Poor seed germination and seedling establishment are some of the problems in direct-seeded rice culture. We assessed the effects of seed priming/soaking with CaCl2, seed coating with fungicide (0.4% captan, 4% chitosan, and no coat), and seed coating for seedling establishment [1000 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA3), iron powder, and no coat] on germination and seedling establishment of hybrid rice Mestiso 19 direct-seeded under submerged soil condition. Results showed that in contrast to the various seed coating treatments, seed priming with CaCl2 had significant positive effect on germination percentage (GP), seedling mean emergence time (MET), final emergence (FE), and emergence index (EI). Fungicide coating, establishment coating, combinations of priming and fungicide coating, and fungicide coating and establishment coating had significant effects on MET, FE, and EI. Shoot length (SL), root length (RL), and seedling dry weight (SDW) were improved in captan- and GA3-coated non-primed seeds. Iron-coated non-primed seeds improved FE and vigor index (VI), while chitosan-coated primed seeds improved MET and SL. While priming with CaCl2 may be used indpendently to improve GP, MET, FE, EI, SL, RL, VI, and SDW, seed coating with a natural biopolymer such as chitosan may be tested for other rice genotypes to assess seedling growth or its inhibitory effect on seed-borne pathogens.

ABSTRACT In Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss), a major oilseed brassica crop, oil yield is the ultimate trait of economic value, which is determined by seed yield (SY) and oil content (OC). SY, the end product of many complex biological processes, is influenced by many traits, such as plant height (PH), branch number, siliqua number, seed weight, seed size and pod length. It is difficult to accurately select for high-yielding genotypes based exclusively on SY, neglecting other yield-determining traits in commercial breeding programs. Therefore, it is desirable for breeders to simultaneously improve several traits of economic importance, most of which are quantitative in nature. The purpose of the present study was to develop selection indices for simultaneous selection of multiple quantitative traits to enhance selection efficiency of the mustard breeding program of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) located in Abohar, Punjab. A set of 487 diverse mustard genotypes, comprising germplasm accessions of Indian and European origin, advanced breeding lines, landraces, and cultivars, was evaluated using an alpha lattice design for 2 years (2015–16 and 2016–17) at the Regional Research Station of PAU, Abohar, District Fazilka (the major mustard-growing region of the Punjab state). Data on PH, main shoot length (MSL), number of primary branches (NPB), number of secondary branches (NSB), number of siliquae on main shoot (NSMS), siliqua length (SL), number of seeds per pod (NSP), 1000-seed weight (TSW), SY on a plot basis and OC were recorded. To compute selection indices, economic weights, as determined via path coefficient analysis, were assigned to major yield-determining traits. Out of eight recorded agronomic traits, four traits, viz., NSMS, TSW, NSB and NPB, had larger direct effects on SY than other traits, and hence were assigned relative economic weights of 0.60, 0.20, 0.12 and 0.08, respectively. Selection indices were computed using different combinations of traits via Kang_SASPath computer program. When seven traits were used in a selection index (PH, NPB, NSB, NSMS, SY, TSW and MSL; or PH, NPB, NSB, NSMS, SY, TSW and OC), expected genetic advance (GA)at 5% selection intensity was about the same (9.55; selection efficiency or SE = 163% compared with selection based on SY alone).The GA was 9.46 (SE = 161%)for five traits, viz., NPB, NSB, NSMS, SY and TSW; and 9.30 (SE = 159%)for four traits, viz., NPB, NSB, NSMS, and TSW. These GAs were compared with the GA for SY only, which was 5.90 (benchmark; SE = 100%). We concluded that simultaneous selection based on multiple traits was always more efficient than selection based on SY alone. As there was only a small difference between the GA based on four traits (SE = 161%) and GA based on seven traits (SE = 163%), we suggest that mustard breeders use the parsimonious combination of four traits, viz., NPB, NSB, NSMS, and SY, to enhance SY and, consequently, oil yield in mustard.

