ICRISAT Archival Report 2010

ICRISAT 

Archival Report 

2010

Contents 

Project 1: 

Project 2: 

Project 3: 

Project 4: 

Project 5: 

Project 6: 

Project 7: 

Project 8: 

Project 9: 

Improving policies and facilitating institutional innovation, markets and impact 

to support the sustained reduction of poverty and hunger in the SAT 

Sustaining biodiversity of Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Small Millets, Groundnut, 

Pigeonpea and Chickpea for current and future generations 

Producing more and better food of the staple cereals and legumes of the west 

and Centra; African (WCA) SAT (sorghum, pearl millet and groundnut) 

through genetic improvement 

Producing more and better food from staple cereals (sorghum and 

millets) and legumes (groundnuts, chickpea and pigeonpea) at lower 

cost in the eastern and southern African (ESA) SAT through genetic 

improvement 

Producing more and better food at lower cost of staple cereal and legume 

hybrids in the Asian SAT (sorghum, pearl millet and pigeonpea) through 

genetic improvement 

Producing More and Better Food at Lower Cost of Stable Open-Pollinated 

Cereals and Legumes (Sorghum, Pigeonpea, Chickpea and Groundnut) 

Through Genetic Improvement in the Asian SAT 

Reducing Rural Poverty through Agricultural Diversification and 

merging Opportunities for High-Value Commodities and Products 

Poverty alleviation and sustainable management of water, land, livestock and 

forest resources, particularly at the desert margins of the Sahel and the drylands 

of ESA (SSA Desert Margins Program SWEP) 

The project has been terminated 

Poverty alleviation and sustainable management of land, water, livestock 

and forest resources through sustainable agro-ecological intensification in lowand 

high potential environments of the semi-arid tropics of Africa and Asia 

1 

62 

137 

173 

196 

250 

317 

338 

Project 10: Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics in SAT Asia and WCA 356 

Publications 364

ICRISAT Archival Report 2010 

MTP Project 1: 

Project Coordinator: 

Improving policies and facilitating institutional innovation, markets and impact 

to support the sustained reduction of poverty and hunger in the SAT 

Cynthia Bantilan 

Project profile: 

This project is implemented in accordance with CGIAR System Priority 5 -- Improving policies and facilitating 

institutional innovation, markets and impact to support the sustained reduction of poverty and hunger. It 

specifically covers priorities 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. This project provides the essential social science context for 

ICRISAT research. Strategic assessments for agricultural and economic growth in the semi-arid tropics are 

vital. This project also focuses on mapping the complex development pathways and alternative livelihood 

options to help make critical interventions to address poverty, vulnerability, marginalization and social 

exclusion. 

Project 1 is coordinated through the Global Theme on Institutions, Markets, Policy and Impacts. The project 

implements social science and policy research at ICRISAT with focus on improving policies and facilitating 

institutional innovation, markets and impact to support the sustained reduction of poverty and hunger in the 

SAT. ICRISAT’s social science and policy research thrust is to inform and provide strategic direction and 

prioritization of research issues within an IGNRM context and to provide appropriate capacity building. It 

scrutinizes the key driving factors influencing farmer to market linkages, optimal input and output options 

(including seed systems) and more effective policy and impact generation. Through social science and policy 

research, the Institute builds an enhanced capacity to help generate pro-poor policies, tools, lessons, and 

investment guidelines that contribute to improved food security, livelihood resilience and poverty reduction 

while protecting the environment of the production systems in the semi-arid tropics. As the poor faces a wide 

range of social and economic constraints, ICRISAT maintains a constant communication with them through 

village level studies to understand their needs and seek solutions. In this way, ICRISAT generates and shares 

vital information and analytical tools that provide a rational foundation for decisions that will benefit poor 

farmers and consumers. 

Objectives 

• Evaluate and develop alternative institutional arrangements and policy options for expanding 

access and utilization of new technologies and services for smallholder producers for greater 

impact of agricultural innovations on poverty and sustainable management of SAT agroecosystems 

(links to System Priority 5A) 

• Develop and promote strategies that enhance market access and competitiveness of dryland 

commodities for smallholder farmers and agro-enterprises and food safety for consumers (links to 

System Priority 5B) 

• Examine, develop and promote strategies for strengthening rural institutions and pro-poor 

institutional change to improve access of smallholders to markets and technologies and reducing 

vulnerability of livelihoods (links to System Priority 5C) 

• Analyze the effectiveness of agricultural and rural development strategies and identify 

development pathways and policies that facilitate poverty reduction and livelihood protection 

under chronic and transitory emergencies (links to System Priority 5D) 

In the MTP 2010-2012, Project 1 targeted ten outputs to be achieved through social science research focusing on 

four research areas: (1) strategic assessments, (2) rural livelihoods and development pathways, (3) market 

studies, outlooks, and institutional innovations, and (4) research priority and impact assessment. The research 

area on strategic assessments seeks to identify major changes, emerging trends, driving factors influencing 

agricultural transformation in the SAT, and their implications for ICRISAT’s longer-term research priorities and 

overall research strategy. Research in rural livelihoods and development pathways addresses issues related to 

poverty dynamics. ICRISAT is revitalizing its Village Level Studies (VLS) to track changes in rural poverty in 

rural household and village economies. Research in market studies, outlooks and institutional innovations draws 

lessons learned from market and institutional studies and prospects for SAT mandate crops, as well as conduct 

research on market linkages and commercialization for technology uptake. Finally, the focus on research 

priority and impact assessment studies is to continue to develop analytical methods for assessment of impacts, 

thereby strengthening institutional capacity for analyzing impact pathways within ICRISAT and among NARS, 

and provide technical backstopping for adoption and impact assessment research in the other Global Themes. 

1

GT-IMPI commenced several major projects classified under 4 research thrusts commencing 2008-09. These are 

mainstreamed in accordance with ICRISAT’s strategic plan. Most are global projects covering South Asia, ESA 

and WCA and multi-disciplinary, undertaken in collaboration with the other ICRISAT Global Themes, namely 

GT- Crop Improvement, GT- Agroecosystems and KMS. These projects usually encompass more than one of 

the priority focal areas mentioned above. The major projects with GT-IMPI include 

• Village Level Studies: 

o Asia: Tracking rural poverty in village and household economies in south Asia funded by the 

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with IRRI and NCAP 

o Sub-Saharan Africa: (Alastair Orr to give for ESA and Jupiter to give for WCA) 

o West Africa: Assessing the dynamics of poverty and land degradation in the Sahelian 

countries of West Africa from IDRC 

• Vulnerability and Climate Change 

o Asia: Climate Change: Vulnerability to Climate change: adaptation strategies and layers of 

resilience funded by the Asian Development Bank in partnership with national program 

partners in 7 countries of Asia namely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka, 

Thailand and Vietnam 

o Case Studies of Sustainable land and water management Approaches to Mitigate and Reduce 

Vulnerability to Climate Change in Sub-Saharan Africa: The case of the Tahoua Region in 

Niger 

• Targeting for improved crop productivity and delivery 

o Enhancing grain legumes’ productivity, and production and the incomes of poor farmers in 

drought-prone areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia funded by the Bill and Melinda 

Gates Foundation in partnership with IITA and CIAT 

o Harnessing the True Potential of Legumes: Economic and Knowledge Empowerment of Poor 

Rainfed Farmers in Asia” funded by IFAD 

o Programme for Integrated Innovations for Improving Legumes Productivity, Market Linkages 

and Risk Management in Eastern and Southern Africa” funded by IFAD 

o HOPE for the drylands – Cereals Project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 

partnership with 

• Strategic Assessments 

o ICRISAT Research spillover benefits in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa 

o IPG Potential of ICRISAT downstream research 

o Global Futures for Agriculture: Integrated modeling and scenario assessment for research 

evaluation 

Highlights for 2010 

Significant IPGs 

Publications that enhance knowledge of (1) constraints to adoption of improved legume varieties in ESA (2) 

markets and economic outlook for chickpea and groundnut in ESA (3) the role of legumes in livelihoods of 

resource-poor farmers in ESA. 

Outcomes and impacts achieved 

Socio-economists from Agricultural Research Institutes in Ethiopia have received training through the HOPE 

project on (1) design, pretest and implementation of baseline surveys to gauge adoption and impacts and 

(2) conduct value chain analysis and analyse market constraints and potential. 

Research partnerships developed with East African Grain Council, KARI, DRD and EIAR to develop shared 

research programme to understand the market potential for sorghum and millet in ESA. 

ESA socio-economics database was designed and protocols developed to create archive available to researchers 

in ESA region. 

2

Achievements in 2010 

MTP Output 1: Best innovative practices and mechanisms for harmonization and utilization of seed-related 

and biosafety regulations and policies suitable for the specific conditions of the SAT piloted, promoted and 

adopted with new knowledge shared with partners. [This output is shared regionally with projects 3 and 4] 

System Priority 5: Improving policies and facilitating institutional innovation to support sustainable reduction 

of poverty and hunger 

Priority 5A: Improving Science and Technology Policies and Institutions 

Priority 5A, Specific goal 3: Improving incentives for technology generation, access and use 

This research area is closely linked to that of Projects 3-6 but as a global generic policy issue it is felt it would 

be better to address it as a whole in Project 1 rather than to disarticulate it between 4 other projects. 

Project: Seed Policy Harmonization (SCOSA) 

MTP Output target in 2010 1.1.1 Best practices for harmonization of seed-related regulations and policies 

suitable for the specific conditions of the ASARECA (2010) region promoted 

Achievement of Output Target: 

100% 

Countries Involved: 

Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, 

South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe 

Objectives/Rationale: 

Seed security is a precursor to food security because its availability and quality determine the potential to crop 

production and productivity. In the SADC region, however, good quality seed of improved varieties is not 

available, especially to small scale farmers who are responsible for ensuring household, national and regional 

food security. 

Main findings: 

This Project covered the entire SADC countries and worked with several partners—of national and international 

character, the main one being Iowa State University. The Project covered all the 15 countries pf SADC but in 

practice Seychelles has had no activities because the economy is not basically agriculture. This Project has been 

very rewarding in harmonization of variety evaluation, release and registration procedures, seed certification, 

phytosanitary measures as well as plant variety protection for the SADC region. Seed can now cross national 

boundaries with minimal hassle as the agreements on the aforementioned seed areas have received endorsement 

from the highest level of government. The Project was funded by USAID, Southern Africa Office. USAID is in 

the process of determining what should be the next set of priorities for the region in this field and at the moment 

there is a consulting firm going around the region to identify areas of high impact that will later, then, probably 

be funded. 

Partner Institutions: 

Iowa State University, private sector seed Companies, National Seed Trade Associations in the SADC countries 

and the NARES of SADC 

Special Project Funding: 

USAID project funding facilitated this activity at a funding level of US $ 350,000 

MTP Output 2: Ex-ante and ex-post impact studies conducted on representative ICRISAT NARS innovations 

for the SAT to enhance accountability and facilitate priority setting 

Priority 5A, Specific goal 5: Enhancing the structure, conduct and performance of knowledge-intensive 

institutions 

3

Intermediate Output target 2010: Global Futures for Agriculture: Integrated Modeling and Scenario 

Assessment for Ex-ante Research Evaluation 

Output Target 2010: Report on ICRSAT mandate crops/systems productivity and potential 

Background and Rationale: Rising incomes and globalization place unprecedented demands on agricultural 

systems around the world. Natural resource degradation and climate change pose global risks for food security 

and the environment. Enhancing the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems is essential to 

improve the well-being of the developing world population and thus reduce poverty. 

The goal of this research is to deepen the understanding of complex linkages among socio-economic and 

environmental change, the functioning of agricultural systems and human well-being. The product will be a 

comprehensive modeling environment integrating socio-economic, bio-physical and technological responses 

that can simulate global, regional, and local consequences of policy changes and technology based investments. 

The model will provide a much improved platform upon which international organizations, agricultural research 

centers, development agencies, and national governments can base strategic planning and investment decisions. 

Achievement of output target: 

75% 

Literature review and documentation of promising technologies developed at ICRISAT were completed and 

initiated report drafting on “Dryland crops/systems research in a changing world” 


Global project 


ICRISAT, IFPRI, IRRI, CIMMYT, CIAT, CIP, ILRI 

Objectives: 

Compilation of relevant literature and report on ICRISAT mandate crop system productivity and potential 

Methodology: 

To document promising technologies developed at ICRISAT, a detailed review of ICRISAT annual report, 

publications from Global themes like crop improvement, biotechnology and agro ecosystem were carried out. 

To understand the current research activities at institute level and the targeting traits to improve the crop 

productivity in the changing environment and economic conditions, number of face to face interactions with the 

scientists was arranged. Finally to document the promising technologies developed in the last 3-5 years and 

promising technologies that are under development, a qualitative survey methodology namely Delphi technique 

was used. 

Data on biophysical and socio-economic variables for the ICRISAT mandate crops are primarily obtained from 

existing data at ICRISAT and from secondary sources such as FAOSTAT, published documents and various 

national reports. The secondary data comprised of aggregate data on global, regional and national production, 

yield, area, and data on export and import volumes and global and national price trends over years. 

The secondary data for ICRISAT mandate crops was also collected from situation and outlook reports prepared 

for other project like Tropical Legumes II and HOPE project. 

Progress / Results: 

Using the Delphi survey information, the promising technologies developed in the last 3-5 years and 

technologies under development or ready for dissemination in the next 5 years were documented for ICRISAT 

mandate crops. The survey results shows that the research efforts is mainly concentrated in using advanced 

breeding and biotechnology methods in developing technologies to improve the yield potential of the mandate 

crops under the changing environment and economic conditions like climate change, new pest and diseases 

outbreak, higher fuel-fodder demand, marginal or problematic soils, etc. The survey also identified the potential 

or the advantage of the new technologies over the existing technologies, important targeted traits of the crops 

and targeted region for the new technologies. 

4

The list of promising technologies 

Pearl Millet Sorghum Groundnut Chickpea Pigeonpea 

• Drought tolerant • Sweet Sorghum S • Drought tolerant • Heat tolerant • ICPH 2671 – 

pearl millet hybrid 35 and NTJ 2 groundnut ICGV breeding lines hybrid based on 

HHB 67 Improved 

91114 

cytoplasmic male 

• Stay-green 

• Extra-large sterility (CMS) 

• Blast resistant sorghum variety S • ICGV 00350 seeded Kabuli system 

pearl millet hybrid 

HHB 146 

35 

breeding lines 

• Screening for salt 

/acid tolerant 

parental line 

• ICMV 221 

• ICMV 95490 

• Resistant cultivars 

for shoot fly, stem 

borer, sorghum 

midge 

• Super-early 

chickpea 

breeding lines 

• Helicoverpa 

resistant cultivar 

in chickpea 

• Helicoverpa 

resistant cultivar in 

pigeonpea 

These results were presented in the Virtual Crop Model workshop organized by IFPRI on 22-24 th October, 2010 

at ICRISAT, Hyderabad to discuss and select the important promising technologies to develop virtual crop 

model using DSSAT crop simulation model. The virtual crop model is used to generate relevant crop yield 

coefficients for the target regions to incorporate in the International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural 

Commodities and Trade (IMPACT) model to evaluate the ex-ante benefits of the technologies under different 

climate change and socio-economic scenarios. 

To undertake the research evaluation using the integrated modeling framework like IMPACT model, a series of 

training program was conducted in October, 2010 for the project partners on DSSAT crop growth model, Spatial 

crop modeling using HPC and advanced IMPACT model. 

Special project funding: 

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 

MTP Output target 2010 1.2.1 Early adoption studies on chick pea, pigeon pea and groundnut in selected 

countries 

ESA 


50% 


Countries Involved: Ethiopia (Tropical Legumes II), Tanzania (Treasure Legumes), Malawi (Treasure 

Legumes/Tropical Legumes II) 


Identify scale and determinants of adoption of target legumes 

Methodology/Approach: 

In Ethiopia a combination of stratified and purposive sampling methods was used to select the three districts 

included in the survey in the project target areas, namely Gimbichu, Lume-Ejere and Minjar-Shenkora. These 

districts represent one of the major chickpea growing areas in the country where new varieties are beginning to 

be adopted by farmers. Eight kebeles from each of Gimbichu and Lume-Ejere districts and ten kebeles from 

Minjar-Shenkora district were randomly selected from where a random sample of 700 households was selected 

for detailed household survey. This include 400 households in the two districts (Minjar-Shenkora and 

Gimbichu) targeted under the TL-II project and 300 households in the one district (Lume-Ejere) selected for 

IFAD project. Village level data was also collected from about 40 villages that fall within the 26 kebeles. 

EIAR/DZARC took the lead for the baseline survey in Ethiopia. While the larger datasets help understand the 

5

oader production and market constraints for chickpea in Ethiopia, the data from the 400 households will be 

relevant in evaluating the adoption and impact of the TL-II project. 

A repeat survey for the same households was made in 2010. Only 663 households could be interviewed, giving 

an attrition rate of about 5 %. The main reasons for attrition were refusal to be re-interviewed and missed 

identity of the household, where the identity of the household did not match that of the first survey. 

