6

Crop Improvement

Rice: The Central Sub-committee on Crop the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement
Standards, Notification and Release of Varieties Programme, 33 cultures were identified as most
released two hybrids (Sahyadri 4 and GK 5003) promising for various ecosystems.
and eight varieties (Akshaydhan, Varadhan, Swarna Sub-1: Swarna Sub-1, a rice variety,
Sampada, Pushyami, Pusa Basmati 6, Gontra was released for cultivation in shallow lowland
Bidhan 1, Amal mana and CR Dhan 40). The areas of coastal Orissa. It is similar to its
State Variety Release Committees have parents in all qualities, excepting dark green
recommended 16 varieties and one hybrid for colour of foliage and hull colour. It yields 5–5.5
different situations in 6 states. tonnes/ha in 140–145 days. It is tolerant to
Based on three years of testing (2006–08) in complete submergence of about two weeks

Varieties released by Central and State Variety Release Committees during 2008–09

Variety Grain type Ecosystem Resistant to pests/diseases Recommended for state/region

Central Releases
Akshaydhan LB Irrigated R-NBl, MR-ShR, BS, LB, Irrigated areas of Jharkhand, Andhra
RTD, WBPH Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Varadhan SB Irrigated R-LBl, RTD, WBPH Irrigated areas of Uttarakhand,
Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand
Sampada MS Irrigated R-LBl, MR-WBPH Irrigated areas of Bihar, Chhattisgarh,
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Pushyami LB Irrigated R-BPH, WBPH, MR-ShB Irrigated areas of Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra
Sahyadri 4 LS Irrigated MR-LBl, NBl, BS, RTD Irrigated areas of Maharashtra,
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh,
West Bengal
GK 5003 LS Irrigated R-LBl, NBl Irrigated areas of Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka
Pusa Basmati-6 LS Irrigated MR-LBl, RTD Traditional basmati growing areas of
Haryana, Uttarakhand
Gontra Bidhan-1 MS Irrigated MR-BPH Irrigated areas of Punjab, West
Bengal
Amal Mana ELS Rainfed/ irrigated/ R-SB, LF, whorl Maggot Waterlogged and coastal areas of
coastal saline soils case worm and blue beatle; West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh
MR-LBl, BS, ShBl
CR Dhan 40 SB Direct seeded and R-GM, MR-LBl, BS Direct seeded areas of Jharkhand and
transplanted transplanted areas of Maharashtra

State Releases
JRH-8 LS Rainfed/irrigated Tolerant to abiotic stress Madhya Pradesh
Thanu MS Irrigated MR-BL, ShR Irrigated areas of Kanataka
CR Boro Dhan-2 MS Boro season R-BL, ShBl; MR-YSB Boro areas of Orissa
Hanseswari SB Semi deep water T-WBPH; MR-LBl, ShBl,
(CR Dhan 70) SB, BPH, GM
Contd...

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 Variety Grain type Ecosystem Resistant to pests/diseases Recommended

Jaldihan-6 LB Irrigated – West Bengal

Nua Kalajeera MS Irrigated R-RTD, MR-BS, LBl, NBl, Orissa
ShR, Plant hoppers, GM-5
CR Sugandh Dhan-3 MS Rainfed low land MR-GM Orissa
CR Dhan-10 LS Irrigated MR-GM Orissa
AAUDR-1 MS Upland direct T-SB Gujarat
seeding
Phule Samrudhi LS Irrigated MR-BL, SB Maharashtra
Manaswini LS Irrigated R-BS, GM1, LF, BPH, Orissa
WBPH, SBWE, MR-Bl,
ShBl, RTD
PKV Khamang SS Rainfed/irrigated MR-LBl, NBl, BLB Maharashtra
Narendra Mayank SG Irrigated Submergence tolerance Uttar Pradesh
Narendra Jal Pushp LB Irrigated late Submergence tolerance Uttar Pradesh
Malviya Sugandh-105 MS Irrigated MR-LBl, NBl, BS, SB Uttar Pradesh
Malviya Sugandh 4-3 LS Irrigated MR-LBl, BLB, BPH, Uttar Pradesh

R, Resistant; MR, moderately resistant; MS, moderatey susceptible; BL, blast; BLB, bacterial blight; BPH, brown plant
hopper; BS, brown spot; GM, gall midge; LB, long bold; LF, leaf folder; NBI, neck blast, SB, short bold; ShBl, sheath blight;
ShR, sheath rot; RTV, rice tungro virus; WBPH, white backed plant hopper

and is also suitable for late planting with aged Sahbhagi Dhan: Sahbhagi Dhan was identified
seedlings. for release for cultivation in drought affected areas
of Jharkhand and Orissa. Drought-tolerant,
Sahbhagi Dhan yields 3.8 – 4.5 tonnes/ha in about
100 days and can withstand terminal drought for
at least two weeks. It is resistant to leaf blast and
moderately resistant to brown spot and sheath
rot, and also moderately resistant to stem-borer
and leaf folder. It has good cooking quality and
long-bold grain.

Improvd Samba Mahsuri has good agro-morphological features Wheat: Wheat varieties identified for release

Wheat varieties released

Variety Season Areas for adoption

HS 490 Late sown, restricted irrigated condition Hills of Jammu and Kashmir (except Jammu and Kathua
districts), Himachal Pradesh (except Paonta Valley and
Una district), Uttarakhand (excluding tarai region), Sikkim
and hills of West Bengal and NE states
PBW 590 Late sown, irrigated condition Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan (except Kota and Udaipur
divisions), West Uttar Pradesh (except Jhansi division),
Jammu and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Paonta
Valley and Una district of Himachal Pradesh, and tarai
region of Uttarakhand
Raj 4120 Timely sown, irrigated condition East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
(excluding hills), Orissa, Asom and Plains of NE states
CBW 38 Timely sown, irrigated condition East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal
(excluding hills), Orissa, Asom and plains of NE states
MP 1203 Late sown, irrigated condition Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kota and Udaipur
divisions of Rajasthan and Jhansi division of Uttar Pradesh
UAS 415(d) Timely sown, irrigated condition Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and plains
of Tamil Nadu
PBW 596 Timely sown, restricted irrigated condition Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and plains
of Tamil Nadu
MACS 2971 (dic) Timely sown, irrigated condition Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and plains
of Tamil Nadu

DARE/ICAR ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010

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 Promising genotypes for wheat products

Product Genotypes

Chapati (>8.0/10.0) GW 391, HD 2987, C 306, PBW 175, Raj 4120, K 0307, K 8027, HD 2888, Lok 1, GW
322, HI 1531, HW 2004
Bread WH 1061, WH 1062, AKAW 4627, MACS 6222, MACS 6273, UAS 304, UAS 305, HP
(>575 ml loaf volume) 1913, HD 2987, WH 1021, NW 2036, GW 173, HD 2864, HD 2932, MP 1203, NIAW 917,
NIAW 34, Raj 4083, HI 977, NI 5439, HD 2781
Biscuit HS 502, HS 490
(>7.5 spread factor)
Pasta(>6.5/9.0) PBW 311, PDW 314, UAS 419, DDW 12, GW 1245, PDW 233, WH 896, HD 4672

Promising genotypes were identified for individual quality parameters both for T. aestivum and T.
durum

