Purple-podded French bean with high antioxidant content

B. K. Singh, K. A. Pathak, Y. Ramakrishna, V. K. Verma and B. C. Deka

ICAR News: A Science and Technology Newsletter 17 (3): 9, 2011
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

A unique French bean line (MZFB 44, IC-0595238) having attractive and colourful purple pods, might be mutant, has been collected from Sherkhan, Kolasib, Mizoram. Unlike green-podded genotypes, the line has dark purple flowers, purple pedicels and petioles, and also purplish leaf venation. The pods are green for first 6-8 days, and then turn completely purple in the next 8-10 days. Immature, tender and fresh pods are rich in anthocyanin content (7.08 mg/ 100 g fresh weight); 16 times higher than the normal green-podded genotypes. This pole-type purple-podded line flowers at 35-40 days after sowing (DAS) and pods are ready for first harvest at around 60-65 DAS with a crop duration of 95-105 days. On an average, the weight and the length of each tender pod are 16.5 g and 17.1 cm, respectively; containing approximately 8.1 seeds. Seeds are kidney-shaped, light brown and 100 seeds weigh approximately 25.0 g. The line bears 10-12 pods/ plant and yields 170-185 g fresh pods/ plant in a total of 6-7 pickings during the rainy season (April-July). On an average, 5-6 seeds are sown in each hill at a spacing of 60 cm × 75 cm during 2^nd week of April, and vine is supported on bamboo-sticks or dried branches. The yield potential (tender pods) of MZFB 44 is 13.5-15.0 tonnes/ ha. Other than being high yield potential and health benefits, the line has ability to penetrate Metro markets, especially hotels, for decorating salad and food items.

                               Purple-podded French bean line (MZFB 44, IC-0595238) 

Effects of vermicompost, fertilizer and mulch on plant growth, nodulation and pod yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

B.K. Singh, K.A. Pathak, A.K. Verma, V.K. Verma and B.C. Deka

Vegetable Crops Research Bulletin 74: 153-165, 2011

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Integration of vermicompost and organic mulch as elements of vegetable production system sustain soil fertility and crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted with the objective to investigate the effects of vermicompost, NPK fertilizer and organic mulch on crop growth, nodulation and pod yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) with an ultimate aim of optimizing water and nutrient requirement in mild-tropical climate during dry season. The shoot growth traits, namely shoot length, number of primary branches, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight were increased by 28-63 % through application of N P₂O₅ K₂O 8:13:10 kg/ha + vermicompost 3.75 t/ha and by 5-50 % in organic mulching treatments. Application of vermicompost reduced nodule fresh weight and nodule dry weight by 44.9 and 44.5 %, respectively. Likewise, corresponding nodule number, nodule fresh weight and nodule dry weight were reduced by 8.6, 11.1 and 14.1 % with organic mulching. Poor nodulations might be due to reduced oxygenation of the soils under vermicompost and organic mulch which is ultimately impeding the nitrogenase activity and biological nitrogen fixation. Mulching of French bean with dried grasses and crop residues are also led to higher single pod weight, pod length, pod weight/ plant and pod yield by 10.9, 12.8, 20.1 and 20.2 %, respectively. Present study shows that application of N P₂O₅ K₂O fertilizer 8-15:13-25:10-20 kg/ha, vermicompost 2.50-3.75 t/ha, 4 cm thick mulch of dried crop residues and 50 % irrigation is the most suitable and sustainable strategy to improve plant growth, pod formation and pod yield of French bean, and soil health of mild-tropical climate during dry season. 

Key words: French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), mulching, vermicompost, nodulation, pod yield, split plot design (SPD).

