Two RAPD markers linked to gene for resistance (assayed as pustule number cm −2 leaf area) to rust [Uromyces fabae (Pers.) de Bary] in pea (Pisum sativum L.) were identified using a mapping population of 31 BC 1 F 1 [HUVP 1 (HUVP 1 × FC 1] plants, FC 1 being the resistant parent. The analysis of genetics of rust resistance was based on the parents, generations. Rust resistance in pea is of non-hypersensitive type; it appeared to be governed by a single partially dominant gene for which symbol Ruf is proposed. Further, this trait seems to be affected by some polygenes in addition to the proposed oligogene Ruf. A total of 614 decamer primers were used to survey the parental polymorphism with regard to DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction. The primers that amplified polymorphic bands present in the resistant parent (FC 1) were used for bulked segregant analysis. Those markers that amplified consistently and differentially in the resistant and susceptible bulks were separately tested with the 31 BC 1 F 1 individuals. Two RAPD makers, viz., SC10-82 360 (primer, GCCGTGAAGT), and SCRI-71 1000 (primer, GTGGCGTAGT), flanking the rust resistance gene (Ruf) with a distance of 10.8 cM (0.097 rF and LOD of 5.05) and 24.5 cM (0.194 rF and a LOD of 2.72), respectively, were identified. These RAPD markers were not close enough to Ruf to allow a dependable maker-assisted selection for rust resistance. However, if the two makers flanking Ruf were used together, the effectiveness of MAS would be improved considerably.

Three hundred and forty five accessions of pea of diverse origin, height, leaf types and disease reaction were screened for rust disease severity and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). The frequency of slow rusting types in the tall, dwarf, early and late groups appeared comparable. Of the 345 accessions, forty-four genotypes were evaluated for disease intensity, which was converted into AUDPC, number of pustules/leaf and pustule size. Wide range of variation was found for these traits. The slow rusting attribute of 16 genotypes was further confirmed by testing these under unprotected (inoculated) and protected (fungicidal spray) conditions for two successive years for disease intensity by assessing the AUDPC, seed yield/plot, and 100-seed weight. The fast rusting genotypes exhibited lower AUDPC, accompanied with increased seed yield and seed weight when grown under the protected condition, as compared to those raised under the unprotected condition. The genotypes Pant P 11, FC 1, HUDP 16, JPBB 3 and HUP 14 appeared as slow rusting genotypes.

: The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Badnapur. In this study, three lines were crossed with five male parents and fifteen hybrids were developed. These fifteen hybrids along with their parental lines and check viz., BDNG 797 were grown during Rabi season of 2014. The parental lines BDNGK 798 exhibited high GCA effect for plant height and 100 seed weight, VIJAY for number of primary and secondary branches per plant, DIGVIJAY for number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant. The cross BDNGK 798 x SAKI 9516 recorded high significant and desirable SCA effect for number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant and the cross BDNGK 9-3 x ICC 14871 for seed yield per plant. Out of 15 crosses, nine crosses recorded standard significant heterosis over BDNG 797. The range of standard heterosis was 12 to 31.65 per cent. The cross VIJAY x BCP 49 exhibited highest significant standard heterosis (31.65%) followed by BDNG 9-3 x DIGVIJAY (26.63%) for seed yield per plant.

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A total 158 finger millet accessions were evaluated to study the genetic diversity with the nature and magnitude of genetic divergence using Mahalanobis (1936) D 2 statistics. Genotypic and phenotypic variances, coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance were estimated and cluster analysis was performed. The data was recorded on fifteen traits. The one hundred fifty eight genotypes were grouped into XIII clusters. Clusters I was the largest with 58 genotypes. Maximum heritability was observed for iron content (99.8%) followed by calcium content (99.7%), days to maturity (98.6%), days to 50% flowering (97.2%), seed yield per plant (93.7%), finger number per panicle (92.7%) and flag leaf sheath width (91.8%). Genetic advance as per cent of mean ranged from 5.425 to 137.52. Since there is significant variability observed in all the finger millet genotypes, this could be used for genetic improvement through selection and hybridization.