<div>Background: Sesbania species are widely used in different agricultural systems providing green manure, forage, firewood, pulp, food, landscape decoration, control of soil erosion and soil improvement. The biomass yield and yield contributing descriptors of Sesbania depend on different physiological traits.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: An experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University to find out the morphological and physiological variability among four Sesbania genotypes. Sesbania species, viz. S. bispinosa, S. cannabina, S. sesban and S. rostrata, were used as experimental materials. Seeds were sown in 2.5 m &times; 2.0 m plots to maintain 200 plants m-2 following randomized complete block design with three replications. Seed length and width, 1000-seed weight, germination percentage, vigour index, seedling length and biomass yield parameters were recorded. Different growth data were recorded and physiological descriptors were calculated at every 10 days intervals up to 60 days after sowing (DAS).&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results revealed that the highest value of plant height, number of leaflets pair leaf-1, leaf length and biomass yield were found in S. bispinosa and the lowest in S. sesban at 60 DAS. Sesbania sesban produced higher biomass and studied growth descriptors up to 20 DAS and thereafter declined, however, other three species produced higher biomass and studied growth descriptors from 30 to 60 DAS.</div>

Morphological and Physiological Characterization of Sesbania genotypes

Background: The current investigation was carried out in the year 2021-22 at Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Budgam. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications in field and completely randomized design (CRD) in vitro conditions for evaluating different traits of genotypes. DUS characterization was conducted as per the DUS testing guidelines by Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Act, Authority, Descriptors for rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) GOI, New Delhi [reproduced from Plant Variety Journal of India. Vol.1 (1), 2007]. 
 
Methods: The observations were recorded on 18 DUS characters including morphological and quality attributes and physiological characters. For all the features studied, the analysis of variance for morpho-physiological and qualitative attributes found significant differences, providing adequate chance to select the genotypes with desired qualities. DUS traits were examined in accordance with the descriptor, &ldquo;state&rdquo; and &ldquo;code&rdquo; provided for each character.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The observed range of variation were recorded for different traits for different genotypes. Cluster analysis for morphological, maturity, yield and quality characteristics arranged the rajmash genotypes into 11 clusters, as per Mahalanobis D2 analysis using Tocher&rsquo;s method with cluster III having the maximum number of genotypes (8), followed by cluster I, II, IV and V with 6 genotypes, 2 genotypes were grouped in cluster VII and XI and the remaining clusters with 1 genotype each. Diversity analysis showed grouping of genotypes in 11 clusters, which will help in selection of genetically divergent parents for exploitation in hybridization programme and would constitute an essential gene pool for future breeding programme.

DUS Characterization of Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgare L.) Genotypes for Morpho-physiological Traits under Rainfed Conditions

Background: Water deficit stress is a serious environmental constrain to banana productivity in north east (NE) India. A field experiment was conducted to appraise the performance of 29 banana germplasm of NE India under moisture deficit condition of Assam that naturally prevails due to deficit rainfall every year during November to January.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Randomized block design with five replications was the experimental design used. Irrigation was not applied during the crop growing season. Various physio-chemical parameters were measured in the main crop on 7th and 9th months after planting (MAP) that coincided with November and January.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Significant variations were observed in leaf relative water content, leaf area plant-1, leaf area index, total chlorophyll content, leaf proline content, lipid peroxidation, hands bunch-1 and bunch weight amongst germplasm studied. During moisture deficit period, germplasm Barjahaji, Bhimkal, Athiya and Bogimonahar could maintained better values in the physio-chemical traits studied except lipid peroxidation. The germplasm that showed superior values in the physio-chemical traits and lower value for lipid peroxidation registered the higher bunch weight. Significant positive correlation of bunch weight with leaf area (0.42 and 0.45 respectively for 7th and 9th MAP) and relative leaf water content (0.38 respectively for both 7th and 9th MAP) and significant negative correlation with lipid peroxidation (-0.45 and -0.49 respectively for 7th and 9th MAP) were observed at 5 per cent level of significant. Significant strong positive correlation between leaf chlorophyll content and proline content in leaf (0.85) was observed at 9th MAP. Germplasm Barjahaji, Bhimkal, Bogimanohar and Athiya are considered physiologically more tolerant to moisture deficit which can be used for future breeding programs and the physio-chemical parameters viz., leaf area, chlorophyll content, relative leaf water content and proline content can be considered as physiological indices for drought tolerance.