Gene action of economic traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

V Prasad, V K Dwivedi, A A Deshpande and B K Singh

Vegetable Science 37 (1): 97-99, 2010

 Twenty eight cross combinations along with their eight parents were transplanted in randomized block design to generate information on genetic architecture of economic traits in brinjal. The significance of additive and dominance genetic variance suggested that both these gene actions were important in the expression of characters. Dominance genetic variance was greater than additive genetic variance for all traits except fruit length, fruit breadth and average fruit weight, which could be exploited through heterosis breeding, nevertheless fruit size and weight could be improved through hybridization followed by selection. The positive sign of F and more than one value of KD/ KR ratio for plant height at last picking, number of primary branches per plant, days to first fruit picking, fruit setting flowers, fruit length, fruit breadth, yield of marketable fruits per plant and average fruit weight suggested the greater scope of improvement through heterosis breeding.

Key words: Diallel, genetic component, eggplant and quantitative traits. 

Variability and character association in elephant foot yam [Amarphophallus paeoniifoliusm (Dennst) Nicolson].

S Kumar, P K Singh, K Kumar and B K Singh

Journal of Root Crops 36 (1): 105-110, 2010.

ABSTRACT

Analysis of eleven horticultural and quality traits among 35 collections of elephant foot yam revealed the presence of adequate variability which could be harnessed for developing cultivars with high yield potential. Based on individual corm weight, corm yield, dry matter and starch content the following collection such as NDA-35, NDA-9, NDA-5, NDA-14, NDA-4 and NDA-10 were identified as promising for cultivation. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for number of cormel, weight of individual corm, yield, size of cormel and size of individual corm. Moderate to high heritability was evident for all the traits and was accompanied with high genetic advance for weight of individual corm, size of cormel, yield, size of individual corm, number of cormel which suggests the role of additive gene action and thus a high genetic gain is expected from selection of these traits. Moreover, high heritability along with moderate genetic advance for starch content, plant height, canopy spread and stem girth reveals the presence of additive and non-additive gene action simultaneously. The starch content, plant height, weight of individual corm, size of individual corm, stem girth, canopy spread and dry matter were the most important yield contributing traits based on correlation study. Among them, dry matter, starch content, size of individual corm and plant height showed major effect upon yield as a consequence of direct effect and provides most effective selection indices for improvement of elephant foot yam.

Keywords: Elephant foot yam, variability, heritability, correlation and path coefficient. 

Cabbage genotypes with higher carotenoids and ascorbic acid

B.K. Singh, S.R. Sharma, Chandra Prakash, R.N. Barwal and M.R. Dhiman

ICAR News: A Science and Technology Newsletter 16 (1): 13, 2010
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

There were reports of heritable variants of cabbage for carotenoids (vit.-A precursor) and ascorbic acid (vit.-C) contents. Bio-fortifying cabbage with high contents of carotenoids and ascorbic acid in good agronomic background can help in alleviating vitamins related deficiencies like cataract and scurvy, widespread among 57% of the children below six years of age. Cabbage genotypes, 26 indigenous and 10 exotic lines, maintained at Katrain were evaluated. Samples were taken at a fresh marketable stage and those frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen, and the ones stored at –80°C, and were analysed for carotenoids and ascorbic acid contents. Genotypes found with high carotenoids (>900 μg/100g fresh head weight) were Red Cabbage, KIRC 1-1, KIRC 2, C 6 KIRC 1A, EC 490162 and MR 1. And most promising genotypes for high ascorbic acid content (>45 mg/100g fresh head weight) were C 3, C 2, C 4, Pusa Mukta, C 8, C 6 (all savoy types), CMS 3 and EC 490162. It also indicated that inclusion of savoy-type genotypes in the breeding programmes would be beneficial to improve ascorbic acid content of cabbage heads.

