Breeding for higher yield and wider adaptability are major objectives of soybean crop improvement. In the present study, 68 advanced breeding lines along with seven best checks were evaluated for yield and attributing traits by following group balanced block design. Three blocks were constituted based on the maturity duration of the breeding lines. High genetic variability for the twelve quantitative traits was found within and across the three blocks. Several genotypes were found to outperform check varieties for yield and attributing traits. During the same crop season, one of the promising entries, NRC 128,was evaluated across seven locations for its wider adaptability and it has shown stable performance in Northern plain Zone with > 20% higher yield superiority over best check PS 1347. However, it produced 9.8% yield superiority over best check in Eastern Zone. Screening for waterlogging tolerance under artificial conditions revealed that NRC 128 was on par with the tolerant variety JS 97–52. Based on the yield superiority, wider adaptability and waterlogging tolerance, NRC 128 was released and notified by Central Varietal Release Committee (CVRC) of India, for its cultivation across Eastern and Northern Plain Zones of India.

This paper has assessed technology adoption and its impact on the agricultural productivity for small-scale full-time and part-time farm households in the subtropical region of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). We find only 24% of the farm households being exclusively dependent on farming for their livelihoods. For the remaining households, agriculture is a secondary economic activity. They are engaged in nonfarm economic activities, and use more of external inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides than do the fulltime farm households. The high-yielding varieties, irrigation, herbicides and nitrogenous fertilizers are identified as important determinants of crop yield.

In the present study, additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) biplot analyses was used to dissect genotype x environment interaction (GEI) and to identify location specific and widely adapted genotypes for root branches, diameter and length in ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]. Trials were conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications over three consecutive years at three different locations. ANOVA analysis revealed environment, G×E interaction and genotype effects to contribute significantly (p less than 0.001) towards total sum of squares for root branches (61.00%, 22.18% and 14.00%); root diameter (51.06%, 24.26% and 15.34%) and root length (65.67%, 20.82% and 11.39%). Further, the GEI for these traits was mostly explained by the first, second and third principal component axis (IPCA1, IPCA2 and IPCA3). AMMI1 and AMMI2 biplot analyses showed differential stability of genotypes for root branches, diameter and length with few exceptions. Environmental contribution towards the genotypic performance from AMMI1 and AMMI2 analysis for root traits except environment Bhi16 contribution for root diameter and root length. AMMI1 biplots and simultaneous selection index (SSI) statistics identified SKA-11 as the most desirable genotype for root branches and length while SKA-26 and SKA-27 for root diameter. The ashwagandha genotypes identified for root attributes could be advocated either for varietal recommendation or in varietal development program.

Soybean research work in India which was intended towards yield improvement, biotic and abiotic stress management and food grade characteristics has resulted in 98 varieties notified with maximum yield potential of 4 t/ha which is an increase from 2.5 t/ha during the 1970s, resistant/tolerant to insects, pests and moisture stress as well as with higher nutritional characteristics. The yield index (yield of 1970-71=100) for soybean has increased to 318 since its introduction for commercial cultivation. The technology achievement index has increased from 100 in 1980-81 to 156.3 in 1999-2000 and 182 in 2010-11. The per hectare value of all crops output (at constant 2001-04 prices) increased 250 to 600 per cent in TE 2011-12 over TE 1971-72 in the districts with higher proportion of gross cropped area under soybean and also the per hectare value of output was higher in major soybean growing districts than the other districts with a few exceptions. Though, at present about 45 varieties exist in the seed-chain, however, only four varieties dominate the seed chain and account for about 95 per cent of the total soybean seed requirement in the country and 98 per cent of the seed availability. To bridge the continual increase in demand for edible oil and nutritional requirements, genetic improvement in soybean for attenuating major issues is required.

Girdle beetle (Oberiopsis brevis) is an important insect of soybean that can cause up to 42.2% yield loss in severe infestation during flowering stage. The infestation of girdle beetle is prevailed by congenial environmental conditions, which leads girdle beetle to be the severe pest of soybean. The present study assesses the relevant weather variables that can cause the peak infestation. Crop Pest Surveillance and Advisory Project (CROPSAP) survey data of girdle beetle incidence were analyzed with weather variables using correlation and regression techniques. The girdle beetle infestation had significantly positive correlation with relative humidity of current and 2nd lag week (RH0, RH-2); and with rainfall of 2nd lag week (RF-2) but significantly negative correlation with maximum temperature of 1st lag week (TMax-1). The multiple regression technique was used to develop the forewarning models for three zones (Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada zones) and overall Maharashtra, the developed models could explain 80.30%, 94.62%, 73.56% and 79.56% variation in girdle beetle infestation, respectively. The congenial conditions for the peak infestation of girdle beetle on soybean have been worked out and validated, which were TMax0, RH0, RF0, RH-1, RF-1, TMax-2, and RF-2 ranged between 28.6-31.6 ºC, 85.2- 91.8 %, 31.8-119.2 mm, 86.3-92.6 %, 38.1-76.4 mm, 27.7-30.8ºC, and 23.3-60.7 mm, respectively. The insect forewarning would be useful in devising the integrated management strategies for protecting the crop from insect in the incidence region.