Red sorghum, a versatile crop with high nutritional and biochemical value, was evaluated for agronomic and grain quality traits using 27 genotypes across diverse environmental zones of Tamil Nadu. The data collected were subjected to Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Genotype-by-Environment Interaction (GGE) biplot models to recommend a specific genotype for the particular locality. The analysis of variation of the pooled data revealed a significant interaction effect between genotype and environment for the majority of the examined traits. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association of panicle weight and a negative association of micronutrient content with grain yield. The G × E was smaller than the genetic variation of grain yield as it portrayed the maximum contribution of genotypic effects (50.2%). GGE biplot showed E2 as a highly discriminating environment for grain yield and also identified environment-specific genotypes viz., G11 for E1, E3 and G6 for E2 environments. The GGE biplots recommended G9 and G14 as high-yielding stable genotypes, outperforming the check variety PAIYUR 2 (G15) by 15.83% and 36.16% respectively, across all environments, particularly in E1 and E3. The genotypes G14, G18, G21 and G26 shown wide adaptation and excelled as biofortified genotypes with significant Fe and Zn contents. Multi-trait stability evaluation approaches such as multi trait stability index (MTSI), multitrait genotype‒ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP), multitrait mean performance and stability index (MTMPS) and Smith-Hazel index assuming 15% selection intensity were adopted. G14 consistently ranked as the top and steady performer in all evaluation methods. The identified genotype demonstrated exceptional reliability, high yield potential, and early maturity, making them suitable candidates for variety and hybrid development, as well as ideotype breeding programs aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security.

This study was conducted to develop a variety suitable for high leaf production in moringa. Initially, seeds of PKM 1 variety of moringa were treated with gamma irradiation of 100 Gy (Gray), 200 Gy and 300 Gy at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai and raised as M1 generation. The best-performing mutants were selected and forwarded to further generations (M1 to M4) based on leaf-related characters. A total of 10 Indian drumsticks (Moringa oleifera Lam.) mutants (derived from 200 Gy of gamma irradiation) from M4 generation with PKM 1 variety were evaluated for morphological and molecular diversity. To evaluate morphological diversity, 4 features (leaf length, leaf breadth, fresh weight and dry weight) were studied under field conditions. Ten sets of markers for simple sequence repeats (SSR), i.e. GenicSSR1081, SSR25987, SSR2927, GenicSSR859, GenicSSR796, SSR6561, GenicSSR890, GenicSSR1204, GenicSSR983 and GenicSSR778; that generated distinct and repeatable bands; were chosen for analyzing molecular diversity. A total of 24 bands were amplified, of which 17 were polymorphic. With an average of 0.391, the polymorphic information content (PIC) values for SSR markers varied from 0.124 for marker SSR2927 to 0.719 for marker GenicSSR778. Based on the cluster analysis with SSR markers, the mutants are divided into 2 groups. The variety PKM 1 was separated by a group whereas; all the other mutants fell into a single group indicating the diversity of mutants from the control. The diverse mutants (15-1-09-70 and 15-1-09-53) based on both morphological and molecular observations were selected and suggested for evaluation through subsequent generations that have the potential to be released as a variety for high leaf production. By increasing the production of highly nutritious moringa leaf, self-sufficiency and nutritional security can be obtained as well as it could benefit the lifestyle improvement of farmers through export to countries where the crop demand is high.

Red sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) stands out as a crucial dietary staple food, particularly in economically disadvantaged and food-insecure regions worldwide. Its diversity among landraces makes India a key hub for production. Red sorghum, renowned for its nutrient density and stress tolerance, holds immense potential as an alternate crop amidst climate change challenges. This review explores red sorghum's grain structure and nutritional profile, emphasizing its macronutrient and micronutrient composition, dietary fibre content, soluble sugars and bioactive secondary metabolites, including phenols, tannins and flavonoids. Understanding these aspects underscores the importance of red sorghum in addressing nutritional deficiencies and forecasting agricultural sustainability. Red sorghum offers many health benefits, particularly as a gluten-free alternative for individuals with celiac disease. Its rich phenolic compounds exhibit potential in combating carcinoma, while its starch composition, including slowly digestible starch, benefits diabetics with its low glycemic index. Combining sorghum with probiotic milk reduces oxidative stress in chronic renal disorders. Sorghum emerges as a versatile gluten-free ingredient rich in minerals and phenolic compounds, offering health benefits in various food products like cookies, RTE cereals, pasta and pet food. Additionally, exploring sorghum's genetic variations and health impacts paves the way for developing nutritionally superior varieties with robust agronomic traits.

Background: The present investigation was carried out in 50 diverse blackgram genotypes during rabi 2021-22 in three different locations viz., Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai (E1), National Pulses Research Institute, Vamban (E2) and a farmer’s field at Vizhudhudayan, Ariyalur district (E3) for exploring the genetic variability of the blackgram genotypes over environments. Methods: The data on 10 quantitative traits viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, total number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), hundred seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g) were subjected to genetic variability analysis. Result: The traits viz., plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, total number of pods per plant, hundred seed weight (g) and seed yield per plant (g) revealed a high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean. Hence, these traits may be given much importance during selection due to their additive gene action. These results might render yield enhancement in future breeding programs.

The morphological diversity of 50 foxtail millet accessions was assessed by evaluating ten morphological traits. Phenotypic scores for the 50 genotypes were provided based on the descriptor of Setaria italica. Based on the percentage of phenotypic variants, 84 % of the genotypes were not pigmented (green), 66 % were medium lodging, 88 % were essentially glabrous, 98 % with green leaf, 86 % were actively growing, 74 % with short inflorescence lobes, 42 % with medium inflorescence bristles, 54 % with medium inflorescence compactness and 86 % had ovate inflorescence shape. Only 2 % of the genotypes were pigmented with anthocyanin pigments on the leaf and none were found to have obovate inflorescence. The dendrogram generated indicated that the genotypes were grouped into 11 clusters at 0.74 co-efficient level. Maximum number of genotypes (13) was grouped in cluster XI. The genotypes in this cluster had similar morphological characters. The maximum number of 4 high yielding genotypes Kangani (22.25 g), Bhedi (19.54 g), SE 201 (10.38 g) and Navn (9.20 g) were found to be grouped under cluster X. All of these were non-pigmented, medium compact and ovate inflorescence with short inflorescence lobes. The findings provide crucial insights into the morphological traits that can be utilized in foxtail millet breeding programs. The identified high-yielding genotypes with favourable characteristics, such as compact and ovate inflorescence, can be valuable resources for developing superior varieties and hybrids, enhancing productivity and adaptability in diverse agro-climatic conditions.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), a high-value spice crop, is often subjected to intensive pesticide applications to combat pests and diseases. However, the use of toxic pesticides raises significant concerns regarding their dissipation patterns and residual effects on the ecosystem, harvested produce and human health. This review examines the fate and behavior of toxic pesticides in cardamom cultivation, focusing on their application methods, degradation kinetics and persistence in soil, water and plant tissues. Factors influencing pesticide dissipation such as environmental conditions, soil properties and microbial activity are critically analyzed. The long-term residual impacts on cardamom quality, non-target organisms and consumer safety are also discussed. Furthermore, the review highlights existing regulatory limits, analytical detection methods and potential mitigation strategies to minimize pesticide residues in cardamom. By utilizing existing research, this paper aims to provide insights into sustainable pest management practices that reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals while maintaining ensuring crop productivity and ensuring food safety.