Forty five okra genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design with two replications. Twenty morphological characters were measured on randomly selected plants for the analysis of correlation and path analysis. Fruit yield per plant showed highly significant and positive correlation with fruit yield per plot and fruit yield per hectare. Fruit yield per plant showed highly significant negative correlation with average fruit weight. Fruit yield per plant showed indirect positive effect via plant height at 45 days after sowing (DAS) and internodal length at 90 DAS. Fruit yield per plant showed significant and negative indirect effect via number of fruits per plant and number of leaves per plant at 45 DAS. Okra is an annual herbaceous plant and belongs to the family Malvaceae under the order Malvales, having a somatic chromosome number 2n=130 and is considered to be an amphidiploid. Okra being an often cross-pollinated crop, out crossing to an extent of 20 per cent by insects is reported (Patil, 9), which renders a considerable amount of variability. Emasculation and pollination processes are easier in okra due to large flower and monoadelphous stamens. Increase in demand and the area under cultivation necessiates improved varieties in this crop. The study on correlation will help in identifying the traits which have strong association with yield. Path coefficient analysis helps for sorting out the total correlation into direct and indirect effects and useful for choosing most useful traits to be used for yield improvement through selection. So, the knowledge of association of various characters helps the breeder in determining the relative importance of yield components to be considered to improve yield. The correlation values decide only the value and degree of association existing between pairs of characters. It is necessary to partition the genotypic correlation of component characters into direct and indirect effects for the selection to be practised. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourty five okra genotypes were sown in a randomized block design with two replications and a spacing of 60 × 30 cm. FYM was applied at the rate of 25 tonnes per hectare and fertilizers were applied at the rate of 62.5 kg of nitrogen,75 kg phosphate and 62.5 kg of potassium. The remaining dose of 62.5 kg of nitrogen was applied as a split dosage. Data on twenty quantitative traits were recorded. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations were computed using the formula given by Weber and Moorthy (11). Path coefficient analysis was carried out by Wright (12) and illustrated by Dewey and Lu (3). Data depicted in Table 1 and 2 revealed that Plant height at 45 DAS was positively and significantly correlated with number of fruits per plant (0.213) both at genotypic and phenotypic level. It also showed positive and significant correlation with days to first fruit set (0.217) and number of fruits per plant only at genotypic level. At phenotypic level it also showed positive significant correlation with number of branches per plant at 90 DAS (0.217). Plant height at 90 DAS showed significant and positive correlation with number of leaves per plant at 90 DAS (0.270), fruit yield per plot (0.260), number of fruits per plant (0.231) and number of branches per plant at 90 DAS (0.215) only at phenotypic level. Similar results were also noticed by Nwangburuka et al. (8). Number of leaves per plant at 90 DAS showed significant and positive correlation with number of fruits per plant (0.230) only at phenotypic level. Number of branches per plant at 45 DAS showed significant and positive correlation with days to first fruit set (0.266) only at genotypic level. Number of branches per plant at 90 DAS showed significant positive correlation with

Heterotic group classification has a crucial impact on maize (Zea mays L.) breeding efficiency in a hybrid-based breeding program. The objectives of this study were to: (i) investigate whether or not breeding efficiency could be improved using a three heterotic-group (TriHG) classification (Reid and non-Reid, and Suwan1 heterotic groups) system instead of a usual two heterotic-group (DiHG) classification (Reid and non-Reid heterotic groups) system; and (ii) estimate the impact of TriHG and DiHG systems on breeding efficiency, utilizing the same data in computing specific breeding efficiency (SBE) and general breeding efficiency (GBE) in a subtropical breeding program in southern China. Twenty-five adapted tropical and subtropical lines were crossed to six testers using a line × tester mating design. Data on grain yield were used to calculate SBE and GBE for comparing DiHG- and TriHG-based strategies. The TriHG classification system increased GBE by 77.8% over the DiHG system without a significant loss in SBE. We concluded that the TriHG system was better than the DiHG system for improving maize-breeding efficiency. Therefore, maize breeders may re-think their breeding strategy for improving breeding efficiency in long-term breeding programs by adopting the suggested TriHG system. Hybrid maize improvement programs, especially in the early stages of breeding for identifying hybrids with high yield potential, can be become more efficient by using three testers with one from each of Reid, nonReid, and Suwan1 heterotic groups. This would improve the chances of developing high-yielding hybrids in a breeding program with the available, diverse germplasm.

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of organic amendments and fertilizer on growth, flowering and yield of tuberose at the Floriculture Research Field, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur from March, 2013 to May 2014. The  experiment consisted of nine treatments namely: T1= Farmyard manure (5 t/ha) + ½ RDF, T2= Farmyard manure (10 t/ha) + ½ RDF, T3= Poultry refuse (5 t/ha) + ½ RDF, T4= Poultry refuse (10 t/ha) + ½ RDF, T5= Vermicompost (5 t/ha) + ½ RDF, T6= Vermicompost (10 t/ha) + ½ RDF, T7= Bokashi (3 t/ha) + ½ RDF, T8= Bokashi (5 t/ha) + ½ RDF and T9 = Control (Recommended doses of fertilizer) (N150 P30 K100 S20 B1 Zn1 kg/ha). The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Application of organic amendments and fertilizer showed significant variations on most of the parameters. The maximum plant height, growth, number of leaves/plant, spike length, rachis length and yield of spikes per hectare was obtained with the use of 10 t vermicompost along with 50 percent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF).

An unprecedented study claiming that transgenic soybeans compromise the fertility of rats and the survival and growth of their offspring has garnered widespread media and political attention but remains unpublished in the peer-reviewed literature. Here, an account of the work from the principal investigator, Irina Ermakova, is appended with comments from researchers in the field.

In Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss), a major oilseed brassica crop, oil yield is the ultimate trait of economic value, which is determined by seed yield (SY) and oil content (OC). SY, the end product of many complex biological processes, is influenced by many traits, such as plant height (PH), branch number, siliqua number, seed weight, seed size and pod length. It is difficult to accurately select for high-yielding genotypes based exclusively on SY, neglecting other yield-determining traits in commercial breeding programs. Therefore, it is desirable for breeders to simultaneously improve several traits of economic importance, most of which are quantitative in nature. The purpose of the present study was to develop selection indices for simultaneous selection of multiple quantitative traits to enhance selection efficiency of the mustard breeding program of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) located in Abohar, Punjab. A set of 487 diverse mustard genotypes, comprising germplasm accessions of Indian and European origin, advanced breeding lines, landraces, and cultivars, was evaluated using an alpha lattice design for 2 years (2015–16 and 2016–17) at the Regional Research Station of PAU, Abohar, District Fazilka (the major mustard-growing region of the Punjab state). Data on PH, main shoot length (MSL), number of primary branches (NPB), number of secondary branches (NSB), number of siliquae on main shoot (NSMS), siliqua length (SL), number of seeds per pod (NSP), 1000-seed weight  (TSW), SY on a plot basis and OC were recorded. To compute selection indices, economic weights, as determined via path coefficient analysis, were assigned to major yield-determining traits. Out of eight recorded agronomic traits, four traits, viz., NSMS, TSW, NSB and NPB, had larger direct effects on SY than other traits, and hence were assigned relative economic weights of 0.60, 0.20, 0.12 and 0.08, respectively. Selection indices were computed using different combinations of traits via Kang_SASPath computer program. When seven traits were used in a selection index (PH, NPB, NSB, NSMS, SY, TSW and MSL; or PH, NPB, NSB, NSMS, SY, TSW and OC), expected genetic advance (GA) at 5% selection intensity was about the same (9.55; selection efficiency or SE = 163% compared with selection based on SY alone).The GA was 9.46 (SE = 161%)for five traits, viz., NPB, NSB, NSMS, SY and TSW; and 9.30 (SE = 159%)for four traits, viz., NPB, NSB, NSMS, and TSW. These GAs were compared with the GA for SY only, which was 5.90 (benchmark; SE = 100%). We concluded that simultaneous selection based on multiple traits was always more efficient than selection based on SY alone. As there was only a small difference between the GA based on four traits (SE = 161%) and GA based on seven traits (SE = 163%), we suggest that mustard breeders use the parsimonious combination of four traits, viz., NPB, NSB, NSMS, and SY, to enhance SY and, consequently, oil yield in mustard.

Seabuckthorn (Hippophaë L., Elaeagnaceae) has been exploited by humans for thousands of years on Quinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and nearby areas. However, the considerable modern economic potential of this plant has started to receive a full appreciation only recently. Expanding its traditional use in harsh climatic zones as important source of nutrients, vitamines, and wood in treeless areas, today this plant is used also on large scales as landscape protection tool against corrosion of soil, and as a source of wide range of products in pharmaceutic, cosmetic, and nutritional supplement industries. This review aims to provide the latest insights from studies on the evolutionary history and biogeography of the genus, structure and phylogeography of genetic diversity within its species. Understanding the genic and genomic interactions among populations and phylogenetically distant lineages within species of Hippophaë should help to improve the efficiency of exploitation of genetic resources in this crop. Research efforts in the last century in breeding, systematics, cytogenetics, biochemistry, and genetics of Hippophaë have created a solid background for advances in modern biotechnology of this crop. Recent studies reported application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and identification of thousands of genes in transcriptomes of sea buckthorn. Analyses of the transciptomes provided better understanding of gene expression in biochemical pathways of unsaturated fatty acids, some other secondary metabolites, and regulation of gene complexes responsible for adaptation to different categories of abiotic stress. The further studies should focus on creation of genetic maps of breeding populations; identification of quantitative trait loci, biochemical pathways of synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites and correspondent genes, molecular mechanisms of tolerance and resistance to abiotic stress, diseases and pests; cloning of genes of agricultural importance. Advances in these research areas can lead to genetic engineering of plants with combination of traits of high horticultural, medicinal, or nutrient value, adapted to specific environments of areas of their cultivation.

One of the major issues facing humankind is global food security. A changing climate, coupled with a heightened consumer awareness of how food is produced and legislative changes governing the usage of agrichemicals for improving plant health and yield, means that alternative, more integrated and sustainable approaches are needed for crop management practices. To this end, there is increasing recognition of the value of the role of microbial inoculants in agriculture. The focus of this review is to understand how plant-growth-promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can play a part in improving crop yield by promoting the health status of the plant through the sequestration of various nutrients and in the control of plant diseases.

Improvements to agriculture will constitute one of the world’s greatest challenges in the coming century. Political and social controversies compromised the promised impact of genetically modified crops. Breeders applied diverse methods, ranging from conventional crossing to classical biotechnologies to improve crops. Earlier generations of knockout and gain-of-function technologies often result in random insertions of transgenes into plant genomes, as such the need for a better system for crop improvement. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein nuclease (Cas) is a genome editing tool that has recently caught enormous attention due to its novelty, feasibility, and affordability. CRISPR Cas systems, not only provide a powerful platform to efficiently modify target traits, but also broadens the scope and prospects of genome editing. Further, the availability of Cas12 and Cas13 enzymes has made available options to enhance specificity and efficiency of gene editing methodologies. Application of these techniques has resulted in the development of non-genetically modified crops with desired traits that contributes to increased yield potential under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. While inexpensive and relatively simple to implement, CRISPR Cas systems have some drawbacks, including off-target effects and the inability to conclude what the long-term impact of this technology will be over many generations. In this review, the three CRISPR Cas systems are discussed and the applications of CRISPR Cas systems in plants with a focus on major crops are presented. Also, the regulatory and ethical concerns with the use of these systems in crop improvement were presented.