Genotypes for individual quality and nutritional parameters

Parameter T. aestivum T. durum

Sedimentation value WH 1080, CBW 38, HD 3002, PBW 625, WH 896, A-9-30-1, GW 1250, HI 8699,
K 8027, HI 977, HD 2987, HD 2987, NI 5439 HD 4720
Grain hardness index HS 240, C 306, HD 2888, HI 1531, UAS 415, HD 4720, AKDW 4021, PDW 315,
NIAW 1415 MACS 1967, AKDW 2997-16
Yellow pigment HS 240, TL 2942, HS 490, DBW 17, UAS 419, PDW 233, WHD 943
PBW 373, NW 2036, NI 5439
Iron WH 1063, PBW 613, C 306, PBW 175, GW 1245, HD 8627, HI 8680, AKDW 2997-16
PBW 396, Raj 4120, MP 3224, K 0616,
PBW 612, HD 2888, MACS 6222,
UAS 304, NIAW 34
Zinc HS 502, HS 490, PBW 610, WH 1061, WH DDW 12, WH 896, MACS 1967
1063, DBW 39, HD 2987, HI 1531, MACS 6222,
UAS 304, HP 1913, AKAW 4627, Raj 4083

are: VL 907, HD 2967, PDW 314, DBW 39, HD Stem and leaf rusts + loose smut: MACS 2963
2967, HD 2985, MPO 1215 (d), UAS 304, MACS (dic), MACS 2971 (dic), DDK 1031 (dic), DDK
6222, MACS 6273, AKAW 4627, HD 2987, HW 1032 (dic), HW 1095 (dic), HW 5305 (dic), WHD
5207, KRL 210 and KRL 2. 938 (d),
Donors for resistance: The genotypespossessing
multiple disease resistance were idetified. They All three Rusts+
are resistant to: + Root aphids (RA): VL 898, HW 5030, Raj
Rusts + 4101
MR to leaf blight (LB) + R to karnal bunt (KB)+ +Flag smut (FS)+RA: HS 493
flag smut (FS): VL 912 + Leaf blight (LB)+RA: VL 912
R to Karnal bunt (KB)+ flag smut (FS)+ powdery +Karnal bunt (KB)+FS+RA: DDW 11
mildew (Pm):HPW 285, HW 2308 + Shoot Fly (SF): HW 5207, HW 5209
R to FS and Pm: TL 2955 (T) Stem and leaf rusts+
HR (infection 0.0%) to KB)+FS: UAS 414 (d) +RA: KRL 210
R to KB+ FS: HS 471, UP 2719. DDW 11 (d), +LB+RA: MP 1194
HI 8672 (d), GW 385 +KB+RA: DBW 32, KRL 213, MP 1200
Leaf and stem rusts + +FS+RA: Raj 4119, PBW 573, HW 5104, HW
R to FS and Pm: MACS 2980 (dic.), DDK 1033 5103, PBW 587
(dic.) + SF: DBW 32, MACS 3598
R to KB+ FS: HW 3094. +Brown wheat mite (BWM): HW 2308, HD 2957,
Stem and stripe rusts+ Raj 4119, HD 2956
R to KB+ FS: HPW 267, VL 895. +BWM+MR to FA: HW 3094, MACS 3598
Leaf and stripe rusts+ Leaf and stripe rusts+
R to KB+ FS: RAJ 4130, NIAW 1188. KB+FS+RA: MPO 1204
Rusts and loose smut: (highest loose smut Quality Improvement: Product-specific
infection up to 5.0%): HW 5202, TL 2945 (T). genotypes were identified for chapati (>8.0 score

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 out of 10.0), bread (>575 ml leaf volume), biscuit fertility levels yielding more juice. Stem-borer
(>7.5 spread factor) and pasta (>6.5 score out of damage is relatively lesser than that in SSV 84.
9.0). SPSSV 6 matures in 119 days, 3 days earlier
Barley: A dual-purpose variety, RD 2715, with than SSV 84. The variety is identified for all
yield advantage of green and grain has been sorghum-growing states for biofuel production,
released for commercial cultivation. It is suitable
for cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and
Kota and Udaipur divisions of Rajasthan and
Bundelkhand division of Uttar Pradesh under
irrigated timely sown conditions. This is a very
good option for farmers using barley as a source
of green fodder in December/ January. Some
promising entries for malting purpose are given
here.
Maize: Fourteen hybrids and two composites
have been released for different agro-ecological
conditions. The hybrids/composites released are
given here.
Germplasm registration: Nine inbred lines of
maize (seven normal and two QPM) have been
registered at NBPGR, New Delhi. The
characteristics and other details including INGR
numbers are given below:
Sorghum: Varieties identified for release are
SPSSV 6 (CSV 24SS) of sweet sorghum. It has
higher fresh cane and ethanol yield, and total
soluble sugars. The new variety responds to higher Sorghum variety CSV 24 SS

Promising barley entries for malting quality traits

Trait Timely sown Late sown

Hectolitre weight BH924, PL835, PL836, BH927 PL835, DWRUB52, BH931, RD2668
Grain plumpness DWR85, PL837, DWRUB73, DWR82, PL836 DWRUB78, DWRUB73, PL837, DWR81
Protein content (low) RD2778, DWR81, RD2779, DWR83 RD2778, RD2552, DWR83, BH928, K914
Husk content (low) BH927, PL835, BH926, RD2777 RD2668, PL835, DWR83, DWRUB52
Malt friability K913, RD2777, K914, DWR85 DWRUB52, RD2668, DWRUB78, RD2776
Hot water extract DWR83, PL835, DWRUB73, DWR85 RD2777, DWRUB52
Filtration rate DWR81, DWR85, DWRUB73, BH927 DWR83, DWR86, DWR81
Diastatic power BH926, DWR85, PL835, DWR84, K913, DWR82, DWR86, K915, RD2779
DWRUB76, PL836
Beta glucan (%) K913, K914, K915, K551, RD2778, RD2779 RD2779, K914, K915, K551
Overall score DWR85, RD2779, DWRUB73, K913 and K914 DWR83 (six-row type), RD2776, PL835 and
DWR86 (two-row type)

Maize hybrids/composites released

Hybrid Pedigree Area for adoption Characteristics

HM 11 HKI 1128 × HKI 163 Across the country except Himalayan belt Late, orange, semi-dent,
(rabi ) resistant to MLB, nutrient
responsive
NAH 2039 SKV 50 × MAI 135 Karnataka Late, yellow, flint, resistant to
SDM
EH 434042 – Karnataka Late, yellow, flint, resistant to
SDM
DHM 111 BML 6 × BML 15 Andhra Pradesh Late, yellow-orange, semi-flint,
nutrient responsive
DHM 113 BML 2 × BML 7 Andhra Pradesh Late, orange, semi-dent, tolerant
to MLB, TLB
Contd...

