INDIAN JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING

Elucidation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes with high seed protein content using the GGE biplot approach

Amrita Kumari — 2025-12-29

Rice has low protein content (6–7%), but its seed protein is superior due to better digestibility and hypoallergenic properties. Identification of rice genotypes with naturally rich and constant protein concentrations across environments is an important breeding goal for creating biofortified rice. In this context, the current study was conducted with 20 genotypes selected from the initial panel of 100 diverse genotypes based on their performance for seed protein content (SPC). The field trials were conducted, and the data were generated. GGE biplot analysis was utilized to estimate the stability of the genotypes across sites, offering insights into their performance and adaptability concerning protein content in grain. Significant effects of environment, genotypes, and genotype-environment interaction (GEI) were observed on SPCs. Both crossover and non-cross-over interactions were observed for the trait of interest. Kalinga III was identified as the most ideal genotype for SPC, along with CR Dhan 310 and Kalamahi as desirable genotypes, which can be recommended for breeding programs for developing biofortified rice cultivars to mitigate protein malnutrition.

Assessing heat tolerance in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through the MGIDI approach

R. J. Shreeraksha — 2025-12-30

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity is constrained by high temperature and drought stress. The present study used the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) to evaluate genotypes under post-rainy conditions and identify heat-tolerant lines. Four superior genotypes (ICGV 07222, ICGV 03043, ICGV 13312, ICGV 03042) were selected with 86.66% success at 15% selection intensity. High selection gains for traits such as pod yield per plant, heat use efficiency, photothermal use efficiency, heliothermal use efficiency, shelling percentage, test weight, canopy temperature, haulm weight and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading highlighted their role as key indicators of heat tolerance.

Dissecting gene action for heat stress-responsive traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) across heat stress environments

Mahaveer Prasad Ola — 2025-12-30

Limited information is available in the literature on the dissection of non-additive gene action under contrasting sowing environments, leaving a gap in breeding strategies for heat-tolerant chickpea varieties. Therefore, an investigation was carried out on the gene interactions influencing physio-biochemical traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under heat stress conditions. Three chickpea crosses, namely, RSG807 × RSG895, RSG895 × HC5, and RSG974 × Avrodhi, were evaluated under two sowing environments during rabi seasons of 2019-20 to 2021–22. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of duplicate epistasis for several traits in specific cross-environment combinations. Relative water content in RSG-974 × Avrodhi under late sowing (E2); membrane stability index in RSG-807 × RSG-895 under E2; total chlorophyll content in RSG-807 × RSG-895 under timely sowing (E1), RSG-974 × Avrodhi under E2, and RSG-895 × HC-5 under both E1 and E2; proline content in RSG-974 × Avrodhi under E1; protein content in RSG-807 × RSG-895 and RSG-974 × Avrodhi under E2; and seed yield per plant in RSG-895 × HC-5 under E1 were observed. Overall, the inheritance of most physio-biochemical traits across both sowing environments was predominantly governed by non-additive gene actions.

Development and characterisation of EST-SSR-based markers in curry leaf (Murraya koenigii)

K. N. Poornima — 2025-12-30

Crop improvement strategies depend on a better understanding of their genetic architecture. Murraya koenigii L. an important medicinal and aromatic value vegetable/spice tree crop, needs genetic improvement in yield and other agronomic traits. In the present study, EST-SSRs have been developed using the transcriptome sequence of curry leaf. A total of 12861 EST-SSRs were identified among the tested transcripts. The mononucleotide motif (58.8%) was more abundant than those with tri (20%), di (14.6%) and other higher order motifs (6.61%). About 24 EST-SSR primers were validated and all of them were polymorphic. The estimates of unbiased gene diversity ranged from 0.70 (for the marker MK1 locus) to 0.98 (at the MK8 locus), with an average of 0.88. The estimate of PIC values varied from 0.66 (at the MK1 locus) to 0.97 (at the MK8 locus) with a mean of 0.85, irrespective of the repeat motif-based markers. The 50 Murraya accessions could be classified into four clusters based on EST-SSR marker allelic data. Significant differences among the genotypes classified into different clusters for all three quantitative traits, namely, leaf yield, aroma intensity and essential oil content, suggested that EST-SSR marker alleles are efficient in discriminating the genotypes at loci controlling horticulturally important quantitative traits as well. To the best of our knowledge and belief, the present study is the first report on the development, validation and use of EST-SSR for assessing the genetic diversity of Murraya koenigii.