Table 1: Regional distribution of survey respondents 

Districts 

Total 

households 

(Number) 

Total 

Kebeles 

(Number) 

Sample 

Kebeles 

(Number) 

Sampled households 

(Number ) 

2008 2010 

Gimbichu 12,316 10 8 149 148 

Lume-Ejere 14,563 13 8 300 275 

Minjar-Shenkora 14,991 18 10 251 240 

All 41,870 41 26 700 

663 

In Malawi, the baseline survey had been conducted in 2008. A combination of stratified and purposive sampling 

methods had been used to select four districts (Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Balaka and Mchinji) that were included in 

the baseline survey. An early adoption / repeat survey was conducted in July-August 2010 in the same districts 

and the same households. This has led to the creation of a panel data for the sampled households. In each of the 

selected districts, during the baseline, the first stage in household selection involved the purposeful selection of 

the four largest groundnut-producing Sections (for the groundnut producing zones), or the four largest 

pigeonpea producing sections (for the pigeonpea producing districts). This led to the selection of four (4) 

sections in each district and consequently 16 sections for the study area. Second, a complete list of all the 

villages in each section was drawn with the help of the heads of Extension Planning Areas (EPA) and their staff. 

Three villages were randomly selected from each section. Third, a complete list of all farm families was then 

drawn for each of the randomly sampled villages. Thirteen farmers were randomly sampled from a list of farm 

families in each village. This led to the sampling of 594 households for the baseline household survey. 

In Tanzania, the data for the baseline had been collected by the International Crops Research Institute for the 

semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with the Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) between 

November and December 2008. The data were collected through a household survey conducted in four key 

pigeonpea growing Districts in the Northern Zone: Kondoa, Karatu, Babati and Arumeru. In each District, three 

major pigeonpea growing Divisions were selected and two Wards sampled in each of the Divisions. Twenty five 

farmers were then randomly sampled from a list of farm families in each village and ward. A total of 613 farm 

households were surveyed using a standardized survey instrument administered by trained enumerators. 

An early adoption / repeat survey was conducted in October-November 2010 in the same districts and the same 

households which has led to the creation of a panel data for the sampled households. Data collected includes 

household composition and characteristics, land and non-land farm assets, livestock ownership, household 

membership in different rural institutions, farmer knowledge and cultivation of improved varieties, inputs used 

costs of production, yield data for different crop types, indicators of access to infrastructure, household market 

participation, household income sources and major consumption expenses. 

Main findings/Results: 

Data for Ethiopia was entered in SPSS for analysis. Due to the resignation of the lead scientist a consultant was 

hired to make the analysis and write the report for Ethiopia, which will be completed by February 2010. The 

analysis will use data for the 633 households for which we have panel data. 

Data from a repeat survey collected from Malawi was entered in SPSS for analysis. The analysis of the data has 

just begun and a report on early adoption and Impact will be completed by March 2010. The analysis will use 

data for the households for which we have panel data. The data from Tanzania is not yet entered in SPSS as data 

collection will end on the 15 th of November 2010. However, results based on the baseline data analysis indicate 

that there is significant potential for increasing the adoption of improved legume varieties in Eastern Africa. 

Lessons from this analysis showed that a critical constraint to the adoption of improved legume varieties was 

that farmers were not aware of these varieties. In Malawi, for example, where the overall adoption rate for 

improved pigeonpea varieties was 14 percent, while we estimated that, if all growers were aware, the adoption 

6

ate would be 41 percent. Hence, about one-third of the adoption gap (the difference between current adoption 

and potential adoption if farmers were fully aware) was explained simply by the fact that growers were ignorant 

about the existence of these new varieties. Similar results were found for groundnuts in Malawi, and pigeonpea 

in Tanzania, where the adoption gaps due to non-awareness were 12% and 34%, respectively. In Kenya the 

adoption gap of improved pigeonpea varieties due to non-awareness was 12%. 

Any Comments/Explanations: 

Although there have been delays in conducting repeat surveys, we plan to complete data analysis and to write 

the report within the next 3 months. 


Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) in Tanzania 

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) 

Bunda College of Agriculture in Malawi 



WCA 


75% 

Data collection, entry and descriptive statistics completed. 


Niger 


Assess the level of diffusion of improved technologies (groundnut varieties) and innovations in Tropical 

Legumes sites and identify constraints limiting the diffusion of technologies and innovation. 


Data were collected from the Dosso region in Niger in the TLII project region. A total of 33 villages were 

surveyed of which 11 villages were purposely selected i.e. where participatory variety selection was undertaken 

and seed production initiated. Eleven villages were selected 10 km around the project villages and 10 other 

villages 40 km from the project villages. In each project village, 15 households were selected and in each nonproject 

village, 5 households were selected. Therefore a total of 275 households were interviewed. Questions 

focused on similar questions as in the baseline survey. Thus questions included modules on (1) socioeconomic 

and demographic profile of the HHs, (2) diffusion mechanisms pathways including knowledge of varieties and 

sources of first information and adoption and dis-adoption of groundnut varieties; (3) household land stocks, 

equipment and livestock ownership; (4) household access to credit, (5) utilization, consumption and 

commercialization of groundnut, (6) household market transactions, and (7) input and output groundnut plot data. 

During the lifetime of the project in the Dosso region, more than 250 tons of certified and 1000 tons of quality 

declared seed have been producers by individual seed producers and farmers’ associations in the Dosso region. 

More than 100 farmers have been trained in seed production technology and crop management practices and 30 

farmers have been trained in small-business skills and marketing. 

Main findings/results & policy Implications: 

Preliminary results showed that the area cultivated with groundnut has increased from 1.82 ha to 2.20 ha per 

household from 2007/08 to 2009/10. (1) the proportion of farmers exposed to modern groundnut varieties 

(developed or adapted less than 20 years ago) has increased from 11.78% to 78.83%. About 70.91% of 

households are planting new groundnut varieties in 2009/10 against 23.99% in 2007/08. The proportion of area 

planted with modern varieties more than doubled ie. from 21.85% in 2007/08 to 49.12% in 2009/10. 

The quantity of groundnut sold more than doubled ie. from 289 kg/household to 622kg/household. The 

proportion of households net sellers increased slightly from 91.30 to 93.77% in 2009/10. The average yields of 

farmers increased significantly from 26 to 52% for male farmers in the neighboring and control villages 

respectively. Women farmers increased groundnut yields from 28.90% to about 32.22% in neighboring villages 

and control villages respectively. 

7


The project is generating some social gains that will be largely increased after 3 more years on project 

intervention. 


The Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN), the traditional extension services (DDA 

– Direction Départementale de l’Agriculture), farmer’s associations or group seed producers. 


Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - Tropical Legumes-II (TL-II); IFAD 

MTP Output 3: Database and new methodologies addressing the impact of bio-physical and social science 

research developed 

MTP Output target 2010 1.3.1 Impact pathways approach applied in ICRISAT planning and M&E process for 

enhancing relevance of R&D interventions in the SAT 


100% 

for the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (PMEP) of the SEED-WASA project and 75% of the 

PMEP of the AGRA Microdosing project 


Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal and Ghana in the SEEDS-WASA project and Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso for 

the AGRA Microdosing project. 


To develop the monitoring and evaluation plan of the SEEDS – WASA project. 


Both M&E were developed using impact pathways. 


None 


The Institut National de Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN), The Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER) du 

Mali, the Institut National de l’Environnement et la Recherche Agricole (INERA) of Burkina Faso and the 

partners and stakeholders involved in the SEEDS-WASA project. University of Carl Pray. 


Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Seed Alliance Activities in Sub-Saharan Africa - Case of 

West Africa Seed Alliance" (YUSU40) funded by USAID 

“Achieving Pro-Poor Green Revolution in Drylands of Africa: Linking Fertilizer Microdosing with Input-Output Markets to Boost 

Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihoods in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger” funded by AGRA. 

MTP Output target 2011 1.3.1: Updated impact database shared in the website 

Intermediate target output 2010 Impact database on guess-estimates on uptake of pearl millet, sorghum and 

groundnut varieties in 6 countries in West and Central Africa 


50% 


Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Chad. 

8


To gather information on varieties released in the 6 countries during the last 20 years, get guess-estimates on 

adoption by expert opinions in countries, and assess the strengths of the pearl millet, sorghum and breeding 

programs. 


Questionnaires were addressed to experts in the 6 countries targeting the characteristics of varieties, expert 

estimates of area covered by varieties and the human resource availability in the 6 countries. 

Main findings/Results & Policy Implications: 

Preliminary results from expert survey showed that during the last 20 years, there have been few variety releases 

for pearl millet, sorghum and groundnut in WCASAT. In Chad, virtually no release in the last 20 years. This 

differs significantly by crop. 

It is noted that during the last 20 years, for pearl millet for example, no release has occurred in Senegal and 

Chad, Varieties released in Mali, Nigeria and Niger result from joint work between NARS and ICRISAT. The 

same observations can be made of sorghum. As for groundnut, all the releases occurring so far result from joint 

partnership between ICRISAT and NARS. However, efforts to release varieties remain a major constraint in the 

region because the rate of release is very low. In Senegal for example there has been few releases on groundnut 

through more than 10 varieties are ready for release. 

All countries a very weak to acceptable breeding programs. There is currently no pearl millet breeder in Niger or 

Chad, no groundnut breeder in Niger, Mali and Chad. Even in the countries endowed with breeders, they are 

splitted into many other cereals making their contributions often not high or they do not have the educational 

level necessary to run breeding programs. Overall, all breeding programs are constrained by operational costs 

even to maintain germplasm. 


All countries involved. 


DIVA project 

2011 1.3.2 New methodologies Impact evaluation methodologies tackling social processes and capacity 

building, along with lessons learnt from analysis of impact pathways developed and shared with national and 

sub-regional agricultural systems. 

Intermediate target output in 2010 


100% 


Malawi, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya 


Determine ex post impact of improved groundnut and pigeonpea varieties on consumption poverty reduction. 


In Malawi, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya, papers were written on determinants of technology adoption and the 

Impact of improved legumes on market surplus and poverty. The papers were based on household surveys 

conducted in the respective countries in 2007. A weakness of many studies that evaluate the impact of improved 

technology is that they do not control for differences between adopters and non-adopters. If these groups are 

significantly different, results may over-estimate impacts on farm income. To overcome this problem, the study 

used the propensity score matching (PSM) method to identify treatment and control groups with similar 

characteristics, except that one group (adopters) adopted new technology while the other (non-adopters) did not. 

The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke poverty indices were used to compare impact on poverty for the two groups while 

the quantity of groundnuts sold by the household was used to measure the extent of market integration my the 

household. 

9

However, by only controlling for the observable covariates the PSM only removes the part of the selection bias 

called “overt bias” (Lee, 2005; Rosenbaum, 2002). PSM may not remove what is called “hidden bias” which is 

caused by the unobservable covariates that may also affect the individual’s self-selection into the program and 

the outcomes indicators (Rosenbaum, 2002). . This warrants the estimation of the Local Average Treatment 

Effect (LATE) Abadie, 2003; Imbens and Angrist, 1994) as opposed to the Average Treatment Effect (ATE). 

The local average treatment effect (LATE), introduced by Imbens and Angrist (1994) identifies the causal 

effect of program participation on a restricted sub-sample of potential participants that can comply to the 

assignment as program participants. Consequently in Malawi the estimated the LATE as opposed to the ATE 

using parametric estimation procedures to assess the impact of improved groundnut adoption on market 

integration. 


In Malawi, adopters of improved groundnut technologies had higher consumption expenditure than nonadopters. 

After PSM matching to identify equivalent adopter and non-adopter groups, the results showed that 

groundnut adoption in Malawi positively and significantly increased household expenditure. The Incidence of 

poverty, depth of poverty, and severity of poverty were significantly lower among adopters. The findings 

suggest that by raising farm productivity improved groundnut technology can significantly contribute to poverty 

reduction. However, the Impact of cultivating improved pigeonpea was not significant. In Ethiopia, 


National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), 

National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM) 

Intermediate target output in 2010: Environment for Development Initiative 


100% 


Uganda 


Determine ex post impact of improved groundnut varieties to crop income poverty reduction. 


The study was based on a random sample of 945 households from 7 districts, representing four farming systems, 

surveyed in 2006. A weakness of many studies that evaluate the impact of improved technology is that they do 

not control for differences between adopters and non-adopters. If these groups are significantly different, results 

may over-estimate impacts on farm income. To overcome this problem, the study used the propensity score 

matching (PSM) method to identify treatment and control groups with similar characteristics, except that one 

group (adopters) adopted new technology while the other (non-adopters) did not. The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke 

poverty indices were used to compare impact on poverty for the two groups. 


Adopters of improved groundnut technology had higher incomes than non-adopters. After PSM matching to 

identify equivalent adopter and non-adopter groups, the results showed that groundnut adoption positively and 

significantly increased crop income. Incidence of poverty, depth of poverty, and severity of poverty were 

significantly lower among adopters. Although the effect on poverty indices was not dramatic, by raising farm 

productivity improved groundnut technology can significantly contribute to poverty reduction. 


National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) 


Swedish Cooperation Agency 

MTP Output target 2011 1.3.3: Lessons learnt from analysis of impact pathways of representative ICRISAT 

NARS technologies 

10

Intermediate output target in 2010: Development of hypotheses that will determine the IPG potential of 

ICRISAT’s downstream work on technology development, testing and adaptation 

- Working paper published that covers review of the concept of IPGs and innovation systems including 

analysis of earlier adoption, constraints and impact studies. 

- Case studies on ICRISAT research, development and innovation pathways for participatory watershed 

management in Asia including spillovers to Africa. 


90% 


The work plan covers three regional in-depth case studies (Asia, East and Southern Africa (ESA), and West and 

Central Africa (WCA)). The ICRISAT projects suggested include: a) development and deployment of the 

watershed-based approach in South Asia; b) seed supply systems in ESA; and c) fertilizer micro-dosing and 

African market Garden work in WCA. 


This initiative emerged from the EPMR recommendation #5, i.e. “The Panel recommends that GT-IMPI work 

on the development of hypotheses that determine the IPG potential of ICRISAT’s downstream work on 

technology development, testing and adaptation.” 

With increasing focus on impacts and broader mandate of the CGIAR, and considering the weakening capacity 

of NARS in most developing countries, international agricultural research centers (IARCs) engage in research 

for development to address the range of issues facing the poor. Although development-oriented work is location 

specific, there is need to ensure that new knowledge is generated in line with the goal of producing IPGs that 

have wide applicability across countries. These IPGs may be developed by consciously developing indicators 

that assess how economic and social value can be extracted from knowledge and the processes by which this is 

achieved. This study reviews the concept of IPGs in the CGIAR and the global agricultural research community 

including an analysis of earlier ICRISAT adoption studies, constraints analysis and impact assessments. 

Synthesis of case studies will synthesize lessons learnt from past ICRISAT’s downstream work and set the pace 

for embracing a culture of institutional learning and change. 


The approach uses process documentation, institutional histories and impact pathway analysis to identify lessons 

and testable hypotheses that offer new insights to facilitate scaling up of technologies. It is complemented by the 

analysis of research spillovers (relating internationality and IPGs) across the Asia and sub-Saharan regions. 

Technical information relating to the research processes is elicited through wider dialogues among scientists 

across research themes and locations and with partners and target farmers to reconcile impact-oriented 

downstream work with the delivery of IPGs. 


Analysis of discussions in various fora on the concept of IPGs indicates that balance between developmentoriented 

research and IPG delivery is still a contentious issue. However, a thorough examination of studies 

undertaken in the past including adoption studies, constraints analysis and impact assessments reveals that 

lessons of IPG value can be learnt from downstream work. 

Insights from study sites re-affirmed the fact that multi-stakeholder partnerships are important drivers in the 

research-development and adoption process of improved agricultural technologies. In Ethiopian, the 

government, EARI, development agencies especially Sasakawa Global and the private sector that 

commercialized the production of BBMs were key in sustaining the development and continuous adaptation and 

promotion of the BBF technology. Some of the drivers of uptake identified include: Problem orientation and 

identification of attractive entry point, promotion of technologies that favor the applicability of readily available 

inputs and systems, demonstrations of the technology package to risk averse farm households, consideration of 

attitudes and cultural practices at the local level, the role of leadership and champions, consistent support from 

the government, ownership of the research by contributing partners and proper co-ordination, multidisciplinary 

and common interest, stable financial support and accountability, strategies for scaling up and exit developed 

beforehand. In China, the pre-disposition of the farmers to work collectively has resulted in massive gains 

through adoption of crop and resource management technologies and diversification into vegetable production 

and marketing. 

11


Implementation of the case studies will be coordinated by GT-IMPI with the support of ICRISAT Research 

Committee (all GTLs, Directors of ESA and WCA and the DDG). 


DG’s Special Fund 

Intermediate output target in 2010 –Literature review of Research Spillovers in Asia and Africa 

- Review of literature on research spillover benefits including the methodological approaches in 

determining quantitative estimates of research spillover benefits across targeted research zones 

- A short documentation for each selected ICRISAT innovation for systematic analysis of research 

spillovers 

- Database on key parameters validated for the estimation of research spillovers 


50% 


The work plan covers regions of ICRISAT (Asia, East and Southern Africa (ESA), and West and Central Africa 

(WCA)). The introductory background and review process of this study include following projects: a) breeding 

programs of ICRISAT mandate crops in Asia and Africa; b) participatory community watersheds in Asia and 

Africa; c) VASAT in Asia; d) technology transfer through institutional systems in Asia (CFC); e) fertilizer 

micro-dosing in Africa; f) integrated NRM - Sahelian Eco-Farm and African Market Garden in Africa; g) 

sustainable land management in Africa; h) nutrient management extension practices – mother-baby approach, 

farmer field schools, junior farmer field schools, organic matter (OM) management in Africa. 