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 Hybrid Pedigree Area for adoption Characteristics

DHM 117 BML 6 × BML 7 Andhra Pradesh Medium, yellow-orange, flint,

nutrient responsive
NK30 NK 191 × NK132 Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western Uttar Late, yellow-orange, flint,
Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, nutrient responsive
Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
NK 6240 NK125 × NK 128 Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Late, yellow, flint
Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh,
Madhya Pradesh
PAC 740 (740 FF × 740 FM) Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western Late, orange, flint, resistant to
× 740 M Uttar Pradesh MLB
JKMH 502 M104 × M101 Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western Late, yellow-orange, semi-flint
Uttar Pradesh
SMH 3904 MI201 × MI 211 Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Late, yellow-orange, semi-flint
Orissa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
Pinnacle – Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand,
Orissa
DKC7074R – Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Early, orange, flint
Maharashtra
900 M GOLD – Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhrar Late, yellow, semi-flint
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra

Vivek Sankul 35 Early heterotic pool 1 Jammu and Kashmir, Himahal Pradesh, Extra-early, yellow
Uttarakhand, North-Eastern hills
Vivek Sankul 37 VL Makka 16, Pop 31, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
C4 HS bulk (Alm), Maharashtra
VL 87, VL 89, VL 90,
D 831 and D 941
Extra-early, yellow

and SPV 1746 with good fodder yield and tolerant Varieties for release
to grain mold than CSV 15 and resistant to downy The GPU 67, a finger millet variety is high-
mildew is suited for Karnataka, Maharashtra, yielding and resistant to lodging because of its
Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. semi-dwarf stature and profused tillering ability.
Pearl millet: Six hybrids and three open- This variety has been recommended for cultivation
pollinated varieties (OPVs) that have been in Karnataka, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharastra,
identified for release for various agro-ecologies Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.
are HHB 216 (MH 1421), RHB 173 (MH 1446), The TNAU 164, a high-yielding proso millet,
PAC 909 (MH 1435), HHB 223 (MH 1468), KDBH has been recommended for cultivation in Andhra
1151 (MH 1456), NMH 69 (MSH 199), CSBV 6 Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil
(MP 479), ABPC (MP 484), and Pusa Composite Nadu and Uttarakhand. The OLM 208 and OLM
612 (MP 480). 217, little millet varieties, were recommended for
Small millet: VL 207, a high-yielding, grain cultivation in Chattisgarh, Gujarat and Orissa.
smut resistant variety of barnyard millet was Finger millet: Finger millet, GPU 67, is suitable
released at national level for cultivation in all for Karnataka, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra,
barnyard-growing states except Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. It yields 16% more
Gujarat. Proso millet variety, TNAU 151, was than checks. This is semi-dwarf with erect flag
released for all prose millet-growing states. leaf and profused tillering.
Three finger millet varieties were released for Little millet: Little millet, OLM 217, has been
cultivation in different states. They are GPU 66, identified for release for Chattisgarh, Gujarat and
a high-yielding and suitable for cultivation in Orissa. It has 14% more yield than national check
all ragi-growing zones in Karnataka; KMR with high resistance to rust, grain smut and sheath
301, a high-yielding, long duration and suitable blight.
for both kharif and winter seasons of Karnataka
and Sri Chaitnya (VR 847), a medium-duration Forage crops
variety, is suitable for cultivation in Andhra Varieties identified for release: Among forage
Pradesh. crops, Napier bajra hybrid, RBN 13, oat varieties,

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 NDO-1, OS-346 and JO-03-91; cowpea variety, tear and for plains is SKNK-140 (7.78 q/ha) in
UPC-628 and Tall Fescue variety, EC 178182, Kallingada.
were identified. Promising genotypes for quality were SKNK-
Bundel Guinea-2 (Panicum maximum), IGHC 501 (13.6%) for protein content and IC415236
03-4 (Heteropogon contortus) and JHPM 05-2 (5.8%) for lysine content in grain amaranth; PRR-
(Pennisetum glaucum) have been identified. 2 (21.50%) for protein content in rice bean and
Guinea grass: Effect of ploidy on expression EC 341953 (21.70%) for protein in adzuki bean.
of individual apomixis components (apomeiosis The supplementation of rice-bean flour (20 and
and parthenogenesis) was studied in a 38 member 40%) with wheat increased the quality parameters
ploidy series represented by 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, 8x of biscuits in respect of protein, fat, ash and crude
and 9x ploidies developed by Hybridization- fibre. The texture and acceptability of sweet balls
Supplemented Apomixis-Components Partitioning prepared by supplementation of rice bean flour
Approach (HAPA) utilizing embryo-sac clearing (40%) with Bengal gram were also at par with
and FCSS. The data suggested that expression of un-supplemented ones.
individual apomixis components is enhanced with The demonstrations conducted at farmers’ fields
the increasing ploidy. in Gujarat and Maharastra indicated that growing
Pearlmillet: More than 1,200 F1s originating Amaranth was profitable over wheat and chickpea
from pearlmillet (2n=4x=28) and P. squamulatum and best suited to marginal farmers with scant
(2n=8x=56) were established in field and resources. The crop requires lesser number of
characterized cytologically utilizing leaf flow irrigation and is free from diseases and insect–
cytometry possessing similar genomic content pest attack The benefit:cost ratio in growing
showing non-involvement of any unreduced gamete Amaranth ranged from 1.97 to 2.69 as against
from the parents. 1.37 to 1.83 in chickpea and 1.73 to 1.87 in wheat
Cenchrus: Rare occurrence of sexual plant in at different farmers’ fields.
Cenchrus ciliaris was identified (IGFRI-CcSx- Groundnut: Five groundnut varieties, viz. VRI
08/1) using pistil-clearing technique and (Gn) 6, TG 51, Ajeya, Girnar 2, ICGV 00348 and
characterized by DNA profiling. The plant shows Mallika (ICHG-00440), were released for different
distinct morphology and flowering behaviour as agroclimatic conditions. Groundnut variety, ICGH
compared to any other commonly found apomictic 00440, is large-seeded and suitable for export
plants of C. ciliaris. RAPD analysis of sexual purposes.
plant using random primers (OPJ-13 and OPP-
14) produced plant specific bands of 225 bp and
1.2 kb, respectively. Using DNA fingerprint, this
plant can be easily distinguished from other C.
ciliaris plants. This sexual plant of C. ciliaris is
an elite genetic material for molecular studies of
apomixis.
Mineral content of wheat straw varied across
the country. The P (0.04–0.1%), Mg (0.15–0.19%),
Cu (4.4–6.2 ppm) and Zn (12.2–18.36 ppm)
contents were deficient in wheat straw, while Ca
content (0.59–0.82%) was adequate. Iron
concentration was several times higher in all the
samples. Fibrolytic enzyme (avizyme) treatment
@ 4 g/kg feed of wheat straw improved the
digestibility of organic matter (65.7 vs 61.7%)
and fibre fractions (NDF 61.5 vs 58.2%) in
crossbreed calves.
The mineral status in paddy straw samples from
different states revealed that only Ca content (0.49–
Ground variety Girnar 3
0.88%) was adequate in dietary need of cattle,
whereas P (0.03–0.15%), Mg (0.06–0.09%), Cu Groundnut varieties identified for release:
(4.8–6.7 ppm) and Zn (12.4–28.8 ppm) were Varieties identified for release are: K 1319, R
deficient. 2001-3, GPBG 5, CSMG 2003-19, HNG 69 and
Underutilized crops: High-yielding entries Girnar 3 (West Bengal, Orissa and Manipur).
identified in advanced trials for hills are IC 415477 Rapeseed-mustard: Four varieties (RB 50,
(10.34 q/ha) in chenopod; EC 008707 (11.95 q/ RGN 145, NRCHB 101 and Pusa Mustard 21)
ha) in adzuki bean; H3765 (10.28 q/ha) in Job’s and two hybrids (NRCHB 506 and DMH 1) of

