The study was taken up with an objective to develop a backcross mapping population for seed zinc content in pigeonpea as a prerequisite for any molecular breeding programme. An elite variety BRG-1 was used as a recurrent parent in development of backcross population with a high zinc containing germplasm line. After crossing, the true F1 were identified using SSR marker system. Four true F1s obtained were backcrossed to BRG-1 and selfed in next season to develop the BC1F2 population. This mapping population serves a useful genetic resource for molecular breeding studies for zinc content in pigeonpea.

Trait specific phenotyping, selective genotyping and genetic diversity for wood stiffness was carried out in Melia dubia Cav. (Meliaceae), a native fast-growing tree species of India extensively used in plywood industry. Wood stiffness plays a major role for structural lumbers and veneer industry. To estimate it by non-destructive method, stress wave velocity was measured in standing trees (n=513) using a stress wave timer. The velocity ranged from 3.24 km/s to 4.24 km/s in trees with ≥ 37.5cm Girth at Breast Height (GBH). For selective genotyping, 20 genotypes having high (4.05- 4.46-km/s) and 27 genotypes having low (3.24- 3.94-km/s) stress wave velocity were selected. For genetic diversity estimates, 55 SSR markers were screened and 15 markers showing trait related polymorphism were selected. Analysis for genetic diversity revealed highly polymorphic loci (Na=22.2) and low level of observed heterozygosity (Ho= 0.18). In addition, the results showed positive fixation index of 0.81 which is an indicator of inbreeding. Twelve markers showed distinct dissimilarity between high and low stress wave velocity groups. Out of which, five markers, MSSR 26, 33, 37, 41 and Mc2 showed distinct alleles for high wood stiffness. Cluster analysis with 47 genotypes resulted in three major clusters of which 90% of genotypes were distinctly segregated into two clusters having either low or high wood stiffness character. Identifying more markers of above type may facilitate in future marker assisted selection programme for wood stiffness in M. dubia.

The experiment was conducted to study different qualitative characters in banana from different genomic groups. Thirty banana genotypes from genomic groups AA, AAA, AAB, AB, ABB and BB were characterized. The different characteristics studied were bunch position, bunch shape, male flower behaviour, anther exsertion, fruit position, mature fruit peel colour, pulp colour at maturity, flesh texture and predominant taste. All the thirty varieties exhibited considerable variation; more in between groups than within a specific group. Among all, the varieties from group AAA as Dwarf Cavendish, Grand Naine were found with good quality fruits with sweet and soft pulp. ‘Nendran’ from AAB was preferable as a culinary variety with mild taste and more firm texture. Most of the varieties in AA and AAB group showed the characteristic sweet and acidic taste. The group ABB was found with somewhat diverse characteristics. The descriptors used for characterization were found efficient in differentiating banana genotypes in between groups as well as among individual genotypes.