<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Perception is the way something is regarded/understood. It is mainly created by two factors; one is physiological and another is psychological characteristics of the human being. Thus, perception is not only physiological process that is what one sees with the eyes it is a much more complex process involving psychological process too, by which any person selectively assimilates and gives meaning to the stimuli in the environment. It is subjective process, thatis why different people perceive the same stimuli in different manner. The current study aimed to study the factors affecting perception of farm families towards farming as an occupation. 
Methods: The present study was conducted to ascertain the factors affecting perception of farm families towards farming as an occupation. The results are based on the perspective of different researchers.&nbsp; 
Result: There were six major factorsidentified namely economic, socio-cultural, physical, personal, psychological and push and pull factors affecting perception. The economic factors comprised of variables like income, cost of agricultural production and vicious cycle of debt and loan in farming and socio-cultural factors had variables like professional and social status of farming along with family influence affecting children occupational choice. Personal factors consisted of personal interest and satisfaction of farmers derived from farming while physical factors included hard work and lack of resources along with hazardous working conditions in farming. Stress prevalentamong farmers and satisfaction of farmers either with farming income or its status and risk associated with farming as a profession were studied under psychological factors. Push and pull factors comprised the reasons of farm families attracting towards urban areas for achieving better employment avenues and higher social status and prestige associated with other occupations.</div>

Factors Affecting Perception of Farm Families Towards Farming as an Occupation

<div style="text-align: justify;">Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is one of the most important and primitive medicinal plants belonging to family fabaceae and is recognized as one of the most prominent seed spices. Development, identification and classification of entirely new set of SSRs are a very expensive and time consuming process for a crop like fenugreek. Instead, a novel set of SSRs can be achieved with ease in less expense by transferring the microsatellite loci of the related species in fenugreek. SSR&rsquo;s of two major crops, carrot and celery belonging to apiaceae family are available in public domain for cross-species and inter-family investigation. In the present study, we examined transferability of 100 carrot SSR loci in fenugreek of which 19% of SSR&rsquo;s amplified, where 5 primers were monomorphic. 14 SSRs were polymorphic in nature and the bands ranged between 2 to 5. GSSR-87, GSSR-92, GSSR-136 and BSSR-8 showed monomorphic bands and were specific for fenugreek genotypes and can be regarded as a dominant tool for fenugreek breeding and genetic studies. However, GSSR-81 and GSSR-96 were most polymorphic in nature and can be utilized further to distinguish fenugreek from other seed spices. The analysis, revealed optimum level of cross-species transferability (&gt;35.2%) in fenugreek, where no SSR resource is available till date, initiating cross transferability testing from the enriched SSR database of carrot.</div>

Identification and characterization of microsatellite markers in fenugreek: An inter-family amplification

<div>Background: Although induced mutagenesis can rapidly generate genetic diversity, every genotype responds differently to different mutagen treatments in induceing genetic diversity. This study assesses and compares the genetic diversity of two mutant faba bean populations. 
 
Methods: Two genotypes representing landrace (Hassawi 2) and inbred variety (ILB4347) were exposed to gamma radiation and diethyl sulfate (DES). Two hundred eighty-two samples derived from individual 140 M2 mutant plants of Hassawi 2 and ILB 4347 and two parental lines were characterized using 11 Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations. 
 
Result: 89,820 bands within 2,083 polymorphic alleles were generated from the samples. Genetic diversity comparison of the mutant populations revealed that each genotype had varying responses to different treatments. The two genotypes had a relatively similar response to gamma radiation, while different responses were recorded in DES-derived mutant plants. Based on the Nei&rsquo;s genetic distance, the populations were separated based on the genotypic origin. The population structure analyses showed that the Hassawi 2 and ILB4347 mutant populations were clustered into three and two groups, respectively. The difference in the number of clusters between the two mutant populations explains their breeding history. The present diversity considered as a valuable material used for breeding and conservation purposes.</div>

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Two Faba Bean Mutant Populations Based on AFLP Markers

Background: Phosphatidyl ethanolamine binding protein (PEBP) plays an important role in the formation of flowers. To identify the PEBP gene family of alfalfa in blossom, the PEBP gene family was selected from the transcriptome database of alfalfa with bioinformatics analysis, for their protein properties, functional domains, evolutionary relationships and expression patterns. 
 
Methods: &nbsp;A BLASTP search using Arabidopsis PEBP sequences as a query was performed against alfalfa proteome with a minimum identity of 75% and E-value of 1E-5. BLASTP search resulted in 17 protein candidates. Finally, we obtained a consensus list of ten proteins from the HMMER and BLASTP search. Redundant sequences were removed using CD-HIT which resulted in a total of nine PEBP candidates in alfalfa. 
 
Result: The results showed that there was a total of nine PEBP candidates in alfalfa, which could be divided into three sub-gene families, such as TFL1-like, MFT-like and FT-like groups. Chromosomal location analyses showed that nine PEBP members are distributed on five of the eight alfalfa chromosomes with chromosome 7 having the largest number of PEBP members (four members) while only three alfalfa PEBP proteins were annotated as MsFTa1, MsFTa2 and MsFTc. In addition, the motifs of this gene family were conservative with few differences in the number and types of conservative motifs. MsFTa1 and MsFTa2 are two strong candidates for florigen in alfalfa, while MsG0480024000.01 is a candidate which functions as a floral repressory.

