Understanding genetic diversity and population structure is prerequisite to broaden the cultivated base of any crop. In the current investigation, we report discovery of a total of 319 alleles by assaying 81 SSRs on 71 chickpea genotypes. The cluster analysis based on Jaccard coefficient and unweighted neighbor joining algorithm categorized all genotypes into two major clusters. Cultivars grown within the same agro-climatic zones were clustered together, whereas the remaining genotypes particularly advanced breeding lines and accessions assigned to another cluster. Population structure analysis separated the entire collection into two subpopulations (K = 2) and the clustering pattern remained in close agreement with those of distance-based methods. Importantly, we also discovered marker trait association for membrane stability index (MSI) and leaf chlorophyll content measured as SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), the two important physiological parameters indicative of heat stress (HS) tolerance in chickpea. Association analysis using both general linear and mixed linear models of the mean phenotypic data of traits recorded in 2016 and 2017 uncovered significant association of NCPGR206 and H2L102 with the MSI trait. Likewise, SSR markers GA9, TR31 and TA113 exhibited significant association with SCMR trait. The genomic regions putatively linked with two traits may be investigated in greater detail to further improve knowledge about the genetic architecture of HS tolerance in chickpea.

This study investigates strategies for improving the 3D milling of Titanium Alloy Grade 5 (Ti6Al4V) by optimizing machining parameters and cutting tool engagement techniques. Ti6Al4V presents significant machining challenges due to its low machinability index (20%), which directly impacts manufacturing efficiency. High temperatures during machining, often exceeding 8820C, lead to phase transformations, creating a harder Beta lamellar equiaxed microstructure. This, coupled with the alloy's poor thermal conductivity, results in heat concentration at the cutting tool interface, accelerating thermo-chemical wear and potentially catastrophic tool failure. This study explores how controlled cooling methods, coupled with appropriate lubrication, can effectively dissipate heat and flush away chips, mitigating the detrimental effects of high temperatures. Furthermore, the selection of cutting tool materials and coatings with high thermal conductivity and chemical inertness, along with aggressive rake angles and higher relief angles, are examined as methods to improve shearing, minimize smearing, and enhance surface quality. By optimizing these parameters, this study aims to provide manufacturers with practical strategies to overcome the challenges of Ti6Al4V machining, ultimately increasing tool life and overall milling efficiency.

The study was conducted in Chandel district of Manipur state to maximise the productivity of Rapeseed-mustard under rice fallow. Rapeseed-mustard has great potential under residual moisture after the harvest of Kharif rice in North Eastern states. It is a major source of income especially to the marginal and small farmers in rainfed areas of Manipur. Sample consisted of randomly selected 29 farmers who were growing rapeseed-mustard under FLDs. The results revealed that improved technology recorded a mean yield of 8.77 q/ha which was 20.55 per cent higher than obtained under farmers’ practice (7.27 q/ha). The study also showed that reduction in technology index from 10.90 per cent during 2017-18 to 6.49 per cent during 2019-20 exhibited the feasibility of demonstrated technology. The lower value of technology index, the more is the feasibility of technology. Further, it was found that the adoption of improved technologies not only increased the yield but also yield attributing traits of rapeseed-mustard and benefit cost ratio. Hence, there is a need to disseminate the improved technologies amongst the farmers with effective extension methods like training and demonstrations to utilise the rice fallow areas for increasing the cropping intensity as well as to increase crop production and productivity. The farmers’ should be encouraged to adopt the recommended package of practices for realizing higher returns.