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32
 Castor: GC-3, a wilt resistant variety, having
30% more yield than GC-2, has been released for
Gujarat. It is resistant to wilt and tolerant to
Macrophomina root rot. It has 40% oil content.
Sasame: Varieties, RT-346 (Rajasthan Til -346),
AKT 101 and Gujarat Til-3, having high yield
and other desirable characteristics have been
released for cultivation in different areas.
Niger: IGPN-2004-1 (Phule Karale-1), a high-
yielding, early-maturing variety was released for
high rainfall areas of Maharastra and Karnataka.
Another KBN-1, a high-yielding, early-maturing
variety, was released for cultivation in kharif areas
of Karnataka.
NRCHB 506: the first Indian mustard hybrid Linseed: Varieties identified for release are LC-
2063 for Punjab, LCK 5021 for Bihar, Jharkhand,
Indian mustard and two varieties of yellow sarson West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, SLS-67 for
(NRCYS-5-2 and YSH 401) have been notified Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
for different mustard-growing regions. DMH-1 Pradesh and Rajasthan, LMS 149-4 for Chhatisgarh,
and Coral 432 (PAC 432) (hybrids); NPJ 112 (Pusa Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and
Mustard 25) and NRCDR 601(varieties) of Indian Orissa.
mustard, and RYSK 05-02 of yellow sarson were Pulses: Seventeen varieties in pulses have been
identified for release. identified for release for different regions of the
Soybean: Germplasm line, EC 538828, was country. They are: IPCK 2004-29, Shubhra, Phule
found to possess relative tolerance to terminal G 0517and PKV Kabuli-4, (chickpea), IPM 02-
drought, whereas soybean variety, NRC 2, was 03, Pusa 0672 and PKVAKM 4(greengram), KU
identified drought tolerant. It showed delayed 99021, COBG 653 and NUL 7(blackgram), IPF
wilting symptom (7 days after the withdrawal of 5-19, Pant P 74, TRCP 8 and VL 46(fieldpea),
water) and took maximum time to reach permanent Pant L063 and Pant L024(lentil), and Gujarat
wilting genetic resource. Soybean variety, JS 97- Rajmash 1(rajmash).
52, was identified for cultivation in central Zone. Arid Legumes: Horse gram entry, VLG-19,
Sunflower: KBSH 53, a hybrid with seed yield has been identified for release for northern India.
of 20–27 q/ha and 42–44% of oil content and It matures early (91 days) compared to the control
tolerance to powdery mildew, has been released (105–108 days).
for Karnataka. This hybrid is better than KBSH44. Jute: Notified jute varieties, viz. Sidhartha (JRC
Another hybrid, PSH-569, has been identified for 517) and Sashi (JRC-532) tolerant to drought and
cultivation in Punjab. It gives seed yield of 20– waterlogging for capularies jute growing areas
22 q/ha and matures in 100 days. It has 40% oil and Monalisa (RRPS-27-C-3), tolerant to foot and
content. stem-rot, yellow mite, stem weevil and semilooper
Safflower: SSF-658, a wilt and aphid tolerant were notified for midland jute growing areas. Sumit
variety, with seed yield of 15–18 q/ha was released (JBM-2004-D), a mesta variety was notified for
for all safflower-growing areas of the country. It West Bengal, Orissa, Asom and Bihar. Sunhemp
exhibited 14–28% yield superiority over the control. variety, Swastika (SUN 053), was notiifed for
It matures in 128 days and it has 28% oil content. Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Madhya
Pradesh and Bihar.
As many as 43 germplasm accessions consisting
of both jute (18) and sunnhemp (25) were collected
from Haryana and Punjab. Donors for premature
flowering resistance amongst the olitorius
germplasm were identified. Flax germplasm
accessions, Polf 15, Polf 31 and H 43, were
identified as potential donors.
Application for registration of 15 notified extant
varieties (JRO 632, JRO 3690, JRO 66, JRO 524,
JRO 7835, JRO 878, JRO 8432, JRO 128, S 19,
JRC 212, JRC 7447, JRC 321, Padma, JRC 698
and JRC 80) developed by CRIJAF, Barrackpore,
Non-spiny safflower variety SSF-658
one notified extant variety (Bidhan Pat-3)

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 Germplasm registration

Name INGR No. IC No. Centre Characteristics

HKI-288-2 8071 IC563956 Karnal Late maturity, yellow and flint grain and MLB resistant
HKI-1126 8072 IC563958 Karnal Late maturity, yellow and flint grain and MLB resistant
HKI-1040-4 8073 IC563959 Karnal Medium maturity, orange and flint grain and MLB resistant
HKI-1015WG-8 8074 IC563961 Karnal Medium maturity, orange and flint grain and MLB resistant
HKI-1347-4LT 8075 IC563964 Karnal Late maturity, white and flint grain and MLB resistant
HKI-164D-4(O) 8076 IC563965 Karnal Late maturity, QPM, yellow and semi-dent grain and MLB resistant
HKI-164-7-6 8077 IC 563966 Karnal Late maturity, QPM, orange and semi-dent grain and MLB resistant
VQL1 08011 IC 542343 Almora Medium, yellow, semi-flint, trp >0.6%
VQL2 08012 IC 542344 Almora Early, orange, flint, trp >0.6%

