Characterization of physiological, biochemical, and agronomical traits of elite induced chickpea mutants from the northwestern Himalayan region of the UT of J & K, India
Chickpea is one of the key grain legume crops in the world. India is the largest producer, consumer, and importer of chickpea. This study aimed to induce chickpea mutants through gamma rays for cold tolerance and identify the most promising cold-tolerant chickpea mutants. A total of 257 induced mutants were developed and screened under
in vitro
and
in vivo
conditions in the present study, including three checks: one control (GNG1958), one national susceptible (ICC12968) check, and one national cold-tolerant check (ICC92944). The study was conducted during the R
abi
season of 2023–24 and 2024-25. Electrolyte leakage index in percent (ELI%), total chlorophyll content (TCC), and carotenoid content (CC) were tested under
in vitro
conditions, and cold tolerance rating (CTR) scale, frost resistance ratio (FRR), and seed yield (g plant
-1
) were tested under
in vivo
conditions. Analysis of pooled mean data of mutants of both years led to the identification of 50 promising induced mutants for cold tolerance. Of these 50, 26 induced mutants exhibited less than 10% electrolyte leakage index (ELI %) with more than 0.50 mg g
-1
FW carotenoid content, indicating resistance against cold stress at the vegetative stage during high cold stress. Of these 26, three highly promising cold-tolerant mutants were identified: 335.74 Gy-Ch-M-45 (electrolyte leakage index 6.79%, total chlorophyll content 2.48 mg g
-1
FW, carotenoid content 0.85 mg g
-1
FW, cold tolerance rating scale 1.5, frost resistant ratio 0.80, and seed yield 48.78 g plant
-1
), 335.74 Gy-Ch-M-155 (electrolyte leakage index 7.24%, total chlorophyll content 2.26 mg g
-1
FW, carotenoid content 0.82 mg g
-1
FW, cold tolerance rating scale 2.0, frost resistant ratio 0.94, and seed yield 59.22 g plant
-1
), and 335.74 Gy-Ch-M-66 (electrolyte leakage index 7.30%, total chlorophyll content 2.49 mg g
-1
FW, carotenoid content 0.84 mg g
-1
FW, cold tolerance rating scale 2.00, frost resistant ratio 0.88, and seed yield 36.40 g plant
-1)
. Seed yield (g plant
-1
) exhibited a significant positive correlation with total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, and frost-resistant ratio but showed a significant negative correlation with electrolyte leakage index and cold tolerant rating scale. A significantly positive correlation was found between electrolyte leakage index (ELI%) and cold tolerance rating (CTR) scale (r = 0.87,
p
< 0.01), implying greater leakage of electrolytes in mutants with increased cold tolerance rating. The maximum variation for seed yield (g plant
-1
) may indicate stable gene mutations in subsequent generations. Non-additive gene action was observed for all cold tolerance traits in M
2
and M
3
generations, which indicates epistasis, dominance, and genotypic and environmental interaction; hence, their response to selection would be poor. Mutants,
viz.
, 254.90 Gy-Ch-M-01 and 254.90 Gy-Ch-M-32, showed higher sugar content, proline content, and protein percentage, and desired values of cold tolerance traits,
viz.
, electrolyte leakage index (ELI %), cold tolerance rating (CTR) scale, and frost resistance ratio (FRR), compared to control (GNG1958), along with higher seed yield. These elite mutants (254.90 Gy-Ch-M-01 and 254.90 Gy-Ch-M-32) showed desired values for eight and nine traits of cold tolerance parameters, respectively, along with seed yield (g plant
-1
). The promising candidate cold-tolerant mutants with higher seed yield (g plant
-1
) identified during the present study could be used in chickpea breeding programs aimed at improving cold tolerance of cultivated chickpea worldwide.