Objectives/Rationale: This initiative emerged from the EPMR recommendation #3, i.e. “the Panel recommends 

that a thorough analysis of past and likely future research spillovers between Africa and Asia to guide ICRISAT 

resource allocations between those two regions.” Panel was of the opinion that, a thorough analysis of the past 

and likely spillovers may be taken between Asia and SSA, starting with production statistics on an agroecological 

basis, which would help to inform priority setting for ICRISAT and its partners, and also help in 

allocating research resources between the two continents. 


- A thorough literature review has been used to identify focus technologies for analysis. Several key 

parameters have been collected for estimating transfers and spillover effects. Where necessary, socioeconomic 

surveys will be conducted across regions. GIS technologies have been used to renew 

ICRISAT groundnut and sorghum domains in order to delineate transfers within the target domains and 

spillover effects outside the target domains. This will be done for the other technologies analyzed in 

later stages. To estimate spillover and transfer benefits several models and approaches (Davis et al.; 

Maredia et al. / DREAM model; Gravity model; Deb et al) are being reviewed and will be applied to 

ICRISAT technologies. Finally, key findings will be synthesized and lessons will be drawn for the 

ICRISAT research prioritization and resource allocations. 


- As a basis for the detailed analysis of transfers and spillover effects a short report on the dissemination 

system of ICRISAT research output was prepared. This included a complete documentation of 

groundnut and sorghum varieties released in more than one country as well as a brief review of the 

potential contribution of ICRISAT LSU. 

- A paper and poster on the generation of more systematically, more transparent and more relevant 

domains have been developed and presented at international conferences. They provide the basis for 

the delineation of transfers and spillover effects. Furthermore, the developed domains form the basis to 

the transferability of technologies which assist scientists in more efficient targeting and partnering in 

regions that are most likely to be suitable for a specific technology. 

- Collected review of literature on ICRISAT Spillovers research benefits in Inter-Regional Technology 

transfer in the SAT 

- Collection and development of database on key parameters for estimation of spillovers has been 

progressing. 

12

MTP Output 4: Current agricultural growth trends and future outlooks for the SAT analyzed and shared 

with key stakeholders 

MTP Output target 2011 1.4.1: Global/Regional outlook (supply, demand, trade, prices) reports of 

ICRISAT mandate crops 

Intermediate output target in 2010 


75% 


India 


To compile and document historical trends in the production, trade and consumption of ICRISAT mandate crops 

and forecast future trends for India. 


Compile and analyze secondary data and use the IMPACT WATER model developed in collaboration with 

IFPRI to forecast future trends in production, trade and consumption 


Groundnut: 

During the last two and a half decades, Asia’s production of groundnut grew at an impressive rate. Groundnut 

production increased at an annual rate of 3.1%, from 12.5 million t in 1981-83 to 24.0 million t in 2005-07. This 

increase, however, was not sufficient to meet the increasing demand for edible oils and oilcakes, forcing many 

countries, notably China and India, to import increasing quantities of the same. Yields of groundnut are lower in 

Asia than in developed countries because of a number of biotic and abiotic stresses, lack of access to quality 

inputs, improved technologies and information. More importantly, groundnut is grown in marginal 

environments characterized by poor soils, low and uncertain rainfall and poor irrigation infrastructure that 

restrict realization of their true potential. 

Only 5 percent of the world groundnut output is traded in the international market. Groundnut is traded as edible 

nuts, edible oil and oilcake meal, but edible nuts account for two-thirds of the total trade. Between 1993-95 and 

2003-05, trade in groundnut and groundnut products declined because of increasing food safety concerns over 

their contamination with aflatoxin. Asia is a net exporter of groundnut, but at the margins. 

Demand for groundnut is likely to remain buoyant in Asia, as the factors underlying demand growth (income 

growth and urbanization) have been quite robust in recent past in much of the Asia, and the trends therein are 

unlikely to subside in the near future. Demand for groundnut in 2020 is expected to be 1.6 times more than that 

in 2000. However, domestic production is unlikely to keep pace with increasing demand, and about half the 

demand in Asia will be met through imports. But bulk of imports will remain concentrated in China. 

Chickpea and Pigeonpea: 

Chickpea and Pigeonpea are important grain legumes and play a significant role in the food and nutrition 

security of the poor in developing countries of Asia. Together, these crops account for 41% of Asia’s pulses 

production. Asia accounts for 88% of global chickpea production and 90% of global pigeonpea production. 

Within Asia, India is the largest producer of both crops, accounting for 75% of Asia’s chickpea as well as 

pigeonpea production. 

Global yields of both chickpea and pigeonpea are low and have been relatively stagnant for much of the last two 

decades. India has a dominating influence on these trends owing to its large share in the global production of 

these crops. A number of biotic and abiotic factors limit realization of yield potential. The sluggish growth in 

chickpea and pigeonpea yields in India can be attributed to: (i) the shift in crop area from favorable to marginal 

environments; (ii) the slow uptake of improved varieties and other production technologies; and (iii) its 

cultivation on poor soils under erratic rainfall conditions. 

On the demand side, however, buoyed by increasing incomes in both Asia and Africa, demand for both the 

crops is set to increase in the medium term, doubling in Asia and Africa over the period 2000 to 2020. Trade in 

13

chickpea is relatively robust and has been growing over time. Close to 10% of the total chickpea produced in 

2003-05 entered the international market. For pigeonpea, Myanmar is a major exporter followed by Malawi, 

Kenya, Uganda and the Dominican Republic. International prices of both chickpea and pigeonpea declined in 

real terms until 2006. Since then, prices for both crops have increased in line with the general rise in prices of all 

agricultural commodities. 

Conclusion: 

Factors underlying demand growth in the recent past have been quite robust and these are unlikely to subside in 

the near future; indicating that demand for pulses, edible oils and oilcakes will continue to grow. Asia is land 

scarce; and the scope to bring additional area under cultivation of legumes is extremely limited. The main 

challenges for research and policy are to narrow down the yield gap by enhancing farmers’ access to quality 

inputs, improved technologies and practices and information; to enhance competitiveness of groundnut, 

chickpea and pigeonpea through domestic and border protection measures in relation to their substitutes and 

competing crops. 


SAU’s on TL II project 


Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) under Tropical Legumes II project and 

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) 

Intermediate output target in 2010: Mapping of target areas and crop production zones 


50% 


Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi 


Define major production areas and target areas for project. 


Collection of official statistics. 


Spatially disaggregated data for all the target crops was collected from all the three countries – chickpea 

(Ethiopia), groundnut and pigeonpea (Malawi) and groundnut and pigeonpea (Tanzania). Whereas information 

is available at the local level in areas or districts where project activities have started, such disaggregated data is 

not available at district and sub-district level for the country as a whole. 

We have initiated discussions with Harvest choice to see how the remaining gaps for the legume crops can be 

filled. 


EIAR (Ethiopia), DRD (Tanzania), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (Malawi) 

Publications: Nil. 

Intermediate output target in 2010: Situation and outlook analyses for targeted legumes 


100% 


Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi 


Analyse trends in production and trade to identify market potential for legume target crops in the region. 

14


Descriptive statistics with FAOSTAT data and futures modeling using IMPACT (International Model for 

Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade) developed by IFPRI. 


Reports were produced for chickpea (Ethiopia), and groundnut and pigeonpea (Malawi). Results for Ethiopia 

suggest that chickpea area and production will show significant growth in the coming years. Results for 

groundnuts in Malawi revealed weaknesses in the current seed systems as well as in the enforcement of quality 

standards. The technology delivery and the grain marketing systems are underdeveloped, leading to the low use 

of improved technologies and the production of poor quality of nuts with high levels of aflatoxins that make it 

unacceptable in the international markets. Although the volumes of groundnut exports remain lower than the 

levels seen in the late 1980s, the review has shown that Malawi maintains a comparative advantage in groundnut 

production and competitiveness in exports suggesting that there is scope for increasing groundnut exports once 

required quality standards are met. Results for pigeonpea in Malawi show growth in harvested area, yield and 

production. Furthermore, the outlook analysis based on production and exports simulations shows that area, 

production as well as domestic demand will continue to rise. However, weaknesses in seed and technology 

delivery and grain marketing systems are constraints on diffusion and adoption of improved technologies. 

Policy implications: In Ethiopia, policy changes are needed to open up the seed sector and assist private seed 

companies and community seed producer associations by improving access to agri-business development 

services and empowering cooperatives and village agro-dealers. Performance of the chickpea value chain can be 

improved by strengthening farmer linkages with the industry and exporters, reducing transaction costs and 

targeting the development and distribution of large-seeded kabuli varieties that offer price premiums in 

international markets. In Malawi, the policy implications are similar and suggest the need for faster productivity 

enhancement, strengthening seed delivery systems to reach more farmers and the development of existing value 

chains. 


EIAR (Ethiopia), DRD (Tanzania), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (Malawi) 





100% 


All countries in West and Central Africa 


To assess regional groundnut supply and demand trends and market prospects in West and Central Africa. 


FAO data from 1961 to 2009 in addition to secondary literature were used to compute production, area, and 

yield levels as well as growth parameters. Using the same data set, demand for groundnut products (oils, cakes) 

are estimated and compared to competing products. 


West and Central Africa lost its world groundnut production and export shares during the last 4 decades. 

Groundnut production shares declined from 27% to 20% whereas groundnut oil export shares decreased from 

55% to 24%. China, the leading producer, has increased its world shares by fourfold from 10% to 38%. 

Argentina, the leading oil exporter, has doubled its world share from 12% to 23%. Senegal remains the lead 

groundnut oil exporter (19% of world exports) in West and Central Africa followed by Nigeria (1.20 % of 

World exports). India is the lead exporter of groundnut cakes accounting for 65% of world exports followed by 

a distant second Senegal with 10% and Argentina with 6%. Exports for confectionary groundnut increased by 

about 65% from 1979-81 to 2005-07 but most of this came from Asian countries accounting for about 47% of 

15

world exports. West Africa contribution to confectionary groundnut exports felt by half from 43,956 tons to 

27,495 tons from 1979-81 to 2005-07 respectively. 

The European Union still remain the major importer of oil, cakes and confectionary groundnut. France is the 

lead oil importer accounting for 23% of world oil imports followed by Italy 17% and the USA, 14%. As for 

cakes, China is major importer of groundnut cakes accounting for 35% of world imports, followed by France 

16% and Thailand, 11%. West and Central Africa are importing slightly more cakes. Whereas in 1961-65, there 

were no imports, this is increased to 2.54% of world imports. 

While imports from other oil seeds such as soya bean oils have more quadrupled (4.85% to 16.31%) in WCA, 

palm oil significantly decreased from 48 to 28% of Africa’s imports. The supply of palm oil has almost doubled 

while prices of these 2 oil seed are about half groundnut oil process in the global market making groundnut less 

competitive. However, since 1984, groundnut production in West and Central Africa has been increasing by 

about 4.60% annually mainly due to area expansion. Senegal and Nigeria remain among the largest world 

groundnut producers. Groundnut still remains a major source of employment, income and foreign exchange in 

many West and Central African countries. Therefore there is a need to reassess market prospects and highlights 

opportunities for West and Central Africa to regain to its market shares. 

The competitiveness of West and Central African groundnut in the domestic, regional and international markets 

has been limited by the low productivity, aflatoxin regulations, and stricter grades and standards in addition to 

trade distortions caused by 2 largest developing countries, India and China. Relative prices of groundnut oils are 

higher in the international markets making these products less competitive compared to oil palms, cotton oil and 

others oil fruits. There are market niches for confectionary groundnut. Access to this market would require 

knowledge of market requirements especially EU markets. To regain its competitiveness, groundnut 

productivity and production has to increase significantly, technologies to reduce aflatoxin contamination have to 

be promoted and grades and standards satisfied. 


The Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER) and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger 

(INRAN) 


Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - Tropical Legumes II. 

MTP Output 5: Investment and policy options for increasing agricultural productivity and mitigating climatic 

related shocks identified and shared with key stakeholders. 

MTP Output target 2010 1.5.1 Policy options for increasing agricultural productivity to mitigate HIV 

susceptibility 


100% 

Results: 

This research was undertaken as part of PhD dissertation. The dissertation is completed and submitted to the 

University for review. 

MTP Output target 2010 1.5.2 Constraints, challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation in R&D and 

alternative regional research and development strategies in southern Africa report 


100% 


Three SADC countries—Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia in terms of field research. However, when it comes 

to capacity strengthening and sharing of research results, 15 countries participate and benefit 


ReSAKSS-SA ultimate goal is to contribute towards improving policy and strategic planning and 

implementation in the agricultural sector. Therefore the primary measure of its value lies in the extent to which 

16

policy makers use the information and analyses being generated. Specifically both CAADP and RISDP call for 

an annual growth rate of 6% in agricultural GDP if agriculture is to play a central role in economic growth, 

poverty reduction and food security in southern Africa. The overall objective of the Project is to provide 

governments and private sector with credible data and analysis that will enable them to make investment and 

policy decisions based on evidence. 


This is part of a consortium of SAKSS-Africa and ReSAKSS-SA covers only the southern Africa countries— 

mainly SADC. The first phase started in October 2006 to December 2009. The main countries of operation in 

terms of research focus were Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. However, the rest of the countries benefitted 

almost equally in capacity development. For the whole of 2010, this Project in reality did not function. After the 

end of first phase in December 2009, there were several versions of proposals that were developed and 

submitted to the original donors of the Project as well as new ones. It is informed (no official letter yet) that 

some minimal funds are now available to continue with phase 2 of the project as we await more funds. It is 

unclear what role and at what level of effort will ICRISAT be requested to play a part in this. The clarity on role 

of ICRISAT in phase 2 of ReSAKSS-SA is yet to be defined. 


Universities in the region, International Universities such as Michigan State, National Policy Analysis think 

tanks, private sector, and NARS 


The funding was obtained from three key donors—USAID, DFID and SIDA 

Intermediate target output 2010 Mozambique-SAKSS: 


20% 


Mozambique 


The overall objective of is to provide Mozambique government and private sector with credible data and 

analysis that will enable them to make investment and policy decisions based on evidence. 


It first started as a pilot phase for 18 months –2008 to 2009 and late in 2009, a more detailed and longer program 

lasting for three years began. There are three CGIAR centers implementing this program—IFPRI with fiduciary 

responsibility in reporting and finance, IWMI and ICRISAT. The main implementing year for this project has 

been 2010.This project continues through December 2011 and it has a high probability of extension into a 

second phase. 


This is a capacity building project for the Ministry of Agriculture which is implemented mainly through its 

Department of Economics. This is an off shoot of the Regional SAKSS but now only for Mozambique. SIDA 

got interested in supporting a Mozambique country-based SAKSS after seeing the results of the regional SAKSS 

and the ICRISAT Team comprising John Dimes, Kizito Mazvimavi and Isaac Minde have been implementing 

the ICRISAT part of the program with Mozambican counterparts. The ICRISATs agenda in the project is on 

Expanding Input and Output Markets and this is divided into three key components as agreed upon jointly by 

the ICRISAT and the Mozambican team. 


Universities in the region, National Policy Analysis think tanks, private sector, and NARS 


SIDA 

17

MTP Output target 2011 1.5.1 Adaptation strategies and layers of resilience to climatic related shocks in Asia 

Intermediate output target in 2010- Review Visits and Annual Planning Meetings 


90% 


India, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam 


The overall objective of the project is to identify and prioritize the sectors most at risk and develop gender 

equitable agricultural adaptation and mitigation strategies as an integral part of agricultural development in the 

most vulnerable areas. 

Expected outputs from the project are: 

• Improved understanding of climate variability and adaptation-coping strategies of the rural poor in 

SAT region 

• Best practices and institutional innovations for mitigating the effects of climate change 

• Strategies to address socioeconomic problems relating to changing weather patterns and availability of 

a range of initiatives for their alleviation 


The project had review visits to all partner countries along with the Annual Planning and Review Meeting in 

May, 2010. ICRISAT organized the Second Annual Planning and Review Meeting of the project Vulnerability 

to climate change: adaptation strategies and layers of resilience on 3 and 4 May, followed by an International 

Policy Dialogue hosted by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on “Building Climate Resilient Agriculture in 

Asia” on 5 and 6 May in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

At the review meeting, the project was described as an opportunity for all partner countries to empower the 

people to use the layers of resilience along with empowerment of the key stakeholders. The Steering Committee 

members of the project, emphasized the need for using past experiences of the farming community and tracking 

changes in the grassroots across seven countries: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, China, Thailand and 

Pakistan. This was followed by country-wise presentation of progress reports. 

The review focused on a range of topics from climatic data analysis, variability and change, vulnerability 

analysis and insights from the field on farmers’ perception to climate change and their adaptation strategies. The 

review ended with the discussion on progress of activities as per the work plan. Timelines were revisited and 

established for the other activities in 2010-2011. 

The Policy Dialogue, held from 5-6 May, saw the who’s who of policy and planning of Bangladesh share a 

common platform with the research community across seven countries led by CPD and ICRISAT. Uttam Deb, 

Research Head of CPD and Project Collaborator from Bangladesh was a key player in conducting the event. 

Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director of CPD, Rehman Sobhan, Chairman of CPD, AMM Shawkat Ali, 

Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government and Begum Matia Chowdhury, Agriculture Minister of 

Bangladesh, spoke on the occasion. The closing session was chaired by M Syeduzzaman, former Finance 

Secretary of Bangladesh and attended by Members of Parliament. MCS Bantilan presented the synthesis of the 

two-day dialogue in this session. 