Key words: CRISPR cas systems; Cas12; Cas13; Agriculture; Transgenes.

Traditionally, researcher has put more focus on disease resistance than on insect resistance, but the adverse effects of excessive use of pesticides on human health, environment, phyto-sanitation, market access, and global trade have led to renewed interest in breeding for resistance to insects. The development of insect-resistant crops is a sustainable way to manage pests. In this chapter, historical impact of resistance to insects in ensuring food security has been cited. The identification of new sources of resistance to insects and better understanding of resistance mechanisms have opened new avenues in the field of host-plant resistance (HPR). New insights into structural and functional aspects of genes conferring resistance to insects (R-genes) during the past two-three decades and their proper utilization, by researchers, have been discussed. The breeding methods for developing resistance to insects in self-and cross-pollinated crops have been elaborated. The findings on complex host-pest interactions and overlapping of controlling genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses emphasizes the adoption of holistic approaches to develop insect-resistant crops.

The HortFlora Research Spectrum (HRS), is an international-peer reviewed, open access journal that serves as a forum for the exchange and dissemination of R & D advances and innovations in all facets of Horticultural Sciences (Pomology, Olericulture, Floriculture, Post Harvest Technology, Plant Biotechnology, and Medicinal & Aromatic Plants etc.) and its allied branches on an international level. HRS is officially published quarterly (March, June, September and December) every year, in English (print & online version), under the keen auspices of Biosciences & Agriculture Advancement Society (BAAS), Meerut (India)


Aims & Scope
The journal HortFlora Research Spectrum (HRS) having International Impact (NAAS Rating: 3.78; ICV: 63.40, PIF: 4.079; GIF: 0.471; IBI Factor: 2.8; NJIF: 2.14; GSCIF: 0.364; OAJI Impact Factor: 0.201; Indexed in Indian Citation Index (ICI) since 2012), publishes high quality peer reviewed/refereed original research papers, review articles and research notes on all aspects of Horticultural plants' research including agronomic management, plant nutrition, biotechnology, crop improvement, plant protection, plant physiology, cell & molecular biology, medicinal & aromatic plants, food & nutrition science, agroforestry, environmental science, plant medicinal properties, ethno-phytomedicine, technology dissemination etc.


www.hortflorajournal.com

The HortFlora Research Spectrum (HRS), is an international-peer reviewed, open access journal that serves as a forum for the exchange and dissemination of R & D advances and innovations in all facets of Horticultural Sciences (Pomology, Olericulture, Floriculture, Post Harvest Technology, Plant Biotechnology, and Medicinal & Aromatic Plants etc.) and its allied branches on an international level. HRS is officially published quarterly (March, June, September and December) every year, in English (print & online version), under the keen auspices of Biosciences & Agriculture Advancement Society (BAAS), Meerut (India)

The journal HortFlora Research Spectrum (HRS) having International Impact (NAAS Rating: 3.78; ICV: 63.40, PIF: 4.079; GIF: 0.471; IBI Factor: 2.8; NJIF: 2.14; GSCIF: 0.364; OAJI Impact Factor: 0.201; Indexed in Indian Citation Index (ICI) since 2012), publishes high quality peer reviewed/refereed original research papers, review articles and research notes on all aspects of Horticultural plants' research including agronomic management, plant nutrition, biotechnology, crop improvement, plant protection, plant physiology, cell & molecular biology, medicinal & aromatic plants, food & nutrition science, agroforestry, environmental science, plant medicinal properties, ethno-phytomedicine, technology dissemination etc.

www.hortflorajournal.com

Corms of three cultivars of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrida L.) were exposed to seven
doses of gamma radiations from 1 kR to 7 kR for induction of genetic variability. Most
of characters were stimulated till 3 kR treatment but started to reduce at higher doses
whereas treatment of 2 kR proved better over all treatments including control. The
doses of 6 kR and 7 kR proved injurious as the number of florets and length of spike
reduced drastically in cv. American Beauty while plants remained blind in cvs. Nova
Lux and Eurovision. Colour variation in florets and whole spike, increase and
decrease in the number of floral organs and their fasciations and spike bifurcation
were also observed from 4 kR to 7 kR treatments in all varieties. Three desirable
colour mutants were obtained from three varieties and one mutant with bifurcated
spike, having all similar characters as original except doubled number of florets.
Treatments of 5 kR and 6 kR were observed to be good for induction of mutants and a
total of four mutants were isolated in vM2 generation.

Genotype-by-environment interactions offer opportunities for breeders to plan breeding programs, allocate resources efficiently, and identify molecular markers associated with stable cultivar performance. In the future, greater emphasis would need to be placed on understanding signal transduction in plants in response to environmental stresses, which should lead to a better understanding of the relationship between crop performance and environment. Important biochemical or physiological pathways in plants are mediated by enzymes that are the products of transcription and translation of specific genes. Genotype-by-environment interaction should be investigated at physiological or biochemical levels. Therefore, cooperation among breeders, geneticists, molecular biologists, biochemists, physiologists, and statisticians is deemed essential.

