<div style="text-align:justify">Unstable triploid and sterile derivatives were obtained upon inter-specific hybridization of Arachis hypogaea var VRI 2 (2n=4x=40) and Arachis stenosperma (2n=2x=20). Chromosomal doubling was resorted using colchicine enabling doubling the ploidy level of this triploid (3x) to get an unstable hexaploid derivative. The manuscript presents the cyto-morphological features of the unstable derivatives to frame a suitable breeding strategy for evolving the stable culture tolerant to major foliar diseases. Phenotypic traits like leaf colour, length and width of calyx tube, poor pollen fertility and abortive ovarian system were found to be dominant in the triploid. Chromosome doubled triploid progeny possessed leaves with larger veins, semi spreading habit, slow growth, shriveled anthers and improved pollen fertility as compared to triploid. While the normal meiotic behaviour witnessed among parents, the abnormal meiotic system as evidenced from the formation of trivalents and quadrivalents among triploid and hexaploid derivatives. Abnormal sporads also recorded among triploid and hexaploid leading to formation of sterile pollen grain.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Cytological implications in interspecific cross of <em>Arachis</em> involving <em>Arachis</em> <em>hypogaea</em> var VRI 2 and <em>Arachis stenosperma</em></div>

<div><strong>Background:</strong> Wheat (<em>Triticum aestivum</em> L.) an important self-pollinated and hexaploid (2n = 6x = 42) cereal crop belongs to the grass family <em>Gramineae</em> (<em>Poaceae</em>). With the gradual increase in human population, there is a substantial increase in the demands for food requirements. Hence, increasing the wheat production is an important goal to overcome the demand of food. The only alternative is to increase productivity by better crop management techniques and introduction of high yielding varieties. The current study aimed to study the genetic diversity in wheat genotypes for further selection and utilization in breeding programmes and identification of transgressive segregants for genetic improvement in wheat crop.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> In the field investigation during 2017-2019, forty genotypes were evaluated at research farm of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Kisan P.G. College, Simbhaoli, Hapur (U.P). The observations were recorded on five randomly selected competitive plants from each genotype in each replication and recorded data from each replication was subjected to statistical analysis.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> Significant differences were observed for all the characters studied in both environments (early and late). Highest GCV and PCV were recorded for flag leaf area, number of tillers per plant and grain yield in both environments. Plant height, days to 50% heading and grain yield in early sowing and for plant height, gluten content and grain yield exhibited high heritability estimates in late sowing. Biological yield and harvest index showed positive and significant association with grain yield under both environments. Biological yield and harvest index have positive and direct effect on grain yield in both environments. Forty genotypes were grouped into seven clusters in early sowing and six clusters in late sowing. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between clusters VI and IV in early sowing and between cluster III and II in Late sowing. Genotypes PBW-34 showed wide genetic diversity in both the environments (early and late sowing). Based on the divergence studies it is suggested that maximum heterosis and good recombinants could be obtained in crosses between the genotypes of clusters which showed highest inter cluster distance and these genotypes can be utilized in crop improvement programmes.</div>


Cytological implications in interspecific cross of Arachis involving Arachis hypogaea var VRI 2 and Arachis stenosperma

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Character Associations for Yield and Its Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)