developed by BCKV, Kalyani, and two new pCAMBIA 1305, where gus gene is driven by
varieties (JRO 204 and IRA) developed by CRIJAF, new promoter, were developed. In tobacco, tissue-
Barrackpore, have been send to PPV& FR specific expression (in guard cells, xylem and
Authority, for their registration. The DUS testing roots) of the gus gene was observed.
of two newly-released varieties (JRO 204 and Genes for drought resistance: Attempts were
IRA) are in progress. made to identify candidate genes for drought
Four olitorius accessions, OIN 125, OIN 154, resistance in sugarcane. The mapping population
OIN 651 and OIN 853, showing mean PDI of 5.0 of Co 740 × Co 775 was categorized as susceptible
or less were categorized as moderately resistant (23%), moderately susceptible (33%), moderately
to Macrophomina phaseolina. resistant (20%), resistant (14%) and tolerant (11%)
Phylogenetic analysis of begomovirus complexes based on cane yield and quality characters, and
associated with yellow-vein mosaic disease of physiological parameters after imposition of
mesta revealed that in eastern India, the disease drought during the formative phase. Polymorphism
was associated with different variants of MeYVMV between drought resistant and susceptible clones
and CLCuMB, whereas in northern India it is has been observed in RT-PCR analysis for the
associated with different variants of MeYVMBV candidate gene primers IGS, Nit, cAPX, DHAR,
and LuLDB. Interestingly, in southern India the prokin, PIN1 and SOD in resistant clones, while
begomovirus complexs consisted of MeYVMBV GST 1 gave two specific bands in susceptible
and LuLDB. parent and progeny. SOD gene showed 98%
Sugarcane: Identified sugarcane varieties for homology with the drought inducible protein in
Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh are Saccharum hybrid. The IGS showed 95%
Co 118 with moderate red rot resitance, Co 233; homology with rice genomic DNA and 80%
for both waterlogged and water stressed situations; homology with hypothetical proteins expressed
Co 232 was identified for waterlogged and red in rice genome.
rot disease for eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Tobacco: Two varieties / hybrids of FCV tobacco
Bengal and north-eastern states. and two varieties of bidi tobacco with high yield
Collection of wild Saccharum germplasm: An potential or with resistance to pests were identified
exploration for the collection of wild Saccharum / recommended for cultivation in different regions
germplasm from Uttarakhand and Himachal of country.
Pradesh was organized during September-October The tobacco varieties, viz. N 98 for southern
2009. A total of 53 accessions comprising light and black soils of Andhra Pradesh, Sahyadri
Saccharum spontaneum, Erianthus fulvus and (KST 28) for light soils of Karnataka, Vedganga-
Miscanthus nepalensis were collected. I (NBD 43) for Nipani in Karnatak and ABD 105
Cloning and tissue-specific of a new gene for Gujarat were identified. The tobacco genotypes
promoter: The upstream of one of a new ubi having potential alternative uses for high oil
gene with 1929 bp was cloned and sequenced. content, protein, nicotine and organic acids were
Analysis of sequence data showed that the identified.
immediate upstream of start codon of the gene Mango: At CISH, Lucknow, a hybrid namely
has introns and exons. Above it is the promoter Hybrid 1084 between Amrapali and Janardhan
sequence of 239 bp together forming the regulatory Pasand was found promising. It has got attractive
system. The promoter sequence has the promoter dark red colour on peel and better shelf-life. The
elements, TATA box and CAT box, and also cis hybrid is dwarf in stature, heavy and regular-
activating sites for roots, guard cells and xylem bearer.
specific expression. Tobacco transgenics with Guava: CISH GS 35 is a promising heavy-

DARE/ICAR ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010

34
bearer, half-sib progeny of Allahabad Safeda guava. Germination efficiency of wild species even after
It produces roundish, smooth, medium large 15 months has been achieved using hormonal pre-
fruits (200–250g). Mature fruits have white flesh, treatments. Embryo rescue studies have shown
sweet taste along with muskiness developing light that 80–95% mature embryos could be regenerated
yellow colour on ripening. Fruits have TSS into plantlets through direct organogenesis.
13.4°Brix, acidity 0.42% and vitamin ‘C’ > 250 Genetically transformed banana cv. Rasthali with
mg per 100g fruit and present grittiness of outer chitinase gene (chi-II) was confirmed for the
flesh. It is soft and medium-seeded (0.93g 100 presence of transgene through southern blotting.
seed). Forty differentially expressed EST’s were identified
Papaya: At IIHR, Bangalore, advanced in Sigatoka resistant cultivar Manoranjitham
generation of hybrid progenies of papaya from through SSH approach and deposited in NCBI.
the combination Surya × Tainung-1 were evaluated The AFLP polymorphism has been studied for
for various characters. The hybrid progeny number drought tolerant (Poovan and Imbogo) and
28-5 had desirable fruit quality, producing 600– susceptible (Nendran and Calcutta 4) lines of Musa.
800 g fruits with deep pink colour and high TSS About 15 unique bands have been identified using
(13–14° Brix) with good keeping quality. 64 AFLP markers, of which, seven were specific
Citrus: At NRC on Citrus, Nagpur; Nagpur for tolerance and eight were specific for susceptible.
mandarin-75, Acid lime-12 and Mosambi-5 were These putative diagnostic markers could be
selected as superior clones. Two clones, one early- converted into SCAR marker for use in early
maturing-N2 (early-March and early-November) screening of progenies for drought tolerance. The
and another less seeded-N5 (less than 3 seeds/ cDNA libraries have been created for identifying
fruit) were identified. the resistant genes against Sigatoka leaf spot disease
In in-vitro regeneration of citrus, ovules were and nematode.
excised from 8–10 weeks old fruits of Nagpur The Budu Bale (Pisang Awak) at Arabhavi,
mandarin and cultured in MS medium Mettupalyam (Pome) at Coimbatore, BRS-3
supplemented with various organic compounds. (Cavendish) at Jalgaon, KBS 8 (Dawarf Cavendish)
Cotyledonary embryoids obtained from MS + ME at Kovvur and Kovvur Bontha (Monthan) at
medium were subcultured and MS medium Kovvur have been found promising in banana.
supplemented with various growth regulators. Sapota: A high-yielding clone, DHS 1 (2/1),
kinetin in combination with IAA promoted plantlet identified earlier continued to show its superiority.
formation. Jackfruit: One off-season bearing type of
Calli derived from epicotyl segments of Troyer jackfruit weighing 40 kg has been identified by
citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) Periyakulam centre.
chethali, an important rootstock for Nagpur Grape: About 157 accessions were evaluated
mandarin and acid lime, were subcultured on for 10 fruit characters. Maximum heritability was
regeneration medium (MS fortified with BAP). obtained for seed weight, indicating importance
Rooting occurred from one-month-old shoots of this character for selection. Bunch weight and
subcultured in ½ MS medium supplemented with number of berries per bunch contributed maximum
IBA. In-vitro regenerated plants successfully to total variability among 157 accessions as
survived in sterilized soil mixture containing soil, revealed by principal component analysis.
sand and cocopeat with 50% survival Fifty-four different grape accessions were
Multiple shoots were obtained from mature analysed with 22 microsatellite primers and their
axillary bud explant / single node of mature trees fingerprints were developed. Graphical
(>10 years old) of Citrus limonia cultivars Rangpur user interface, functional design and coding for
lime Gonicoppal and Brazillian Rangpur lime. different modules were completed for creating
When cultured in MS medium supplemented with database for molecular marker data of grape
BAP, kinetin and NAA. In vitro proliferated shoots germplasm.
rooted when shoots were cultured on MS Pomegranate: Sixty-one varieties/ecotypes/
supplemented with IBA. Rooted complete plantlets landraces of pomegranate were evaluated for
transferred to micro pots having sterilized soil growth parameters. The maximum variability was
mixture with 50% survival. recorded with respect to leaf area (25.83%),
The acid lime clone, TAL-94-14 (New), at followed by plant spread and thorn length. Bedana
Tirupati, mandarin selection - 5 at Akola, Khasi Sedana, Spendanader and IC-1203 recorded plant
mandarin CRS - 4 at Tinsukia, sweet orange height > 275 cm and Nana was dwarf type (63.67
selection-2 at Rahuri and Kodur Sathgudi at cm). However, flowering was recorded in more
Tirupati, are continued to be promising. than 85% germplasm after two years.
Banana: Embryo rescue has been standardized Studies on flower biology revealed three kinds
for wild species and hybrids involving wild species. of flowers in pomegranate—Bisexual, Male and