Nodulation characteristics, nodule nitrogen, and carbon dioxide fixation in pigeon pea as affected by nitrogen

Bhupinder Singh and Binod Kumar Singh

International Journal of Vegetable Science, 17: 274–282, 2011

Abstract

The legume pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important rainfed crop in many areas of the world. Production can be reduced when high nitrogen is present and symbiotic activity is low. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen rate on nodulation, nodule carbon, and nitrogen fixation in 40 pigeon pea genotypes. Nitrogen was applied as urea at 40 (N40) and 120 kg·ha−1 of N (N120). Shoot biomass, root nodulation, amounts of nitrogen and carbon fixed, nitrate reductase activity in roots and nodules, and nitrite content in roots and nodules were determined. Genotype, N rate, and the interaction affected results. The genotypes Pusa-2001 and Sel-90306-11-4 had the most nodule mass at N40. Nitrogen rate did not affect nodule nitrogen-fixing effectiveness. Genotype Pusa-2001 had higher biomass at N120. Genotype Sel-90306-11-4 had high phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase activity even at

N120; which likely reduces host carbon dependence for nodule nitrogen function and improves carbon diversion to the reproductive sink. At N40 ‘Sel-24’ formed large nodules with effective nitrogen fixation, which was impaired at N120. ‘RG-01-69N’ had lower numbers of nodules, nodule mass, and nitrogen fixation but more shoot biomass than the majority of the pigeon pea lines. N-response of pigeon pea was evident for nodule N2 fixation. Genotypes with improved nodule CO2 fixation may lead to increased yield and quality in monocropped and intercropped pigeon pea.

Key words: Cajanus cajan, Nitrate reductase, Nitrogenase activity, Phosphoenol pyruvate

carboxylase activity, India.

Genetic variability for antioxidants and horticultural traits of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

B. K. Singh, S.R. Sharma, P. Kalia and B. Singh

Indian Journal of Horticulture 68 (1): 51-55, 2011
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT

Significant differences for antioxidant content and horticultural traits among 36 diverse genotypes of cabbage revealed the presence of sufficient variability which could be exploited for developing nutritionally and antioxidant rich cabbage cultivars. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for carotenoids, stalk length, head compactness, gross plant weight, net head weight, dry matter, core length, plant height and equatorial diameter, and low for days to 50% maturity, number of non-wrapper leaves, frame spread and ascorbic acid. The expressions of all the studied traits except ascorbic acid, harvest index and head compactness were less influenced by environment, as evident from meager differences between respective PCV and GCV. Moderate to high heritability was evident for all the traits and was accompanied with high genetic advance for carotenoids, dry matter, plant height, gross plant weight, net head weight, stalk length, equatorial diameter, core length and head compactness which show the presence of additive gene action. On the other hand, low genetic advance observed for ascorbic acid, number of non-wrapper leaves, head shape index, days to 50% maturity and harvest index reflected the predominance of non-additive gene action.

Key words: Carotenoid, ascorbic acid, dry matter, cabbage, quality breeding

The genetic variability, inheritance and inter-relationships of ascorbic acid, β-carotene, phenol and anthocyanin content in strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.)

Akath Singh, B.K. Singh, B.C. Deka, S.K. Sanwal, R.K. Patel, M.R. Verma

Scientia Horticulturae 129: 86–90, 2011
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) is rich source of dietary antioxidants, minerals and nutrients. Dietary antioxidants have been known as beneficial for enhancing the fitness, preventing certain diseases and even mitigating the effects of ageing. The objectives of the present study were to determine variability and inheritance of antioxidants, to identify antioxidant rich and productive genotypes, and to suggest suitable breeding approaches. The genotypes, namely Ofra, Chandler, Festival and Camarosa showed higher concentrations of dietary antioxidants and therefore could be useful in future breeding. Results indicate that the effect of the genotypes on antioxidant contents is stronger than that of the environment. The high heritability (>80%) and low genetic advance as percentage of mean (<40%) for ascorbic acid and β-carotene contents could be improved by heterosis breeding. However, selection and hybridization would be effective tools to enhance the phenols and anthocyanin content, and yield potential as these traits showed high heritability (>80%) and high genetic advance as percentage of mean (>40%). Positive direct effect on fruit yield was highest for phenol content (0.609) which is also fairly close to its correlation coefficient (0.765) indicating that a direct selection based on phenol content would be most effective and that the phenol content could be used as a reliable biochemical marker to identify the productive genotypes having higher amounts of dietary antioxidants. The information could also be used for developing antioxidant rich cultivars, i.e. ‘Breeding Strawberry for High Antioxidants’.