Further, during 10 – 14 October, 2010 and later during 22 November to 06 December 2010, review visits were 

undertaken in Bangkok, Thailand, Guiyang (Guizhou Province), China, Hanoi Vietnam and ADB, Manila, 

Philippines by MCS Bantilan, Naveen P Singh, Prabhakar Pathak and Kamanda Josey. The reviews centered on 

follow-up on the application of integrated watershed management concept in the previous ADB RETA 5812 and 

6067 “Participatory Watershed Management for Reducing Rural Poverty and land Degradation in SAT Asia” to 

a) draw lessons from ICRISAT development research initiatives and measure the spillover research benefits 

across regions. This feature also addresses the 6th EPMR recommendations 3 and 5; and b) identify technology, 

cultural and social dimensions influencing viable strategies for enhancing resilience and adaptation to increasing 

water scarcity and climatic variability in the village sites. An invited seminar was also delivered at the Asian 

Development Bank Headquarters in Manila entitled “Building Resilient Agriculture in Asia: Lessons from 

Cross-Country Studies” to show case the initial findings and discuss the future work plans and activities. During 

18

ADB feedback, it was reiterated to extend the project for another six month, which was acceded to with ADB 

emphasizing on more policy level interactions so that the findings can be mainstreamed in the government 

programmes in the partner countries. 

The salient features of the review mission were as under: 

Thailand: Project partners from participating departments of the Field Crops Research Institute of DoA, 

Thailand presented three project reports covering vulnerability analysis, climatic analysis (national, district and 

village levels) and farmer perceptions to climate change and adaptation strategies. Research gaps were identified 

and workplan for next year was finalized with focus of dissemination of results through development of policy 

briefs, stakeholders’ meeting and policy dialogue. 

In a tour of Northeastern Thailand, it was observed through focus group meetings (FGMs) that farmers do not 

put high priority in planning for the long term even as they are increasingly aware of climate-related changes. 

They emphasize concerns and priority in the short-term, addressing the conditions faced during each season 

each year. When asked about any practice(s) that they perceive will improve their resilience to climate change, 

those exposed to government forestry programs mentioned their community involvement in afforestation. Two 

factors – community group action and leadership were highlighted during the FGMs as essential to improve 

resiliency to increasing climate variability, and even extreme events (drought, flood). Recognition of the role of 

women was also highlighted: two women - one a member of the village committee and the other a leader of the 

women self-help group - contributed points with priorities to reducing household cost through training in 

agricultural practices and collective action (e.g. bio-extracts and household detergents to reduce the use of 

pesticides in their vegetables.) 

China: The project review in China included field visits in two villages in Guizhou Province: Lucheba Village 

in Pingba County and Yingzhai Village near Guiyang. In Lucheba village, access to water for irrigation and 

drinking water (introduced through the ICRISAT watershed concept in earlier ADB RETA) has opened greater 

opportunities for agricultural innovations in the village which benefited the households of this agriculture-based 

community. Since the initiation of the first ICRISAT-GAAS participatory watershed projects funded by ADB in 

RETA 6067, there have been significant developments. Six farmer groups were organized, each electing a 

committee to plan and execute projects depending on the farmer group’s priorities; and additional support from 

the Chinese government also augmented the initiative. Most importantly, farmers achieved a sense of ownership 

by virtue of the fact that they also contribute to the community project implementation funds, and this has been 

critical in ensuring the project’s sustainability even beyond the project horizon. The average farmer income has 

increased from about ¥1800 per person in 2002 to nearly ¥6000. Neighboring villages are following to replicate 

the Lucheba model and the village has evolved to become a market center for vegetables. The discussion with 

farmers during this visit revealed villagers’ emerging realization and higher priority for better roads and faster 

access to markets, as well as new innovations to sustain the benefits from market-driven agricultural 

diversification. The visit of Yingzhai Village near Guiyang gave an additional exposure to the review team of 

other initiatives in rural Guizhou. The advances in technology adoption (biogas, waste water treatment, solar 

lighting and insect traps for IPM) were definitely sustained through participation of village collectives with 

sustained government support. 

Like the other country project reviews, partners from GAAS presented their progress reports, primarily on 

analysis of long-term climate data, and farmers’ perceptions on climate change. Review comments were 

discussed with specific recommendations given for each project report. 

Vietnam: In Vietnam, the project review team saw presentations by three groups of partners from VAAS, each 

working on the three components: macro and micro climatic analysis, vulnerability analysis, and farmers’ 

perceptions and adaptation strategies. The change in climate was observed in terms of increasing incidences of 

extreme events like droughts and floods, the latter being of greater concern especially in South Central Province 

of Vietnam. Sea water intrusion has resulted in soil salinity at the coastal areas due to sea level rise and 

reduction in water levels in the river basins. The water table has also gone down drastically and these changes 

seem to have impacted the crop calendar. Additionally, it was perceived by farmers that the number of winter 

days has seemingly drastically reduced in the last 40 years. Specific to the queries relating to watersheds, it was 

informed that due to lack of maintenance, silt accumulation is increasingly a problem in watershed villages and 

hence some check measures needed to be adopted in the upper portions of the watershed in Huoang Dao. 

19

Philippines: Dr. Bantilan delivered an invited seminar on “Building Climate Resilient Agriculture in Asia: 

Lessons from Cross-Country Studies” on 3 Dec 2010 at ADB Headquarters in Manila. The seminar addressed 

cross-country perspectives and farmers’ adaptive capacity to change. It was well received with good feedback 

especially on the key contribution of the project in drawing insights from the grassroots level through village 

level studies. Key results were recommended for high level dissemination at the national and international 

levels. Development of a book for publication that will synthesize the key lessons learned from the project was 

set as priority. ADB further reiterated the targeting of global fora wherein outreach for policy dialogue can be 

made highlighting the grass root level adaptations in the south and southeast Asia. 


The review team discussed the preliminary results emanating from the project and made suggestions for the 

enrichment of the reports. The way forward and next steps to be undertaken were finalized in each countries. 

Thailand: The results will be strengthened by matching the key findings from climatic and vulnerability 

analysis with the farm level observations and assessment of adaptation strategies in response to perceived 

increase in climate variability. The Thai team will prepare for stakeholder consultations and policy dialogue 

during February-April, 2011. 

Vietnam: Apart from similar recommendation given above, it was felt necessary to properly link the LGP 

analysis with the changes in cropping pattern and the conclusions of the farmers perception survey be linked to 

data and empirical observations (like rainfall changes, higher peaks, short run period, shorter rainfall season and 

longer dry season to name a few). The work will need to be enhanced by downscaling the HADCM3 scenario 

for the SCC region/ Ninh Thuan Province for rice, groundnut, soybean, maize and cassava crop. 

China: Lengthy discussion was pursued to address the research issues and specific critical technical suggestions 

to improve the current versions of the project reports. The analysis of vulnerability in the targeted research 

domain has not been completed. The team was advised to take steps to complete this project component as well. 

It was suggested to complement ongoing crop modeling with efforts in modeling at a watershed scale. In 

addition, it was advised that analysis be enhanced by identifying the enabling factors as well as constraints to 

adaptation. 

Like the other teams participating in the ADB project, the team from China was also encouraged to commence 

early preparations for the planned stakeholder consultations and policy dialogues to be held in Guiyang in 2011. 

It is important for ICRISAT to also take up the points noted by the President of GAAS, Prof. Zuo-yi Liu as he 

expressed the value of partnership with ICRISAT. He noted that Guizhou Province is drought prone, and 

sorghum is used as a major raw material for the region’s wine industry. He specifically advocated strengthened 

cooperation with ICRISAT through continuing scholar exchange visits especially on crops like sorghum, millet 

and groundnut. 


1. Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture in India; 

2. Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in People’s Republic of China; 

3. Council for Agricultural Research and Policy in Sri Lanka; 

4. Centre for Policy Dialogue in Bangladesh; 

5. Pakistan Agricultural Research Council in Pakistan; 

6. Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Vietnam; and 

7. Chiangmai Field Crops Research Station, Department of Agriculture in Thailand 


Asian Development Bank (ADB) 

In kind contributions from partner organizations. 

Intermediate output target in 2010- Climatic analysis in semi-arid tropical regions of India 


100% 


India, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam 

20


One of the important activities of the project is the collection and analysis of long term secondary weather data 

in different districts of semi-arid regions of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra in India. As part of this, 

description of characteristics of important weather parameters, like rainfall and temperature and also derived 

water balance parameters like soil moisture Index (SMI) and index of moisture adequacy for SAT regions of 

India have been carried out. The endeavor is been downscaled further at Mandal/tehsil level to provide the local 

level contexts in terms of adequacy of crop mix/choices and devising the technological interventions in crop 

improvement programmes. 

Expected outputs from the project are: 

• Improved understanding of climate variability 

• Strategies to range of initiatives for crop combinations for improving the livelihoods 


The study on trend analysis of rainfall of Anantpur and mehboobnagar revealed that no Mandal in both districts 

showed neither increasing nor decreasing tendency in south-west monsoon and annual period under more than 

100 mm category except two mandals in Anantpur district which showed decreasing trend at 90% level of 

significance. Under 75-100 mm rainfall category, one Mandal each from Anantpur and Mehaboobnagar district 

showed increasing trend on annual basis. It indicates that both the districts are not in the risk from heavy rainfall 

in the order of 75 mm and more. However, increased occurrence of heavy rainfall events under 50-75 and 25-50 

mm category, on an annual basis, was noticed in more number of mandals. This increased tendency was 

observed in more number of mandals in Anantpur districts than Mehboobnagar districts. The information on the 

heavy rainfall trend during crop season would help farmers community of a particular location to take necessary 

steps to minimize the crop losses. It also gives an insight for farmers and policy makers towards soil 

conservation measures as the heavy rainfall aggravates soil erosion. Qualitative, location specific forecast is 

needed very much to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall on crop yield. In addition, effective and timely 

dissemination of value added agro advisories among the farming community and promoting weather insurance 

schemes to cope with losses due to heavy rainfall events. Although prediction of such extreme weather events is 

still fraught with uncertainties, a proper assessment of likely future trends would help in setting up of 

infrastructure for disaster preparedness. 


• Similar climatic analysis reports were published in each partner countries 

Intermediate output target in 2010- The Link between Climate Variability, Cropping Pattern and Revenue: 

Insights from Kanzara Village, India 


100% 

Rationale: Ascertaining the link between climate, cropping pattern and farmers livelihoods 

Countries involved: 

India 

Objectives: 

The objective of this preliminary study is to observe changes in the cropping pattern for an SAT district in India. 

A village that is representative of the district and whose data available in the VLS database will be selected and 

its cropping pattern analyzed. Reasons for changes in cropping pattern will also be determined through village 

visit. 

This will serve to validate/ invalidate the assumptions that changes in cropping pattern are often driven by 

reasons other than climate. The implications of these drivers of change in cropping pattern on each household 

will be identified and a hypothesis that may alleviate the implications be proposed. Focus will be given to the 

2001-2007 VLS data so as to give relevance to study. It is envisioned that the findings of this study will result in 

a better economic wellbeing for the relevant stakeholders, in particular the rural households involved in 

agricultural activities. It is hoped that it can also serve as a reference for future studies in the area of rural 

development. 

21

Progress/Results: 

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing mankind now. On the agricultural side, climate change 

may reduce crop yield. Change in cropping pattern is one of the adaptation strategies to climate change. 

However, revenue and expenses considerations, not climate change, are the main drivers of change in cropping 

pattern. 

This study has validated the assumptions that change in cropping pattern is driven by reasons other than climate. 

Specifically for Kanzara, the adoption of soybean is driven by revenue and expenses considerations, not climate 

change. Given the riskaverseness of households, the role of experience adds another dimension to the decisionmaking 

process of cropping pattern change. Two implications of the current decision-making process are 

identified: 1) Delay in reaping the benefits of change in cropping pattern and 2) No significant changes in 

cropping pattern unless significant gain in revenue can be observed from the early adopters even though climate 

necessitates change. 

However, by linking climate to revenue, households show willingness in giving more weightage to climate as a 

factor to change cropping pattern. Three main points can be obtained from this part of the study: 1) Households, 

regardless of size, stand to gain by switching from cotton to soybean. 2) By not changing their cropping pattern, 

small households tend to lose more than medium and large households. A valid explanation for this observation 

is that there is a difference in resources, access to technology, irrigation facilities, etc between households of 

different sizes. This is in line with the widely accepted statement that the poor loses more than the rich. 3) 

Combining the first and second points, small households can minimize their losses by switching and/or 

increasing their soybean proportion and once they cross a certain threshold of soybean proportion, will start to 

see a positive increase in their revenue per acre. As for medium and large households, although they do not lose 

anything by not changing their cropping pattern, they stand to gain even more revenue per acre if they decide to 

switch and/or increase their soybean proportion. This could be a seed to alter the decision-making dynamics. 


London School of Economics and Political Science 


: Andre Wirjo 

: Naveen P Singh, MCS Bantilan 



In kind contributions from partner organizations. 

Intermediate output target in 2010 – Adaptation to Climate Change: An Investigation on the Effectiveness of 

Formal Institutions in Kinkheda Village, Maharashtra, India 


100% 


India 

Objectives: 

The main objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the formal institutions for facilitating 

climate change adaptation in a village level setting. 

The three main questions the research study attempted to answer were: 

• What is the extent of the impact of formal institutions on the farmers' ability to adapt to climate change. 

• What are the factors constraining the success of the already initiated formal methods of adaptation for 

the farmers, if any. 

• How can governance of formal institutions, like Panchayati Raj, be made more effective in helping 

farmers cope with climatic shocks. 

Hypotheses: 

Three hypotheses were set for this study, correlating to the study's focal questions: 

1. Formal institutions play an important role in adapting to climatic shocks in Kinkheda Village. 

2. The extent to which one benefits from the formal institutions in place correlates to their social status. 

3. Increasing the role of the farmers in policy-making decisions would have a positive impact on the operating 

schemes. 

22

Methodology: 

The study required a thorough examination of the Kinkheda village in July 2010, entailing interactions with 

farming households through focus group discussions and individual interviews. Case studies were completed on 

five farming households, chosen using the purposive sampling method. The sampling was done with regard to 

farm size/ownership and sex. The different groupings of farmers were large, medium, and small-scale farmers, 

including landless laborers and women. 

The focus group discussions, comprised of about fifteen to twenty members each, served a dual purpose in the 

collection of research. They increased the significance of the study by providing an opportunity for the voices of 

more farmers to be included in the study, and allowed for a triangulation process to verify the responses 

received in individual case studies. Four focus group meetings were held: one with members of the Gram 

Panchayat, one with the large and medium farmers, one with the small farmers and landless laborers, and one 

focus group solely for women. Institutional mapping was carried out in the focus groups, which illustrates the 

most important institutions to each grouping. Carrying out the qualitative, semi-structured interviews in 

Kinkheda enabled a better understanding of the effectiveness of institutional schemes. In addition, secondary 

resources and ICRISAT village level studies (VLS) data from 2001-2004 were referenced and utilized in the 

study. 


Climate change is a reality that is adversely affecting poor farmers, particularly those in the arid and semi-arid 

tropics. A wide range of institutions exist to facilitate climate change adaptation in village level settings, but the 

institutions are often lacking in their implementation. This study investigated the effectiveness of the various 

formal institutions for adaptation to climate variability and change. Analyzing the processes of the formal 

institutions and examining their impact on the farmers' adaption strategies helped determine how effectively the 

institutional schemes are operating. This qualitative case study analyzed the impact of the formal institutions on 

the farmers' ability to adapt to climate change in Kinkheda village, Maharashtra, India. The study involved focus 

group discussions and interviews with farmers and other key informants in the village to assess the formal 

institutions present in Kinkheda. Through the study, the formal institutions were observed to determine how 

they work to protect the farmers from the ecological and socioeconomic effects of climate variability and 

change. The study has demonstrated that all existing institutions must be properly integrated into society in 

order for farmers to receive the much-needed institutional benefits. 

The effects of climate variability and change severely decrease farmers' abilities to obtain a sufficient harvest to 

provide for their needs, particularly in the Semi-Arid Tropics. Many scientists further predict that current 

climatic variability will be exacerbated by the continued process of global warming, stimulating more 

difficulties with rain fed agriculture in India. Due to climatic challenges, formal institutions must play a vital 

role in assisting the farmers with adaption strategies. The farmers involved in the study did not perceive long 

term climate change as much as they did climate shocks and variability. Therefore, future questionnaires should 

focus on shorter term effects of the long and systematic climate change occurring. 

The study determined that although formal institutions play an important role in facilitating adaptation to 

climate change in Kinkheda Village, many leakages are present in the system. In order for farmers to 

successfully combat negative effects of climate change, the institutional sector must be significantly bolstered. 

An ICRISAT grant partnership with Kinkheda could be instrumental in creating access for farmers to schemes 

which would better their livelihoods. While moving forward with the proposed program, however, many lessons 

learned from this study must be taken into consideration. 

The main factors hindering the success of institutional interventions in Kinkheda are: few existing checks and 

balances in the system, poor policies, and discriminatory access to institutions. The institutional sector in 

Kinkheda is manipulated and controlled by the dominant members of the village. To allow a greater institutional 

access for the poor and socially isolated, the status of the vulnerable members of society must be increased. An 

excellent method to increase the voice of the villagers is to encourage collective action by providing social and 

economic incentives. Opportunities for farmer-government interaction must increase in accord, as the 

institutional sector is required to remove the veil which has been masking its operations. Transparency, 

accountability, and universal institutional access are three themes which need to be integrated into Kinkheda's 

institutional operations. By following the recommendations provided in the body of this report, the institutions 

in Kinkheda will be able to better assist farmers in adapting to climatic changes and challenges in the future. 