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 Intermediate. The flower bud development took
19.29 days in Bhagwa and 20.40 days in Ganesh.
The total number of flowers per plant from 2-
year-old orchard was 124 and 133 in Ganesh and
Bhagwa, respectively. The peak period of anthesis
in pomegranate Bhagwa and Ganesh was between
10 AM and 12 noon. Pollen viability in
pomegranate ranged from 84.0 to 95.0% and pollen
viability was slightly higher in Ganesh than
Bhagwa. More fruit setting in cross-pollinated fruits
(47.77%)was recorded than in self-pollinated ones
(16.6%).
Litchi: At NRC Litchi, Muzaffarpur; 24
desirable clones of litchi Shahi and China for
extended harvesting season and improved quality
characteristics have been identified. One bunch-
bearing clone of Shahi was also identified from CITH-Walnut 1: an excellent walnut variety with export quality traits
the Motihari area of Bihar.
4th year of age with CITH-Walnut 1, recording
the highest nut weight (24.46 g) followed by LG
10 (20.30g) and KPT 5 (18.11g). On the basis of
nut and kernel characters, genotypes namely CITH-
walnut 1, CITH-walnut 2, CITH-walnut 3, CITH-
walnut 4 and CITH-walnut 5 have been identified
and being multiplied on large scale for testing
and release at national level.
Strawberry: Twenty-one strawberry cultivars
were evaluated under open field conditions at
Mukteshwar during 2006–09. Blackmore, Chandler,
Gorella, Camarosa and Oso-Grandy performed
better in terms of plant growth, yield and fruit
quality.
A bunch-bearing clone of Shahi litchi Almond: For better pollination, six honey bee
colonies per hectare and cultivar IXL as a pollinizer
Almond: Five exotic soft-shelled almond were found beneficial for increasing fruit setting,
cultivars were evaluated to identify high-yielding higher nut and kernel yield. The fruit setting
cultivars having superior nut and kernel quality. increased by 22% and nut yield by about 12–
Cultivar Waris was found highest yielder (5.14 15%.
kg/tree), followed by Makhdoom (4.94 kg/tree) Apple: On the basis of blooming period the
and Non Pareil (4.64 kg/tree). Non Pareil was main cultivars and pollinizers in apple have been
earliest (126 days), followed by Pranayaj (135) categorized as:
and Waris (137). Kernel recovery was highest in Very early bloomer: Mayan, Schlomit, Micheal;
Non-Pareil (65.7%), followed by Merced (63.4%) Early bloomer: Chaubattia Princess, Chaubattia
and Pranyaj (59.9%). Anupam, Summer Red, Prima, Vermouth Spur,
Apricot: Ten apricot cultivars were evaluated Vance Delicious, Mollie’s Delicious; Mid-to late-
for fruit yield and table quality. Genotype CITH- bloomer: Gala Mast, Oregon Spur, Starkrimson,
Apricot-1 was found most promising recording Cooper 4, Skyline Supreme, Top Red, Spur Type
maximum yield (14.5 kg/tree), followed by CITH- Red Delicious, Royal Delicious, D. K. Delicious,
Apricot 2 (10.5 kg/tree). However, genotype CITH- Well Spur, Red Chief, Hardy Spur, Star Summer
Apricot 3 has more sweetness (16.0°Brix), followed Gold, Gala Mast, Red Spur, Rich-a Red and Red
by CITH-Apricot 1(14.9°Brix). These varieties Delicious. The Pollinizer cultivars were
are being multiplied at large scale. categorized as: Very early to early: Manchurian
Walnut: A total of 178 indigenous selections crab, Crab apple (M. baccata USA), Tydeman’s
and 15 exotic varieties have been established and Early Worcester, Red Gold and Mid-to late. Snow
are being evaluated for various economic traits. Drift, Golden Hornet, Stark Spur, Golden Delicious
Out of 195 genotypes, 49 have come to bearing and Golden Spur.
stage whose nut and kernel weight ranged from The low-chilling cultivars, Schlomit, Micheal
6.23 to 24.46g and 5.09 to 11.11g respectively in and Mayan, were very early to bloom and the

DARE/ICAR ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010

36
 IND 148, while higher copra yield was obtained
in IND 027S, IND 026S, IND 071S, IND 148,
IND 002S, respectively. Of the 71 coconut
accessions, including 58 tall accessions and 13
dwarf accessions, copra content ranged from 70.4
to 349 g. The accessions, IND 085S, IND 023S
and IND 034S, were found promising for copra
content; with 300 g copra/ nut. Among dwarfs,
coconut germplasm accession, IND 092S, recorded
copra content of 219.80 g.
Based on the storability and firmness of copra,
IND 030S, WCT, Kalpa Mitra and IND 082,
respectively, were found better suited for ball copra
production. The hybrid IND 058S × IND 069S,
was found superior for nut, copra yield and tender
Top-working with pollinizer varieties for increased pollen availability nut traits.
Analysis of dwarfs using 14 microsatellite
blooming of Malus baccata (USA) synchronized markers showed that, MYD and COD were
with these cultivars as a good pollinizer, followed monomorphic, whereas heterozygosity ranged from
by flowering in Manchurian crab. The Malus 0.3 to 0.4 in talls. The UV treatment was found
machurica is very profuse bloomer and has a very to induce more growth in coconut embryos under
good characteristic of extended blooming duration tissue culture conditions.
which synchronizes with most of main cultivars. The nucleotide and protein sequences pertaining
The fruit setting was higher (37–43%) under to genes induced during somatic embryogenesis,
controlled cross-pollination, followed by open- viz. SERK (somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase)
pollination (32–52%) after placement of bee hives and BBM (BABY BOOM) were retrieved from the
@ 7/ha in comparison to fruit setting of the previous NCBI. Nucleotide sequences coding conserved
years (9–25%) without bee hives placement. domain amino acid was selected for oligomer
During blooming period, rainy days designing. These degenerate primers were used
accompanied by hail-storm and low temperatures to amplify, clone and sequence SERK and BBM
(>13 °C) as well as high wind velocity affected genes in coconut.
the foraging of pollinators. The Apis mellifera For molecular tagging of coconut root (wilt)
was badly affected and bee causality was maximum disease, 18 degenerate primer pairs were used to
under inclement weather. The Apis cerana indica amplify Resistance Gene Analogues (RGAs) from
was found to be better adapted under these climatic coconut. Initially, the annealing temperature for
conditions. Top grafting of pollinizers on main each primer pair was standardized using gradient
apple cultivars during mid-February by cleft or PCR. After PCR, electrophoresis was carried out
side bark and tongue budding during 30 June – and amplicons of expected sizes were eluted, cloned
15 July gave higher success. Successive growth and sequenced. Two of the clones showed
of scion wood of Golden Delicious, Tydeman’s homology to RGAs from other plant species.
Early Worcester, Red Gold, Stark Spur and Golden Kalpatharu: Considering higher coconut yield
Spur resulted in better shoot growth, however (15,750 nuts/ha), better copra outturn of 2.7 tonnes/
bloom intensity was better in crab apples like ha @ 15.48 kg/palm/year with oil content of 67.2%,
Manchurian, Golden Hornet and Snow Drift. drought tolerance attributes and adaptability to
Arid Fruits: The individual cultivars could be water deficit regions, accession IND 125 S is
identified using a specific flavonoid spot or recommended for cultivation in Karnataka, Tamil
combination of spots. The data were further Nadu and Kerala.
analysed using NTSYS software to assess the Kalpa Samrudhi: Considering the superiority
relationship among cultivars. It was observed that of coconut hybrid IND 376 (a hybrid between
popular Gola, Kaksol Gola and Ladu were more IND 058 S × IND 069 S) for higher nut yield,
closely related than other cultivars. (117 nuts/palm), high copra out turn (25.72 kg/
At CHES, Godhra, 3 chironji germplasm lines palm/year), oil yield of 3.04 tonnes/ha under rainfed
(CHES-C 1, CHES-C 2 and CHES-C 7) were conditions, semi-tall habit, good tender nut water
found to be promising. Two promising lines of quality (TSS 6% Brix), and yield (346 ml/ tender
jamun, viz. GJ 2 and GJ 8 were found promising nut) and drought tolerance nature, this hybrid is
and proposed for release. recommended for cultivation in Asom and Kerala.
Coconut: Of the 20 accessions evaluated, higher Arecanut: Performance of arecanut germplasm
nut yield was recorded in IND 071S, IND 027S, accessions collected from NE region was found