Key words: Fragaria ananassa, Quality breeding, Heritability, Correlation, Variability, Vitamin

Effect of reduced seed and applied zinc on zinc efficiency of wheat genotypes under zinc deficiency in nutrient solution culture

Bhupinder Singh and B. K. Singh

Journal of Plant Nutrition, 34:449–464, 2011

Abstract

Nuclear Research Laboratory, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India Improving zinc efficiency of cereals especially wheat under zinc deficiency is a priority area of research to determine and manipulate the plant factors that govern zinc uptake and utilization.

Experiments conducted to ascertain variability and also the contribution of seed zinc (complete seed and half seed) to zinc efficiency in diverse wheat genotypes raised on zinc sufficient and deficient nutrient solution, showed wide genetic variability and general deficiency response such as, increase in root to shoot ratio and decrease in leaf chlorophyll, superoxide dismutase activity, total plant zinc concentration, and uptake. Since difference in zinc deficiency response were more distinct at the initial growth stage, seed zinc could be crucial for determining plant establishment, vigor, and yield. A few exceptional genotypes, where cutting seed zinc supply infect triggered growth, root characteristics, zinc uptake and use efficiency were identified and their zinc uptake capacity on low zinc soil was measured. The difference in zinc efficiency was attributable to phytosiderophore release capacity of the genotypes.

Key words: wheat, zinc efficiency (ZE), zinc stress, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,

phytosiderophores (PS), 65Zn-uptake

Vermicompost and NPK fertilizer effects on morpho-physiological traits of plants, yield and quality of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

B K Singh, K A Pathak, T Boopathi, B C Deka

Vegetable Crops Research Bulletin 73: 77-86, 2010
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted with an objective to investigate the effects of vermicompost and NPK fertilizer application on morpho-physiological traits, yield and quality attributes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with an ultimate aim of optimizing nutrient requirements of tomato in mild-tropical agro-climate. The application of vermicompost together with NPK fertilizer increased plant height, leaf area, leaf weight, fruit weight, fruit yield, fruit density, post-harvest life and TSS of tomato. Application of vermicompost alone too increased the shelf-life by 250% and TSS beyond 4.5%, both of which are traits highly desirable for summer production of tomato and the related processing industry. Present study reveals that application of vermicompost in the amount of 7.5 t/ ha^-1 in combination with 50% dose of NPK fertilizer (60:30:30 kg/ ha^-1) was optimum for obtaining better quality and productivity of field grown tomatoes in mild-tropical agro-climate, eventually integrated nutrient supply will sustain the soil fertility and plant productivity eco-friendly.

Key words: vermicompost, NPK, tomato, growth, yield, quality 

Studies on the variability, inheritance, and inter-relationships of mineral macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch)

A Singh, B K Singh, Brajendra, A Nath and B C Deka

Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology 85 (6) 551–555, 2010
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants, and has a unique flavour and aroma. However, there is little information on the genetic variability and inheritance of mineral elements in strawberry.This is important as it can influence the selection of better genotypes and suitable breeding approaches for improvements in the nutritional quality of fruit.The objectives of the present study were, therefore, to estimate the variability, inheritance, and inter-relationships of mineral elements, to identify mineral-rich and productive genotypes, and to suggest suitable breeding approaches. A significant genotypic mean square for all the minerals studied indicated sufficient variation among genotypes. Our results also indicated that the effect of genotype on the mineral content of fruit was stronger than that of environment. Six genotypes, namely ‘Ofra’, ‘Sweet Charlie’, ‘Elista’, ‘Festival’, ‘Camarosa’, and ‘Douglas’ were found to have higher mineral contents as well as better fruit yields, and therefore could be useful in further breeding programmes. N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu contents, together with fruit yield, could be improved by selection and hybridisation as these traits showed high heritability (> 80%) and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (> 40%), while recurrent selection was suitable for increasing P contents, which showed moderate heritability (> 79.81%) and low genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (> 33.86%). Moreover, Mg and N contents could be used as reliable tools with which to identify the most productive and mineral-rich genotypes, as indicated by correlation and path analysis. Studies on such genetic estimates will increase our understanding of the inheritance of mineral contents and affect the design of crop improvement strategies.