Identification and Analysis of Phosphatidyl Ethanolamine Binding Protein (PEBP) Family Gene in Alfalfa

Background: Cowpea is a highly adaptable, versatile and nutrient-dense grain legume hampered by low productivity across the globe. The selection of parents for getting high frequency of heterotic hybrids is a topic of recurrent contention among plant breeders. So with regard to obtaining high seed yield, harvest index and protein content, the goal of the current study is to identify parents which upon hybridization will generate superior heterotic hybrids. 
 
Methods: Three testers and seven lines were used to develop 21 crosses, totalling to 31 genotypes in the experimental material evaluated at Pulses Research Station, SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India. The overall heterotic status (high or low) and gca status (high or low) of each parent and hybrid were determined based on three characters viz., harvest index, protein content and seed yield. Furthermore, the hybrids were classified into various classes according to the parents gca status. 
 
Result: Examining the heterotic effect of the crosses along with the individual performance showed that the GC 7 x GC 4 and EC 724035&nbsp; x&nbsp; PGCP 12 crosses were the best for seed yield per plant, harvest index and protein content. Three of the 7 lines viz., JLS 60, EC 72 3909 and PL 4 and two of the three testers i.e. PGCP 12, PL 7 displayed high overall gca status. Among the hybrids, eleven (52.38%) and twelve (57.14%) were categorised as having high (H) overall sca and heterotic status, respectively, while the remaining crosses were categorised as having low (L) overall sca and heterotic status. As non-additive gene action for these traits predominated in current study, heterotic hybrids for these traits were generated by parents with all combinations i.e. high, contrasting, or even low gca effects. Therefore, when selecting parents based on gca effects, careful consideration should be given to the sort of gene action governing that character.&nbsp;

Breeding Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) for High Seed Yield, Protein Content and Harvest Index: Genetic Parameters to Identify Useful Parents

<div>Background: Two-seed pod length and width (TSPL and TSPW, respectively) are the traits underlying seed size, which is an important factor influencing soybean yield. 
 
Methods: A population comprising 213 chromosome segment substitution lines from a cross between &lsquo;Suinong14&rsquo; (SN14) and ZYD00006 was used for a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. The QTLs were identified on the basis of the phenotypes from 2016 to 2019. Additionally, IciMapping 4.2 was used to analyze the phenotypic and genetic data. Genes were annotated using the KEGG and Phytozome databases. 
 
Result: Five QTLs for TSPL and four QTLs for TSPW were identified. One QTL on chromosome 17 was detected for TSPL in 2017 and 2018 as well for TSPW in 2018 and 2019. Analyses of the additive &times; additive epistatic effects of QTLs revealed six stable loci pairs for epistatic effects on the two traits. On the basis of an alignment of the parental gene sequences and the gene annotation information, Glyma.04G188800, Glyma.11G164700, Glyma.13G132700, Glyma.17G156100 and Glyma.13G133200 were selected as candidate genes for TSPL, whereas Glyma.13G174400, Glyma.13G174700, Glyma.16G012500, Glyma.17G156100, Glyma.19G161700 and Glyma.19G161800 were selected as candidate genes for TSPW. These results may be relevant for future attempts to modify soybean seed traits.</div>

Identification of QTLs Associated with Two-seed Pod Length and Width in Soybean

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Garlic (Allium sativum L.) member of the family Alliaceae, quality planting material is one of the major inputs to successful crop production. Planting spacing is the systematic evaluation of the farm area or any growing surface for crop production.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In order to investigate the effect of planting pattern on morphology and physiology variables of two garlic cultivars an experiments was conducted as a factorial based randomized block design with three replications in research field of Gonbad-e-Kavous University during 2016-2017. The factors were included seven planting patterns (12.5&times;12.5, 15&times;15, 17.5&times;17.5, 20&times;20, 22.5&times;22.5, 25&times;25 and 27.5&times;27.5 cm) and two garlic cultivars (Tarom and Hamedan) and the measurements were phenology bulb yield, harvest index, biological yield and quality parameters (total phenol, antioxidant activity, total flavonoid and allicin). 
 
Result: The highest bulb yield (19014.4 kg ha-1) was recorded in planting pattern 12.5&times;12.5 cm that obtained from the Hamedan cultivar. The highest and lowest of total phenol content ranged from 10.43 mg/100 g (27.5 &times; 27.5 cm) to 8.50 mg/100gr (12.5 &times; 12.5 cm). The antioxidant activity varied from 85.20% (27.5 &times; 27.5 cm) to 77.59% (12.5 &times; 12.5 cm). The results also showed that Hamedan cultivar had a higher bulb yield, total phenol, Flavonoid and antioxidant activity than Tarom cultivar. The minimum days to 50% leafing (24.16 days), days to 50% bulb initiation (74.50 days) and days to 50% maturation (152.83 days) observed in planting pattern 12.5&times;12.5 cm treatment.</div>

Effect of Planting Pattern on Physico-chemical Properties of Two Garlic Cultivar

Background: Molecular markers are the landmarks on DNA that identifies a particular sequence of base pairs coding for a character. SCAR (Sequenced Characterized Amplified Region) markers are proving to be more effective in identification of genotypes as they are PCR based co-dominant markers. In view of plant variety registration under PPV and FRA, 2001 molecular characterization/ identification of the variety is essential to ascertain the trueness of the variety, hence present studies have been planned and executed. 
 
