Genetic Variability Studies in M5 Generations of Determinate Early Maturing Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] (MDU-1) Mutants for Yield and Yield Attributing Characters

Background: MDU-1 is a high yielding, indeterminate cluster bean variety. In order to develop determinate mutant with high yield, MDU-1 cluster bean variety was irradiated using gamma rays, electron beam and combination of gamma rays and EMS with different doses and the variability induced in M5 generations were studied. Methods: Twenty one best individual plants from M4 generation were selected based on plant height and higher yield and forwarded to M5 generation where they were evaluated in RBD with three replications. Fourteen non-segregating mutant lines with desirable traits were identified in M5 generation and were evaluated for variability along with the parent MDU1. Result: Five best mutant lines namely ACMC-020-04, ACMC-020-11, ACMC-020-08, ACMC-020-10 and ACMC-020-11 were selected from the 14 accessions based on per se performance and variability analysis. The selected mutants needs to be forwarded for stability testing in different environments.

Influence of Vermiwash, Panchagavya and Weed Extract on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality Parameters of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsistetragonoloba (L).)

Cluster bean (Cyamopsistetragonoloba L.) popularly known as guar is a drought tolerant, deep-rooted, annual legume is grown for Vegetable, Food, Fodder, Green manure, Gum and as a seed. The fortification of seeds for better Growth and Yield has become important and emphasized. The study was conducted to determine the ― Effect of Vermiwash, Panchagavya and Weed Extract on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality Parameters of Cluster bean (Cyamopsistetragonoloba (L).).The experiment was carried out at Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences. Prayagraj (UP) during Kharif-2019. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Blocked Design and comprised of 13 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were T0 (Control),T1 – vermiwash 5% @ 12hrs, T2 - vermin wash 10% @ 12hrs, T3 - vermiwash 15% @ 12hrs, T4 - vermiwash 20% @ 12hrs, T5 – panchagavya 5% @ 12hrs, T6 - panchagavya 10% @ 12hrs, T7 - panchagavya 15% @ 12hrs, T8 - panchagavya 20% @ 12hrs, T9 – weed seed extract 5% @ 12 hrs, T10 - weed seed extract 10% @ 12 hrs, T11 – weed seed extract 15% @ 12 hrs, T12 - weed seed extract 20% @ 12 hrs.

Economic Analysis of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] Entrepreneurs in Karnataka

Background: Karnataka is predominantly known for cluster bean production. The evidences claims that the cluster bean production is not a profitable option and has many constraints, which hinders farmers to take up this enterprise. The current study aims to analyze the growth in area, to forecast seed demand and to work out the economics of cluster bean production in Karnataka. Methods: The current study was based on the field survey conducted in Karnataka during 2019-20, to collect the primary data from cluster bean entrepreneurs. The study has also used secondary data for analysis. Four major districts in Karnataka were selected for the study, based on the maximum area and highest production. From each district, 30 farmers were randomly selected for collection of primary data, constituting a total of 120 farmers. The Compound Annual Growth Rate and cost-returns techniques were employed for data analysis. Result: The study indicated that Karnataka has registered a declined trend of 3.12 per cent per annum and the total estimated area under cluster bean would be 2,720 ha during 2021-22. Hence, the seed industry should cater seed demand to the tune of 544 quintals for the said period. Total cost of cultivation was worked out to be ₹ 35,176 per acre. The study emphasize that this enterprise provides higher gross and net returns to the tune of ₹ 70,851 and ₹ 35,675 per acre, respectively, with the Benefit-cost ratio of 2.01, indicating its profitability. Lack of availability of High Yielding Varieties/hybrid seeds and high wage rate were the major constraints notified in cluster bean enterprise.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] Genotypes

Background: Climate change is a major challenge faced by the agricultural sector all over the world. Different adaptation and mitigation strategies are used to cope with these weather aberrations. Growing climate resilient crops and cultivars suitable for different regions is one of the adaptation strategy. Leguminous crops are well known for their resilience, adaptation and tolerance to adverse conditions, among these crops cluster bean is a hardy and drought tolerant crop extremely suitable for warm tropical regions. Hence identification and improvement of selected genotypes of cluster bean have paramount importance for combating the challenges possessed by the changing climatic scenario. Methods: Thirty accessions of cluster bean were evaluated during 2018. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with two replications. Statistical analysis was employed for estimation of correlation and path coefficients. Result: The correlation analysis revealed that pod yield/plant had positive significant correlation with number of branches, number of pod clusters/plant, number of pods/plant and days to first harvest hence, selection of accessions having higher mean values for these traits could improve yield in cluster bean. Path analysis revealed that number of pods/plant had maximum positive direct effect on pod yield/plant followed by number of branches and plant height. Thus, while attempting selection for higher pod yield in cluster bean, number of pods per plant, number of branches and plant height have to be taken into account.

Choline Chloride Mediates Salinity Tolerance in Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) by Improving Growth, Oxidative Defense, and Secondary Metabolism

Choline chloride (CC) application enhanced the tolerance of cluster bean ( Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) against salinity stress. The aim of the study was to determine the protective role of CC on plant growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical indicators of oxidative stress. The seeds of BR-99 (tolerant) and BR-2017 (sensitive) were surface sterilized and sown in plastic pots containing river sandy soil. The design of the experiments was completely randomized with 4 replicates per treatment. Three weeks after germination, salinity (150 mM) was imposed. Then plants were sprayed with different concentrations of CC (3, 5, and 10 mM), while normal plants were sprayed with distilled water. Salinity decreased growth attributes, relative water contents, photosynthetic attributes, total soluble proteins, total free amino acids, phenolic, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, proline, and glycine betaine and increased the levels of oxidative stress indicators. However, the application of CC (particularly 5 mM) improved growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, and activities of antioxidant compounds by reducing the levels of H2O2, malondialdehyde in salt-stressed plants in both cluster bean varieties. BR-99 variety showed more tolerance to salinity stress than that of BR-2017 in the form of greater oxidative defense and osmotic adjustment and clear from greater plant dry masses. Thus, our results showed that the application of CC (5 mM) is an efficient strategy for field use in the areas, where salt stress soils limit agriculture production.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] Genotypes

Background: Cluster bean commonly known as guar is an important leguminous crop. It is widely exploited as an industrial crop because of its seeds which contain galactomannan rich endosperm. Nutrient rich green pods are used as vegetable for human consumption and plants as fodder for livestock. It is a drought tolerant hardy vegetable, which fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Even though it has great potential as a vegetable and industrial crop, it is not very popular in Kerala. So, there is a need for improvement and development of varieties suitable for climatic condition prevailing in Kerala. Hence, evaluation of germplasm has to be conducted as a preliminary step in-order to study extend of variability available in the germplasm and to identify suitable high yielding genotypes that can be utilized in the crop improvement programme. The present study was conducted to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield contributing characters among the collected cluster bean genotypes. Methods: Thirty accessions of cluster bean were evaluated during 2018. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with two replications. Statistical analysis was employed for estimation of various genetic parameters such as GCV, PCV, heritability and GAM. Result: The genotypes exhibited wide variability for all the characters studied. High estimates of GCV and PCV were observed for number of branches, number of pod clusters/plant, number of pods/plant, number of pods/cluster, pod weight and pod yield/plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for plant height, number of branches, number of pod clusters/plant, number of pods/plant, number of pods/cluster, pod weight and pod yield/plant which suggested the presence of addictive gene effects. Hence, pod yield in cluster bean could be improved through direct selection.