Heterosis for superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase enzymes in the head of single cross-hybrids of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

B. K. Singh, S. R. Sharma and B. Singh

Journal of Genetics 89 (2): 217-221, 2010
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Antioxidants have been known as beneficial for enhancing the fitness, preventing disorders, overcoming stresses, and even mitigating the effects of senescence and ageing. We evaluated sixteen parents and their fifty-five F₁ hybrids with the objective to examine the magnitude and the direction of heterosis for superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase enzymes; and to identify promising parents and hybrids with improved inbuilt oxidative defence systems. Sufficient amount of variations were estimated for antioxidant enzymes among F₁ hybrids. The parents CMS-GA, Golden Acre, Pride of Asia, Red Cabbage, MR-1 and AC-208 exhibited higher hybrid effects for antioxidant enzymes and are regarded as promising candidates for possible use in future cabbage breeding. The F₁ hybrids of CMS-GA × C-2, Golden Acre × Red Cabbage, Pride of Asia × C-4 and Golden Acre × AC-208 were the most worthy as they possessed significant heterosis for antioxidants as well as yield. The information generated from this study will impact our understanding of plant defence mechanisms and the design of crop improvement strategies for better plant stand; tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses; long stay green; improved shelf life; etc. without losing the vigour advantages for yield.

Key words: Hybrid vigour; cabbage; antioxidant; superoxide dismutase (SOD); peroxidase (POX); catalase (CAT)

Antioxidant enzymes in cabbage: Variability and inheritance of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase.

B. K. Singh, S. R. Sharma and B. Singh

Scientia Horticulturae 124 (1): 9-13, 2010
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Cruciferous vegetables are important source of dietary nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants have been touted as beneficial for enhancing plant stand and mitigating the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. The objective of the present study was to determine variability for superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activity; its transmissibility; and correlation. Samples were harvested at fresh market stage, frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen and placed at -80 ⁰C for assay. The genotypes namely, 83-2, Red Cabbage, KIRC-1-1, ARU Glory, Kinner Red, MR-1, AC-208, Red Rock Mammoth, KIRC-8 and KIRC-1A showed higher activity of antioxidant enzymes and therefore could be useful cascade in breeding for developing cultivars with high antioxidant activity. Enzymatic antioxidant activity showed 1.6, 12.8, and 18.2 fold difference for superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, respectively. Significant differences for enzymatic antioxidants among germplasms indicate towards the existence of substantial amount of variation. All enzymatic antioxidants showed high heritability along with low genetic advance as percentage of mean indicated the predominance of non-additive genes and provide good prospects for hybridization, and synthetics and hybrid development. The present information, therefore, could be used to develop antioxidant potential cultivars that will enhance in general the stress tolerance ability of plants, shelf life of produce, and healthy/ better plant stand by enjoying antioxidants.

Key words: Brassica oleracea, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, stress breeding, antioxidants (SOD, POX, CAT)

Character association and path analysis of morphological and economic traits in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

B K Singh, S R Sharma, P Kalia and B Singh

Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 80 (2): 116-118, 2010
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

The character association and path coefficient analysis was carried out after field evaluation of 36 genetically diverse exotic and indigenous genotypes of cabbage. The positive association between days to 50 % maturity and number of non-wrapper leaves suggested the selection of plants having less number of non-wrapper leaves so as to evolve early maturing genotypes. Negative association of head compactness with polar diameter, equatorial diameter, frame spread, plant height, gross plant weight and core length, on the other hand, implied to select plants with smaller measurements for the latter morphological and economic traits which will not only help in improved compactness of head but also in marketability, shelf life and consumers’ preference. Gross plant weight proved to be the most effective direct selection index for genetic improvement of cabbage.