Methods: In present investigation CGMS based chilli hybrid UARChH42 and its parental lines were identified using molecular techniques. A line, B line, R line and hybrid seedlings were used for DNA extraction and characterized on the basis of polymorphism with respect to sterility or fertility by using SCAR markers. 
 
Result: P1 and P2 and coxII-SCAR which are sterility specific markers could amplify A line and hybrid showing a definite band. CRF-SCAR 870 is a fertility specific marker amplified R line and hybrid. Also CMS-SCAR 130 and CMS-SCAR 130/140 were able to identified A line, B line, R line and hybrid. Two of the markers viz. orf-456-SCAR atp6-SCAR and were not able to specify any case of parental lines or hybrid identification. Hybridity of UARChH42 (JCH42) chilli hybrid was determined by any similarity in the banding pattern with any of its parent. This study would help in the fulfillment of the requirements of protection of plant varieties and farmers&rsquo; rights authority (PPVFRA), New Delhi for registration purpose.

Identification of Parental Lines and Hybrid using Molecular Techniques in CGMS based Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Hybrid UARChH42 (JCH42)

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Chinese pond turtle (CPT, Mauremys reevesii) is a typical species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Pond slider turtle (PST, Trachemys scripta) is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world. In order to analyze the adaptive evolution of fecundity traits in CPT and TSD, the rapidly evolving gene families were obtained and functional enrichment analysis was performed. At the same time, CPT and PST species-specific genes were also enriched for their fecundity traits. 
 
Methods: Orthofinder software was employed to search homologous genes based on protein sequence. CAF&Eacute; software was used to obtain the expansion and contraction gene families of CPT and PST. Then, GO terms and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using TBtools software and Swissprot database.&nbsp; 
 
Result: In CPT, 159 rapid expansion gene families GO enrichment results showed that the reproductive activities related pathways were mainly three significant enrichment process, spermatogenesis, steroid hormone mediated signaling pathway and male gamete generation. 2 rapidly contraction gene families showed that there was no significant enrichment pathway related to reproduction. The pathway of significant enrichment were RNA biosynthetic process, regulation of RNA metabolic process and regulation of cellular metabolic process. The gene families unique to the species were significantly enriched in pathways DNA replication-dependent nucleosome organization, DNA replication-dependent nucleosome assembly and negative regulation of megakaryocyte differentiation. In PST, 15 rapid expansion gene families GO enrichment results showed that the most significant GO terms mainly consisted of biological processes which were involved in endocrine process, regulation of endocrine process and cellular response to steroid hormone stimulus, but spermatogenesis and male gamete generation gene families also expanded. 58 rapidly contraction gene families showed that the pathways of significant enrichment were endocrine process, cellular response to steroid hormone stimulus and regulation of endocrine process. At the same time, estrogen secretion, binding of sperm to zona pellucida and sperm-egg recognition gene family also rapidly contraction. The gene families unique to the species were significantly enriched in pathways adenylate cyclase-activating G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, double-strand break repair and regulation of potassium ion transport.</div>

Comparison of Fecundity Traits between Mauremys reevesii and Trachemys scripta based on Gene Family Analysis

Background: Fabaceae is third largest family of angiosperms and second important family from commercial and economic point of view. The purpose of the present study was to examine the floristic analysis and species diversity of the family Fabaceae in Community Forests of South Haryana, India in view of recent classification recognised by Legume Phylogeny Working Group. Though the community forests are fragmented but still act as local mini biodiversity host spots harbouring rich plant diversity. 
 
Methods: Repeated floristic surveys were conducted in different seasons during the year 2023 and 2024. Detailed field notes were recorded and photographs were taken in the natural conditions. 
 
Result: The outcome of study revealed 61 species belonging to 34 genera, 16 tribes and 4 subfamilies from the studied area. The subfamily Papilionoideae is the most dominant, comprising 10 tribes, 21 genera and 41 species. Phaseoleae is the largest tribe with 7 genera and 9 species, followed by Mimoseae with 4 genera and 4 species. Indigofera emerged as the largest genus, comprising 8 species. The Simpson&rsquo;s index value proved that the Fabaceae family in Community Forests has high diversity. The analysis of growth form indicated that the Fabaceae family is dominated by Herbs with a proportion of 48%. Therophytes have highest number of species (44%), followed by Phenerophytes (36%), Chaemephytes (18%), Hemicrytophytes (2%). The findings of the present study will be helpful for botanists, conservationist, policy planners and local people for effective management of community forests.