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 to be better than others and, accessions, VTL-29 quality of palm oil and yield.
II, VTL-12, VTL 18 III, Nalbari and K & J hills, After several extensive experiments with spear
recorded higher yield ranging from 2.81 to 3.58 leaves collected from mature palms, callus
kg chali/palm/ year. induction, somatic embryo induction and
Forty-nine tissue culture derived plantlets from maturation including plantlet regeneration have
YLD resistant arecanut palms were field planted been obtained from spear leaves. Standardization
for evaluation against YLD. Clonal fidelity test of media for callus induction and somatic embryo
using RAPD indicated that 98% of progenies are induction was also possible from immature
similar to mother palms. inflorescence collected from mature palms.
The DNA of arecanut sample from YLD resistant Refinement and confirmation of the above protocols
and susceptible palms was screened with ISSR are under progress.
primers (UBC 820-840) and 40 RAPD primers Cashew: Three hybrids, H-66, H-68 and H-
(OPAF and OPAB). Reproducible primers are 43, yielded 4.0, 5.2, and 5.6 kg/tree in fifth
selected (UBC828, UBC835, UBC822, OPAF11, harvesting with a cumulative yield of 23.8, 24.0,
OPAF13, OPAF18, OPAB3 AND OPAB7) for and 25.1 kg/tree, respectively. Hybrids, H-125
further testing of resistant and susceptible palms. and H-126, yielded 7.0 and 6.0 kg/tree in fifth
The CNZ 01, CNZ 03, CNZ05, CNZ 18, CnCirB3 harvesting with a cumulative yield of 26.4 and
and CnCirC09 primers showed amplification of 23.7 kg/tree, respectively. At Jhargram, maximum
arecanut DNA. Resistant genes were collected from nuts were recorded with Kanaka (14.75), followed
NCBI database and analyzed for conserved regions by Vengurla 6 (13.75) and Dhana (11.75).
based on multiple sequence alignment. The primers Onion: Bhima Red variety has been developed
were synthesized for NBC-LRR regions. The through bulb to row selection method from a base
primers were used to amplify the resistant genes population of B-780. After transplanting it takes
from YLD resistant areca palm. Amplicons at 120-140 days for harvesting. The bulbs possess
expected size were eluted from the gels and cloned, attractive red colour, round shape with higher
and are being sequenced. Resistant genes from marketable bulbs. This variety yields around 30
different categories from various crops were tonnes/ha in rabi season. This variety is also
analyzed for consensus region and motifs. suitable for late kharif season with a yield potential
Under bioinformatics, databases on plant growth of 50 tonnes/ha.
promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and sequences Garlic: Bhima Omkar line has been identified
of all the available phytoplasma have been for high yield and better quality. It has been
developed. Protein kinase gene family in palms developed through clonal selection. Its bulbs are
was analyzed for disease resistance, OBP sequences medium in size, compact and white in colour.
were analyzed for red palm weevil of coconut. Average marketable yield is 7.7 tonnes/ha with
Oil palm: Under characterization of interspecific an average of 18-31 cloves per bulb.
hybrids of Elaeis oleifera or the American oil Mushroom: Among the 19 strains of Pleurotus
palm produces more liquid oil due to higher florida evaluated for yield, strain Pl-900 gave
unsaturated fatty acid content compared to earliest fruiting and highest biological efficiency
commercial species (Elaeis guineensis). However, (108.3%).
due to erratic and poor yield, E. oleifera is not Potato: Two hybrids, Kufri Nilima and Kufri
cultivated commercially. Interspecific hybrids have Frysona, were recommended for release as varieties.
potential of combining yield and quality in oil. Kufri Nilima is a medium-maturing hybrid,
Interspecific crosses were made involving E. resistant to late blight and cyst nematodes. It is
guineensis and E. oleifera palms. Bunch component suitable for cultivation in Nilgiris hills of Tamil
analysis of hybrids showed intermediate values Nadu.
for bunch weight as well as bunch related Kufri Frysona produces oblong tubers of
parameters including proportion of parthenocarpic attractive shape with shallow eyes and white flesh
fruits. However, oil/mesocarp oil/bunch were lower colour. Its tubers are free from most of the external
than those of the parents. Fatty acid composition and internal defects. The average total tuber yield
showed intermediate value between the two parental is 39.8 tonnes/ha with an average French fry grade
species for all fatty acids. Wide variability in fatty tuber yield of 25.8 tonnes/ha. The tubers contain
acid composition was found in progenies of two on an average 22% dry-matter content and have
specific interspecific crosses. Since performance very low reducing sugar content (< 100 mg/100
of each palm is different, individual interspecific g fresh tuber weight) and negligible enzymatic
hybrid palms were assessed based on total browning. The variety is suitable for planting in
unsaturated fatty acids and oleic acid content and the main season in Indo-Gangetic plains and
20 superior palms were selected, which could be matures 100–110 days after planting.
employed for further back crossing to combine Coconut: Two varieties, Kalpatharu and Kalpa