An overview of maize landraces of the North-Eastern Himalayan region of India with special reference to ‘Sikkim Primitive’ - a unique landrace with extraordinary prolificacy

Firoz Hossain — 2025-12-29

Maize landraces serve as a goldmine for novel genes pertaining to tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, adaptability, and nutritional quality traits. Worldwide, maize landraces are cultivated in specific areas for their unique characteristics, as preferred by the farming community. In India, the North-Eastern Himalayan (NEH) region is rich in diverse maize landraces, some of which are unique globally. However, the utilization of these maize landraces in breeding programmes has been limited. Here, we discussed the importance of maize landraces as a source of diverse traits, besides mentioning some of the most promising landraces available globally. We presented the extent of genetic diversity present in NEH-based maize landraces using morphological, cytological, biochemical, and molecular markers. The distinctiveness of Sikkim Primitive – a unique landrace for its extraordinary prolificacy has been mentioned in detail. We also mentioned the genetic and genomic analysis undertaken on Sikkim Primitive for dissecting prolificacy in maize.

Multivariate analysis of drought stress indices to assess bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm under rainfed conditions

Vishnu Kumar — 2026-01-05

Water stress impacts wheat yields and poses a serious threat in stabilizing the global food supply. In the present investigation, 71 diverse bread wheat germplasm accessions were evaluated at Karnal and Hisar locations under normal and water stress (four environments) conditions during Rabi, 2022-23. The overall pooled grain yield showed a reduction of 15.6% under water stress, while days to heading, tiller count and plant height were reduced by 8.1%, 15.5% and 12.5%, respectively. The genotypes, namely K8027, HI1531, PBW175, UAS375, WH1142, HI1612, K1317, etc., showed higher NDVI values both at heading and grain filling stages under stress conditions. Grain yield (GY) showed positive and significant associations with 1000 grain wt. (r=0.62***) and tillers/m (r=0.53***). In the principal component biplots, 14 drought stress indices were grouped into three clusters. The genotypes K9465, HD2987 and K8027 were the three top rankers for drought susceptibility index (DSI), however showed yield reduction of 10.4%, 5.5% and 17.4% over the best check NIAW3170. Most of the drought stress indices considered only the grain yield reduction as selection criteria; however, the yield potential coupled with drought tolerance is desired to get favourable gene constellations. The drought resistance index (DRI) was highly successful in identifying high-yielding and drought-tolerant genotypes. The genotypes viz., HD3171, MP1358, 20^th HTWYT-48, 29^th SAWYT-316 and WAP91 appeared to be high yielding and drought-tolerant. The traits, such as 1000 grain weight, grains/spike and tillers count can be targeted as on-farm selection criteria under water stress and to train genomic models.

Exploring the effects of qDTY2.1 genomic regions on yield related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under well watered conditions

Subhadra Pattanayak — 2026-01-05

The quantitative trait locus qDTY2.1 regulates yield under drought stress in rice. This study investigates the role of qDTY2.1 on yield-related traits in rice under well-watered conditions. For comparison, a large qDTY2.1 region (Chr02: 10.7–17.68 Mbp) and its fine-mapped segment (Chr02:10.7–11.4 Mbp) were compared to understand the linkage drag effects. Out of 432 F2 population derived from a cross between Swarna Sub1 and CR Dhan 801 (qDTY2.1 and qDTY3.1), 132 lines possessing only the qDTY2.1 were evaluated for the yield-related traits in well-watered conditions. This analysis showed similar effects for the large (Chr02: 10.7–17.68 Mbp) and fine-mapped (Chr02:10.7–11.4 Mbp) qDTY2.1 region. Besides, the effect of the six haplotypes (two parental and four recombinants) significantly differed (p <0.05) for productive tillers, unfilled grains, and 100-seed weight. Based on the expression in the panicle stage, two candidate genes, namely, a meristem regulator gene (Os02g0293300; OsFDML1; Chr02:11.15 Mb) annotated as Arabidopsis homolog of factor of DNA methylation 1 and calcineurin B-like (Os02g0291000; OsCBL7; Chr02:11.01 Mb), were identified, which may regulate the yield-related traits in well-watered conditions. Thus, the present findings indicated the statistical effect of large and fine-mapped qDTY2.1 and their haplotypes in affecting the yield-related traits in well-watered conditions.