Physiological Characterization of Banana Germplasm of North East India for Tolerance against Moisture Deficit

Background: An experiment was conducted during Rabi 2023-2024 at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, to assess the impact of high-temperature stress on four pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes: Kashi Mukti (V1), Kashi Nandini (V2), Kashi Samridhi (V3) and Kashi Shakti (V4). 
 
Methods: Plants were evaluated under both optimal and elevated temperature conditions for morphological, physiological, biochemical and yield attributes. 
 
Result: High-temperature stress significantly reduced germination percentage, shoot and root length, relative water content, membrane thermo-stability index and chlorophyll stability index. Among genotypes, V3 exhibited the highest germination (85%) under optimal conditions, whereas V2 showed the greatest decline (45%) under stress. Biochemical parameters, including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein and soluble sugars, decreased markedly under heat stress, with V3 maintaining relatively higher levels, while V2 remained the most susceptible. In contrast, stress indicators such as proline accumulation and catalase activity increased, particularly in V4, suggesting enhanced antioxidative defense. Yield traits, including pods per plant and seeds per pod, were also adversely affected under high temperature, although V3 and V4 performed best under both optimal conditions and heat stress condition. Overall, Kashi Samridhi (V3) and Kashi Shakti (V4) demonstrated superior heat tolerance, highlighting their potential utility in breeding programs aimed at developing climate-resilient pea genotypes.

Physiological and Biochemical Characterization of Pea Genotypes for High Temperature Stress Tolerance

Background: Water- logging stress is one of the important abiotic stress in pigeon pea crop especially in low lying areas in pigeon pea growing states. Being a rainy season crop, pigeon pea is invariably exposed to intermittent water-logging conditions for different durations from germination to early vegetative growth stages, which damage the crop partially and sometime eliminate the entire crop depending on intensity and duration of water stagnation. The present experiment was conducted to study the morphological characters and yield performance of water logging tolerant and susceptible pigeon pea genotypes so that large number of pigeon pea genotypes for water logging tolerance based on morphological and physiological parameters standardized might be screened. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: As per approved technical programme, the experiment was conducted with 30 pigeon pea genotypes including checks, these were IPAC-79, ICPL-7035, ICPL-20241, ICPL-87051, ICPL-87091, ICP-2376, ICP-5028, ICPL-149, MA-3, MA-6, NDA-1, IPA-15F, Bahar, IPA-203, IPAC-211, IPAC-202, RCM/DD-17, WB-2019/25, WB-2019/26, WB-2019/27, IPAC-212, IPAWL-22-1, IPAWL-22.2, IPAWL-22-3, IPAWL-22-4, IPAWL- 22-5, IPAWL-22-6, IPAWL-22-7, IPAWL -22-8, IPAWL -22-9. Water logging stress was imposed for 24 h-48 h-72 h having minimum depth of water 12 inches at 30 DAS with 03 replications and a set of all these genotypes were also sown under normal control condition. Morphological Scoring (0-3) at the end of water logging stress was done. and at harvesting yield attributes and yields were recorded. 
&nbsp;

Result: Morphological Scoring (0-3) at the end of water logging stress showed highest score (0) in genotypes including IPAC-79 (Check for Tolerant) followed by ICPL-87091, ICP-2376, ICPL-20241, IPAC-212, IPAWL-22-7 and IPAWL-22-8 and may be considered as water logging tolerant. Pigeon pea genotypes like ICP-5028, MA-6 and IPAC-202 showed the score of (01) and may be considered as moderately tolerant to water logging stress. Pigeon pea genotypes namely MA-3, NDA-1, IPA-15F, Bahar, IPAC-211, IPA-203, IPAWL-22-6 and IPAWL-22-9 showed moderate score (02) and may be considered as moderately susceptible. The lowest score (03) was recorded in ICPL-87051, ICP-149, RCM/DD-17, WB-2019/25, WB-2019/26, WB-2019/27, IPAWL-22-1, IPAWL-22-2, IPAWL-22-3, IPAWL-22-4 and IPAWL-22-5 and these were at par with ICPL-7035 (Check for susceptibility) and considered susceptible to water logging stress. Development of adventitious roots was observed under water logged condition only and it was recorded highest in genotypes which are water logging tolerant group. In susceptible genotypes no/negligible adventitious roots were found. In yield attributes and yield the reduction % due to water logging stress over normal control was minimum in tolerant/moderately tolerant genotypes whereas, it was found maximum in Susceptible/moderately susceptible group of genotypes.

