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The genus Allium is a prominent member of the Amaryllidaceae family and encompasses approximately 1,063 species worldwide. These diverse species vary in appearance and flavor but they share biochemical similarities. Underutilized Alliums present a promising alternative to onion and garlic in various Indian regions, given their adaptability, versatile utility, and nutraceutical properties. Their adaptation in the plains of India is a great opportunity to add medicinal and nutraceutical value to Indian cuisine. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the underutilized raw Allium leaves for their sensory perception by hedonic test (n = 60), consumer perceptions and willingness to purchase (n = 180), and the development and validation of value chain model (n = 30) to popularize these species in plains. For the various sensory attributes evaluated, Allium tuberosum Kazakhstan CGN-1587 emerged out to be the most suitable for its advancement into the consumer survey. The consumer perception study recorded 74.44% willingness to purchase of total respondents and a majority preference for consuming it in cooked form (38.30%). A value chain model of Allium tuberosum Kazakhstan CGN-1587 with supply chain agencies was subsequently developed. Validation of this value chain model was done with a panel of different stakeholders. Panelists perceived the value chain as highly valid, particularly in terms of economic feasibility (4.30 ± 0.70) and sustainability (4.20 ± 0.81). Thus, the present study provides valuable insights that can support and promote the use of underutilized Alliums in non-traditional areas of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling yield and yield-related traits in rice was performed inthe F2 mapping population derived from parental rice genotypes DHMAS and K343. A total of 30 QTLs governing nine different traits were identified using the composite interval mapping (CIM) method. Four QTLs were mapped for number of tillers per plant on chromosomes 1 (2 QTLs), 2 and 3; three QTLs for panicle number per plant on chromosomes 1 (2 QTLs) and 3; four QTLs for plant height on chromosomes 2, 4, 5 and 6; one QTL for spikelet density on chromosome 5; four QTLs for spikelet fertility percentage (SFP) on chromosomes 2, 3 and 5 (2 QTLs); two QTLs for grain length on chromosomes 1 and 8; three QTLs for grain width on chromosomes1, 3 and 8; three QTLs for 1000-grain weight (TGW) on chromosomes 1, 4 and 8 and six QTLs for yield per plant (YPP) on chromosomes 2 (3 QTLs), 4, 6 and 8. Most of the QTLs were detected on chromosome 2, so further studies on chromosome 2 could help unlock some new chapters of QTL for this cross of rice variety. Identified QTLs elucidating high phenotypic variance can be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding. Further, the exploitation of information regarding molecular markers tightly linked to QTLs governing these traits will facilitate future crop improvement strategies in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glucosinolate‐myrosinase (GLS‐MYR) system is an important component of plant‐insect interactions. However, there is no report on its performance in field conditions where the plants are subjected to both abiotic and biotic pressures simultaneously. We investigated the GLS‐MYR system in a Himalayan ecotype of Lepidium latifolium that is recognized for its adaptive potential in field conditions. In order to understand the independent contribution of temperature and Pieris brassicae herbivory on the components of the GLS‐MYR system, different conditions were simulated in the growth chamber. During field conditions, the final GLS hydrolysis products were found to be regulated by the metabolic GLS levels, the temperature conditions, and the density of insect interactions. These factors influence the expression of the hydrolyzing and specifier proteins, which further affects the GLS hydrolysis products. Our results suggest that the production of hydrolysis products is differentially affected under field conditions. While allyl isothiocyanate is significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by temperature but not insect density, 1‐cyano‐2,3‐epithiopropane is not affected by either. The study shows that the outcome of the GLS‐MYR system in a plant is a consequence of the combinatorial effect of ecophysiological factors and the insect interactions that eventually decide the performance of a plant in an environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panicle traits are the most important agronomic characters which directly relate to yield in rice. Panicle length (PL) being one of the major components of rice panicle structure is controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). In our research, conducted at Research Farmof SKUAST-J, crosses of parental linesK343 and DHMAS were made for generating F2 mapping population, which were then transplanted into the field using augmented design-I. The F2 population was used for phenotypic evaluation, development of linkage map and identification of QTLs on the