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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Characterization of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars using DUS based descriptors & microsatellite markers(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Kushwaha, Nitesh; Kant, RaviA study was undertaken to evaluate 22 local lowland rice cultivars employing DUS based descriptors and to investigate the SSR marker-based polymorphism for the purpose of characterization, differentiation and estimation of genetic diversity among cultivars employed in the investigation. The present investigation was carried out during kharif, 2018 at Rice Breeding Section, Pusa Farm, Pusa, Bihar. The experimental design used was Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications and molecular diversity analysis using SSR markers was carried out in the molecular laboratory of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Dr. R.P.C.A.U, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. Out of 36 DUS descriptors taken under study, no variation was found in traits like coleoptile color, presence of auricles and leaf collar, split ligule, presence of secondary branching and straw colored sterile lemma. Shyamala had uniform purple, basal leaf sheath color. Culm altitude was spreading in Singhara. Color of stigma in most of cases was white and purple in few genotypes like Janaki, Madhukar, Meghnad, Shyamala. Tip of lemma of Madhukar and Ujala Dhusaria was Red and purple in case of Janki, Shyamala and Meghnad. Singhara was the only awned variety, having white awns which were distributed throughout the panicles. All the cultivars were non aromatic. Barogar bears broadest grain and Cultivar BPT-5204-Sub-1 bears narrowest grains. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the character. Brasali was the highest yielder suggesting that it can be used for crossing programme for improvement in yield. High values of GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for grain yield per plant, 1000 grain weight and plant height indicating that these traits can be used as selection indices for yield improvement. Grain length, root volume, panicle length of main axis, number of panicles, showed positive significant correlation with grain yield per plant. Hence, selection for any one of these characters would ultimately bring improvement of in grain yield. Grain length, root volume, panicle length of main axis and leaf length showed high direct effect on grain yield per plant. Hence, selection based on these characters would be more effective for yield improvement. Twenty-two genotypes of rice were grouped into six clusters using Tocher‘s method. The cluster I consists of maximum number of genotypes forming the largest cluster followed by cluster VI having three genotypes. Maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster III and cluster IV, thus may be utilized in future for heterosis breeding programme for getting high yielding recombinants. A total of 15 loci were assigned to the fifteen primer pairs. Altogether 33 allelic variants were detected among the twenty-two cultivars with an average of 2.2 alleles per locus. A total of 33 shared and 3 unique allelic variants were generated in the form of amplified products. The highest PIC values observed was 0.71 for primer RM-70. The magnitude of Dice similarity coefficient between Silhat and Shyama was found to be maximum whereas it was minimum for Pankaj and Meghnad. By drawing the phenon line at 25 similarity units, perusal of dendrogram clearly indicates that the entries were basically divided into five clusters. Cluster A had maximum (10) genotypes followed by cluster C (7) genotypes, cluster B (4) genotypes, cluster D and E were mono-genotypic.ThesisItem Open Access Character association and divergence analysis in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Mohanty, Tushar Arun; Singh, Umesh KumarThe investigation entitled “Character association and divergence analysis in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)” was carried out with 30 genotypes including a check namely Krishna. The genotypes were grown in randomised block design with three replications during Kharif 2018 at research farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi. Investigation was carried out on variability, character association, path analysis and genetic divergence for quantitative characters viz plant height(cm), days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of productive branches/plant, height of 1st capsule(cm), number of productive capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, biological yield per plant, harvest index(%), 1000 seed weight(g), stearic acid(%), linolenic acid(%), linoleic acid(%), oleic acid(%), palmitic acid(%), oil content (%),oil yield per plant(g) and seed yield per plant(g). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant variation among the genotypes for all the characters. The variability study indicated high to moderate phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation accompanied by high heritability and high to moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean for traits like plant height(cm), days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of productive branches/plant, height of 1st capsule(cm), number of productive capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, biological yield per plant, harvest index(%), 1000 seed weight(g), stearic acid(%), linolenic acid(%), linoleic acid(%), oleic acid(%), palmitic acid(%), oil content (%),oil yield per plant(g) and seed yield per plant(g). This study indicates preponderance of additive gene effect, which will help to make selection in early segregating generation. The genetic advance as per cent mean suggesting still there is scope for further improvement of genotypes for these characters. Correlation studies indicated that seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive association with plant height, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of seeds per capsule, biological yield per plant, oil yield per plant as well as among themselves at phenotypic and genotypic level under both environments. However, seed yield per plant showed negative significant correlation with linolenic acid, linoleic acid and oil content. Path analysis revealed that highest positive direct effect was exhibited by Path coefficient analysis revealed that oil yield per plant exerted the highest positive direct effect on seed yield, days to first flowering and plant height Thus, these characters may be used as selection criteria for respective environments. The highest negative direct effect was showed by Number of seeds per capsule and oil content. The thirty genotypes taken for genetic divergence analysis differed significantly with regard to the characters studied and displayed marked divergence and grouped into four clusters following Tocher’s method. Cluster I had twenty seven genotypes. Cluster II, cluster III and cluster IV were monogenotypic comprises only one genotype. The character oil content exhibited maximum contribution towards divergence. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster III and IV followed by cluster I and IV, cluster I and III, cluster I and II, cluster I and III and cluster II and IV indicating the chances of getting high yielding recombinants would be better if the crosses are made among the genotypes of these groups under timely sown condition. The genotypes in cluster III and cluster IV, due to maximum inter cluster distance between them, exhibited high degree of genetic diversity and thus may be utilized under inter varietal hybridization programme (transgressive breeding) for getting high yielding recombinants.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic diversity study of QPM inbreds (Zea mays L.) using morphological characters and microsatellite markers(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Singh, Digvijay; Kumar, AjayA study was undertaken to characterize and evaluate twenty five locally adapted inbred lines of QPM for various morphological characters to estimate the extent of genetic diversity among these maize inbred lines using morphological and molecular characterization. The present investigation field research work was undertaken during kharif2018 in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replication having plot size of 1.5 x 4.0 = 6 m2 at TCA Dholi farm and molecular work was performed in the molecular breeding laboratory, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, R.P.C.A.U,Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. The characters studied were Days to 75% tasseling, Days to 75% silking, Daysto 75% brown husk, Plant height(cm), Ear height(cm), Ear length(cm), Ear girth (cm),Tassel length (cm), Number of kernel rows per ear, Number of kernels per row and Grain yield (Kg/ha) The morphological characterization includebiometrical analysis namely, genetic variability, heritability (broad sense), geneticadvance as per cent of mean, Character association analysis, Path analysis, geneticdivergence using D2 statistic by Tocher’s method Similarly Molecularcharacterization of maize inbred lines involved. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the inbred lines for all the parameters .From the variability studies, high magnitude of GCV and was observed for Grain yield (kg/ha) indicating the importance of these traits in evolution and selection of inbred lines for yield improvement under maize breeding programme. High heritability accompanied with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for ear length (cm), plant height, ear height and grain yield (kg/ha) indicating effectiveness of selection due to preponderance of additive gene action for these traits and direct selection may be effective for these traits. Correlation studies indicated that Plant height (cm), Ear height (cm), Ear length (cm), Ear girth (cm), Number of Kernel rows/ear, number of kernels/row showed significant positive association with grain yield as well as among themselves at phenotypic and genotypic level. All the 25 QPM inbred lines were grouped into 7 clusters using D2 statistics usingTochers method (Morphological characterization) and 5 clusters using Jaccard similarity coefficient analysis (Molecular characterization) shows that inbred linesviz., CML-2501-170, CML61*65-18, CLQ*CL-26, CML*CL02843-12, CLQ-RCYQ-41included in the same cluster indicating thereby that these inbred lines of maize are relatively more closely related to each other with respect to the morphological and molecular characterization under consideration in the present investigation. The maximum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster IV and minimum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster III. The