Key words: Cabbage, Correlation, Horticultural trait, Interrelationship, Path analysis, Vegetable breeding

Variation in mineral concentrations among cultivars and germplasms of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

 B. K. Singh, S. R. Sharma and Bhupinder Singh

Journal of Plant Nutrition 33 (1): 95-104, 2009

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in
Abstract

            Brassica vegetables are important source of dietary mineral elements. However, information on the genetic variability of mineral elements and its transmissibility is scanty but essential if the nutritional quality of cabbage is to be improved through breeding. Highly significant differences among cultivars and germplasms indicate the existence of adequate amount of variability. Mineral concentrations differed 6 fold for iron, 2.4 fold for zinc, 2.1 fold for copper, 2.3 fold for manganese, 1.7 fold for potassium and 4 fold for calcium content. The higher magnitude of genotypic to phenotypic variance ratio for iron, zinc, manganese, potassium and calcium indicates high transmissibility of minerals into next generation, while the meager differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation indicate lesser influence of the environment on elemental accumulation.

Key words: Brassica, micronutrients, macronutrients, biofortification, quality breeding 

Heterosis for antioxidants and horticultural traits in single cross hybrids of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

B. K. Singh, S. R. Sharma and B. Singh

Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 79 (9): 703-708, 2009
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted during 2005-07 to estimate the heterosis simultaneously for antioxidants and horticultural traits in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.). The significant differences of mean squares among parents and hybrids for various traits of economic importance indicated the presence of sufficient variation. The parents ‘CMS-GA’, ‘Golden Acre’, ‘83-2’, ‘C-2’, ‘Pusa Mukta’, ‘C-4’ and ‘MR-1’ had the potential for use in further breeding as they exhibited desirable hybrid effects for ascorbic acid, earliness, frame size, net head weight and head compactness. All savoy type genotypes exclusively expressed the higher magnitude of heterosis for ascorbic acid. Per se performance of topmost 12 hybrids showed that ‘Golden Acre’, ‘CMS-GA’ and ‘83-2’ as female line involved in the evolution of nine hybrids. The hybrid effects and heterosis for various traits indicated that there is need to involve more than two parents to develop productive and antioxidant potential cultivars and hybrids.

Key words: Cabbage, carotenoid, ascorbic acid, horticultural trait and hybrid vigour.

Combining ability for superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase enzymes in cabbage head (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L)

B. K. Singh, S. R. Sharma, and B. Singh

Scientia Horticulturae 122 (2): 195-199, 2009
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Antioxidant enzymes have been touted as beneficial for enhancing the fitness, preventing disorders, and mitigating the effects of aging and senescence. Our objective was to evaluate combining ability of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activity in cabbage head. Head samples were frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen and placed at -80 ⁰C for assay. Less than unity values of σ²_gca/σ²_sca ratio for all three enzymes indicated predominance of non-additive gene action. The parents CMS-GA and Red Cabbage excelled as good general combiners for all antioxidants and indicated the value and need for multiple crossing. The crosses CMS-GA × Red Cabbage, CMS-GA × C-2, 83-2 × AC-204, 83-2 × EC-490174, 83-2 × AC-1021, Pride of Asia × C-4, and Pride of Asia × AC-1019 showed significant specific combining ability, which could be exploited through heterosis breeding. The hybrid combinations with high per se performance and favorable SCA estimate and involving at least one of the parents with high GCA estimate could be useful to increase the abundance of favorable alleles for enhancing the antioxidants in cabbage head.