chromosomes by using SSR markers. A total of 450 SSR markers were used for screening both the parents of which 53 highly polymorphic markers were selected and used for genotyping of 233 genotypes of F2 population. Linkage map was generated using MAPMAKER/EXP3.0 software, seven linkage groups were found distributed on 11 chromosomes of rice. QTLs were detected using QTL Cartographer (v2.5) software. Based on 1000 permutation tests, a logarithm of odds (LOD) threshold value 2.0 and 3.0 was set. Composite interval mapping was used to map QTLs in populations derived from bi-parental crosses. The phenotypic data, genotypic data and the genetic linkage map generated identified total three QTLs of which one was identified for PL qPL2, located at 85.01 cM position with 2.1 LOD value and in between the marker intervals RM324–RM208, this QTL explained the phenotype variation by 4.36%. The other two QTLs were identified for spikelet density (SD) qSD3.1 and qSD3.2, located at 28.91 and 39.51 cM, respectively, both with a flanking marker RM6832 on chromosome 3. The LODvalue and phenotypic variation explained for qSD3.1 and qSD3.2 was 3.00 and 3.25; 9.70 and 12.34% respectively. The reported QTLs identified in the study suggested a less diversity in the parents used and also the rejection of not so useful markers from the used set of markers for PL and SD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the spread of native populations of Lepidium latifolium growing in different altitudes in Ladakh region of Western Himalayas, photosynthetic and fluorescence characteristics were evaluated in relation to their micro-environment. Three sites representing sparsely populated (SPS), moderately populated (MPS) and densely populated site (DPS) were selected. Results showed that the DPS had higher photosynthetic accumulation than MPS and SPS. The higher transpiration rate at DPS despite lower vapor pressure deficit and higher relative humidity suggest the regulation of its leaf temperature by evaporative cooling. Intrinsic soil parameters such as water holding capacity and nutrient availability also play crucial role in higher biomass here. The quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), ΦPSII) and light curve at various PPFDs suggests better light harvesting potential and light compensation point at DPS than the other two sites. Concomitantly, plants at SPS had significantly higher lipid peroxidation, suggesting a stressful environment, and higher induction of antioxidative enzymes. Metabolic content of reduced glutathione also suggests an efficient mechanism in DPS and MPS than SPS. High light intensities at MPS are managed by specialized contrive of carotenoid pigments and PsbS gene product. Large pool of violaxanthin and lutein plays an important role in this response. It is suggested that L. latifolium is present as 'sleeper weed' that has inherent biochemical plasticity involving multiple processes in Western Himalayas. Its potential spread is linked to site-specific micro-environment, whereby, it prefers flat valley bottoms with alluvial fills having high water availability, and has little or no altitudinal effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panicle traits are the most important agronomic characters which directly relate to yield in rice. Panicle length (PL) being one of the major components of rice panicle structure is controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). In our research, conducted at Research Farm of SKUAST-J, crosses of parental lines K343 and DHMAS were made for generating F 2 mapping population, which were then transplanted into the field using augmented design-I. The F 2 population was used for phenotypic evaluation, development of linkage map and identification of QTLs on the chromosomes by using SSR markers. A total of 450 SSR markers were used for screening both the parents of which 53 highly polymorphic markers were selected and used for genotyping of 233 genotypes of F 2 population. Linkage map was generated using MAPMAKER/EXP3.0 software, seven linkage groups were found distributed on 11 chromosomes of rice. QTLs were detected using QTL Cartographer (v2.5) software. Based on 1000 permutation tests, a logarithm of odds (LOD) threshold value 2.0 and 3.0 was set. Composite interval mapping was used to map QTLs in populations derived from bi-parental crosses. The phenotypic data, genotypic data and the genetic linkage map generated identified total three QTLs of which one was identified for PL qPL2, located at 85.01 cM position with 2.1 LOD value and in between the marker intervals RM324-RM208, this QTL explained the phenotype variation by 4.36%. The other two QTLs were identified for spikelet density (SD) qSD3.1 and qSD3.2, located at 28.91 and 39.51 cM, respectively, both with a flanking marker RM6832 on chromosome 3. The LOD value and phenotypic variation explained for qSD3.1 and qSD3.2 was 3.00 and 3.25; 9.70 and 12.34% respectively. The reported QTLs identified in the study suggested a less diversity in the parents used and also the rejection of not so useful markers from the used set of markers for PL and SD.