highest inter cluster distance was observed in between Cluster I and VI. Genotype from these clusters may be selected as parents for hybridization programme for developing new hybrid combinations. Among 299 combinations, ear length ranked 1st followed by grain yield, ear height, plant height, days to 75 % tasseling, tassel length, no. of kernels per row, ear girth, days to 75 % silking and No. of kernel rows per ear, The maximum cluster mean was observed in cluster III and minimum cluster mean was observed in cluster VI. Therefore, selection ofparents from different clusters might be done for desired traits on the basis of highercluster mean values, suggesting scope for Improvement in these characters. A panel of thirteen primers, namelyphi036, phi029, umc1963, phi083, umc1304, umc1545, phi453121, umc1165, umc1403, umc1265, umc1161, umc1367 and phi059 generated amplified products due to amplification of single locus was successfully used to achieve the targeted amplification and the polymorphism was recognized on the basis of presence or absence ofbands, in addition to variation in respect of number and position of bands. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two in the cases umc1367, phi059, umc1161, umc1161 to five in the cases of phi036. A total of 26 loci were assigned to the 13 SSR primer pairs. Altogether 41 alleles were detected among the eighteen maize inbred lines with an average of 3.15 alleles per locus across 25 QPM inbred lines using 13 SSR markers. A total of 4 unique alleles were observed for the 13 SSR primer pairs used with an average of 0.31 unique alleles per primer. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values, which reflect allele diversity and frequency of the markers among the inbred lines, were not uniform for all the primer pairs tested. Numerically, the value was found to vary from 0.339 in the case of umc1265 to 0.678 in the case of phi083 and phi029. In general, the level of polymorphism determined by PIC values was quite high and varied considerably among SSR primers. The average PIC value of 0.543, which was obtained in this study, confirms that SSR primers utilized for molecular characterization of inbred lines under evaluation were, in general, highly informative. Since PIC values higher than 0.5 reflect high informative ability of the markers and all the primer pairs with high PIC values were highly informative. The pair-wise estimates of similarity coefficients ranged from 0.000 to 1.00. A close perusal of the data on similarity coefficients clearly indicates that the magnitude of similarity coefficient between CLQ-RCYQ-41 and CLQ-RCYQ-28 (1.00) was the maximum amongst pair-wise combinations of entries under evaluation in the present study. A perusal of the dendrogram clearly indicates that the entries were basically divided into five clusters for the purpose of deriving inference about the pattern of divergence amongst the entries at the molecular level. Use of SSR markers appeared more efficient in achieving unique and unambiguous characterization and differentiation of inbred lines used in the present study. The SSR analysis also revealed unique or variety specific allele, which could be useful as DNA fingerprints in the identification and preservation of maize inbred lines.ThesisItem Open Access Agro morphological and molecular characterization of local rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Sinha, Naincy; Kumar, RajeshThe present investigation was carried out at Rice Research Farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Pusa during kharif 2018 and molecular work in plant breeding and genetics laboratory in the month of Feb –April. It was done to assess the Agro-morphological characterization, genetic variability, Correlation, Path Coefficient analysis, genetic divergence (Cluster analysis), and molecular characterisation. The experimental material consisted of 23 rice landraces including check Sugandha. Analysis of variance indicated that the mean sum of squares due to treatments were significant for all fifteen quantitative trait. High estimates of PCV were observed for traits grain yield per plant, days to50% flowering, plant height, panicle length of main axis, panicle number per plant, length of leaf blade, width of leaf blade, 1000 grain weight, grain width, decorticated grain length, decorticated grain width, root volume. In present set of materials high heritability with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for panicle length of main axis, panicle number per plant, length of leaf blade, root volume, grain yield per plant. The highest magnitude of coefficient of variation was noted for grain yield per plant followed by panicle number per plant, panicle length of main axis, width of leaf blade, decorticated grain width, stem thickness. In the present investigation simple correlation coefficients among fifteen quantitative characters revealed that grain yield per plant had significant positive correlation with panicle number per plant. Path analysis revealed very high positive direct effect by days to 50% flowering, length of leaf blade,1000 grain weight, grain length, root volume and decorticated grain length and very high negative direct effect by days to maturity, plant height, stem thickness, panicle length of main axis, decorticated grain length on grain yield per plant. Hence, selection based on these characters would be more effective for yield