Jamun has higher nutraceutical properties and has been proved as a upcoming fruit crop in the country. To harness the genetic variability in the existing seedling population being a cross pollinated fruit crop, the survey of seedlings growing as wind break at Government Garden, Attari, were evaluated for various physico-chemicals attributes. Significant variation was observed in the tree characters i.e., trunk girth, tree height, canopy volume in different genotypes. The highest tree height was measured in Selection-III and minimum in Selection-II. Maximum fruit weight (11.0 g) was registered in Selection-I and minimum in Desi seedlings. Wide variability for fruit length (1.83 to 3.53 cm), fruit breadth (1.75 to 2.53 cm), pulp stone ratio (2.41 in Desi seedlings) to maximum (3.18) in Selection-II was observed. Maximum TSS/acid ratio, total sugar and reducing sugar to the tune of 50.8 was recorded in Selection I and minimum (26.2) in Selection III. Selection I and 'Desi' had high. Though the fruits of 'Desi' were smaller as compared to fruits of Selection I, II and III but had good eating quality because of high in TSS content.Titratable acidity was found to be at the highest level of 0.80% in 'Desi' ,while it was found lowest (0.32 per cent) in Selection-I. Selection-I registered the highest TSS/acid ratio to the level of 50.82 followed by Selection-II having TSS/acid ratio of 44.93. Selection-III recorded the lowest TSS/acid ratio 26.18 and the highest total sugars content (21.08 per cent) was in 'Desi' among all the selections. The lowest total sugar content (11.06 per cent) was found in Selection-III. 'Desi' recorded the highest reducing sugars content of 14.48 per cent while Selection-III recorded the lowest reducing sugar content i.e., 7.61 per cent.

The HortFlora Research Spectrum (HRS), is an international-peer reviewed, open access journal that serves as a forum for the exchange and dissemination of R & D advances and innovations in all facets of Horticultural Sciences (Pomology, Olericulture, Floriculture, Post Harvest Technology, Plant Biotechnology, and Medicinal & Aromatic Plants etc.) and its allied branches on an international level. HRS is officially published quarterly (March, June, September and December) every year, in English (print & online version), under the keen auspices of Biosciences & Agriculture Advancement Society (BAAS), Meerut (India)


Aims & Scope
The journal HortFlora Research Spectrum (HRS) having International Impact (NAAS Rating: 3.78; ICV: 63.40, PIF: 4.079; GIF: 0.471; IBI Factor: 2.8; NJIF: 2.14; GSCIF: 0.364; OAJI Impact Factor: 0.201; Indexed in Indian Citation Index (ICI) since 2012), publishes high quality peer reviewed/refereed original research papers, review articles and research notes on all aspects of Horticultural plants' research including agronomic management, plant nutrition, biotechnology, crop improvement, plant protection, plant physiology, cell & molecular biology, medicinal & aromatic plants, food & nutrition science, agroforestry, environmental science, plant medicinal properties, ethno-phytomedicine, technology dissemination etc.

www.hortflorajournal.com

— Safety management is associated with the policies, objectives, procedures, methods, roles and functions that aim at controlling hazard and risk in socio-technical systems. Companies that have implemented effective OSH Management system have reported benefit from increase operational efficiency, reduction in insurance cost and improve in workers retention and satisfaction. Many accidents that occur at construction site are due inadequate adherence of workers to work procedures. The awareness and perception of workers toward safety, health and their working environment are important aspect to enhance the building construction to the better condition to the workers. Workers play an important role in accomplishment of the building construction. All these supporting evidence reflects on the needs to study building construction workers knowledge of safety management system. The study is a criteria – based study, in which 24 construction companies were selected for the study The respondent samples used in the study were drawn from the total population of permanent construction workers in the 24 construction companies selected. The total numbers of permanent construction workers in the 24 construction companies are 750 while 254 were selected for the study. The research questionnaires were administered on 254 permanent construction workers within the 24 construction companies in Abuja. The analysis of the questionnaires survey data was undertaken using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20. A reliability test was conducted on the data in order to control error within the data. The Cronbach's Alpha of the two variable data are .853 and .863 respectively and make the data reliable. Correlation analysis was conducted in order to determine the relationship between worker's general knowledge and worker's safety management knowledge and the result was found to be significant (P<0.005). This relationship was modelled using simple linear regression and from the model the result shows that improvement on the worker's safety management system knowledge practice on sites will improves general knowledge among construction workers. Therefore, workers' knowledge of safety management systems significantly influences the overall benefits of safety management system on the construction sites. As such there is need for potential improvement on the knowledge or awareness of the workers to safety management system as perceived from the analysis in order to bring about the expected high performance standard on construction sites.