Expression analysis of genetic loci linked with bakanae disease resistance in japonica rice of North Western Himalayas

Mahandiya Iqbal — 2025-12-29

Bakanae disease caused by Fusarium fujikuroi is emerging as a serious threat in the production of japonica rice under high altitudes of the western Himalayas and basmati rice in northern regions. To identify resistant sources for Bakanae disease of rice, a population of 165 doubled haploids (DHs) was screened through artificial inoculation using a uniform F. fujikuroi ‘A30’virulent isolate under controlled conditions. Out of 165 inbred lines, 105 were identified as resistant, 51 moderately susceptible and nine susceptible to disease. A polymorphism survey was conducted with the help of 502 KASP markers on 12 chromosomes. On chromosome 6, a 6.25% polymorphism was found between parents, GS-88 and K-332. Two DHs, D5-2 and D5-3, showed 6% polymorphism among themselves, while DHs D49-3 and D49-4 revealed just 3.6%. Further, 19 defense-related genes located between markers, ALK_SNP_ff_2 (6.8Mb) and RM19817_SNP_nn_3 (9.7 Mb), were identified through in silico. Primers for three transcripts (Os06g0279900, Os06g0249500 and Os06g0267400) were designed through Primer 3Plus. Based on the disease severity index, two extreme resistant and susceptible DH lines, along with parents, were selected for expression studies using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expression pattern between resistant and susceptible lines varied at two different stages, viz., 10 days post inoculation (dpi) and 24 dpi. Genes Os06g0279900 and Os06g0249500 were significantly enriched at 10 dpi and Os06g0267400 at 24 dpi in resistant lines, but were absent in susceptible lines. This indicates that the response shown by resistant DH against the pathogen was much faster than that of susceptible ones. These responses at 10 and 24 dpi are suggestive of an active defense system induced by the pathogen in resistant cultivars, which involves pathogenesis-related gene expression and enrichment pathways to defense of rice plants.

Promoter characterization of chickpea delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) gene provides novel insights into its stress responsiveness

Vishwajith Kondawar — 2025-12-29

Proline is an osmolyte that accumulates in response to various environmental stresses and serves several protective functions in plants. The gene P5CS (delta-1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase) codes for a key regulatory enzyme in proline biosynthesis. In the present study, we have isolated and in silico characterized the promoter region of the chickpea P5CS gene (CaP5CS). The expression of the gene was examined under various abiotic stresses such as cold, salinity and dehydration and also on application of various phytohormones and chemicals to understand the changes in gene expression which are driven by the promoter. Structurally, the promoter sequence was enriched in many cis- regulatory elements (CREs) recognized by transcription factors (TFs) involved in both ABA (Abscisic acid)-dependent and independent signaling pathways for proline biosynthesis. The gene was observed to be both spatially and temporally regulated. It was observed that the gene was highly up-regulated under heat and dehydration stress at 3 hours of stress treatment. Under dehydration, for the same tissues, the proline content was also estimated to increase by more than 3 fold from 3 to 6 hrs. Notably, under cold and IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) treatment, the gene was down-regulated, which confirms the role of the gene primarily under osmotic stress. This study provides novel insights into regulation of proline biosynthesis in chickpea. Also, the promoter isolated can be utilized to enable spatial and temporal control in transgene expression in genetically modified crops developed for enhanced stress tolerance.

Unravelling chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotype stability through univariate and multivariate approaches under varying soil types and water regimes