improvement. The landraces in cluster D and cluster E due to maximum inter cluster distance between them, exhibited high degree of genetic diversity and thus may be utilized in future breeding programme for getting high yielding recombinants. Cluster D showed higher mean performance for most of the yield attributing characters therefore, selection of parents from this cluster would be effective. Grain yield per plant followed by 1000 grain weight, root volume, days to 50% flowering, length of leaf blade, grain width were major characters contributing towards genetic divergence. Scoring was done for 31 morphological DUS descriptors on rice as per the IIRR (formerly known as DRR) guidelines. Out of 31 characteristics, 6 were monomorphic, partially monomorphic was found in single trait, 6 were dimorphic and 18 were polymorphic. . The dimorphic and polymorphic characters showed their potential for genotype characterization. The landrace sathi-1 was observed to be more distinct, with the rarest morphological feature like no panicle exertion, black lemma and palea colour, early flowering and early maturity were observed. The landrace Parwa Pankhi with unique feature i.e. longest sterile lemma. Character decorticated grain aroma divided 23 landraces into scented and non- scented landraces. Scented landraces are Lalmati, Rajbhog, kankirbi, sugandha, Kasturi, Basmati-570, Marcha-1, Marcha-2, Tarori Basmati, CSR-30. The descriptors offering the most discrimination were lemma and palea colour, flag leaf: attitude at early and late observation. A panel of fifteen primers, namely RM 555, RM 5791, RM 566, RM28166, RM 70, RM 286, RM 319, RM 321, RM 324, RM 416, RM431, RM520, RM521, MRG 2805, and MRG2894 generated amplified products Altogether 81 allelic variants were detected among the twenty-three rice genotypes with an average of 3.52 alleles per primer. A total of 74 shared and 7 unique allelic variants were generated in the form of amplified products by using 15 primer pairs. Considerably the greater number of alleles had been detected in primers RM520, RM321, RM70, MRG2894, and MRG2805. RM566, RM520, RM324, RM321, RM70, MRG2894 generated considerably unique alleles rest the primer pairs generated shared alleles. The PIC values revealing allele diversity and frequency among the landraces varied from 0.32 in the case of RM286 to 0.87 in the case of RM520 and RM521 with an average of 0.725 per primer. The pair-wise estimates of similarity coefficients ranged from 0.062 to 0.733. The magnitude of Dice similarity coefficient between Dihawan and Moti; Sugapankhi and Lalka Dhan (0.7333) was found to be the maximum.By drawing the phenon line at 25 similarity units. A perusal of the dendrogram clearly indicates that the entries were basically divided into four groups. Cluster I, II, III, IV consisting 13, 2, 7, 1 landraces respectively. Analysis of divergence pattern based on morphological and molecular characterization having 15 quantitative traits and fifteen SSR markers allowed differentiation and classification of twenty three rice landraces into five and four clusters, respectively revealed that genotype Marcha-1, Marcha-2; Jadhan, Rajbhog; Karahani Dudha Ladu, Moti, Parwa Pankhi, Lalka Dhan belong to same group in both clusters showed high similarity between genotypes present in same clusters.ThesisItem Open Access Characterization of rice varieties using phenotypic descriptors and genomic markers(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Chhaya, Ruchika; NilanjayaThe present investigation was carried out at Mysore plot of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar during Kharif 2018 using twenty two rice varieties in Randomized Block Design with three replications to characterize them using phenotypic descriptors and genomic markers. The observations were recorded on thirty four qualitative traits and fifteen putative traits that included morphological traits viz., days to fifty per cent flowering, days to maturity, stem length excluding panicle, stem thickness, panicle length of main axis, panicle number per plant, length of leaf blade, width of leaf blade, 1000-grain weight, grain length, grain width, decorticated grain length, decorticated grain width, root volume and grain yield per plant. The different statistical parameters used for interpretation of data were Analysis of variance, Genotypic and Phenotypic variance, Genotypic and Phenotypic coefficient of variance, Heritability, Genetic advance, Correlation coefficient analysis, Path coefficient analysis and Genetic diversity to study nature and magnitude of variability and diversity. Characterization was also done on the molecular level using fifteen SSR markers for all the twenty two rice entries. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the accessions for all the characters. Environmental influence was meagre on expression of these characters as it was evident by narrow gap between genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. The genotypes exhibited high variability for the characters days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, stem length, length of leaf blade, 1000 grain weight and root volume. Length of leaf blade and decorticated grain width depicted very high GCV and PCV, indicating the importance of these traits in evaluation for selecting the genotypes. In present set of materials high heritability with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, length of leaf blade, 1000 grain weight, grain length, grain width, decorticated grain length, decorticated grain width and grain yield per plant indicating preponderance of additive gene effect, which will facilitate selection in early segregating generation. Stem thickness, width of leaf blade, 1000 grain weight, grain width, decorticated grain width and root volume showed significant positive correlation with yield and have positive direct effect at phenotypic level indicating the importance of these characters for further yield improvement. Path analysis revealed traits like days to maturity and decorticated grain length had positive direct effect as well indirect effect on grain yield at genotypic level and at phenotypic level. Twenty two genotypes of Rice were grouped into 5 clusters using Tocher‟s clustering method. Cluster I had 18 genotypes, cluster II, III, IV and V each had one genotype i.e. monogenotypic. Highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster II and cluster V. The maximum contribution in the manifestation of genetic divergence was exhibited by length of leaf blade. Based on the results of all major parameters including morphological indices under present investigation, genotypes Dular and Rajendra Saraswati appeared to be outstanding performers. Observations taken for 34 qualitative traits among twenty two varieties indicated that eighteen traits (coleoptiles color, culm attitude, anthocyanin color of keel, stem anthocyanin colouration of internodes, panicle colour of awns (late observation), distribution of awns, sterile lemma colour, panicle excertion, leaf auricles, leaf anthocyanin color of auricles, leaf collar, leaf ligule, decorticated grain color, leaf shape of ligule, decorticated grain aroma, leaf collar color, stem anthocyanin coloration of nodes, presence of secondary branching in panicles) did not show any variation. Remaining characters shows significant variations. Amplification reaction was performed with fifteen microsatellite based SSR primers targeting the chromosomes of the rice genome. Amplification was successfully achieved with all the primer pairs. A total of 92 shared and 48 unique allelic variants were generated by using the fifteen primer pairs. The number of shared alleles per locus ranged from four in case of RM 319 and MRG 2805 HAU 2805 to eleven in case of RM 5791. Similarly, the number of unique alleles per locus ranged from one in case of RM 319 and MRG 2894 IRRI 2894 to ten in the case of RM 521. The cluster analysis based on similarity index of simple matching grouped the studied rice genotypes into six clusters, and no geographical isolation was observed.ThesisItem Open Access Diversity in mid late Sugarcane clones and their molecular characterisation(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Kumari, Pooja; Kumar, BalwantThe present investigation entitle ‘Diversity in mid late sugarcane clones and their molecular characterisation’ was undertaken with thirteen mid-late maturing sugarcane which were planted during 2018 at Research Farm of RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar in randomized block design with three replications to assess the variability parameters viz, variance and coefficient of variances at phenotypic and genotypic level, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean, correlation between pair of productive characters its direct and indirect effects on sugar yield, extent of diversity among the clones and its molecular characterizations. Observations were recorded for cane and sugar yield attributing traits viz, germination percentage at 45 Days, number of tillers (000/ha) at 120 DAP, number of shoots (000/ha) at 240 days, plant height (cm) at harvest, cane diameter at harvest (cm), brix % at 10 month stage, pol % at 10 months stage, purity % at 10 months stage, CCS % at 10 month stage, brix % at 12 month stage, pol % at 12 months stage, purity % at 12 months stage, CCS % at 12 month stage, single cane weight at harvest, fiber % at harvest, extraction % at harvest, pol % in cane at harvest, cane yield (t/ha) and CCS t/ha (sugar yield) at harvest.Observed data were subjected to statistical analysis to fulfill the objectives under study. Analysis of variance showed highly significant difference for all the character indicating wide range of variability existing among the clones. The clones CoP2061 and CoLk15469 were performed best for sugar yield and its attributing traits. Higher numerical values of phenotypic variances were observed for all the traits with respect to its genotypic counterpart, similarly highermagnitude of PCV was recorded for all the traits with respect to GCV indicating greater environmental influence on these traits for total variation. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of means was observed for sugar yield, cane yield, germination % at 45 days, cane height, single cane weight at harvest and fiber % at harvest. Therefore, it indicates the presence of additive gene action forsimple Title of Thesis : “DIVERSITY IN MID LATE SUGARCANE CLONES AND THEIR MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION” Name of Student : POOJA KUMARI Registration Number : M/PBG/129/2017-18 Year : 2019 Major Subject : Plant Breeding & Genetics Minor Subject : Agricultural Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Major Advisor : Dr. Balwant Kumar Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa, Bihar. Total pages in thesis : 103 + xi (Bibliography) + 1-12(Appendix) selection based on phenotype for these characters might be effective method for sugarcane variety improvement breeding programme. At phenotypic and genotypic level the characters viz. germination % at 45 days, number of shoots at 240 days, no. of milliable canes at harvest, cane height at harvest, pol % in juice at 12 month, purity % at 12 month, CCS %12 month, brix at 12 month, single cane weight, extraction %, pol % in cane showed highly significant and positive correlation with CCS t/ha (sugar yield). At genotypic level, pol % in cane showed high and positive direct effect on sugar yield followed by brix % at 12 month stage, fiber % at harvest, CCS % at 12 month and brix% at 10 month while Pol % in juice at 12 month exhibited maximum negative direct effect on sugar yield followed by pol % in juice at 10 month stage , CCS % at 10 month stage.Maximum positive indirect effect effect exhibited by pol % at 12 month stage via.pol % in cane followed by via., CCS % at 12 month stage, fiber % at harvest and brix % at harvest. Maximum negative indirect effect exhibited by CCS % at 12 month stage followed by via. pol % in juice at 10 month. All the thirteen clones were grouped into three clusters among them only cluster I contain eleven clones while others two were monogenotypic. The maximum inter cluster distance was found between cluster I &II followed by cluster I & III and cluster II & III while intra cluster distance was exhibited only in cluster I. Fiber % at harvest had highest percentage contribution toward genetic divergence followed sugar yield, brix % at 12 month, single cane weight, pol % in cane at harvest, brix % at 10 month, extraction % at harvest, no. of tiller at 120 days, cane height, cane diameter, pol % at 10 month. Clustering pattern showed that the genetic diversity was more important than geographical diversity because genotypes belonging to different places of origin were also present in the same clusters.This indicated that selection of genotypes for these traits may be rewarding for future utilization in breeding programme. A total of 56 alleles were obtained out of which 41 shared and 15 unique allelic variants were generated in the form of amplified product by polymerase chain reaction using eleven primer pairs.The PIC values revealing allelic diversity and frequency among the genotypes varied from 0.36 in case of NKS 57 to 0.90 in case of NKS 1 with an average of 0.62. The similarity coefficients revealing genetic similarity with respect to size of the amplified products generated from targeted regions of the genome varied from 0.518 to 0.857 for the pair wise combinations amongst thirteen entries under evaluation. Two Clusters were obtained when phenon line was drawn at twenty five similarity units. Cluster I consist of ten genotypes. The tri-genotypic cluster II consist of three genotypes. When phenon level draw at fifty similarity unit cluster I and II further divided in sub -clusters.It is concluded that use of SSR marker is very reliable approach for identification of diverse genotype(s) where phenotypic similarity of the cultivars leads to difficulty while selections of parents for hybridization.ThesisItem Open Access Morphological and molecular characterization of early maturing sugarcane clones (Saccharum officinarum L.)(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Singh, Rajvinder; Kamat, D.N.An investigation was undertaken to identify sugarcane varieties suitable for identification of early maturing genotypes for higher sugar yield at Research Farm of Dr. R.P.C.A.U, Pusa. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications during spring season 2018.Variability, correlation, and path analysis in twelve varieties of sugarcane for twenty one different morphological and juice quality characters were studied in relation with the checks viz. CoLk94184 and CoSe95422. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for purity at 8th and 10th months and plant height at harvest and highly significant differences for all other characters studied. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was highest for Sugar yield (CCS) at harvest (t/ha) among the early maturing clones. The highest heritability estimate was obtained for character Brix at 8th month stage (95.7%) followed by Pol in juice at 8th month stage (95.4%) and Brix at 10th month stage (95.1%). Genetic advance as percent of means was found to be highest in Sugar yield (CCS) at harvest (40.73 t/ha) followed by cane yield (38.51 t/ha), single cane weight (29.57 kg). The character sugar yield was observed to have highest and positive genotypic correlation of sugar yield was exhibited by the character number of millable canes at harvest (0.977) followed by cane yield at harvest (0.963). However, it was negatively correlated with purity percentage at 8 months stage (-0.491), cane diameter at harvest (-0.363), number of internodes at harvest (-0.263), length of internodes at harvest (-0.081) and fibre percentage at harvest (-0.039) at genotypic level. The character sugar yield was observed to have high significant and positive phenotypic association for the trait germination percentage at 45 DAP (0.510**) while non- significant and positive association was observed for the traits cane yield at harvest (0.955) followed by single cane weight at harvest (0.820). On the other hand, it was found that the