Borlaug~Ruan Intern 


: Leah Lucas 

: Naveen P Singh, Bantilan MCS 

23



Intermediate output target in 2010: NARS partners Capacity building: Training Course on Cropping System 

Models Cropping System Models: Application in Land Resource Management 


100% 


India, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam 


The course was attended by 32 participants from India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, 

Colombia, USA, Vietnam and Botswana. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Govt. of India, has 

sponsored 10 participants for this course, the ADB-ICRISAT project on `Adaptation Strategies to Climate 

Change’ has sponsored 6 participants, and IFPRI sponsored 3 participants. 


The ADB funded project also aims at developing a more informed coping strategies and safety nets which can 

be honed specifically by developing the knowledge and capacity of implementing agencies implementing the 

project on Vulnerability to climate change: adaptation strategies and layers of resilience. This will help the to 

consolidate the best practices and institutional innovations for mitigating effects of climate change, and develop 

strategies to address socio-economic problems relating to changing weather patterns, improved livelihood 

resilience of risk-averse farmers and concurrent investment by stakeholders. This effort will be greatly enhanced 

through a better quantification of the temporal and spatial impact of climate risk. Such an effort will enable 

identification, promotion and adoption of innovations that have a high probability of success and impact in the 

context of variable climates This will science-based solutions and pro-poor approaches to adapting agricultural 

systems to climate change for the benefit of the rural poor and the most vulnerable farmers in the semi-arid 

regions of Asia, particularly Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), 

Thailand and Vietnam. Hence, ICRISAT (EA) trained NARS staff in modeling activities on biotic, abiotic and 

socio-economic variables in order to improve the understanding of climate change variability and its impact on 

agriculture. 

Methodology: 

The areas where capacity building training workshop include: 

• Geostatistical methods for the spatial analysis of environmental during 5-9 April, 2010 

• Cropping System Models: Application in Land Resource Management during 18-22 October, 2010 


The capacity of national program partners as well as key staff benefited significantly through the training 

programs undertaken through ADB project. After conducting training of partners in the areas like; 

Methodologies and Conduct of Surveys, vulnerability ad agro-climatic analysis, data collection through 

qualitative and quantitative tools including social tools and familiarity with rapid rural appraisal instrument 

developed exclusively for data collection in 2009, it was felt necessary to provide somewhat advanced training 

incorporating both theoretical and practical knowledge regarding different research methods, simulation 

modeling, geospatial analysis and issues associated with climatic studies. Hence, two trainings with expert 

trainers from University of Florida were organized under aegis of Knowledge, Management and Sharing 

(KMS). The details are as under: 

(a) Training on Geostatistical Analysis of Environmental Data from 5 to 9 April 2010 ICRISAT, Patancheru, 

Andhra Pradesh 

Resource Person: Dr Pierre Goovaerts, Associate professor, University of Florida 

This course introduced a suite of geostatistical methods for the spatial analysis of environmental data. 

Participants learn how to apply geostatistics for the description of spatial patterns and identification of scales of 

variability, spatial interpolation and stochastic modeling of environmental attributes, creation of risk maps and 

their Use in decision-making. After completion of this course, trainees are provided skills to enable them to 

Import, visualize and analyze your own data in a space-time information system. 

24

The important topics covered were: 

(1) What is Geostatistics? 

(2) Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis 

(3) Description of Spatial Patterns 

(4) Modeling the Spatial Variability 

(5) Spatial Prediction 

(6) Accounting for Secondary Information in Kriging 

(7) Risk Mapping and Incorporation in Decision-making 

(8) Stochastic Simulation 

(9) Space-time Geostatistics 

The benefits accrued from the training course to the participants were as follows: 

(1) Learned how to conduct a complete geostatistical analysis using the new software developed at Stanford University 

(2) Gained a basic understanding of state-of-the-art geostatistical methods for stochastic simulation and spacetime 

interpolation 

(3) Received specialized, hands-on training in geostatistics 

(4) Learned when and how to choose the interpolation technique that makes best use of the information available 

(5) Learned about exploring and visualizing local relationships between environmental variables 

As a sequel to the above training, five day training workshop from 18-22 October 2010 on Cropping System 

Models: Application in Land Resource Management, was organized in ICRISAT, Patancheru for the selected 

project staff from the 5 partner countries. The training comprised of lectures, presentations, group activities and 

hand-on exercise. The details are as under: 

(b) Training on Cropping System Models Applications in Land Resource Management (DSSAT crop model) 

from 18 to 22 October 2010 ICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh 

Resource Person: Dr. James W. Jones, Distinguished Professor in the Agricultural & Biological Engineering 

Department at the University of Florida (UF) and Dr. Kenneth J. Boote Institute of Food and Agricultural 

Sciences, USA. 

The program described a practical approach for simulating effects of soil, weather, management, and pest 

factors on crop production. Instructors explained how crop growth and development, water use, uptake of water 

and nutrients and carbon dynamics are simulated. It covered procedures for collecting and managing crop, 

weather and soil data for adapting models for applications. Participants analyzed the management alternatives 

for single seasons and for crop rotations. Applications of models for studying water and nutrient management 

and adaptation to climate change were emphasized. 

Lectures were delivered alternatively with hands-on assignments using the DSSAT crop models and software 

package. Ample time was provided to discuss capabilities and limitations of the models and appropriate 

methods for their use. 

1. Overview of cropping systems models and DSSAT software 

2. Modeling climate effects on crop growth and potential yield 

3. Simulating soil water dynamics and crop responses 

4. Analysis of crop water requirements and water productivity as affected by climate, soil properties, 

and management 

5. Simulating soil N and carbon dynamics and crop responses to N 

6. Experiments and data requirements for adapting and using crop models for new regions and 

situations 

7. Genetic factors affecting crop productivity, water & nutrient use 

8. Analyzing yield & economic risks due to climate variability 

9. Simulating crop rotations for sustainable production 

10. Hands-on analyses of cropping systems for these topics 

The benefits accrued from the training course to the participants were as follows: 

a. Learnt the basic functions of a Cropping System Model 

b. Gained understanding of basic concepts of modeling crops and soils 

c. Received specialized, hands-on training in the DSSAT Cropping System Model and its applications 

d. Learned how to make use of cropping system models to evaluate long term field experiments 

e. Learned how to use the models for applications in water & nutrient management and climate change 

issues 


25


MTP Output 6: Strategies for increasing competitiveness through identifying preferred market traits and 

introducing quality control systems to meet social, food safety and environmental standards for dryland crops 

established and promoted 

Priority 5B: Making international and domestic markets work for the poor 

Priority 5B, Specific goal 1: Enhanced livelihoods and competitiveness for smallholder producers and food 

safety for consumers influenced by changes in national and international markets 

Priority 5B Specific goal 2: Improved marketing environment for smallholders by improving the efficiency of 

domestic markets 

MTP output target 2010 1.6.2: Preferred market traits identified for livestock (in southern Africa) and dryland 

cereals in WCA region 

Intermediate Output Target 2010 Characterizing sorghum and pearl millet village economies in Northern 

Nigeria: Uptake of modern pearl millet and sorghum varieties in Northern Nigeria 


85% 


Nigeria 

Objectives/Rationale: To characterize sorghum and pearl millet village economies, assess the level of uptake of 

sorghum and pearl millet varieties, identify the drivers to uptake and assess the level of impact of sorghum and 

pearl millet on the livelihood of the poor. 


A survey consisting of a data set of 1136 households from 113 villages living in 6 states of Northern Nigeria to 

assess the current and potential adoption rates as well as the impact of modern sorghum and pearl millet 

varieties released during the last 20 years. The survey included 994 pearl millet and 998 sorghum producers in 

the 6 states of Northern Nigeria mainly Borno, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Zamfara. These states account 

for about 50% of sorghum and pearl millet production and/or area in Nigeria. With a target of 1200 households 

to be collected on the 6 states, the number of villages selected by state was a prorata of population size at state 

level. Thus, 19 villages were randomly selected in Borno State, 12 in Yobe, 23 villages in Katsina, 29 villages in 

Kano, 20 villages in Jigawa, and 16 villages in Zamfara state. Within village, 10 households were selected based 

on a census list provided by the village chief. 

Survey were conducted at both the village and household levels in selected villages. At village level, generally 

a group of 10 to 15 respondents was assembled, representing village leaders as well as people of different 

genders, ages, occupations and social status in the village. The village questionnaire asked questions about 

access to markets, infrastructure and services, projects and organizations having operated or currently operating 

in the villages, local prices of inputs and outputs, and perception on welfare and resource changes, 

The household survey was conducted essentially with the household head, Information on household 

demographic characteristics, and endowments of physical, human, natural, financial and social capital, plot 

tenure and quality characteristics, and input/output table, knowledge and exposure to varieties, household 

perception to changes in welfare and resources. 

Improved sorghum varieties include ISCV400, ICSV111, Hybrid varieties, SK5912 and local varieties. Pearl 

millet varieties include SOSAT C88, GB8735, LCIC 9702, LCIC 9703, ICSM IS 89305, Ex Borno, and local 

pearl millet varieties. 


Results showed that the observed adoption rate for improved pearl millet varieties is estimated to 32.95% and 

that of improved sorghum varieties is estimated to about 20.20%. The area planted to pearl millet varieties is 

higher for SOSAT C 88 (28.49% of pearl millet area), and less than one percent for other modern pearl millet 

26

varieties. For sorghum, ISCV 400 and ISCV 111 are the most widely adopted accounting for 8.46% and 7.07% 

of area cultivated to sorghum. Sorghum hybrids account for about 1.48% and SK 5912 for about 1.66%. 

Using the average treatment effect estimation, the potential adoption rate for pearl millet varieties is estimated to 

55.76% whereas that of sorghum is limited to 26.36% implying that the adoption gap is estimated to 22.82% for 

pearl millet and only 6.16% for sorghum. Potential for increasing adoption of sorghum is limited. Further 

investment in the exposure and promotion to modern sorghum varieties is not likely to warrant its costs. 

Farmers’ assessment of constraints limiting the use of sorghum varieties point to yields as a significant 

constraint to adoption if ISCV 400 for example, 

However, there is still room to increase the returns to investment on modern pearl millet varieties. In fact, the 

adoption gap estimated to about 23% is still very high suggesting a large potential adoption impact that could be 

realized by a successful promotion and dissemination of modern pearl millet varieties. 


LCRI, Nigeria, IAR Nigeria 


HOPE project 

Intermediate output target in 2010 Assessing drivers of demand for sorghum and millet in WCA 


75% 


Niger, Mali and Nigeria 


To assess drivers of demand for sorghum and pearl millet by consumers in Mali and Niger and estimate the 

consumer price and income elasticities of demand. 


Data were obtained from the Enquete Nationale Budget Consommation (ENBC) by the Institut Nationale de 

Statistique (INS) in Niger and the Institut National de la Statistique (INSTAT) in Mali. In Niger, 4000 

consumers of which 1916 consumers living in urban areas and 2084 living in rural areas from the eight regions 

collected in 2009. Data included age and sex of the consumer, the household size, level of education, socioprofessional 

groups, income groups, food expenditures and poverty level (poor and non-poor). In Mali, data 

consists of 4454 households of which 2702 consumers in the urban area and 2996 consumers in the rural areas. 

Akinleye and Rahji (2006) used the most comprehensive National Consumer Survey (NCS) dataset collected in 

2005 of the Federal Office of Statistics (FOS), Nigeria. This data consists of 8676 households 1294 households 

in the urban area and 7382 consumers in the rural areas. 

The price and income elasticities were calculated using the Almost Ideal Demand Systems (AIDS) of Deaton 

and Muellbauer, 1980. Deflators were estimated by the National Statistical Units of Niger and Mali. 


In Mali, the average consumption of cereals (rice, sorghum, pearl millet and fonio) is estimated to about 338 

kg/per person/per annum where 42% account for sorghum and pearl millet. The same trend is observed in both 

rural and urban areas. In Niger, the trend is different. Sorghum and pearl millet are largely consumed the poor. 

In urban area, sorghum and pearl millet consumption account for all 20% of non-poor urban consumers whereas 

in rural areas, sorghum and pearl millet account for about 87% of total cereal consumption. 

In Niger, in rural areas and in the poorest group, among non-price and income factors, demanders for pearl 

millet are likely to younger, living in larger household sizes, and illiterate. In Mali, in the same group, factors 

explaining pearl millet consumption are older and are polygamus. 

As a whole in Niger, sorghum and maize are price inelastic with elasticities between -1 and 0 while pearl millet 

and rice are price elastic with elasticities less than -1. Sorghum is found to be a substitute for rice, and rice a 

substitute for millet. However, maize is found to be a complement for sorghum, Rice is found to be a normal 

27

good while sorghum, maize and millet are income elastic. The consumer behavior changes as we move from 

urban non-poor to rural poor. In fact, rice becomes a giffegn good in the rural area in 

In Mali, rice and millet are not price elastic with elasticities between more than -1 and less than 0. However, 

sorghum and fonio are price elastic. Sorghum and fonio behave as substitutes, rice as substitute for sorghum, 

maize as substitute for sorghum, rice and fonio and millet as a complement for fonio. Rice and fonio are normal 

goods and income inelastic with expenditure elasticities positive but less than 1. Wherereas, sorghum, maize and 

millet are income elastic with elasticities greater than 1. The consumer behavior changes as we move from 

urban non-poor to rural poor. In fact, rice becomes a giffen good in the rural area. Millet maize and sorghum are 

price elastic but fonio is inelastic. In addition, fonio is highly income elastic 

In Nigeria, Akinleye and Rahji (2006) showed that rice and yam are luxury goods for low income households. 

Own price elasticities for sorghum, pearl millet and beans are price elastic. Cross-price relationships indicate 

that beans is complemented by other food items except yams; millet is a substitute for rice, sorghum, yam and 

maize and maize is a substitute for millet, sorghum, gari and beans. For mid-income households, rice, yam and 

millet are luxury goods while sorghum and maize are essential goods. Garri and beans are inferior goods. 

Sorghum is price elastic. Rice would substitute millet, yam and maize and sorghum would complement rice, 

millet, garri, beans and maize would substitute for rice, millet, sorghum and garri. For high income households, 

garri, beans and maize are inferior good. Sorghum is price elastic while other food are price inelastic. Cross 

price relationship showed that beans would substitute sorghum and yam and maize and yam would substitute for 

every other food item. 


ENBC-INS in Niger and INSTAT (Institut National de Statistique) au Mali. 


HOPE project 

Intermediate output target in 2010: Mapping marketing channels and measure transaction costs for selected 

value chains (food, feed, fodder) including competing crops (maize) (HOPE) 


50% 


Tanzania and Ethiopia 


Identification of target markets and value chain survey for sorghum and finger millet 


Rapid market appraisal in selected major sorghum and finger millet production areas and at major wholesale and 

retail markets in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Preliminary data collected on the five levels of a value chain (technical, 

spatial, governance and economic structure as well as actors). In depth interviews with traders and processors 

will be based on this information. 


Tanzania: Sorghum is a traditional staple food in the villages in Singida and Kondoa district and mainly grown 

for home consumption. Finger millet was some decades ago introduced as a cash crop and is mainly grown for 

commercialization purposes and not consumed by farmers in the village. There are no crop markets at the 

village level. Markets for finger millet are in urban centers like Singida town and Kondoa town, but also 

Dodoma, Dar Es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and Mwanza. Rural assemblers collect finger millet in the villages and 

take it to the district towns from where it is shipped by traders from other areas (Moshi, Mwanze, etc.) to the 

respective final destination. There are some variations of this market channels. In some cases farmers supply 

district town markets directly, in other cases traders from e.g. Moshi purchase directly from farmers in the 

villages. In very few cases farmers and traders have some kind of longterm agreement with traders. Traded 

products are grains (at the farm level and on traditional wholesale and retail markets), pure or blended flour (on 

traditional retail markets either loose or packed, the latter either branded or non branded, and packed and 

braded in modern supermarkets) and local brews (that was not found at the market during the RMA). Flour is 

produced either on a household level or by some local small-scale enterprises but also by large-scale processors 

in Arusha and Dar Es Salaam. Flour is mainly used for porrdige. In some areas it is common to take porridge 

28

instead of tea in the morning, in other areas porrdige is mainly consumed by kids, pregnant women and 

diabetics. Local brews are also produced by individual households. Moreover, there is a processing industry for 

local brews in Arusha and Moshi. 

Ethiopia: In East Harege Zone, sorghum is mainly produced for home consumption, but still around 20% of the 

production is sold. There are several crop markets in each woreda (equivalent to district) of the Zone, where 

farmers can sell sorghum. Large markets were retailers as well as wholesalers are found are in the major town of 

the respective woreda (e.g. Fedis in Fedis woreda). The two major markets for sorghum from East Harege Zone 

are in Harer and Diredawa. In all markets only grain is traded. Processors were not found. In Awi Zone, finger 

millet is produced for home consumption and as a cash crop. Awi Zone has 32 Kebeles (administrative unit 

below woreda) and local or cooperative markets for crops are found in 20 Kebeles. The major markets are 

however three town markets. Some finger millet is also shipped outside Awi Sone to Gonder, Mekele and 

Wollo. Only finger millet grain is traded, which is than milled by households either at home or at a public mill. 