P. S Basavaraj — 2025-12-29

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital protein-rich crop predominantly cultivated in rainfed conditions, making it vulnerable to environmental challenges like drought. Understanding genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) is crucial for developing cultivars that are adaptable to diverse climatic conditions. To identify promising genotypes for drought resilience, a multi-environment trial was conducted across 10 distinct environments varying in soil type and moisture, involving 21 chickpea genotypes. The study observed significant variation in seed yield among the genotypes, with genotype G4 (BGD103) consistently achieving the highest yields under drought-stress conditions. Combined variance analysis revealed that the environment accounted for 73.59% of the total variation in grain yield, while GEI contributed 13.95% and genotypes contributed 12.44%. GGE and AMMI biplots further illustrated the relationships between environments and genotypes, identifying environments E5, E1, and E3 (characterized by medium black soil) as favourable for chickpea cultivation. Genotypes G1 (BDG75), G4 (BGD103), and G11 (JG16) were recognized as stable and high-yielding across these environments. Additionally, genotypes G1, G4, G5 (Digvijay), G7 (GNG1581), G14 (Pusa1003), and G18 (RSG896) demonstrated broad adaptability across all environments. Parametric and non-parametric stability models pinpointed genotypes BDG75, BGD103, GNG1581, and RSG896 as the most stable. Further, genotypes G1, G4, and G18 showing consistent genetic stability and high yields across diverse conditions. These findings provide valuable insights for chickpea breeding programs focused on enhancing yield resilience under water stress conditions, contributing to the development of robust, water stress resilient cultivars.

Folate profiling and characterization of sub-tropically adapted maize inbreds using folate-metabolism related genes

K. Victor Paul — 2025-12-30

Folates, also known as vitamin B9, are vital for the normal growth and development of humans. In this study, we assessed 48 specialty and biofortified maize inbred lines for folate content and characterized them using markers specific to 78 candidate genes governing folate metabolism. Folate content, measured as the sum of 5-formyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-FTHF) and 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), varied widely from 21.4 to 98.0 μg/100g, with a mean of 55.7 μg/100 g. Analysis using 78 SSR markers indicated a high conservation of folate-related genes across the genotypes. A total of 116 alleles were detected with a mean of 2.27 alleles/locus (range: 2–5). Among the markers, Fo-SSR-17 had five alleles, showing the highest discriminating power. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.36 with a range from 0.19 (Fo-SSR-62) to 0.59 (Fo-SSR-50). Diversity analysis grouped the 48 genotypes into three distinct clusters, with a dissimilarity coefficient ranging from 0.08 to 0.34 (mean: 0.22). Single marker analysis found four markers significantly associated with folate content. Further, the haplotype analysis identified Hap6 (ABBB), Hap8 (ABHB), and Hap5 (ABAA) as superior haplotypes exhibiting higher folate content with mean values of 87.6 μg/100 g, 83.7 μg/100 g and 79.5 μg/100 g, respectively. Identification of diverse high folate inbred lines of maize inbreds and superior haplotypes offers potential for use in maize folate biofortification programs. This is the first report on characterization using a candidate gene for folate accumulation in subtropical genetic background.

Conservation agriculture facilitated assessment of genetic potential of new generation maize hybrids and improving the breeding efficiency

Rihan Ansari — 2025-12-29

To meet the increasing demand for maize grains in India, high-yielding maize hybrids have to be released in the farmer’s field for adoption during kharif. The current study was carried out to estimate the potential of new generation hybrids generated by crossing the inbreds developed through a repeated cycle of recurrent selection in maize (Zea mays L.) under conservation agriculture conditions maintained under a maize-wheat cropping system. We hypothesised that soil health is a major determinant of yield realisation, particularly during Kharif in northern plain conditions, and therefore conservation agriculture can facilitate the identification of hybrids with high yield potential. In contrast, conventional tillage does not support the hybrids of high yield potential. To test the hypothesis, 91 hybrids developed by crossing 14 inbreeds in a half-diallel fashion were grown along with parents in both conservation and conventional tillage conditions. The result of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant variance for all the traits under study in both conditions. Combining ability estimates showed that most of the traits involved both additive and non-additive gene actions. Phenology along with radiation use efficiency by better capturing the sun light plays an important role in yield maximisation as indicated by the contribution of PMICS20, PMICS11, PMICS13 PMICS17 and PMICS12 for optimization of days to silking, maximising LAI and stem girth for higher yield realisation at least under conservation agriculture through additive gene action of complementary alleles dispersed in the parents or because of non-additive gene action at some of loci in hybrids like PMICS20/PMICS11, PMICS17/PMICS12 and PMICS15/PMICS12. Population improvement programme through repeated crossing to combine the favourable genes and selection under conservation agriculture for slightly delayed silking, along with higher LAI, more number of grains per row, grain weight and stay grain trait can lead to the development of hybrids competing with rice in terms of economic return.