Physiological Characterization of Pigeon Pea Genotypes [Cajanus cajan (L) Mill sp.]&nbsp; for Water Logging Tolerance

Background: The cold stress adversely affects the growth, survival and reproductive capacity of plants if the minimum temperature falls below 5&deg;C. Information&rsquo;s regarding cold stress and its impact on morphological characters, physio-biochemical constituents and yield attributes in cold tolerant and susceptible pigeon pea genotypes are very limited. Keeping the above facts in to consideration, the experiments were conducted. 
 
Methods: Field experiments were conducted during 2018-19 and 2019-20 with 34 genotypes of pigeon pea including checks (NDA-1, Bahar, IPA203, NDA-2, MAL-13, ICP2275, IPACT-2, MA-6, IPACT-3, IPACT-24, Rajendra Arhar, IPA15F, Dholi-D, JBT46/27, IPACT-6, IPACT-14, IPAD1-17, IPAC 68, IPACT 22, ICPL 7035 IPA19-101, IPA19-102, IPA19-103, IPA19-104, IPA19-105, IPA19-106, IPA19-107, IPA19-108, IPA19-109, IPA19-110, IPA19-111, IPA19-112, IPA19-113, IPA19-114) in RBD at ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur. Morphological and yield Characters including plant height, scoring of cold injury in exposed plants and Number of flower drop and pod set during the cold period in tagged plants were recorded. In biochemical/ crop efficiency parameters viz: Nitrogen balance index, chlorophyll, flavonols, anthocyanin&rsquo;s and NDVI were measured. The photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate were measured at the pod formation stage. Anti-oxidant enzymes activity was assayed as per standard methods. Meteorological observations during Cold stress were recorded. 
 
Result: Based on flower/pod drop and retention the genotypes like IPA 15F, Dholi dwarf, JBT46/27, IPACT-6, IPACT-14, IPAC-1-17, IPACT-68, IPACT-22, IPA 19-101, IPA 19-102, IPA 19-103, IPA 19-104, IPA 19-105, IPA 19-107, IPA 19-108, IPA 19-109, IPA 19-110, IPA 19-111 and IPA 19-113 were found susceptible to cold stress and retaining an average 51.67 % flowers/pods. Genotypes like NDA-2, MAL-13, ICP2275, IPACT-2, MA-6, IPACT-3, IPACT-24, Rajendra arhar, IPA19-106, IPA19-112 and IPA19-114 have retained more than an average of 67.48% flowers/pods are considered tolerant to cold stress. Amongst the tolerant group NDA-2, MAL-13, ICP2275, IPACT-2, IPA19-106, IPA19-112 retained the flower/pod more than the average of check genotypes (67.57%).&nbsp; Biochemical/plant efficiency parameters were superior in tolerant group over susceptible group.

Physiological Characterization of Cold Tolerant and Susceptible Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Genotypes

<div>Background: RGL mandarin is one of the important mandarin citrus varieties in Indonesia. The tolerance of RGL mandarin citrus to water deficit can be induced by the rootstock. This study aimed to characterize the physiological responses and transcriptional gene expression of RGL mandarin citrus grafted onto three rootstock genotypes during the dry and the rainy seasons. 
 
Methods: Three-years-old mandarin citrus trees cv. Rimau Gerga Lebong (RGL) grafted onto three citruses (JC, Cit and K) were planted at the experimental field of the ICISFRI. The experiment was conducted with a randomized block design and each scion-rootstock combination contained five replications. All of the physiological and relative gene expression parameters observed were conducted at the last of the dry season (September 2019) and the mid of the rainy season (January 2020). Water deficit was induced by no watering plants during the dry season. 
 
Result: The results of physiological responses and relative gene expression analyses showed that RGL-Cit combination had better than RGL-JC combination and RGL-JC combination had better than RGL-K combination. RGL-Cit combination showed less wilt than RGL-JC and RGL-K combinations. The RGL-Cit combination had the highest stomatal density, stomatal aperture, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate in the dry season. Different plant combinations showed different gene expressions. RGL-JC and RGL-K combinations were upregulated in almost all the primers related to drought responses tested in the dry season. RGL-Cit combination only upregulated the PIP1, PIP2 and ACS2 and unregulated the others in the dry season. Therefore, citrumelo seems to be a valuable type of rootstock.</div>

<div>Changes in Physiological and Relative Genes Expression Response of Mandarin Citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco) cv Rimau Gerga Lebong (RGL) Grafted onto Different Citrus Rootstocks</div>

Background: The cultivation of Bambara groundnut in arid zones, such as the Sahelian regions of Cameroon, has received scant attention despite its nutritional and agronomic potential. The Sahelian regions of Cameroon are classified as part of the arid zones of the world, characterized by a rainy season of approximately three to four months in duration. Nevertheless, the cultivation period of Bambara groundnut is approximately four to six months, a duration that hinders its cultivation. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of water stress on the morpho-physiological traits of select Bambara groundnut accessions cultivated in the Sahelian regions of Cameroon. 
 