traits cane diameter at harvest (-0.236), number of internodes at harvest (-0.151) and length of internodes at harvest (-0.099) had non-significant negative phenotypic association with sugar yield. Positive direct effect on sugar yield at phenotypic level was exerted maximally by cane yield at harvest (t/ha) followed by CCS percentage at 10 month stage and pol in juice at 10 month stage whereas at genotypic level maximum positive direct effect was observed in case of pol percentage in cane at harvest followed by single cane weight (kg) and brix percentage at 10 months. Clustering pattern showed that the genetic diversity was more important than geographical diversity. Character contribution towards divergence shows highly in extraction percentage at harvest followed CCS percentage at 10th month stage, pol percentage in cane at harvest,sugar yield (CCS) at harvest and purity at 10th month stage. Molecular characterization of the clones was done using a panel of 11 SSR primer pairs and reproducible amplification was successfully achieved with Polymorphic Information Content of the primers ranging from 0.034 to 0.778. Therefore, from this present investigation, clones CoP15436, CoP15437, CoSe15455, CoLk15467, CoLk15501 and CoSe01421 have been screened to be superior in terms of total sucrose percentage in comparison to the checks and hence can be used as donor parents for sugarcane breeding programme.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic diversity in elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) of Bihar(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Govindbhai, Zala Rakesh; Narayan, AshishThe present study was undertaken with twenty-one germplasm accessions of elephant foot yam, which was obtained from germplasm collections at T.C.A., Dholi, including one released variety Gajendra. The experiment was carried out at T.C.A., Dholi Research Farm of Dr. R.P.C.A.U., Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, in a completely Randomized Block Design with two replications during 2018 for study of Genetic diversity in elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) of Bihar. Data were collected for ten characters viz., days to sprouting, pseudostem length (cm), pseudostem girth (cm), leaf canopy diameter (cm), chlorophyll content (SPAD), calcium oxalate (mg/100gm), dry matter (%), days to maturity, no. of cormels per plant and corm weight per plant (Kg.). Statistical analysis carried out were, analysis of variance, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient analysis, path analysis and genetic diversity. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the germplasm for all the ten characters under study. Maximum range was found for the characters like pseudostem length followed by leaf canopy diameter, days to sprouting, days to maturity, chlorophyll content, pseudostem girth and no. of cormels per plant. The phenotypic coefficient of variance was greater than genotypic coefficient of variance for all the characters under study and high magnitude of PCV and GCV were observed for traits like no. of cormels per plant followed by corm weight per plant, pseudostem length, days to sprouting, pseudostem girth, calcium oxalate, chlorophyll content and leaf canopy diameter indicating that these traits could be used for corm yield improvement. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance expressed as percentage of mean were observed for characters like days to sprouting, pseudostem length, pseudostem girth, leaf canopy diameter, chlorophyll content, calcium oxalate, no. of cormels per plant and corm weight per plant indicating effectiveness of selection due to preponderance of additive gene action for these traits and direct selection may be effective for these traits. The characters like pseudostem girth, pseudostem length, chlorophyll content and leaf canopy diameter had highly significant and positive correlation with corm weight per plant. Such correlation indicates true relationship and thus assists in predicting corm yield. Path analysis revealed that chlorophyll content had high positive direct effect on corm weight per plant. While, psuedostem length and calcium oxalate had moderate positive direct effect on corm weight per plant. Thus, these characters have to be given importance in selection process for improvement in corm yield. All the twenty one germplasm were grouped into five clusters using D2 statistics following clustering suggested by Tocher. Highest inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and V (238.93) followed by cluster I and IV (229.41) and cluster III and V (172.38) on the basis of their genetic distances. Germplasm from these clusters may be utilized under inter varietal hybridization programme for getting superior recombinants. Cluster IV showed maximum cluster mean values for corm weight per plant (1.61) and attributing characters like pseudostem girth (14.50), leaf canopy diameter (117.40), chlorophyll content (36.15), calcium oxalate (10.93), dry matter (22.60) and days to maturity (208.00), while cluster II showed maximum cluster mean values for pseudostem length (67.19). Therefore, selection of parents from different clusters might be done for desired traits on the basis of higher cluster mean values. Calcium oxalate followed by corm weight per plant, days to sprouting and no. of cormels per plant were having maximum contribution towards total divergence.