Combining ability along with heterosis was elucidated in the 21 F₁ hybrid population of rice derived from a 7 × 7 diallel mating design. Furthermore, to formulate a strategy for marker-based prediction of heterosis, the molecular genetic diversity (GD) was then surveyed among the seven parental lines with RAPD markers. Analysis of combining ability revealed significant GCA and SCA variances and the ratio between the aforesaid genetic parameter was more than unity for most of the traits signifying the preponderance of additive gene action. Hybrid combination Double Rice × Pokkali was the best specific combiner for the traits pollen fertility percentage (%), panicle length (cm), filled grains/panicle (no.) and grain yield/hill (g) while Muktagacha × BRRI dhan29 and Basmati × Double Rice were the best specific combiners for grain length (mm) and 1000-grain weight (g), respectively. Regarding the magnitude of heterosis, Double Rice × Pokkali exhibited maximum heterobeltiosis for panicle length (33.33%) and the number of filled grains/panicle (144.01%). Furthermore, Pokkali × Chinigura was verified for producing the highest heterobeltiosis for tillers/hill (173.17%), as well as grain yield/hill (71.05%). The heatmap relying on molecular genetic diversity exposed the highest genetic distance between Chinigura and Pokkali followed by Muktagacha and Pokkali. Unweighted neighbor-joining trees clustered the parental lines into three groups indicating the presence of considerable genetic diversity among those seven parental genotypes. A positive and significant correlation was explored between molecular GD with specific combining ability as well as heterosis for all of the traits revealing the huge potentiality of hybrid performance prediction using RAPD markers with the present set of individuals. Thus, exploration of definite genomic regions underlying the candidate genes for respective traits relying on such RAPD-generated data following an advanced molecular marker approach would pave the path of mining out yielder heterotic combinations.

The shoot and fruit borer has asserted itself as a severe pest of eggplant. In vitro mutagenesis is an excellent method for producing mutants resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aimed to create eggplant mutants that were resistant to shoot and fruit borer infestation. In the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, two genotypes, including a landrace, were treated with varying amounts of EMS. Among the treatments, MS medium supplemented with 2% EMS demonstrated the most favorable effect. Explant performance dropped by up to 1.5% with an increase in EMS in the medium. The 2% EMS dose was appropriate for in vitro mutant eggplant development, but the higher dose was extremely damaging. EMS made several mutants sterile. Three landrace mutants were insect-resistant. Total phenols, leaf chlorophylls A and B, antioxidants, and solasodine were abundant in these genotypes. Correlation studies found a link between affected fruits and shoots and total phenols, antioxidants, and solasodine. Solasodine was shown to be related to chlorophylls A and B. The eggplant shoot and fruit borer infestation rate can be reduced by increasing these specific biochemical properties.

Husk tomatoes are used in salsa and traditional medicine to alleviate illnesses. Market demand requires husk tomato varieties with improved agronomic and physicochemical health benefits. Mutagen application alters plant genomes, creating new traits and genetic diversity. The efficacy of EMS (ethyl methanesulfonate) was examined for morphology, bioactive compounds, and phytochemical improvement. Three husk tomato genotypes representing Physalis philadelphica and Physalis ixocarpa underwent two hours of 1.4% EMS. In addition to yield and yield-related properties, total phenol, antioxidant activity, chlorophyll a and b levels in leaves and fruits, and phytochemical concentrations of Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and K in fruits were measured. Genotype-dependent morphological changes were found. The mutants C1T6 (85 cm) and C1T7 (87.60 cm) were shorter than Control C1 (102 cm). The highest yield was 5.80 g for C1T5; Control C1 produced 3.08. The mutant C2T6 produced the most (5.99 g) compared to its control (2.85 g). Mutants had higher total phenol, antioxidant activity, and leaf/fruit chlorophyll. C1T2 had the highest antioxidant activity (1.19 ng/µL). C2T1 outperformed Control C2 at 1.54 ng/µL phenolic content. C3T2 had the highest Ca content (1822 µg/g), while Control C3 had 861.20 µg/g. Mutations altered phytochemical composition, which can be used to generate nutritionally superior husk tomato varieties. Additionally, scientists will be able to study mutants with advantageous morphological and biochemical traits, enabling extensive research. Furthermore, the mutants will serve as a genetic repository for the progression of breeding procedures.

Tomatoes constitute a significant vegetable in Bangladesh, widely produced during winter. Though hybrid cultivars yield more than open-pollinated cultivars developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), growers cannot preserve hybrid seeds and have to buy new seeds every year. Considering the given situation, this study tested that BARI-released tomato varieties differ significantly in growth and yield under the agro-ecological conditions of central Bangladesh. Seven tomato varieties, viz. BARI Tomato-15, BARI Tomato-16, BARI Tomato-17, BARI Tomato-19, BARI Tomato-20, BARI Tomato-21, and BARI Tomato-2 were evaluated to identify high yielding and early mature cultivars. The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022–23 using a Randomized Complete Block Design, and data were collected on major phenological, morphological, and yield contributing traits. Findings revealed that BARI Tomato-19 flowered earliest (26.18 days), fruited earliest (35.43 days), and provided the earliest harvest, whereas BARI Tomato-20 produced the tallest plants and the highest brix content. BARI Tomato-17 produced the heaviest individual fruits, while BARI Tomato-20 had the most fruits per plant. Yield varied widely, with BARI Tomato-19 producing the highest yield (85.03 t ha-1) and BARI Tomato-2 the lowest. Correlation analysis indicated that fruit length, diameter, and flesh thickness positively influenced yield, whereas higher Brix was associated with lower productivity. Overall, the findings confirm that BARI Tomato-19 is the most productive and earliest-maturing variety, making it highly suitable for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh.