Delineating Genotype × Environment interactions towards durable resistance in mungbean against Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora canescens) using GGE biplot

Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora canescens) is a major fungal disease which impedes mungbean production worldwide. Presence of wider host range with existence of pathogenic variability creates intricacy towards host-pathogen dynamics. Moreover, environmental factors having crucial role in augmenting severity of this disease further complicate disease management. An attempt has been made for unfolding genotype x environment interactions towards identifying and validating durable resistant genotypes against cercospora leaf spot in multi-environment testing. Preliminary screening with 246 genotypes under artificial epiphytotic condition was conducted to extract out a subset of 22 mungbean genotypes for further evaluation in field testing across six environments consecutively for two years. GGE biplot analysis detected significant environmental influence towards genotypic response and confirmed the presence of non-crossover interaction with incoherent genotypic response, thus advocating the urgency for multi-location testing. GGE biplot aptly identified “LGG 460” and “COGG 912” as “ideal” and “desirable” genotypes, respectively having durable resistance and genetic homeostasis and thus suggested for their utilization in future resistance breeding programme in mungbean against cercospora leaf spot.     

Synthesis of cross-linked graft copolymer from acrylic acid, poly(vinyl alcohol), and glutaraldhyde for extraction of lead ion from aqueous solution

A novel graft copolymer of acrylic acid onto poly(vinyl alcohol) has been synthesized and it is cross-linked by glutaraldehyde for the investigation of its efficiency in removing lead ion from aqueous solution. The chemical nature of the ion exchange resin has been elucidated with the help of chemical, spectral, and thermal analysis. Particle size, surface area, ion exchange capacity, optimum pH, time, and temperature for Pb(II) adsorption were determined. Metal ion adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics have been studied. A plausible mechanism for lead ion exchange has been suggested.