Exploring genotypic diversity and processing effects on protein quality for nutritional and functional enhancement in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Minakshi Dutta — 2025-12-30

Pigeon pea protein isolate (PpPI) offers a sustainable and high-quality plant-based protein alternative. This study investigated the in-vitro protein digestibility of thirty pigeon pea genotypes, identifying two contrasting lines—Pusa Arhar 2018-4 (low digestibility) and ICP 1452 (high digestibility). The cytotoxicity, amino acid bioavailability, and gene expression modulation induced by PpPI hydrolysates, along with the impact of thermal processing, were evaluated using Caco-2 cells. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay confirmed that PpPI hydrolysates were non-cytotoxic in both control and autoclaved samples. The amino acid bioavailability assay revealed that neutral and polar amino acids (glycine, alanine, serine, proline, and leucine) had higher transport efficiency (17.43–27.90%) than charged amino acids (9.08–18.76%). Autoclaving significantly improved amino acid transport, with bioavailability ranging from 3.18–21.93% in Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 4.38–34.84% in ICP 1452. Gene expression analysis using Caco2 cell line showed upregulation of the peptide transporter gene PepT1 (1.04–1.87-fold in Pusa Arhar 2018-4; 1.07–1.89-fold in ICP 1452), with significantly higher expression in autoclaved samples (p <0.05). SREBP2, a key cholesterol metabolism regulator, was downregulated in both genotypes, though not significantly affected by thermal processing. These findings highlight the potential of autoclaved PpPI hydrolysates to improve amino acid bioavailability and intestinal gene expression, providing key insights for selecting pigeon pea genotypes with superior protein quality to guide breeding for enhanced nutritional functionality.

Genome-wide identification, evolution and expression analysis of the HSP20 gene family in lentil [Lens culinaris (L.) Medikus]

Shivadarshan S Jirli — 2025-12-30

Lentil [Lens culinaris (L.) Medikus, 2n = 2x = 14] is one of the most important legumes around the world. The crop is sensitive to various abiotic stresses, including heat and drought. Among various classes of proteins, heat shock proteins (HSPs), play a vital role in regulating developmental processes and the responses to environmental stresses. Of these, the HSP20 family has gained attention however, its genomic organization and functions are uncharacterized in Lens species. Our study thus identified a total of 47 putative LcHSP20 genes, which were classified into five subfamilies based on predicted subcellular localization and phylogenetic relationships. Sequence analysis revealed that the majority of LcHSP20 genes possess either no introns or only a single short intron, indicating a streamlined gene structure. Phylogenetic clustering further demonstrated that members of the same subfamily exhibit conserved gene structures and motifs, suggesting potential functional similarities. Moreover, expressions analysis revealed that the transcript levels of LcHSP20 genes were significantly induced under salt stress condition. Notably, two genes, LcHSP20-44 and LcHSP20-13, were markedly upregulated in response to these stressors, highlighting their potential roles in enhancing salt stress tolerance in lentil plants. This is the first genome-wide study of the HSP20 gene family in lentils, providing critical insights into their evolutionary and functional roles, laying the groundwork for future research on stress tolerance and improving lentil breeding programs.

MGIDI-based selection and stability analysis of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) mutants under acidic soils using AMMI and GGE models

S. MD. Basid Ali — 2025-12-30

In the present study, eighty-four M₃generation mungbean mutant families along with two controls/parents were evaluated for eleven morphological traits during Zaid 2024 under acidic soils of Meghalaya. Based on phenotypic selection and MGIDI selection index ten number of superior mutant families were identified namely viz., B1-8, A2-8, A1-5, B1-1, A1-10, A2-9, B1-12, B1-11, B2-12 and B1-13. The selected mutant lines were evaluated for single plant yield (SYP) in four different locations of Meghalaya i.e., CPGS AS- Farm (E1), NBPGR, Shillong (E2), Umeit field (E3) and COA – Experimental farm, Krydemkulai (E4) with highly acidic soil conditions pH ranging from (4.80 – 5.12). AMMI ANOVA revealed significant differences among the mutant lines, environments and Mutant × Environment interaction and most of the variation was accounted by mutant lines (65.78%) indicating least influence of mutant and environment interaction. The mean single plant yield (SYP) of tested genotypes involving ten mutant lines along with two controls ranged from 3.12 gm Pusa 1431 (Control) to 10.37 gm in A1-10 (mutant) across the environments. The AMMI analysis revealed that mutant line A1-10 showed higher seed yield, performing well across a wide range of environments. The mutant lines A1-10, in E1, E2 and E3, A2-8 in E1, E3 and E4 and B1 -11 in E3 were found to be highly stable and gave the highest yield in their respective mega-environments. Out of four locations E2 (NBPGR, Shillong) was the most discriminating and E3 (Farmers Field, Umeit) was the most representative to provide unbiased information about the performance of genotypes. Based on the mean versus stability graph, the mutant A1-10 stands out because of simultaneous high yield and high stability.