Key words: Antioxidant; Superoxide dismutase (SOD); Peroxidase (POX); Catalase (CAT); General- and Specific- combining ability (GCA and SCA); Cabbage.

Heterosis for mineral elements in single-cross hybrids of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

B. K. Singh, S. R. Sharma, and B. Singh

Scientia Horticulturae 122 (1): 32-36, 2009
E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.), a cross pollinated crop, was observed to exhibit strong heterosis for high yield; better plant stand; early maturity; larger and more uniform heads; uniformity in head compactness; and disease tolerance in F₁ hybrids. However, information on the heterosis for mineral elements such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, K and Ca although is not available to the best of our knowledge but it is important as it is likely to influence the plant and subsequently the human nutrition. Therefore, an attempt was made to estimate the heterosis for mineral elements in cabbage. Significant mean square for parents and hybrids was observed for all minerals under study which indicated the prevalence of sufficient variation. The parents 83-2, Pride of Asia, Red Cabbage, AC-204 and MR-1 were found to have the potential for use in cabbage quality breeding programme as they exhibited higher hybrid effects for Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn content. The single cross hybrids i.e. 83-2 × AC-204; Pride of Asia × C-2 and Pride of Asia × Red Cabbage; Pride of Asia × MR-1; 83-2 × Red Cabbage; and Pride of Asia × AC-204 and 83-2 × MR-1 were the best for Fe and Zn; Fe and Cu; Zn and Mn; Cu and Zn; and Cu, respectively. This study revealed clearly that none of the hybrids excelled for all the minerals suggesting the significance and need for multiple crossing breeding approaches i.e. three way cross hybrid, double cross hybrid, population improvement, synthetics, composites, etc. for increasing the mineral concentration in cabbage head i.e. “Breeding Cabbage for Higher Mineral” (Biofortification) without losing the vigour advantage for yield and other traits of economic importance to combat mineral deficiencies in human beings and plant systems.

Key words: Cabbage, micronutrient, macronutrient, hybrid vigour, nutrition.

Correlation studies in garden pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Amar Jeet Gupta, Y. V. Singh, B. K. Singht and K. Hussain

The horticulture Journal 20 (2): 87-90, 2007

Abstract

Correlation analysis for yield and its components in garden pea was conducted using 83 genotypes, grown at vegetable research centre of GBPUAT, Pantnagar during 2001-02. The estimates of genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than those of phenotypic correlation coefficients, thereby indicating a strong association between various traits under studies and the masking effect of environment in the total expression of genotypes. Green pod yield per plant exhibited significant and positive correlation with pod length 100 green pod weight, 100 green seed weight, early yield per plant, TSS, no. of green pod per plant and no. of primary branches per plant, while significant negative correlation with days to first flowering, no. of first flowering nodes, days to first green pod picking, no. of nodes per stem and plant height indicating selection for longer pods more number and weight of green pods, early yield, high TSS, more number of primary branches, less number of nodes per stem and dwarf plants would be highly desirable and effective for improvement of green pod yield in garden pea.

Effects of salt stress on growth, nodulation, and nitrogen and carbon fixation of ten genetically diverse lines of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Bhupinder Singh, Binod Kumar Singh, Jitender Kumar, Shyam Singh Yadav and K. Usha

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 56: 1-5, 2005

Abstract

Salinity is one of the major environmental constraints affecting agriculture in major regions of the world. It is known to depress greatly the growth and symbiotic performance of nodulated legumes. In the present study conducted over 2 rabi (dry) seasons, 2000–01 and 2001–02, 10 genetically diverse chickpea lines were compared for salt tolerance in terms of growth, nodulation, moisture content, and nodule nitrogen and carbon fixation. Chickpea lines were raised in an open-air chamber in soil supplied with 0, 50, 75, and 100mM NaCl. The shoot, root, and the single-plant weight declined with increasing level of salt. Chickpea lines BG-1075 (desi type) and BGD-70 (Kabuli type) showed better plant growth than the former 2 lines but were poorer in nodulation under salt stress. An almost identical pattern of salt response was observed for nodule number, weight per nodule, nitrogen, and carbon fixation among the chickpea lines. No distinct relationship was found among root/shoot ratio, plant moisture content, and salt tolerance response of the chickpea. However, nodulation capacity (number and mass) under salt stress was related to salt tolerance response of chickpea lines. This trait could be used for improvement of salt tolerance of this legume species in order to increase its productivity and stability in saline soils. 