Finger millet flour is used for pancake (injera) or porridge. The grain is also used for local beverages. A 

processing industry does, however, not exist. 


This activity is the base for in depth interviews with selected traders and processors. The interviews will 

particularly provide information about the economic structure of the value chain and constraints and potential 

for the future market development. 


EIAR (Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research), ARARI (Amhara Regional Agricultural Research 

Institute), DRD (Department of Research and Development, Tanzania), URI (Ukiriguru Research Institute, Lake 

Zone, Tanzania) 


Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Intermediate output target in 2010: Mapping distribution of target crops in target countries (HOPE) 


75% 


Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Eritrea, southern Sudan. 


Identification of target areas for sorghum and millet 


District-level current agricultural statistics were obtained for Kenya, but are not accessible for Tanzania, 

Ethiopia, and Uganda. District level data for these countries was obtained from the published data from 

Agricultural Censuses, conducted in 2002/3 (Tanzania), 2008/09 (Ethiopia), and 2005/06 (Uganda). The 

Censuses for Tanzania and Ethiopia were downloaded from the web. The Agricultural Census reports for 

Uganda are available from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. No disaggregated crop statistics could be located for 

Eritrea and southern Sudan. The data was entered into an Excel database for mapping. District level maps for all 

countries were obtained from ICRISAT Unit, WCA. 


Mapping of district level data is ongoing. 


This activity will contribute to development of a regional database for ICRISAT ESA, as recommended by Tom 

Walker, Challenges and Opportunities for Agricultural R&D in the Semi-Arid Tropics (March 2010). 


KARI (current crop statistics, Kenya); NARO (Uganda Agricultural Census reports). 


29


Intermediate output target in 2010: Baseline surveys of sorghum and finger millet production in Ethiopia 

and Tanzania (HOPE) 


60% 


Tanzania and Ethiopia 


Collection of data on the production portfolio, input and output utilization and socio-economic aspects to 

characterize farmers, their trait preferences and the current farming system in the target areas. 


Tanzania: Household surveys of 180 farmers in Singida district and Kondoa district respectively. In both 

districts the sample consists of 90 farmers from project intervention villages, 45 farmers from villages in the 

diffusion and 45 farmers from villages in an control area. In both districts sorghum and finger millet are grown. 

Ethiopia: Household survey of 130 famers in two sorghum growing areas and in one finger millet growing area 

(the latter is already conducted). In the finger millet area the sample consists of 90 farmers from project 

intervention villages and 40 farmers from villages in an control area. The samples for the sorghum growing 

areas still need to be defined. 


Data was collected in three out of five areas. Data from the survey in Tanzania is entered at the moment, data 

from Ethiopia will be entered when surveys were conducted in all three sites. Data analysis will be done in 

2011. 


EIAR (Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research), ARARI (Amhara Regional Agricultural Research 

Institute), DRD (Department of Research and Development, Tanzania), URI (Ukiriguru Research Institute, Lake 

Zone, Tanzania) 



MTP Output target 2011 1.6.3: Determinants of smallholder market participation and marketed surplus of 

grains in selected markets in ESA, WCA and SA 

Intermediate output target in 2010 Market surveys for groundnut, pigeonpea and chickpea in India 


75% 


India 


Information on preferred traits and utilization patterns will provide useful feedback to the breeders and 

extension workers, making dissemination of cultivars easier. Further detailed information on market-preferred 

traits will aid in priority development and to better understand technology uptake constraints. This will 

progressively inform technology design and adaptation and facilitate scaling-up of identified and promising 

options to the wider impact target domains beyond the pilot areas. 


Market surveys conducted in important trading centers of groundnut, pigeonpea and chickpea to determine 

average flow of goods and peak and lean seasons. Interviews with farmers, traders, wholesalers, processors and 

consumers were carried out in order to gauge preferred traits for the targeted crops and the important bottlenecks 

30

in the marketing system. For sorghum and pearl millet analysis of secondary data on consumption was 

undertaken using data published by the Government of India. Such an analysis would give insights on the uses 

of these crops in non-food uses. 


Groundnut: 

Groundnut is one of the most important food and cash crop of India. Almost every part of groundnut has 

commercial value. India markets and exports groundnut kernels, groundnut in shell, HPS groundnut, and oil 

cake. Groundnut haulms and leaves serve as a rich source of cattle feed and raw material for preparation of 

silage. This study uses a value chain analysis approach to identify the opportunities and challenges that prevail 

at different stages of groundnut subsector in Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh spanning a full range 

of economic activities. 

Andhra Pradesh is an important groundnut growing state and one of the largest groundnut markets in India. 

Salient results of a value chain analysis for groundnut in the state are presented: 

Adoni, Gadwal and Jedcherla are some of the biggest groundnut markets in AP. Almost 85% of the produce 

from 40-50 villages is brought by the farmers to these market yards. Commission agents in these market yards 

usually facilitate the sale of produce by inviting the traders and oil millers to the bidding process. 

In the bidding process the traders and oil millers assign prices to the produce depending on various 

characteristics. All the bids are then taken to the market yard officials who then announce the highest bidder. 

Most of the traders and millers from local area and traders from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu participate in this 

process. 

Most of the produce in the 90s was usually bought by the oil millers or by traders who decortify and sell it to the 

oil millers. However due to the high level of integration with the Mumbai markets and participation of traders 

from Maharashtra the utilization of produce has shifted toward confectionary purpose in these markets. 

Due to premiums attached in the confectionary trade most of the traders now prefer selling their decortified 

produce to the Maharashtra market. This has resulted in increase of the prices at the farmers’ end. On the other 

hand, the oil millers have not been able to buy high quality produce since the prevailing prices are well above 

the parity prices. This has resulted in oil millers shifting towards trading for confectionary markets or shifting to 

crushing of other crops like sunflower and soybean. These markets have also seen most of the local oil milling 

units shut down in the last 4 years. Adoni which once was regarded as an oil capital for Andhra Pradesh now 

imports oil from Maharashtra and Gujarat. 

The trading and price determination has also seen significant changes in these markets due to its integration with 

export and Mumbai markets. While shelling percentage was considered the most important factor for 

determining the price, the count per ounce which is the price determination factor for exporters is now being 

practiced while buying the produce at the farmers end. 

Chickpea: 

Chickpea in India is marketed either as a whole grain or in dal form or as futana (fried dal). Desi chickpea is 

marketed as whole grain dal and flour, while kabuli chickpea is marketed only as whole grain. Kabuli chickpea 

is exported to either north Indian states or other countries. The demand for the kabuli chickpea in north Indian 

states is gradually increasing. The processors procure the dal and futana in the markets through prevailing 

marketing channels. The Indian Government has implemented the export ban on pulses and zero per cent import 

duty. Due to this policy, imported desi chickpea is available at lower price than domestically grown desi 

chickpea. 

Salient findings from chickpea market survey in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh. 

The marketing channel for chickpea and its processed products is marked by a few important bottlenecks. 

1. A majority of the harvested produce is sold to the village traders owing to prior input- credit contracts. 

The market price that the farmers get in this situation is typically lower than when they their produce 

directly to the commission agent. 

2. There is no organized market yard that records chickpea arrivals, and prices. The different actors are 

spread out geographically and information about prices is not available in one place. 

3. In the absence of an organized market yard, information on prices and arrivals is not available. The 

only information that is available is the data that is record at the district check posts. However, it has 

31

een noted that these check posts are bypassed frequently. Further, the data that is maintained at the 

check post is for pulses or for chickpea, rather than for desi and kabuli varieties. 

4. There are additional links in the chain between chickpea farmers and dal processors that further erode 

the farmer’s share in the consumers’ rupee. Dal processors prefer to buy whole grain in bulk in order to 

cut down on their transaction costs. However, since a lot of the chickpea farmers are small scale 

farmers with small marketable surpluses, a commission agent who collects all the grain from the 

farmers, and sells it to the dal millers in bulk quantity becomes an important actor in the value chain. 

There are six different market chains identified revealed by the survey and the two most common / popular ones 

are: 

1. Farmer --- Commission agent----Trader --- Processor ---- Wholesaler ----Retailer ----Consumer 

2. Farmer --- Trader --- Processor ---- Wholesaler ----Retailer ----Consumer 

Data on the preferred traits and the most common production constraints in the cultivation of chickpea were 

collected from important markets in Kurnool and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh and Dharwad and 

Gulbarga districts in Karnataka. 

The processing firms are located near the chickpea production area, and further growth in value addition is 

possible. Due to the existence of processing plants at the district headquarters, value addition is done to the raw 

gram involving primary and secondary level of processing. 

Pigeonpea is mainly marketed as decorticated grain dal in India. Market surveys were undertaken in important 

markets in Ranga Reddy and Mahabubnagar districts of Andhra Pradesh and Akola district in Maharashtra. Data 

on the preferred traits and the most common production constraints in the cultivation of pigeonpea were 

collected. The ruling varieties differed in both the project states with Maruti ruling in Maharashtra while Asha 

was the most popular cultivar in Andhra Pradesh. 

The pigeonpea marketing chain in Maharashtra comprises a variety of numerous market intermediaries such as 

commission agents, traders, wholesale traders, processors, retailers, exporters, etc., between the producer-sellers 

and the ultimate consumers. The market intermediaries here are very powerful and control the entire regulated 

market. The intermediaries get the lion’s share of the profit. 

The most significant constraints that the farmers faced when choosing to purchase seeds were the lack of 

information about recommended varieties and the non-availability of required variety. The low quality of the 

purchased seed was also cited as a reason. Farmers preferred to sell their produce in the village itself to village 

traders and payment was received soon after the conclusion of the marketing transaction. 

High tariff for the power supply and lack of labour for pigeonpea processing activities were the major problems 

confronting them as processors and had telling effect on the prices of pigeonpea dal. 

Sorghum: 

By and large food consumption of sorghum exhibits a declining trend across all the major sorghum producing/ 

consuming states both in rural and urban India, but the decline is variable across states. The largest decline in 

consumption is seen for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh both in rural and urban areas. 

Though these states were important sorghum consuming states during 1970s and 1980s, the availability of 

cheaper staples such as rice in Andhra Pradesh and wheat in Madhya Pradesh has contributed to the increased 

substitution of sorghum. 

However, while food use of sorghum has declined sharply at the all-India level, its use as food is still 

important in major producing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka after rice and wheat although at levels 50% 

below that in 1972–73 level. The decline in per capita food consumption of sorghum however seems to be 

plateauing at this lower level as indicated by data between 1999 and 2005. At the same time, the use of sorghum 

in alternative uses has increased from about 5% since 1993–94 to 30% or more between 1999 and 2005. Our 

estimates further indicate that of the total food use of sorghum only 50% is accounted for by rainy (kharif) 

sorghum while the rest is from post-rainy (rabi sorghum). Thus, close to 50% of kharif sorghum goes for 

alternative uses. These include demand from animal feed industry mainly poultry and to some extent dairy, 

alcohol industry, starch industry, food processing and export demand. Almost the entire production of rabi 

sorghum (except seed and waste) is used for human food. The potential demand for food processing, though at a 

nascent stage, presents encouraging prospects for value addition. 

32

Pearl millet: 

Pearl millet utilization pattern is changing in India where its use is growing as feed, alcohol, and in processed 

food industry. With the introduction of cheaper rice and wheat through Public Distribution System (PDS), 

consumers of pearl millet in rural and urban areas have shifted away from pearl millet to consumption of wheat 

and rice. However, in the major growing states of India its utilization as food is still important though declining. 

Pearl millet consumption particularly in rural areas still forms an important component of the consumption of 

low income consumers. The increase in pearl millet production in India juxtaposed with its declining food use 

implies that its use in alternative uses has been increasing as indicated by the data from less than 5% to 55% in 

2004–05. Armed with the above information a reconnaissance survey was carried out of pearl millet markets 

and its users. The market surveys indicated considerable trade in pearl millet grain both intra state and interstate. 

The drought in Rajasthan (particularly western Rajasthan) is one of the key factors determining pearl 

millet trade for food use. 

Pearl millet fodder is an important feed resource in the crop–livestock systems where the crop is grown. 

Chopped pearl millet fodder is an important feed resource in rural area particularly in winter and summer 

months. 


The consumption demand for sorghum and pearl millet will provide information on availability of these cereals 

for alternative uses and for processing. The utilization patterns will be corroborated through reconnaissance 

surveys of markets and finally a survey of the markets and processors will be carried out using a structured 

questionnaire. 


ICRISAT; University of Agriculture Sciences, Bangalore; University of Agriculture Sciences; Dharwad; 

Punjabrao Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (PKVK), Akola; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, (TNAU) Coimbatore; 

Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad 


BMGF 

Intermediate output target in 2010: Groundnut in Malawi 

In Malawi, a study was conducted to examine the causal impact of the adoption of improved groundnut varieties 

on marketed surplus. The study was based on a household survey data of 400 groundnut producing households 

in rural Malawi collected by the International crops research Institute for the semi-Arid tropics in the year 2008. 

The counterfactual outcomes framework of modern evaluation theory was applied to the data to estimate the 

Local Average Treatment Effect (LATE) of adopting improved groundnut varieties on the amount of marketed 

surplus and that of marketable surplus of groundnuts. Results indicated that 45% of the groundnut producers are 

autarkic while the rest are net sellers. The econometric analysis shows that the adoption of improved groundnut 

varieties has a positive and significant impact on the amount of marketed surplus as well as that of marketable 

surplus. The adoption of improved groundnut varieties significantly increases the amount of marketable surplus 

by 12kg per capita and it increases the amount of marketed surplus by 8kg per capita. We also find that 

increased production and higher prices are some of the other important determinants of the quantity of marketed 

surplus. The findings suggest that there is a scope for increasing the participation of farmers in the marketing of 

groundnuts through increased cultivation of improved groundnut varieties. 

Intermediate output target in 2010: Groundnut in WCA 


50% 


Niger, Nigeria and Mali 


Assess the level and determinants of market participation by groundnut farmers in the 3 countries. 


Tropical legumes II (TL II) 

33

Intermediate output target in 2010 Preferences for groundnut traits and varieties in West Africa: Cases of 

smallholder farmers in Mali, Niger and Nigeria 


100% 


Mali, Niger and Nigeria 


To systematically evaluate farmers’ preferences based on plant and seed characteristics and overall preference 

for varieties. 


Mother trials located in 6 project village sites in each country were used as the basis of choice for traits and 

varieties by farmers at harvest. The villages were selected based agro-ecological zone and prior knowledge of 

key informants or links with other initiatives in these villages. Based on potential characteristics likely to 

explain choice for varieties, a discussion was held in each country with groundnut experts as well as groups of 

farmers in order to evaluate alternative question formats, contents and elicit general advice from consumers for 

different traits. The last stage in the process involved the development of the survey instruments. Only 

characteristics that were ranked high via the expert meeting and focus-group meetings were included in the 

questionnaire. Accordingly, 15 plant and seed characteristics were included. Growth habit, disease resistance, 

plant vigor, color of the leaves, plant maturity, number of pods, pod filling, pod beak, pod reticulation, pod 

strangulation, pod and haulm yields, pod size, sees size and seed color were cited as important plant and seed 

characteristics for groundnut. An expert panel of 30 male and female farmers were used in the survey. 

In Mali, the varieties JL24, Fleur 11, ICGV 86124 and ICGV 86 015 were chosen. These varieties are resistant 

to drought and less susceptible to foliar diseases, and different based on plant type, plant maturity, pod 

reticulation, pod constriction; seed color and yields. In Niger, 6 varieties were used in the PVS. These varieties 

selected were 55-437, TS32-1, ICG 9346, J11, JL 24 and RRB and were different based the growth type, 

drought tolerance, color of the leaves, pod constriction, pod beak, pod reticulation, seed color and pod yield 

show some variability. In Nigeria, 5 varieties were selected namely ICIAR 19BT, ICIAR 7B, ICIAR 6AT, 

SAMNUT21 and SAMNUT 23. These varieties are resistant to groundnut rosette and are of the erect type 

except for SAMNUT 21 (semi-erect). They are all early maturing except for SAMNUT21 (medium maturity), 

with the same number of seeds per pod except for SAMNUT 21. Differences in varieties are found based on pod 

beak, pod reticulation, pod constriction, seed color and yields. 

Ordered Probit model was used to identify factors driving the ranking of farmers on varieties and measure the 

value of varieties plant and seed characteristics. 


Color of the leaves, maturity (short cycle), number of pods, pod size, constriction, pod yield, pod filling 

and taste were the important attributes explaining farmers ranking for varieties in Mali. In Niger, the color 

of the leaves, the number of pods per plant, pod filling, pod beak, and pod yield were the most important 

traits sought by farmers. In Nigeria, plant vigor, plant maturity, plant type, number of pods per plant, pod 

size, haulm yield and pod yield. These traits should be used to identify varieties most likely to be adopted 

by farmers in large germplasm collection. Varieties with traits sought by farmers should be promoted and 

used to build sustainable seed supply systems. Attributes such as color of leaves, pod reticulation and pod 

beak tend to be overlooked and should be included in future breeding programs. 


INRAN, Niger, IAR Nigeria and IER, Mali. 