Deciphering genetic variation in horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] through multivariate analysis

Mamta Nehra — 2025-12-30

This study evaluated genetic variability, trait associations, and multivariate divergence among fifty horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] genotypes using an Augmented Block Design with six checks replicated across three blocks. Data on eight quantitative traits, including seed yield, were analysed through standard statistical methods. Significant variability was observed across all traits, indicating ample scope for selection and improvement. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, coupled with high heritability and genetic advance for seed yield and number of pods per plant, emphasized their importance as primary selection criteria. Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield was positively and significantly associated with pods per plant, seeds per pod, days to flowering, and days to maturity, highlighting the role of these traits in yield enhancement. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the first two components accounted for more than 62% of the total variation, with PC1 reflecting yield and maturity traits, while PC2 represented seed size and branching. Biplot analysis effectively identified promising genotypes with superior yield attributes and clarified interrelationships among traits. Overall, the study confirmed substantial genetic diversity in horse gram germplasm and identified promising lines with potential for use in breeding programs aimed at yield improvement and adaptability.

Heterotic potential of partial male sterile-based hybrids in finger millet (Eleusine corocona L.): Implications to genetic improvement

Manjappa G — 2025-12-30

Finger millet, a nutrient-rich and climate-resilient cereal, faces declining cultivation due to poor productivity, largely because of the lack of effective hybridization techniques. A set of 46 hybrids developed through partial male sterile line PS 1 was evaluated in summer and kharif seasons. Significant differences were observed among hybrids and parents for 16 traits, with key yield traits showing strong genotype × environment (G×E) interactions. Heterosis for grain yield ranged from -41.7% to 58.1% during summer and -38.5% to 48.4% in kharif over the check variety GPU 28. Notably, the hybrid PS1 × GE 4972 exhibited stable heterosis 23.4% and 48.4%), respectively across both the seasons, while PS1 × GE 4764 (58.1%), PS1 × GE 436 (31.9%) and PS1 x MR1 (26.6%) showed season-specific heterosis. These hybrids showed highest heterosis, reported thus far in finger millet and indicated the crop’s potential for increased productivity. Promising heterotic hybrids were also identified for traits like fodder yield, ear head weight, and seed weight. High correlations between hybrid means and mid-parent values for traits like finger length, days to maturity, and seed weight suggested additive gene action. Genetic diversity analysis of 47 parents revealed substantial diversity and geographical clustering. However, no direct correlation was observed between heterosis and parental divergence based on morphological or SSR polymorphism. The present study is the first extensive heterosis investigation in finger millet demonstrating the potential of partial male sterility for improved hybridization and exploring broader genetic pools. The promising hybrids and parental lines offer new opportunities for finger millet improvement.

Functional activity of the genetic apparatus of cell during heterosis of various agricultural crops

Afet Dadash Mammadova — 2025-12-30

The paper presents the results of a study of the functional activity of the genetic apparatus taking into account the localization of its components in nuclei, mitochondria and chloroplasts during heterosis in tomato, cucumber, eggplant and wheat. In terms of DNA content per cell, all hybrids, regardless of the type and degree of heterosis, surpassed their parents. Tomato hybrids show activation of genetic material synthesis in mitochondria, while wheat hybrids show activation in mitochondria and chloroplasts. The data obtained indicate that when the nuclear, mitochondrial and chloroplast genetic systems of a plant cell function with increased load, the hybrid can be expected to exhibit the effect of heterosis. These data are consistent with James's hypothesis that one of the causes of heterosis is the redundancy of the genetic code, and with Kihari H.'s hypothesis on nuclear-cytoplasmic heterosis.