It is crucial to know the heritable portion of variation as it provides variability component measure for the transmission of characters to the next generation. This study was aimed at the estimation of genotypic variability for agronomic traits in chemically mutagenized groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) genotypes. Although groundnut ranks second among oil seed crops in the world after sun flower and also an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates minerals and antioxidant, the production in Nigeria is constrained by multiple factors including low genetic variability which impact the development of high-yielding varieties. Pot trials were carried out during 2025 and 2026 dry seasons under screen house at the teaching and research field, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Bayero University, Kano. The seeds of the two improved groundnut genotype varieties (Samnut-24, Samnut-25) were collected from Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) and the two local varieties (’Yar-Gingo and ’Yar-Fara) were collected from Dawanau Market, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Kano State. The experimental design used was Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and the seeds of each variety were sorted out and surface sterilized in 2.0% Sodium hypochloride for 1minute and then rinsed. The seeds were soaked in different concentrations of Hydroxyalamine Hydrochloride (0.00mM, 1.0mM, 2.0mM, 3.0mM and 4.0mM) or Sodium Azide (0.00mM, 1.0mM, 2.0mM 3.0mM and 4.0mM) for three (3) hours. The results revealed significant variation among the genotypes. Genotypic (GCV %) coefficient of variation was observed lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV %) for all the observed traits in this study, indicating that the environment significantly affect the expression of the traits. In Samnut-24 genotype, high genetic advance (GA) along with high heritability (H2) were observed in 100 Pod Weight and Biological Yield. Similarly, 100 Pod Weight of Samnut-25 genotype scored highest genetic advance (GA) of (32.95) and heritability (H2) of (61.92%) indicating genetic improvement through direct genotypic selection. It is recommended that, farmers should adopt the use of genotypes with expressed additive gene action developed from variable components for crop improvement.
Abubakar K.D., Musa D.D., Kutawa A.B. et al.· Dutse Journal of Pure and Ap...· 0 citations
This study evaluated the agronomic performance and biochemical composition of five cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) varieties: Drum, Botoro, Oloyin, Ife-Brown, and IT04K-332-1. Cultivated under field conditions using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, all varieties received uniform management practices. Data were collected on key agronomic parameters, including seed yield, 100-seed weight, pod length, branching, and pod count per plant. Subsequent proximate analysis determined moisture, dry matter, crude fat, ash, crude fibre, and crude protein content. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed across all agronomic and biochemical traits among the varieties. The improved variety IT04K-332-1 produced the highest seed yield (272.00 g/plot), whereas Botoro recorded the lowest yield (9.50 g/plot). Conversely, Botoro exhibited the highest crude protein content, while IT04K-332-1 had the lowest. A positive correlation was found among crude protein, dry matter, branching, and 100-seed weight, but crude protein was negatively correlated with overall seed yield. This inverse relationship indicates a distinct trade-off between nutritional quality and grain production. Consequently, IT04K-332-1 is recommended for commercial farmers seeking maximum grain yield, while Botoro is recommended for targeted high-protein nutritional applications.
Victoria Odutayo· FUDMA Journal of Sciences· 0 citations
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important warm-season multipurpose legume valued for its
nutritional quality, adaptability, and contribution to sustainable agriculture. Morphological
characterization of germplasm is essential for the identification of distinct genotypes, assessment of
phenotypic diversity, and selection of suitable parental lines for crop improvement programmes. The
present investigation was undertaken to characterize the morphological diversity of thirty vegetable
cowpea genotypes using qualitative descriptors under summer conditions. The experiment was
conducted during the summer of 2024 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Regional Horticultural Research
Station (RHRS), ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat.
Thirty genotypes, including twenty-nine diverse accessions and one standard check (Pusa Phalguni),
were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications under three sowing
dates. Ten qualitative morphological traits were recorded following the standardized IPGRI/IITA
cowpea descriptor guidelines. Substantial phenotypic variation was observed for all qualitative
descriptors, indicating the presence of a broad genetic base among the evaluated genotypes. Plant growth
habit varied from erect (26.7%) and semi-erect (23.3%) to bush (20.0%), pole type (20.0%), and
horizontal (10.0%). Kidney-shaped seeds were predominant (43.3%), followed by elliptical (33.3%) and
rhomboid (23.3%) seeds. Considerable variation was also recorded for climbing tendency, plant
pigmentation, terminal leaflet shape, leaf colour, leaf texture, flower colour, pod curvature, and mature
pod colour. Flower colour was equally represented by white, yellow, and purple types, while curved pods
and green mature pods were the most frequent phenotypes. The observed diversity demonstrates the
distinct morphological identity of the evaluated germplasm and highlights the usefulness of qualitative
descriptors for varietal characterization. The wide range of morphological variation observed among the
cowpea genotypes provides valuable genetic resources for germplasm conservation and characterization.
