basis of drought tolerance, which can be used in cotton breeding programs.
Leaves are important organs for crop photosynthesis and transpiration, and their morphological characteristics can directly reflect the growth state of plants. Accurate measurement of leaf traits and mining molecular markers are of great significance to the study of cotton growth. Here, we performed a Genome-wide association study on 7 leaf traits in 213 Asian cotton accessions. 32 significant SNPs and 44 genes were identified. A field experiment showed significant difference in leaf hair and leaf area between DPL971 and its natural mutant DPL972. We also compared the leaf transcriptome difference between DPL971 and DPL972, and found a batch of differentially expressed genes and non-coding RNAs (including lncRNAs, microRNAs, and circRNAs). After integrating the GWAS and transcriptome results, we finally selected two coding genes (Ga03G2383 and Ga05G3412) and two microRNAs (hbr-miR156, unconservative_Chr03_contig343_2364) as the candidate for leaf traits. Those findings will provide important genomic resources for cotton leaf improvement breeding.
MAIN CONCLUSION:The significant number loci and candidate genes of root color in Gossypium arboreum are identified and provide a theoretical basis of root color for cotton. A stimulating phenomenon was observed on the 4th day of sowing in the root color of some G. arboreum accessions that turned red. To disclose the genetic mechanisms of root color formation via genome and transcript levels, we identified the significant number of SNPs and candidate genes that are related to root color through genome-wide association study (GWAS) and RNAseq analysis in G. arboreum. Initially, 215 no. of G. arboreum accessions was collected, and the colors of root on the 4th, 6th and 9th day of germination were recorded. The GWAS demonstrated that 225 significant SNPs and 47 candidate genes have been identified totally. The strongest signal SNP A04_91824 could greatly distinguish the root color with most "C" allele accessions have displayed white and "T" allele accessions displayed red. RNAseq was performed on accessions having the white and red root, and results revealed that 12 and 138 DEGs were detected on 2nd and 4th day, respectively. ACD6, UFGT, and LYM2 were the most related genes of root color, later, verified by qRT-PCR. The mature zone of red and the white roots was observed by the histological section method, and results shown that cells were more closely arranged in the white root, and both average cell length and cell width were longer in the red root. This study will be helpful to cotton breeders for utilization of several elite genes and related SNPs related to root color, in addition to find linkage with economically important traits of interests.
The most crucial factors that reduce developments of plants are the Abiotic stresses. Among abiotic stresses, high temperature is the imperative factor that causes a reduction in crop growth and effect yield. Nowadays, the temperature of Pakistan has raised with approximately 500C, affecting the wheat crop from anthesis stage till maturity and hence, limiting the productivity of wheat. This study focuses on examining the effects of high temperature on wheat genotypes when planted with different sowing date viz. 10th November and 20th December of the year 2017-18, using Randomize Complete Bloch Design (RCBD). Product yield from both sowing dates (early and late) were observed with significant difference in all types of genotypes; for days 75% maturity, 1000-grains yield, grain yield (kg/ha-1), biological yield (kg/ha-1) and in some physiological characters such as area (cm2) of flag leaf, relative percent of water content ( %) and chlorophyll content % at the probability level P≤0.01 and probability level P≤0.05. The early and late planting revealed significant different recorded in RWC (%) and Leaf Area. The late sowing date, the trait RWC (%) shown non-significant result. The maximum reduction recorded in HYT 10 advance line for grain yield kg/ha-1, leaf area and RWC and in HYT 09 more reduction of chlorophyll content was observed. Hence, it was due to delayed planting effect and heat stress.
Drought is a grave concern due to changing climate phenomenon which drastically affects wheat production throughout the world.Screening drought tolerant varieties of wheat are important for ameliorating productivity of water scarce areas.An experiment was conducted at physiology division Nuclear Institute of Agriculture Tandojam (Latitude: 25.433 Longitude: 68.533) Sindh, Pakistan during 2016-2017.Treatment included a factorial combination using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications.Six wheat cultivars (cv.cultivars IBWSN-1010, IBWSN-1025, TD-1, ESW-9525, Khirman and Chakwal-86) were investigated for their response at seedling stage under different water stress treatments (T-1 0, T-2 -0.5, T-3 -0.75 and T-4 -1.0 MPa) in controlled conditions.The results of experiments with reference to cultivars revealed that cultivar Khirman & IBWSN-1010 showed maximum shoot length (17.33 and 16.68 cm), while the cultivar Khirman and TD-1showed maximum root length (10.02 and 8.67 cm), shoot fresh weight (34.46 g 10 -1 shoots), root fresh wt.(71.76 g 10 -1 shoots), shoot dry wt.(13.55 g 10 -1 shoots), root dry wt.(13.62 g 10 - 1 roots),while the cultivar IBWSN-1010 observed more chlorophyll contents (0.27 mg g1 fresh wt) and ionic contents (K + and Ca2 + , and K + /Ca2 + ratio)(1.05,1.03 and 0.93 %).Among all the wheat cultivars tested Khirman and IBWSN-1010 are tolerant cultivar sand have the potential to perform better under drought conditions, whereas IBWSN-1025 and Chakwal-86 were moderately tolerant under water stress conditions.Moreover, the cultivars i.e.TD-1 and ESW-9525 are the sensitive cultivars under drought environment.It may be concluded from present in-vitro studies that osmotic stress significantly reduced the shoot/root length fresh and dry weight in all six wheat cultivars.The maximum reduction (P≤0.05) was found at higher osmotic stress induced by PEG-6000 (-1.0 MPa).