Improving zinc efficiency of cereals under zinc deficiency

Bhupinder Singh, Senthil Kumar A. Natesan, B. K. Singh and K. Usha

Current Science 88 (1): 36-44, 2005

Abstract

One of the widest ranging abiotic stresses in world agriculture arises from low zinc (Zn) availability in calcareous soils, particularly in cereals. Cereal species greatly differ in their zinc effici ency (ZE), defined in this article as the ability of a plant to grow and yield well under Zn deficiency. ZE has been attributed mainly to the efficiency of acquisition of Zn under conditions of low soil Zn availability rather than to its utilization or (re)-translocation within a plant. A higher Zn acquisition efficiency, further, may be due to either or all of the following: an efficient ionic Zn uptake system, better root architecture, i.e. long and fine roots with architecture favouring exploitation of Zn from larger soil volume, higher synthesis and release of Zn-mobilizing phytosiderophore by the roots and uptake of Zn-phytosiderophore complex. Seed Zn content has also been suggested to affect ZE. This article attempts to examine critically the scanty and scattered reports available on the status of Zn deficiency globally; morphological, biochemical and physiological basis of regulation of ZE in cereals and approaches to improve ZE in terms of grain productivity and grain Zn vis-à-vis its bioavailability under conditions of poor Zn availability. A causal relationship between important Zn-containing enzymes, viz. carbonic anhydrase (CA), Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and ZE is reported in wheat and other cereal species. Enhanced production and release of Fe-mobilizing phyto-metallophores known as phytosiderophores (PS), is another mechanism relevant for cereal species in adaptation to zinc deficiency.

Variability and correlation studies in bush type French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in relation to green pod yield

B. K. Singh, B. P. Singh and H. H. Ram

Progressive Horticulture 32 (2): 176-182, 2000

E-mail: bksinghkushinagar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Estimates of variability, heritability, genetic advance as percentage of mean and correlation were studied for 13 green pod yield and yield contributing traits in 43 indigenous and exotic strains of bush type French bean in randomized block design with three replications at Horticultural Research Centre, Patharchatta, Pantnagar, U.P. The range of various phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability in broad sense, expected genetic advance and genetic advance in percentage of mean were highest for green pod yield per plant. Green pod yield per plant was positively correlated with its maximum components except days to 50 % flowering, days to first green pod picking and number of nodes per plant, expressing higher phenotypic correlation than genotypic correlation as a result of environmental effects.

Riboluse-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase content and activity in wheat, rye and triticale

B. Singh and B. K. Singh

Biologia Plantarum 44 (3): 427-430, 2001

Abstract

Photosynthetic parameters were measured in triticale and its parents wheat and rye soluble protein content in leaves, riboluse-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) content per fresh mass, total chlorophyll content, biomass yield, leaf area, leaf mass and specific leaf mass were higher but Rubisco content expressed as percentage of soluble protein, carboxylase activity, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance were significantly lower in rye than in wheat. Native-PAGE of Rubisco revealed that rye carboxylase was different from that of wheat. The difference was not related to either the small or large subunit of Rubisco but, may be, to the ionic and/or other properties of the Rubisco protein moiety. Triticale Rubisco was similar to wheat. For most of the studied physiological parameters, triticale showed much more similarity with wheat than with rye.

Keywords: Chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, Secale cereale, stomatal conductance, Triticum aestivum, Triticale octoploide.