Genotypes possessing desirable traits such as erect growth habit, non-climbing tendency, kidney-shaped
seeds, and straight green pods may serve as promising parental lines for vegetable cowpea improvement
programmes aimed at developing high-yielding and agronomically superior cultivars
M. N, V. Parmar, Y. Tandel et al.· Plant Archives· 0 citations
A study was undertaken with 20 genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to evaluate 16 quantitative and qualitative traits and 2 biochemical traits to estimate the genetic variability between yield and its components at the Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Among all genotypes, 596 were found promising for both yield and quality traits. Yield showed significant positive correlation with average fruit weight (28.99 g), pericarp thickness (0.37 cm), equatorial diameter of fruits (1.25 cm) and number of fruits (79.63). Formation of 5 clusters in dendrogram show the similarity among different traits. Genotype T-53 recorded the highest acidity (0.395 %) whereas genotype T-20 recorded the highest T.S.S. (8.2 0brix). Genotype 596 recorded the highest yield/1000 sq m (144.27 q)
P. K. Singh, R. Gautam, Zakir Hussain et al.· Progressive Horticulture· 0 citations
Background: Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) walp.] productivity is limited by soil and environmental factors, along with its narrow genetic base which collectively reduces the photosynthetic efficiency by reducing key photosynthetic components and nitrogen assimilation. Therefore, improving productivity requires developing stress-resilient and genetically diverse varieties. Induced mutagenesis offers an effective approach to create genetic variability and enhance crop performance for sustainable agriculture. Methods: The laboratory and pot culture experiments were conducted at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu from August 2025 to December 2025aimed to study the effects of chemical mutagens, Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS) and Ethidium Bromide (EtBr), on seedling growth, physiological and biochemical traits in the M1 generation of cowpea variety CO (CP) 7. Seeds were treated with five concentrations of EMS (20-40 mM) and EtBr (0.05-0.25 mM) along with a control and observations were recorded under a completely randomized design with three replications. Result: Results revealed significant variation among treatments. Moderate doses of EMS (20 and 25 mM) and EtBr (0.05 and 0.10 mM) enhanced germination, root length, shoot length and seedling height, indicating a stimulatory hermetic effect. In contrast, higher doses reduced growth parameters and increased seedling injury. Photosynthetic traits such as total chlorophyll, carotenoids and soluble protein improved at lower doses but declined sharply at higher concentrations. Nitrate reductase activity and total soluble sugars increased under mild treatments but decreased under severe mutagen stress. Proline accumulation showed a dose-dependent increase, reflecting stress response. The LD50 range was identified between EMS 30-35 mM and EtBr 0.15-0.20 mM. Principal component analysis revealed that PC1 explained 88.4% of the total variation. PC1 showed a positive association with growth and metabolic traits and a negative association with seedling injury and proline. Overall, moderate mutagen doses were optimal for inducing useful variability and can serve as effective selection criteria in cowpea breeding programs.
G. Gayathri, R. Sathya, S. Kumar et al.· Indian Journal of Agricultur...· 0 citations
Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a high-value horticultural crop; however, winter freezing injury significantly limits its introduction and stable production in cold-temperate regions. In this study, annual shoots of 16 major sweet cherry cultivars were collected during the dormancy phase and subjected to a simulated low-temperature gradient. Eight physiological indicators, namely, relative electrolyte conductivity (REC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, osmoregulatory substances, and antioxidant enzyme activities, were systematically measured along with the poststress recovery growth percentage (RP). The semilethal temperature (LT50) was calculated using a logistic equation, and a multidimensional comprehensive evaluation system for cold tolerance was constructed using the membership function method, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. The results indicated that low-temperature stress significantly induced membrane lipid peroxidation and osmotic compensation in the shoots. PCA revealed four principal components—osmoregulation potential, cell membrane damage threshold, cold-protective protein synthesis, and membrane stability—with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 79.47%. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between LT50 (reflecting thermodynamic survival capacity) and the recovery growth percentage (reflecting poststress regenerative capacity), suggesting that “passive endurance” and “active recovery” in sweet cherries are two relatively independent physiological processes. The comprehensive evaluation model classified the 16 cultivars into four cold-tolerance tiers: High Tolerance (Russia 8, Reid, Pacific Red, and Brooks); Moderate-High Tolerance (Tieton, Jiahong, Sandra Rose, and Rivedel); Moderate-Low Tolerance (Luyu, Rocket, Tamara, Lapins, Frisco, and Taisho-nishiki); and Sensitive (Summit and Kordia). The four-dimensional evaluation model developed in this study provides a scientific basis for cultivar selection in cold regions and offers a theoretical reference for the trade-off of traits in future molecular breeding for cold resistance in cherries.
Dilraba Muhtar, Abduxukur Yakup, Wenwen Li et al.· International Journal of Mol...· 0 citations