The present investigation was carried out during Rabi season of 2014-2015 and laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, J.N. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh).The experimental material for the study was comprised of 18 novel treatments combination of Salicylic acid (SA) and Azospirillum to estimate the best treatment combination in Rabi onion under particular region. The growth parameters under present investigation noted under T 17 recorded maximum plant height (cm) at 30, 60, 90,120 DAT (33.28 cm), (37.58 cm), (45.22 cm) and (48.46 cm) respectively, length of leaves (cm) at 30 DAT (32.57 cm), 60 DAT (36.29 cm) under (T 17) and T 11 (41.75 cm) at 60 DAT and T 12 (44.15 cm) at 120 DAT respectively, maximum number of leaf at 30 DAT (8.09) in T 14, 60,90 DAT (12.99,17.92) in T 17 and at 120 DAT (19.37) in T 11 respectively, neck thickness (mm) at 120 DAT (13.71 mm) under T 11, dry weight of leaf (g) at 120 DAT (3.92 g). The yield parameters also reported best under T 17 as average weight of bulb (88.07g), equatorial diameter (67.38mm), polar diameter (60.37mm), double bulb(2.38%)T 11 , bolting per cent lowest (1.18%), A, B and C grade bulb (on weight basis) (37.22%)T 5 , (65.09%) and (34.19%) respectively, bulb yield polt 1 (14.77kg), marketable bulb yield (26.28t/ha.) T 13 , total bulb yield estimated in T 16 (30.47 t/ha). T 11 recorded highest gross monitory return (` 450705/ha), net return (` 385020/ha) and benefit cost ratio 5.86. Highlights • Eighteen novel treatment combinations of Salicylic acid (SA) and Azospirillum to estimate best treatment combination for growth, yield, storage life of onion. • The application of Salicylic acid @250 mg lit.-1 30, 45& 60 DAT with Azospirillum @5 kg ha-1 at 60 DAT enhance the growth and yield of onion. • The treatment T 11 Salicylic acid (250 mg lit.-1) at 30 DAS, 30,45,60DAT+ Azospirillum (5 kg ha-1) at 30 DAT fetched highest gross monitory return (` 450705/ha), net return (` 385020/ha) and benefit cost ratio 5.86.

Sesame has great potential as an industrial crop but its production is challenged by drought and salt stresses. To unravel the genetic variants leading to salinity and drought tolerances at the germination stage, genome-wide association studies of stress tolerance indexes related to NaCl-salt and polyethylene glycol-drought induced stresses were performed with a diversity panel of 490 sesame accessions. An extensive variation was observed for drought and salt responses in the population and most of the accessions were moderately tolerant to both stresses. A total of 132 and 120 significant Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) resolved to nine and 15 Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for drought and salt stresses, respectively. Only two common QTLs for drought and salt responses were found located on linkage groups 5 and 7, respectively. This indicates that the genetic bases for drought and salt responses in sesame are different. A total of 13 and 27 potential candidate genes were uncovered for drought and salt tolerance indexes, respectively, encoding transcription factors, antioxidative enzymes, osmoprotectants and involved in hormonal biosynthesis, signal transduction or ion sequestration. The identified SNPs and potential candidate genes represent valuable resources for future functional characterization towards the enhancement of sesame cultivars for drought and salt tolerances.

ABSTRACT
Sixty-eight advanced breeding lines of okra along with their seven parents and a check variety were evaluated for twelve characters. Genetic differences were significant for all the traits. The magnitudes of GCV and PCV were higher for fruit yield per plant, primary branches and fruits per plant. However, internodal length, plant height, primary branches, fruit length, ten fruit weight and fruit yield per plant exhibited moderate heritability with moderate to high genetic advance, indicative of reliability of such characters for effective selections. Discriminant function analysis based on six characters, namely fruit yield per plant, nodes per plant, plant height, internodal length, primary branches and ten fruit weight indicated that selection efficiency of the function was improved by increasing number of characters in the index. The index involving all the six traits recorded the highest genetic gain and selection efficiency. However, the index with three parameters, i.e. fruit yield per plant + plant height + ten fruit weight was comparable and practically possible to use for selecting suitable plant types.

Heterotic group classification has a crucial impact on maize (Zea mays L.) breeding efficiency in a hybrid-based breeding program. The objectives of this study were to: (i) investigate whether or not breeding efficiency could be improved using a three heterotic-group (TriHG) classification (Reid and non-Reid, and Suwan1 heterotic groups) system instead of a usual two heterotic-group (DiHG) classification (Reid and non-Reid heterotic groups) system; and (ii) estimate the impact of TriHG and DiHG systems on breeding efficiency, utilizing the same data in computing specific breeding efficiency (SBE) and general breeding efficiency (GBE) in a subtropical breeding program in southern China.
Twenty-five adapted tropical and subtropical lines were crossed to six testers using a line × tester mating design. Data on grain yield were used to calculate SBE and GBE for comparing DiHG- and TriHG-based strategies. The TriHG classification system increased GBE by 77.8% over the DiHG system without a significant loss in SBE. We concluded that the TriHG system was better than the DiHG system for improving maize-breeding efficiency. Therefore, maize breeders may re-think their breeding strategy for improving breeding efficiency in long-term breeding programs by adopting the suggested TriHG system. Hybrid maize
improvement programs, especially in the early stages of breeding for identifying hybrids with high yield potential, can be become more efficient by using three testers with one from each of Reid, nonReid, and Suwan1 heterotic groups. This would improve the chances of developing high-yielding hybrids in a breeding program with the available, diverse germplasm.