Methods: The experiment was executed in accordance with the fisher bloc design, employing four replicates. The water stress was induced using distilled water in pot experiments to monitor thirteen (13) morphological traits and six (06) physiological traits. 
 
Result: The results demonstrated significant variability among the accessions under water stress. Accession V2 exhibited the greatest resistance, characterized by diminished leaf areas and reduced stomatal number. The findings demonstrated a consistent increase in relative water content, accompanied by a decrease in water loss and transpiration. This observation suggests a reduced response to stress. The genetic material of the accession exhibited a range of morphological responses. The considerable impact of water stress was evident on the 100-pod weight produced per accession. Accession V1 exhibited a significant response to water stress, resulting in the production of the smallest pods (22 g). Accession V2 demonstrated the least susceptibility to the 100-pod weight (26 g), exhibiting the highest weight among the other accessions. The evaluation of the 100 seeds&rsquo; weight revealed that accession V2 exhibited a significantly higher seed weight compared to the other accessions. The grain yield in the accession V2 was higher for both sites (65.39&plusmn;1.15 and 65.72&plusmn;0.50). Principal component analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between stress and the weights of 100 pods and seeds (r = 0.956). The results obtained underscore the capacity of accession V2 to adapt to the environmental conditions prevalent in the Sahelian regions of Cameroon. 
&nbsp;

Effect of Water Stress on Morpho-physiological Trait of Some Accessions of Bambara Groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L). Verdcourt]

<div style="text-align: justify;">In the present study, eight rhizobial strains (RH-1 to RH- 8) were &nbsp;isolated from root nodules of cowpea which grows in acidic soils of Wayanad . They were characterized based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. The results on plant growth promoting traits showed all isolates positive to IAA production, four positive to ammonia production and five positive for in vitro siderophore production. Three isolates exhibited antagonistic activity &nbsp; and none of them showed volatile cyanogen production.The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed all the isolates to show similarity to Rhizobium sp. While rhizobia generally have a pH range of 6.5-7.5 for optimum growth, the isolates RH-1. RH-2, RH-4 and RH-8 grew in a liquid yeast extract - mannitol agar medium at pH-4, suggesting acid tolerance in the strain of Rhizobium .The isolates were authenticated for their nodulation and growth promotion of cowpea in a paper cup experiment and four isolates (RH-2, RH-3, RH-4 and RH-5) were evaluated for their growth promotion in cowpea under field condition. It was observed that inoculation of Rhizobium increased nodulation, growth parameters and yield of cowpea compared to uninoculated control.This study showed that these rhizobial isolates with plant growth promoting traits can be used to promote the growth and yield of cow peain &nbsp;acidic soils of &nbsp;Kerala.</div>

Isolation and characterization of native cowpea rhizobia from Wayanad India

<div>Background: Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a critical role in ovulation and maintenance of pregnancy in female and gamete production in male during fertile phase of life. Physiological disturbance of this hormone leads to conditions like delayed ovulation, anovulation, cystic ovarian disease and lack of sexual desire in male. Since, there had been no report of molecular characterization of &beta;-subunit of luteinizing hormone (LH) of Indian goat, the present study aimed to clone and characterize genomic DNA encoding LH&beta; subunit. 
 
Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from goat blood and amplified using specific LH&beta; gene primers. After cloning and transformation, plasmids were isolated from randomly selected white colonies. Presence of insert was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion of plasmids. After confirmation by PCR, plasmids were sent for DNA sequencing.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Analysis of sequence revealed an insert of 1006 bp size as expected. Comparison of nucleotide sequence revealed the cloned gene to be is LH&beta; encoding 141 amino acids. It showed 97.3 and 91.7% similarity with sheep and cattle respectively. Inferred amino acid sequence showed absolute similarity (100%) with sheep and buffalo. The common and essential features such as twelve cysteine molecules, a single potential N-glycosylation site, the CAGY region and another tetrapeptide CGPC are all found in the goat sequence too.</div>