DARE/ICAR ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010

38
Samrudhi, have been developed. Orchid: Two clones of cymbidium hybrids,
Kalpatharu gives higher coconut yield (15,750 namely H × B/2008 clone-01 and H × B/2008
nuts/ha), better copra outturn of (2.7 tonnes/ha) clone-02, were identified as promising.
with oil content of 67.2%, drought tolerance and Gladiolus: Under multilocational testing of
adaptability to water deficit regions. It is AICRP, Pune, Hybrid GKGL-94-77 is superior
recommended for cultivation in Karnataka, Tamil in spike qualities.
Nadu and Kerala. Gerbera: At Hessaraghatta, gerbera line, IIHR
Kalpa Samrudhi hybrid, IND 376, gives higher 99-1, has been identified for release as Arka
nut yield (117 nuts/palm), high copra outturn (25.72 Krishika.
kg/palm/year), oil yield of 3.04 tonnes/ha under
rainfed conditions. It is semi-tall and provides good BIOTECHNOLOGY
tender nut water quality (TSS: 6% Brix), and yield
(346 ml/ tender nut), and drought tolerant. It is Novel genes and promoters: For the development
recommended for cultivation in Asom and Kerala. of effective and efficient transgenic crop mutant
Black pepper: Two advanced lines, INGR 8099- populations of Arabidopsis tagged with
Piper thomsonii (IC-398863) - for sex change promoterless GUS gene were generated. A mutant
from male to bisexual plant and INGR 8100- Piper line of Arabidopsis exhibiting wound inducible
nigrum (IC-563950) – a novel spike variant with expression of GUS exclusively in stems has been
proliferating spikes were registered with NBPGR identified from a T-DNA tagged mutant population.
for their unique characters. The GUS expression is stem-specific and observed
Cardamom: Evaluation of hybrids under PET only after wounding.
1 and PET 2 led to the identification of five hybrids, Biparental inheritance: Using progenies of
namely CCS-1 × RR-1, RR-1 × CCS-1, MB-5 × crosses involving different CMS lines and fertility
GGASH, NKE 19 × GG, GG × NKE 19. restorer/euplasmic lines, it is established that mt-
Cassia: The elite line A1 (IC No. 370400) with DNA is biparentally inherited in B juncea. Pollen
high cinnamaldehyde content in bark oil (81.5%) mediated mt-DNA transmission was found in all
and leaf oil (80.5%) has been registered with the progenies. Further, paternal mt-DNA was
NBPGR, New Delhi. transcribed and maintained throughout the life-
Ginger: A high-yielding ginger variety, Subhada, span of progeny plants. The first instance of
has been recommended for release. mitochondrial recombination under natural
Cumin: A cumin variety, RZ-345, from Jobner conditions from biparental inheritance of mt-DNA,
was recommended for release. has been documented and could be useful for
Fennel: UF-205 from Jobner, LFC-84 from detailed studies on mitochondrial inheritance in
Guntur and HM-219 from Hisar were identified angiosperms and for mitochondrial genome
for release. manipulation through sexual hybridization.
Fenugreek: The entries RMt-361 from Jobner, Targeted integration of Bacillus thuringiensis
LFC-84 from Guntur and HM-219 from Hisar cry1Fa1 gene at Flavonoid-3-glucosyltransferase
were identified for release. (F3G) (anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway) locus
Coriander: Three varieties, RCr-728, LCC-170 in brinjal was achieved. Gene targeting resulted
and DH 206, were identified for release. in high level expression of cry1Fa1 in leaf, stem
Cassava: Three cassava hybrid lines, CMR-3, epidermis and fruit epidermis, susceptible to
CMR-63 and CMR-70, with extractable starch ‘Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer’ (BFSB). In addition,
content of 24.6-25.8% were identified as promising gene targeted transgenic brinjal did not show any
under irrigated plains of Tamil Nadu. phenotypic effect or loss of function of the target
Mandookaparni: A distinct elite plant type of gene (F3G).
medicinal plant mandookaparni (Centella asiatica), Tomato Genome Sequencing: Of the total 31
collected from Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, was BACs in the BAC minimum tiling path of long
characterised at DMAPR. The new plant type arm of chromosome 5 of tomato with total size
having accession No. IC 561247 was bigger in of 3.435 Mb, 16 of BACs have been sequenced.
leaf size and superior to local plant type in yield Additional 9 BACs of total size 1.046 Mb have
and quality. Fresh herbage yield was about three been sequenced that have now gone to other
times more the elite plant type compared to local chromosomes, giving total of 4.481 Mb of BACs
plant type. Asiaticoside was 1.62% in registered identified for sequencing. The sequence data of
material while local type had 1.47% active 29 BACs (3.212 Mb) in the MTP of chromosome
principle. Characterisation based on molecular 5 has been processed to high quality of international
markers also revealed the distinctness of IC 561247. standards. Further annotation of 2,342 predicted
It is registered as INGR No. 08105 as an elite genes from 170 tomato BACs for ITAG has been
germplasm with superior yield and quality. made functional. The genome wide annotation of

CROP IMPROVEMENT

39
 R-genes for tomato genome snapshot paper has Quality seed production: The total quality seed
also been done. All the Phase III BACs from production of field was 63,416.3 tonnes.
SGN have been downloaded and done gene Participatory seed production: A total of
prediction, total 11,019 genes predicted in 645 31,898.3 tonnes of quality seed was produced under
BACs. Submission of 8 BACs in Phase III and participatory seed production programme at
16 BACs in Phase II to NCBI and SGN portals, farmers’ fields at various centres.
including 5 BACs for other tomato chromosomes
has been done. Additional 11 BACs for Seed production technology
chromosome 5 are in phase I that will be upgraded To avert the problem of Zn deficiency in many
to Phase II and submitted soon. parts of the country in seed production, application
SpicEST: A database of ESTs of two major of ZnSO4 either @ 50 kg/ha as basal dressing or
spices, turmeric and ginger, was developed and 25 kg/ha as basal along with foliar spraying @
hosted ([Link]/spicest). SpicEST 2g/litre twice at one week interval enhanced seed
contains all ESTs of these plants, their annotation, yield and seed quality.
and information on SSRs and SNPs. Spraying of ethrel @ 0.1% 45 and 60 days
Cassava: In cassava, drought responsive genes, after sowing was found to effectively suppress
Dehydrin, LEA and WRKY genes PCR product, interspersed staminate flowers in NES pistillate
were amplified (400–600 bp) using CE-165 parent. and also maintains genetic purity considerably in
The disease resistant gene, NBS region of castor.
Resistance Gene Analog (RGA), was amplified
(600 bp) using MNga-1 parent and all genes were Seed Storage
cloned to plasmid vector for sequencing. Polylined gunny bags/ polylined cloth bags
Guggal: Sixty different random decamer primers were emerged as most useful packaging
were screened with the three bulks to identify material over conventional gunny bags for
markers associated with sex expression of which storing seeds of field crops for one planting
only three primers were found to be associated season at 10% moisture content. It was found
with sex expression. to maintain seed quality above IMSCS. Being
Potato: The institute has successfully validated cheaper, such bags are to be popularized among
a Sequence Characterized Amplified Region farmers in the country for storing seed material
(SCAR) marker RYSC3 for the detection of Ryadg of field crops.
and used it to identify a parental line (YY-6/3 C11) Cotton seed (fuzzy seed, wet acid delinted seed
carrying the gene in triplex state. The triplex status and dry gas delinted) can be safely stored for 12
of line was confirmed by studying segregation ratio months in polylined jute bags.
of marker in its test cross progeny and PVY
resistance of this line was also confirmed by Seed processing
challenge inoculation, followed by ELISA and In grading safflower seeds, presently
Immuno Electron Microscopy to check virus recommended sieve of 1.2 mm has been found to
multiplication. This is the first instance where MAS be ineffective since inert matter even cannot pass
has been used as a tool in pre-breeding of potato. through it. For grading safflower seeds, 2.2 mm
sieve was found to be economical and highly
SEED effective.
For grading hybrid rice seeds, 1.85 mm × 20
Breeder Seed Production: Breeder seed of cereals mm sieve was found to be effective for higher
(3,707 tonnes), pulses (1,336 tonnes), oilseeds seed recovery, more physical purity and higher
(2,185 tonnes), fibre crops (11.5 tonnes)and forage seed vigour index.
crops (154.3 tonnes) was produced. ❑

DARE/ICAR ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010

40