Foliage application can certification the openness of incorporate to crops for acquiring most elevated yield. To examination of development and yield of wheat in light of foliage utilization of soluplant compost a test was finished up at Agronomy Section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tando Jam amid season Rabi, 2014-15.The treatments consist of No Soluplant @ 0.00 kg ha -1 (control), Soluplant @ 1.25 kg ha -1 , Soluplant @ 2.50 kg ha -1 , Soluplant @ 3.75 kg ha -1 , Soluplant @ 5.00 kg ha -1 , Soluplant @ 6.25 kg ha -1 , and Soluplant @ 7.50 kg ha -1. significant development was recorded in plant height(cm), number of grain spike-1,thousand grain weight ( g), characteristic yield (kg ha-1) and grain yield (kg ha-1). The 6 and 7 use of treatment achieved most compelling plant height(cm), number of grain spike-1, thousand grain weight ( g), characteristic yield (kg ha-1) and grain yield (kg ha-1). Most great grain yield was recorded for Soluplant @ 7.50 kg ha-1 which was quantifiably similar to that of Soluplant @ 6.25 kg ha-1.It was concluded that Soluplant @ 7.50 kg ha -1 of treatment at tillering stage along with the recommended doses of NPK helped in enhancing yield and yield components of wheat. INTRODUCTION Wheat is the King of cereal crop in whole world. In Pakistan, wheat requirement is rising every year due to population expansion and stagnant yield per unit area [1]. Where the ideal seeding rate is viewed as a critical administration element for enhancing yield of wheat. The production of wheat crop can be improved by growing new high yielding assortments and selection of appropriate bundle of innovation [2]. In Pakistan the yield of wheat product is two and half times less down when contrasted with cutting edge wheat creating nations of the worldwidespanning up this crevice is a testing situation for researchers and agriculturists. Seed quality, saltiness, water logging, uncalled for and lacking utilization of composts, poor watering system administration, high information costs, low agriculturists training and no utilization of micronutrients and natural fertilizers these are fundamental causes for low production of wheat [3].The constrained water conditions diminish the uptake and translocation of supplements in this manner, the foliar application might be a substitute and compelling way to deal with enhance the supplements accessibility to plants. Foliarly connected NPK composts altogether contribute towards enhanced yield through expansion in biomass of the plants [4]. The macro and micronutrients is play the vital role in agriculture. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), boss key supplement, have significant significance in product support. Urea is a central element of proteins and thus all chemicals.The constructive outcome of foliar connected nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to manage appropriate leaf nourishment and also carbon adjust, and enhancing photosynthetic limit is settled [5]. Foliar application of nutrients for increasing and exploiting genetic potential of the crop is considered as an efficient and economic method of supplementing the nutrient requirement. In spite of sufficient use of NPK manure, typical development of high yielding assortments couldn't be gotten because of next to zero utilization of micronutrients. High manure responsive assortments express their full yield potential when follow components are connected alongside NPK composts [6]. Foliar application of major and minor nutrients like NPK shall be more effective than soil application and also avoiding the depletion of these nutrients in leaves, in that way resulting in an increased photosynthetic rate, improved translocation of these nutrients from the leaves to the developing grains. Foliar application is qualified with the advantage of quick and professional utilization of nutrients, eliminating losses through leaching, and fixation and helps in regulating the uptake of nutrients by plants [7]. MATERIALS AND METHODS A trial was directed at Agronomy Section, Agriculture Institute, Tando Jam amid season Rabi, 2014-15 to survey the accomplish of foliage encouraging of macronutrients on yield and yield parts of wheat. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The net plot size of was 6 m x 3 m (18 m2). Six fuse levels with one control plot (no fertilizer) were verifiable as variables underneath study. The medicines involved of No Soluplant @ 0.00 kg ha -1 (control), Soluplant @ 1.25 kg ha -1 , Soluplant @ 2.50 kg ha -1 , Soluplant @ 3.75 kg ha -1 , Soluplant @ 5.00 kg ha -1 , Soluplant @ 6.25 kg ha -1 , and Soluplant @ 7.50 kg ha -1 The wheat plant Benazir was sowing on a particularly arranged seed bed in second week of Nov in all season under scrutiny. All the (P) and (K) was important at the period of seed bed building up nearby 1⁄4 estimations of (N). The remaining vague parts of (N) were beat superior to anything normal with initial three watering frameworks. The reason of N, P and K2O was urea (46%N), Single Super Phosphate (P2O5 18%) and Sulfate of potash (K2O 0%), independently. The harvest was sowing with a solitary column penetrating procedure keeping up line to line. The information were closed on propositions parameters of financial significance, for example, plant stature (cm), grains spike-1, thousand grain weight, grain yield (kg ha-1). 4580 ISSN 1013-5316; CODEN: SINTE 8 Sci.Int.(Lahore),28(5),4579-4582,2016 September-October RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Combining abilities of cotton varieties were evaluated using a line x tester mating design, twelve hybrids which developed from 3 testers (male) and 4 lines (females). The experiment was conducted on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during 2014. The data were recorded for plant height, sympodial plant -1 , bolls plant -1 , boll weight and seed cotton yield plant -1 . Chandi-95, NIA-Ufaq and Sadori displayed the highest mean performance and GCA for more or less all the traits, indicating their superiority for inclusion in future breeding programme. The crosses Chandi-95 x BT 802, Sadori x BT A-1, Sohni x BT A-1 and NIA-Ufaq x BT-802 manifested meaning full SCA effects for economic traits, which could be used either for hybrid seed programme or developing superior varieties by applying selection in late segregating generations.