Qual ity seeds are the in dis pens able ma te rial for suc cess ful crop pro duc tion. Germplasm re source con tains unique traits/genes that can be uti lized for fur ther crop im prove ment. Ex plo ra tion for col lec tion of germplasm is the quick est and sim plest method for ac quir ing the de sired one. Pe ren nial type of chil lies has been iden ti fied and ex plored from WALMI Re search farm of ICAR Re search Com plex for East ern Re gion Patna (Bihar). This unique germplasm has been en tered in the sev enth suc ces sive years of suc cess ful fruit ing. Such dis tinc tive ge no type could be a great value for kitchen gar den pur pose, par tic u larly in the era of nu cleus fam ily. Such prom is ing and unique germplasm can be uti lized by chil lies worker in their re spec tive on go ing/en su ing crop im prove ment programme to re in force ment food and nu tri tional se cu rity of coun try by ef fi cient uti li za tion.

The present investigation was carried out at the Experimental Field, Division of Vegetable Science, SKUAST-K, Shalimar during Kharif 2018. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Thirty genotypes were evaluated for various quantitative and quality traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits. The estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variance were slightly higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variance for all the characters studied indicating the little influence of environment in the expression of these traits. The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for fruit diameter (35.65 and 34.62) followed by total chlorophyll (30.08 and 20.02) and fruit length (23.70 and 23.44). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for fruit length (0.97 and 47.74), fruit diameter (0.94 and 71.73), total sugars (0.74 an...

The central dogma (CD) of molecular biology constitutes the transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. Major CD processes governing genetic flow include the cell cycle, DNA replication, chromosome packaging, epigenetic changes, transcription, posttranscriptional alterations, translation, and posttranslational modifications. The CD processes are tightly regulated in plants to maintain their genetic integrity throughout the life cycle as well as to pass the genetic material to the next generation. Engineering of various CD processes involved in gene regulation will accelerate crop improvement to feed the growing world population. CRISPR technology enables programmable editing of CD processes to alter DNA, RNA, or protein, which would have been impossible in the past. Here, an overview of recent advancements in CRISPR tool development and CRISPR-based CD modulations that expedite basic and applied plant research is provided. Furthermore, CRISPR applications in major thriving areas, such as gene discovery (allele mining and cryptic gene activation), introgression (de novo domestication and haploid induction), and application of desired traits beneficial to farmers or consumers (biotic/abiotic stress-resilient crops, plant cell factories, and delayed senescence), are described. Finally, the global regulatory policies, challenges, and prospects for CRISPR-mediated crop improvement are summarized.

Effect of reciprocal cross is salient information for hybrid testing. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the importance of reciprocal effects, attainable heterosis, and their relationship, emphasizing on agronomic traits, yields, and yield components of sweet-waxy corn F 1 hybrids. 11 parental lines were used comprised of 3 super sweet and 8 waxy corns to generate 48 F 1 progenies using North Carolina II mating scheme. Parental lines, hybrids, and 3 check hybrid varieties were evaluated at the Vegetable Experimental Farm, Khon Kaen University, Thailand in the dry season (2017/2018). Reciprocal cross effect was existed for days to silking, plant height, husked ear length, unhusked yield, and husked yield. Almost all traits exposed quite a small contribution of reciprocal cross advantage, out of which both unhusked and husked yields possessed higher contribution (13.7% or 2.03 ton ha-1 and 11.8% or 1.25 ton ha-1 , respectively). Reciprocal cross effects significantly impact heterosis (both mid-parent heterosis (MPH) and high-parent heterosis (HPH) for all traits observed as positively strong linear correlation coefficient were revealed. This investigation suggests corn breeders to include reciprocal crosses in their any mating design since it is imperative for high-yielding oriented breeding.

Recently, thermal properties of the landscaped rooftops and walls have attracted the interest of researchers because of the potential to minimize energy consumption in urban areas and to aid summer-time thermal control. For this reason the creation of a plant-based shade for walls or above buildings is highly important. In this paper we evaluate using Lygodium japonicum, one of the many ferns and fern allies traditionally used in Japanese gardening, as a component of thermal-buffering green walls. Lygodium japonicum, the only climbing fern species in Japan, is fast-growing, adheres easily to walls and has a climbing nature. A simple thermal analysis of the sun-shading effect of Lygodium canopy suggested that local surface temperature above the ceramic tiles placed on the rooftop of a building can be buffered (lowered in daytime and maintained relatively warm at night) by the presence of leafy climbing ferns covering the tiles, possibly due to the reflection and absorbance of solar radiation. Furthermore, the presence of the plants may also slow the night-time release of heat from the building surface. Because plants installed on tall walls or on the tops of buildings are not easily accessed for manual care, we performed a real-time routine monitoring and control of plant growth status using various optical sensors that could be automated and monitored remotely for large-scale applications. For this purpose, the optical properties of a L. japonicum canopy under solar incident light have been determined. In order to evaluate the natural shading and growing properties of a green canopy, the incident solar radiation spectrum (J), leaf canopy-filtered light spectrum (transmittance, T) and leaf-reflectivity spectrum (R) were measured. By reading the reflectivity spectrum, concomitant chlorophyll fluorescence signals (F) from Lygodium leaves were also detected at 760 nm, which corresponds to the O2-A Fraunhofer line. Our data suggests that the daily change in photosynthetic status (P) can be traced by monitoring the change in relative F in relation to the estimated heat loss (H) and measured J, R, and T using a series of practical equations designed to roughly estimate the gross photosynthetic response within the plant canopy. Using our equations, the photosynthetic capacity in the plant canopy structure could be simply simulated and predictable by optical sensors.

The 'push-pull' is a new technology comprising a component of integrated pest management strategy, mainly formulated for the control of striga weed, Striga hermonthica and stemborers in cereal-based farming systems in East Africa. Normally, maize crop is intercropped with desmodium, and the Napier grasses as a border crop. A forage legume desmodium deters stemborers moth whereas Napier grasses attracts them to lay their eggs. The suppression of the parasitic striga weed is also mediated by desmodium via a succession of strategies ranging from shading to allelopathy by means of a root system. The adoption rates of the technology and its dissemination among smallholder farmers in East Africa is now days increasing. This research study reported the effectiveness of the technology against the two serious maize pests subsequent to augmented soil fertility status in a study area, which later leads to grain yield increase. The present study was done in year 2007 to 2009 in two districts in western Kenya to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology under farmers' fields. Fifteen farmers from each district were arbitrarily chosen and are those who adopted the technology to participate in this study. Each farmer had a couple of two plots, a push-pull and a maize mono-cropping plots both maintained equally. Some data were collected based on score rates

Wheat being important staple crop urges the need to evaluate and develop new drought-tolerant varieties to sustain its productivity under changing climatic conditions. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the differential morpho-physiological, grain yield and drought tolerance indices responses of 27 triticale x bread wheat genotypes along with eight checks under non-irrigated and irrigated environments in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on 12 important morpho-physiological and grain yield related traits along with revealed sufficient variability under two environments. Among various traits magnitude of heritability and genetic advance indicated that selection of flag-leaf area, spikes per plant and 1000-grain weight could respond to higher grain yield under non-irrigated environment.
Seedling stage traits viz., germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index (SVI) and germination index (GI) under normal (0 bar) and simulated water stress with Polyethylene glycol at -8 bar indicated greater sensitivity of the genotypes to water stress.
Five drought tolerance indices viz.,drought susceptibility index (DSI), tolerance index (TOL), stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI) and yield stability index (YSI) were also calculated to identify drought tolerant and stable genotypes based on their yields under two environments.
Minimum value of DSI, TOL and yield reduction and maximum value of YSI were in harmony with each other to categorized RL
135-P1 RL 22-144 A, RL-110-1P1, RL 128-1 P1 and RL 118-P1 as top five promising drought tolerant and yield stable genotypes. These genotypes could potentially be utilized for drought tolerance wheat breeding program.
Keywords: Bread Wheat; Triticale; Drought Tolerance Indices; Variability; Heritability; Yield.

A vector for the constitutive expression of antisense to the conservative region of the 8H07 gene of the nematode H.schachtii dsRNA is constructed and a genetic transformation of rape plants is conducted by means of A. tumefaciens. Using molecular genetic methods, the presence of the vector expression of antine matode dsRNA in the genome of transgenic rape plants is shown, as well as the high level of their silencing activity is confirmed both in nematodes and in infected plants. In laboratory studies, a considerable increase in the tolerance of transgenic rape plants to the root parasitic nematode H. schachtii was shown for physio logical signs.

Combining ability estimates of lines to be used in breeding are useful for maize (Zea mays L.) breeders. The objectives of this study were to (i)
evaluate combining ability of 25 improved exotic germplasm using different numbers of testers (1 to 3) from Suwan1, Reid, and non-Reid heterotic groups; (ii) study differences in combining ability estimates obtained with different number of testers from the same vs. different heterotic groups; and (iii) determine the appropriate segregating (‘S’) generation in which line selection should be done to obtain stable general combining ability (GCA) estimates of lines. The results showed that three testers (one from each of the three heterotic groups) were economically best for estimating GCA effects of lines, and if a tester from one of the three heterotic groups was missed, GCA estimates for some lines were biased when compared with GCA estimates with testers from all three heterotic groups. Second, the specific combining ability (SCA) effects of test-crosses were quite similar regardless of whether one or two testers were used from each of the three heterotic groups. Thus, to obtain reliable SCA estimates, at least one tester would need to be used from each of the heterotic groups. Third, the SCA effects were different among crosses between different lines and testers, and to obtain stable estimates of GCA effects for a line, S4 or S5 generation should be the earliest generation in which to begin selection. However, to select lines with diverse genetic backgrounds, S3 should be the key generation for selection.