Tropical Legumes II (TL II) 

34

MTP Output 7: Institutional innovations for reducing transaction costs and improving coordination in input 

and output market chains for dryland commodities in domestic and international markets identified and 

promoted 

MTP Output target 2010 1.7.1: Policy recommendations for improving market institutions, linkages and 

coordination for selected commodities developed and shared with policy markers and partners 

Intermediate output target in 2010 Survey on farmer’s cooperatives in ESA 


50% 


Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya 

Objectives/Rationale: Determine extent to which farmer cooperatives have maintained democratic and 

transparent governance, avoiding capture by local elites. 

Methodology/Approach: Interviews with producer marketing groups (PMGs) using a pretested module were 

made in Kenya in 2008-09, and in Malawi and Tanzania in 2010. 


In Kenya, a study on Farmers' Informal Crops Marketing Groups was conducted and results revealed strong 

desire by farmers to form informal self-help groups to seek economies of scale. However, results indicated that 

the equilibrium sizes of informal groups tended to be small (only 5-50 members per group) and that there was 

limited or lack of trust and problems of leadership. This study also found evidence of a non-linear relationship 

between group size and members’ entry and exit decisions. Small groups tended to grow, while large groups 

tended to shrink, suggesting that there existed an optimal size for informal self-help groups. This optimum may 

depend on the nature of group activities. Smaller groups are generally perceived as more effective and larger 

ones as less transparent. The study also found evidence of a non-linear relationship between group size and 

turnover in the leadership, an indicator of having a functioning democracy. Very small groups have very low 

turnover, maybe a result of a binding human capital constraint due to numbers. Very large groups also have 

lower turnover than medium-sized groups, maybe because leading larger groups is more skill demanding, 

generating a new binding human capital constraint. It may also reflect that the largest groups are more attractive 

to capture for corrupt individuals, who will try to hang on to their lucrative positions of group exploitation once 

established there. Highly educated persons and persons with experience from well-paid public-sector 

employment are over-represented among leaders of self-help groups relative to their numbers in rural 

communities, especially among groups that were formed in response to NGO initiatives. This suggests that rural 

elites are quicker to respond to such initiatives. Thus, rural elites may enhance NGO initiatives to the benefit of 

poor villagers, but they may also influence implementation of NGO projects in ways that favor their own 

interests at the expense of the intended beneficiaries. 


Molde University Norway 

MTP Output target 2011 1.7.1: Synthesis of pilot market and institutional innovation studies in Asia using 

coalition approach completed 



75% 


India, China 


Innovative forward and backward linkages that are fostered under the coalition approach ensure the fulfillment 

of the overarching project objective while meeting individual stakeholder sub-goals. 

35


Strong communication protocols and bringing all stakeholders on a common platform are essential in the 

smooth functioning of the Coalition approach. Frequent meetings, workshops and email exchanges foster the 

consensus approach by encouraging open discussion. 


Presently two projects involving coalition approach are being implemented in India and one in China. The two 

projects involve linking sweet sorghum farmers to the ethanol industry. The coalition partners involved in the 

projects include both research and non-research partners besides farmers. The first project in India funded by 

NAIP (ICAR) on Value chain model for bio-ethanol production from sweet sorghum in rainfed areas through 

collective action and partnership includes crop scientists from ICRISAT and the Directorate of Sorghum 

Research, agricultural engineers from Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, biochemists from 

Indian Institute for Chemical Technology, animal nutritionists from International Livestock Research Institute 

and Sri Venkateshwara Veterinary University, and private sector (Rusni Distilleries). Additionally the coalition 

includes credit agencies, fodder traders, and fodder processors. Using the coalition approach, two different 

models for linking farmers to the distillery are being tested. These include the centralized model and the 

decentralized model. Under the centralized model, farmer in a 50 km radius of the distillery deliver the sweet 

sorghum stalks directly to the distillery. While in the decentralized unit, farmers outside the 50 km radius take 

the sweet sorghum stalk to the decentralized crushing unit and later deliver the syrup to the distillery. The 

forward linkages established under this model include technical support to farmers on crop production, output 

contract agreements between the farmers and the distillery, and research and development collaborations 

between CRIDA, ICRISAT and ILRI. The backward linkages include formation of Farmer’s Associations, 

supply of seed and fertilizer, training of farmers, pricing of stalk and syrup. This Coalition thus emphasizes 

public-private sector partnership so that needs of the industry for a sustainable supply of feedstock and the 

farmers for a fair share of the value generated from sweet sorghum ethanol value chain are simultaneously met. 

Some of the partnerships established for the success of the value chain include seed supply from established 

seed companies, manufacturers of crop machinery, credit agencies to support financial needs, feed processors to 

process bagasse to feed pellets/blocks, markets and marketing of syrup to food industry besides for ethanol 

production. 

The second project titled Enhanced Livelihood Opportunities of Smallholders in Asia: Linking Smallholder 

Sweet Sorghum Farmers with the Bioethanol Industry is being implemented in India and China. Under this 

project, the coalition partners in India include Marathwada Agricultural University, ICRISAT, local NGOs, and 

Tata Chemicals Ltd and seed companies from the private sector. In China, Sorghum Research Institute in 

Lionging Academy of Agricultural Sciences is collaborating with farmers and distillery under a contract farming 

arrangement. 

Under both projects in India and China, national planning meetings were held wherein project activities were 

classified month wise and the responsibilities for the individual partner institutions were clearly delineated. 

Regular follow-up meetings with the partners were also organized to monitor monthly plan of activities, which 

were used as reference guides to carry out the activities. 

Village level meetings were organized in collaboration with partners wherein the objectives and activities of the 

project were discussed with the participating farmers. These meetings were helpful in clarifying the doubts of 

farmers and in bringing higher clarity about the project in toto. The local village level workers, leaders and Non- 

Government Organization (NGO) from the cluster villages under both projects played a key role in further 

explaining and clarifying the project objectives. 

In order to ensure the production of sweet sorghum, the farmers groups have been formed in each village and all 

support for strengthening these groups by imparting training on improved crop production methods are being 

given by the participating Partner Institutions (PI) and PEA. On-farm advice and field support was extended to 

the farmers group during the entire cropping season. Periodic field visits conducted by the subject matter 

specialists from PI, and training programs ensured the confidence building among the farmers. A microentrepreneurship 

training on DCU establishment and operation was conducted at ICRISAT. 


NAIP funded project: Directorate of Sorghum Research, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, 

Indian Institute for Chemical Technology, International Livestock Research Institute, Sri Venkateshwara 

Veterinary University, Rusni Distilleries 

36

CFC funded project: Marathwada Agricultural University, ICRISAT, local NGOs, Tata Chemicals Ltd, private 

seed companies, Sorghum Research Institute in Lioning Academy of Agricultural Sciences. 


National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) and Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) 

MTP Output 8: Policies and strategies that enhance agricultural diversification into high value products 

(e.g., legumes, livestock, biofuels, vegetables, etc) to harness emerging demand opportunities and facilitate 

agribusiness enterprises developed and promoted 

MTP Output target 2010 1.8.1 Research report on economic feasibility of diversification into high value 

products with emphasis on biofuels (ESA, Asia) and vegetables (WCA) completed 

Intermediate Output target in 2010. Economics of sweet sorghum cultivation and crushing units 


50% 


India 


1. Assess economic competitiveness of sweet sorghum as a feedstock for bio-ethanol with sugarcane 

molasses and grain 

2. Economics of sweet sorghum cultivation vis-à-vis competing crops. 

3. Economic assessment of decentralized crushing unit (established at Ibrahimbad) for crushing sweet 

sorghum and production of syrup from sweet sorghum 


Comparative economic analysis is carried out to assess the competitiveness of sweet sorghum in relation to 

competing crops at Ibrahimbad, Andhra Pradesh. 

Ex-post and break-even analysis is carried out to evaluate the economic feasibility of the unit. 


The following are the main findings of economics of sweet sorghum cultivation vis-à-vis crops replaced Nanded 

district, Maharashtra under the centralized system. 

Cropping Pattern: Among rain-fed crops in Nanded district, sole crops of sorghum, soybean and intercrop of 

cotton-red gram, were the competing crops with sweet sorghum for cultivation. Apart from these crops wheat 

and soybean are also grown with supplement irrigation during post rainy season (Rabi) in this region. 

Cost of cultivation of sweet sorghum and competing crops: Total cost of cultivating sweet sorghum was Rs. 

14,285 / ha while that for competing crops like sorghum it was 12,797 / ha and Rs. 17,202 / ha for sorghum-red 

gram intercrop. Activity-wise, sowing and seed with 28 per cent was the highest component of cost of 

cultivation of sweet sorghum followed by land preparation and composting with 23 per cent and harvesting and 

threshing activity with 15 per cent. Among resources utilized for cultivation of sweet sorghum, human labor 

with 38 per cent was the highest resource component followed by fertilizer (farm yard manure and chemical 

fertilizer) with 28 per cent. 

Net Returns of Sweet Sorghum Cultivation and its competing crops: The average stalk yield was 20 ton / hectare 

and grain yield was 0.6 ton / hectare. The low grain yield was due to some of the sample farmers harvesting the 

crop at an early stage of maturity. Net returns of Rs. 9,503/ ha (excluding family labour) was obtained from 

sweet sorghum. Returns realized from sorghum & red gram intercrop was the next highest with Rs. 7,765 / ha 

followed by grain sorghum with Rs. 5,084/ha. Net returns realized from cultivation of high value crops like 

cotton and soybean was Rs. 24,982/ha and Rs. 18,664 /ha respectively. Returns realized from cultivating cotton 

– redgram intercrop was the highest among all the crops in Nanded district. Among the competing crops, sweet 

sorghum costs & returns are comparable only with grain sorghum. 

A brief draft note was prepared on the likely impact of the decentralized sweet sorghum unit for ethanol at the 

micro and macro levels based on findings from economic analysis in 2008 and 2009. In India, it is expected that 

37

at 10 percent mandatory blending of petrol with ethanol and assuming sweet sorghum would meet 5 % of 

ethanol requirement in the initial years increasing to 20 % in later years, the projected area under sweet sorghum 

cultivation would be 16.6 thousand hectares by 2020 @ current productivity of 20 t ha-1 . With increase in 

productivity larger area could be brought under sweet sorghum cultivation and blending requirement from sweet 

sorghum would also increase in the long run. The current production cost of sweet sorghum syrup at Rs. 26 / kg 

needs to be reduced by increasing the juice recovery, Brix % content, reducing unit cost of processing by 

improving labor efficiency and selling a portion of the product in alternate markets like food and pharma will 

have a big impact in reducing the unit cost of syrup. 

The critical areas identified for the success of the ethanol program from sweet sorghum under the decentralized 

unit include access and availability of improved cultivars for high juice and syrup recovery, capacity building in 

terms of formation of farmers association, stalk transportation chain, improving efficiency of crushing and 

promotion of alternative uses of bagasse. Sustainable up scaling of the decentralized units for sweet sorghum 

would impinge on favorable policy interventions related to pricing of stalk and end product of ethanol and 

institutional support linking farmers to industry. 


ICRISAT, NRCS, CRIDA, IICT, ILRI, SVVU, MAU, TCL and Rusni Distilleries, 


NAIP and IFAD 

MTP Output 9: Alternative institutional innovations to strengthen rural institutions that facilitate and 

enhance adoption of technological and market innovations and policy recommendations developed and 

shared with partners. 

Priority 5C, Specific goal 1: Identify mechanisms for the strengthening of producers organizations and for 

modes of participatory research 

Priority 5C, Specific goal 2: Identify new forms of partnerships with NARS, the private sector, public 

extension agencies, NGOs and producers organizations, and public agencies from other sectors, such as 

environment and health to enhance the conduct and impact from agricultural research 

Under this MTP output all output targets have been achieved by 2009 and 2010. Hence there are no details 

reported here in this archival report. However , an output target under MTP output 10 (Output target 2011 

1.10.4) has relevance to this output also. The details of this are reported under MTP Output 10. 

MTP Output 10: Livelihood, institutional and policy options for investment and risk management for SAT 

poor developed and promoted with associated capacity building for partner 

MTP Output target 2010 1.10.2 Uptake pathways of SAT technologies documented based on case studies and 

shared with national program partners in Asia 

Intermediate output target in 2010. Case studies on livestock and livelihoods in Zimbabwe published 


95% 

The Livestock and livelihoods (LiLi markets) has been finalized, technical and financial project reports are 

completed, regional reports and policy briefs available in draft formats and will be used for peer reviewed 

journals. The project on livestock and water productivity phased out, with 1 PhD thesis completed, 2 papers by 

MSc students accepted in a peer reviewed journal and 3 papers in draft format to be submitted. The SLP project 

on optimization of crops residues started in 2010. Research process and methods of data collection were 

designed and partnerships in the Southern African region established. Data collection and regional reports will 

be completed in 2011. The data characterize crop livestock systems, livelihoods and institutional context in 

southern Africa and led to further project development; achievement is therefore 95%. 


• LiLi markets: Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe 

• Livestock and water productivity: Zimbabwe 

• Optimization of crop residues: Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe 

38

Objectives/Rationale: The projects aim at improving the incomes and livelihoods of small-scale livestock 

producers in drought-prone areas in southern Africa. The overall working hypothesis that given the right market 

incentives, subsistence cattle and goat producers will move towards a more commercial orientation, with better 

management and higher off-take rates. Follow on projects focus more on identifying drivers of change, multipleuse 

technological options for improved crop-livestock productivity and trade off analysis in the allocation of 

crop residues for livelihood or environmental benefits. 


• LiLi markets project was implemented by a consortium of partners, ICRISAT and ILRI, national 

research and extension services, farmers, local policy makers, NGOs and the private sector. The project 

developed an innovation systems approach (Innovation Platforms, IPs) that engages sub-sector 

participants (input suppliers, farmers, traders, market intermediaries, service providers, regulators) in a 

process of consultation to analyze their area specific challenges and opportunities in livestock 

production and marketing and develop concerted action to generate solutions and improve existing 

systems. Classical research tools (household surveys, participatory appraisals) were combined with the 

documentation of multi-stakeholder discussion and analysis. 

• Livestock and water productivity project focused on applied on-farm and community based research as 

well as strategic on-station research, primarily through post-docs, PhD and MSc students. 

• Optimization of crop residues project combines minimum data sets of key bio-physical parameters, 

village and household surveys, trend analysis, ex-ante tradeoff modeling, and identification of potential 

technical and institutional solutions. 

Main findings, results and policy implications: 

1) Context specific understanding of constraints and opportunities in livestock production and marketing 

The IP approach is the most important public good produced by the project. It aims at enhancing communication 

and knowledge sharing among key value chain actors and informs appropriate interventions for improving 

livestock markets along with appropriate technology development, dissemination and use. The approach was 

embraced by the different country teams and now contributes meaningfully to other initiatives in the countries. 

Baseline diagnostics and value chain analysis confirm that there are significant opportunities in the entire region 

to increase livestock production, enhance value addition by farmers (Figure 1), and thereby impact at household, 

local and regional level. Livestock plays a major role contributing significantly to the livelihoods and food 

security of households. The market itself offers strong opportunities for livestock, which motivates the sector 

participants to engage further in the IP process. 

3000 

Price and cost items (ZAR/goat sold) 

2500 

2000 

1500 

1000 

500 

Value Added 

Other costs 

Transport 

Inspection 

Animal Health 

Feed 

Purchase price 

0 

Producer 

Tshlotslo 

Producer 

Gwanda 

Trader 

Retailer 

Figure 1. Value addition by actors in goat value chains in Zimbabwe 

Main production constraints are unacceptably high mortality rates up to 30% – the first step to increase 

production and productivity would be to reduce mortality. More animals could thereby be availed for sale and 

market participation substantially increased. The nexus between a household’s livestock herd sizes, off-take and 

the need to sell to address household cash requirements is a critical dynamic. Farmers with small herds sell a 

greater proportion of their herds to makes end meet, while farmers with larger herds sell more animals, but this 

constitutes a small proportion of their herds. 

39

Since mortality is primarily a function of animal husbandry, disease and dry season nutrition are entry points. In 

most areas, access to inputs, technologies and support services are however major challenges, with poor or 

lacking government support services and lack of incentives and security for private sector investment. Farmers 

have poor knowledge and skills in supplementary feeding and animal health control, and rely mainly on 

information from other farmers. Membership in producers associations is generally low, but higher in countries 

like Namibia, with better developed livestock markets, indicating a strong probability that market development 

can stimulate collective action. 

Livestock markets are poorly developed and basic infrastructure not available in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. 

Most farmers sell livestock at the farm gate by default and do not understand essential market processes. In 

certain areas, livestock numbers do not warrant the time and effort for buyers to attend, resulting in low number 

of buyers resulting in reduced competition and therefore also reduced prices. 

2) Increased knowledge base of improved product marketing systems 

The key outcome of this project component is to increase the understanding towards challenges to improved 

market systems, and highest priority for making basic infrastructure accessible to communities, along with 

addressing institutional constraints so that market infrastructure can become functional. In Mozambique and 

Zimbabwe the emphasis was more on basic market infrastructure and organization, as compared to Namibia 

with better developed markets and priority on enhancing the performance and efficiency of these market 

systems. It is the IPs role to strengthen partnerships among the local market participants and strengthen 

confidence among them. This can be the beginning of enhancing investments in market infrastructure and 

services. Policy makers need to create opportunities for such partnerships through public support programs or by 

attracting private sector engagement. Country examples are: 

In Mozambique the IP played a vital role in raising awareness of these challenges to the relevant authorities. The 

participants requested government and other development partners to assist the communities with funds to 

support the construction of the necessary infrastructure. The investment partners responded positively through 

the financing of two projects, sale pens in Changara (Tete province) and an abattoir in Chicualacuala (in Gaza 

province). 

In Zimbabwe the IPs decided for the establishment and rehabilitation of conventional auctions as the best way of 

selling off livestock. The country teams engaged successfully in new initiatives for developing auctions in 

Gwanda (Matabeleland North Province), which materialized in goat sales of a total value of USD 53,000 at one 

newly constructed sale pen 2009. In Tsholotsho (Matabeleland North) the activities were inhibited by 

institutional constraints, showing that facilitating strong social relationships among local government, sellers, 

buyers and service suppliers is critically important so that market infrastructure can become functional. 

In Namibia, Omatjete (Erongo region) the IP encouraged farmers to appreciate the possible value buyers could 

add by providing market information to farmers and jointly develop more efficient market systems. In 

Hoachanas (Hardap region) highlighted the need to improve the operational efficiency of the farmers 

associations’ marketing committee by advertising market events, mobilizing farmers to supply sufficient number 

of quality animals, and organizing the actual market days. 

3) Increased knowledge base of improved input delivery systems 

IPs defined closer access to production technologies, training and inputs as most critical challenge for farmers to 

increase livestock productivity. Most technical options, inputs and information are available within the national 

research and extension systems but not accessible for farming communities. The role of government in 

providing support services in technology dissemination is dwindling as a result of limited resources, lack of 

skilled and experienced personal. In Mozambique and Zimbabwe NGOs are slowly taking up livestock 

production in their programs and recognize market led input delivery as more sustainable strategy than hand 

outs, e.g. promoting investment in community infrastructure or rural agro-dealer programs. In Namibia, where 

farmers’ associations and private sector played a greater role in market development processes they were 

initiated to form a new partnerships in running a veterinary outlet, and thereby made inputs, information and 

technologies available to farmers. 

The project demonstrated the importance of investing in capacity building and delivery systems, towards 

integrated and market oriented input and technology dissemination. Should small scale farmers engage in 

increased procurement of inputs, the private sector can provide these services where it is to their benefit, i.e. 

livestock traders display technologies and information at livestock market places or agro-dealers stock 

agricultural inputs (for crop and livestock production) at rural business centres and sell them at livestock market 

40

places where farmers are concentrated and with cash in hand. The input market potential in the small-scale 

farming sector has been largely underestimated and need to be demonstrated to the private sector. 

It is strongly recommended to enable input suppliers to make their services (with regards to information and 

products) available at the point of livestock sale. Preliminary information clearly illustrates farmer’s 

preparedness to purchase inputs the point where animals are sold. By providing inputs at the market place will 

create the incentive for further investments in production. 

IPs by facilitating the dialogue among value chain participants are instrumental to create the link between 

market development and improved input delivery systems. Thereby they can make livestock production 

technologies and services accessible to the communities. Policies need to encourage partnerships that gradually 

build and improve alternative forms of input delivery. 

4) Improved information dissemination and evaluation of technology and market opportunities 

The project successfully established a communication strategy that engages relevant stakeholders in an area to 

share information, and jointly make decisions and plan new initiatives. IPs facilitated direct links between 

farmers and other sub-sector participants (private and public), with operational structures defined by the local 

IPs themselves. Once established, the IPs engaged in iterative processes of consultations through form of 

workshops during which they defined their own agenda, diagnosed problems and options for improvements. 

These workshops were interspersed with project activities agreed upon by the IP, e.g. surveys, trainings, 

exchange visits. Initially the IP was strongly facilitated by the project, and funded through the project. Ideally 

stakeholders can gradually take over this role as the benefits to the role-players are established. The IPs can 

merge into larger networks that enhance knowledge transfer and learning. The IPs thereby the first time brought 

all participants in the livestock sector together to debate about their common interest. This has helped to 

improve their understanding about their roles and requirements in interaction with farmers. By engaging local 

policy makers the IPs increased their capacity in developing supportive policy options for linking farmers to 

livestock markets and improved support services. Effective IP structures however need substantial facilitation 

which needs to be budgeted in time and costs. The real value in studying the IPs is to document the modes of 

operations, challenges and lessons learned. It is therefore important to define efficient and functional M&E 

procedures at the onset of the IPs. 


The presentation of the results focus on the LiLi markets project and major project outcomes from the IP 

approach. Beyond its projects ICRISAT had various requests to train institutions in other countries and on other 

commodities on the IP approach. The results/outcomes are available as draft reports but not yet submitted for 

publication. 


LiLi markets 

• International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Nairobi and Mozambique 

• Mozambican Agricultural Research Institute (IIAM), Mozambique 

• Namibia National Farmers Union, NNFU, Namibia 

• Department of Agricultural Research for Development (DAR4D) and Department of Livestock 

Production and Development (DLPD), Zimbabwe 

Livestock and water productivity 

• International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Ethiopia 

• International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Ethiopia 

• Department of Agricultural Research for Development (DAR4D), Zimbabwe 

• Center for Development Research (ZEF), Germany) 

Optimization of crop residues 

• International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Ethiopia and Mozambique 

• Bunda college, Malawi 

• Mozambican Agricultural Research Institute (IIAM), Mozambique 

• Department of Agricultural Research for Development (DAR4D), Zimbabwe 


• Livestock and livelihoods: Improving market participation by smallholder producers, 2007-2010, funded by 

EU and support from SADC 

41

• Improving Water Productivity of Crop-Livestock Systems of Sub-Saharan Africa, 2008 -2010, led by 

ILRI/IWMI, funded by BMZ 

• Optimizing livelihood and environmental benefits from crop residues in smallholder crop-livestock systems 

in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia: regional case studies, 2010-2011, funded by CGIAR SLP 

MTP Output target 2011 1.10.1 Report on rural livelihoods in the context of relief programs in Zimbabwe 

Intermediate output target in 2010 Protracted Relief Program (PRP): Conservation Agriculture Practices and 

Challenges in Zimbabwe 


At least 88 % of the farmers in the panel study continue to practice conservation agriculture, after at least 5 

years of adoption. 


Zimbabwe 


The present study is continuation of the previous panel survey completed as per the MTP Output target 2009 

1.10.2. The study sought to assess the conservation agriculture practices, constraints and contribution to food 

security. 


The study is based on a panel survey approach established in 2007 assessing the adoption trends of households 

where conservation agriculture has been promoted by different donor agencies. The 2009/10 panel survey 

followed a similar trend to the preceding surveys but more emphasis was put on addressing the major challenges 

which have been recurring in previous studies. Two parallel surveys were conducted to investigate labor 

requirements and use of crop residues as mulching material in conservation agriculture practices. 


Food insecurity remains one of the major challenges faced by vulnerable households in rural Zimbabwe. The 

majority of the households in the communal areas of Zimbabwe are resource constrained and are perennially 

faced with food insecurity and malnutrition. Hand hoe based conservation agriculture involving digging of 

planting basins is being promoted in the smallholder farming sector to improve and stabilize yields while 

preserving soil and water. Winter weeding, crop residues application and rotation were least practiced across the 

survey districts. Fertilizer application was largely dependent on provision of free relief inputs. Contribution of 

conservation agriculture to food security is still limited due to smaller plot sizes and labor constraints. 

Recommendation to mechanize conservation agriculture will improve the technology adoption with support 

from a functioning input market. 


The contribution of conservation agriculture to food security is limited by small area, largely attributed to labor 

constraint associated with the hand hoe based planting basins, limited access to improved seed and fertilizer. To 

address these challenges to adoption, conservation agriculture should be promoted under functioning input and 

output markets and labor saving technologies such as the use of herbicides and mechanization of land 

preparation should be promoted. 


AGRITEX, CARE, CAFOD, CRS, World Vision, Save the Children (UK), Action Contre la Faim (ACF), 

Christian AID and Concern Worldwide 


FAO Letter of Agreement (LOA) for Conservation Agriculture Panel Study, Labor Measurements and Basin 

Size Trials. 

Addendum for supplementary PRP funding. 

World Vision Zimbabwe Memorandum of Agreement for providing technical supporting to agricultural 

development. 

42

Intermediate Output target 2010 Zimbabwe Emergency Agricultural Relief Program (ZEAIP) 


Seed utilization rate - 90 % of the relief seed received was planted. ZEAIP contributed 41% of the maize 

planted by beneficiary households. 


Zimbabwe 


The Zimbabwe Emergency Agricultural Input Project (ZEAIP), funded by World Bank and managed by GRM 

International was implemented in 45 districts in all the 8 rural provinces of Zimbabwe. The program was 

implemented through NGOs, distributing maize seed or vouchers which could be redeemed for maize seed at 

retail shops to vulnerable households. Over 300,000 households accessed 10kg maize seed. These inputs were 

distributed though direct distribution in 40 districts and through retail voucher program in 5 districts. ICRISAT 

was contracted to implement the impact assessment of ZEAIP. 

The study sought to review the efficiency of targeting vulnerable households, quantities of seed distributed to 

households, seed utilization rates, areas planted to ZEAIP seed and overall impact of ZEAIP maize seed to 

household and national crop production and food security. 


The first survey (post planting) was implemented in 12 districts systematically sampled to reflect the diversity of 

NGOs and the different natural regions. A total of 1079 household were interviewed in February and March for 

the post-planting survey. This initial survey investigated targeting efficiency, whether ZEAIP seed was 

distributed, seed utilization rates as well as areas planted to ZEAIP maize seed. The second survey (post harvest) 

was implemented in 6 districts and a third of the households (364) that participated in the post planting survey 

were covered. The post-harvest survey was implemented in May and June where a smaller sample was used to 

enable detailed field area and yield measurements from ZEAIP and comparison plots. The second survey 

collected information on crop harvest, impacts of the ZEAIP program on household and national food security. 


The post planting survey results indicate that targeting of beneficiaries was efficient and largely focused on 

vulnerable households. Over 72% of the beneficiaries did not have access to draft power, and the average maize 

production in the previous season was 114.4kg per capita reflecting a deficit from the minimum food security 

requirements of 167 kg per capita. Each ZEAIP recipients received 10kg of maize seed, with some exceptions 

where the local NGO split a 10kg-pack between two beneficiaries giving an average lower than 10 kg. Some 

NGOs gave CA demo farmers 2 packs in other areas which resulted in an average of higher than 10 kg. An 

estimated 307 630 households benefited from this relief project. 

The ZEAIP maize seed was distributed on time to recipient households. Eighty-six percent of the seed was 

distributed by November and by the first week of December all seed had been distributed. Based on post 

planting survey results 90% of the seed received through ZEAIP was planted although drought spells affected 

crop planting activities in the southern drier parts of the country. Based on the average seed utilization rate of 

90% and the actual quantity of seed delivered, it is estimated that improved ZEAIP maize seed was cultivated on 

137, 050ha of smallholder farmers’ land. For these recipients, ZEAIP was a major source of maize seed in 

2009/10 cropping season contributing 41% of the total maize area planted in the targeted areas. There was an 

overall 14% increase in the area planted to maize during the 2009/10 cropping season as compared to 2008/09 

season. This increase in maize area planted can be attributed to improved access to maize seed through ZEAIP. 

Harvest data indicated that ZEAIP contributed to about 60% of the total maize production in the study area. 

Farmers who planted ZEAIP hybrid maize had higher yields (1,747 kg/ha) compared to Non - ZEAIP hybrid 

maize (1,252 kg/ha). Improved seed distributions from ZEAIP enabled households to achieve maize yields of 

1411kg/ha compared to 620kg/ha from recycled seeds. Relief distribution may need to focus on making hybrid 

seed accessible to farmers, even in drier agro ecological regions. This finding is reinforced by the consistent 

preference of hybrid maize seed by farmers in the study districts. Despite poor rains experienced in most past of 

the country the proportions of households that produced enough grain increased from 30% in 2009 to 48% in 

2010 season. 


43

A shift from direct input distribution to market based options will be necessary if commercial market channels 

are to be revived in Zimbabwe. Current options for market based input relief include the voucher system 

redeemable in retail shops and seed fairs for local seed acquisition. However, in areas where there is inadequate 

market infrastructure, direct distribution may need to be maintained, and can be complemented by seed fair 

vouchers which require less of fully functional market infrastructure. It is becoming increasingly important to 

incorporate markets in relief programs as a strategy to promote functional and sustainable local seed markets. 


Protracted Relief Program (PRP) partner NGOs. 


The World Bank through GRM International (management team for PRP) funded ZEAIP. 

Intermediate output target 2010-Tracking the Diffusion of Improved Varieties in South Asia (TRIVSA) 


10% 


India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Haryana) 


Despite the progress made in the past, poverty is still concentrated in South Asia, which accounts for around 350 

million, or one-third, of the world’s poor of about 1.1 billion. Substantial scope exists for a further reduction in 

poverty through crop genetic improvements to increase and stabilize the yields of major food crops. Modern 

varietal change in itself may not lift large numbers of people out of poverty, but greater dynamism in this area 

can go a long way toward moving poor people closer to that threshold. Moreover, modern varietal change can 

set the stage for the adoption of improved crop management practices, thereby making it possible for farmers to 

reduce the cost of production substantially. The lack of dynamism in varietal change in food-crop production 

represents wasted opportunity that is potentially very large, exacting a heavy toll on poor producers and 

consumers alike. The aim of this project is to lay the groundnut work for tracking and successes and failures of 

crop improvement investments and for understanding the impact of those investments on poverty, nutrition and 

food security. 


The project starts with wider understanding of key aspects of the performance of food-crop genetic 

improvement in priority commodities (ICRISAT Mandate crops) in India. Initially, the emphasis begins with 

documentation of modern varietal database as well as the scientific strength of crop improvement by commodity 

programs. Later, it will be followed up with document the perceived adoption of new cultivars of ICRISAT 

mandate crops through expert elicitations using Delphi technique. At the second level, a nationally 

representative survey will be conducted in any one state of India (where five ICRISAT crops are grown) for 

deeper understanding about the adoption and diffusion of new cultivars. 


• The project inception workshop was held in June, 2010 at Kathmandu, Nepal. The project work plans are 

finally and submitted to IRRI in November, 2010. 

• Design, adoption and standardized of protocols have been finalized for data assembly on varietal release 

and strengths of NARS crop improvement programs 

• Crop-variety databases on Pearl millet (from AICPMIP) and Sorghum (from DSR) have been collected 

• The expert consultations with Pearl millet and sorghum breeder groups are under progress. 


IRRI and NARS from India 


Tracking the Diffusion of Improved Varieties in South Asia (TRIVSA) 

44

MTP Output target 2011 1.10.2 Report on household economies in SAT Asia (2001-2009) completed 

Intermediate output target in 2010: Preparation of village profiles for six traditional villages (Aurepalle, 

Dokur, Shirapur, Kalman, Kanzara and Kinkheda) of VDSA project. 


70% 


India 


Broad objective is to understand and document the dynamics of the study villages over a period of four decades. 

Specific objectives of the study are as follows: 

1. To document the changes in livelihood system and their underlying factors. 

2. To analyze the poverty dynamics observed in the villages and factors contributing towards moving out of 

poverty and getting into the poverty trap. 

3. To understand the development pathways of different households over a period of four decades. 

4. To know the role, effectiveness and impacts of various institutions, and government programs on the 

villagers. 

5. Finally, based on the results and findings of the study, put forward some policy suggestions for promoting 

growth in rural areas, foster technology generation and exchange, improve food and nutrition security, 

enhance resilience in livelihood systems and speed up poverty reduction. 


The study was completed using both quantitative and qualitative household data as well as secondary data. 

These include: (1) Analysis of longitudinal data for the period 1975-1984 and 2001-2009; (2) Collection of 

secondary data; (3) Focus group discussions with the villagers; and (4) Thorough review of existing literature 

and publications on the villages. 


All the six study villages have progressed over time. The crop productivity, real wages, employment 

opportunities and real incomes have increased over time. Cropping pattern and sources of incomes have 

changed significantly. Poverty levels have declined substantially, especially in the recent past. Access to and 

average level of education have increased across all the villages, castes, gender and economic groups. The 

overall living standard has improved in these villages. However, these changes varied in degree across the 

selected villages. The main drivers of development/change are: growth of non-farm activity in Aurepalle; 

migration income in Dokur; intensification of agriculture and technology adoption in Kanzara; increase in farm 

productivity in Kinkheda, diversification of crop production and economic activities (including industries) in 

Shirapur; and diversification of farm and non-farm activities in Kalman. Amongst these villages, development 

in Kinkheda was relatively less due to lack of social capital and collective action. 



MTP Output target 2011 1.10.3 Analysis of alternate investment options and their trade-offs completed 

and accessible to rural poor in Asia 

Intermediate output target in 2010 - Vulnerability to climate change: adaptation strategies and layers of 

resiliency 


100% 




The specific objectives were to understand and identify: 

i) The perceptions to climate change; 

45

ii) Vulnerability and adaptation capacity based on their perceptions; and 

iii) Adaptation strategies emerging at the technological, institutional and the socio-economical level of 

the farmers in the SAT. 


Purposive sampling was used to understand and identify perceptions of climate change and subsequent 

adaptation practices. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were carried out with large, medium 

and small farmers, landless labourers and women using semi-structured questionnaires. Among the farming 

group, care was taken to interact separately with the first (older) and the second (younger) generation farmers in 

order to appreciate the difference and similarities in their perceptions and adaptation behaviour. The information 

gathered was triangulated by means of narratives, timelines and transect walks. A total of 21 FGDs, and 52 

individual interviews were conducted. 

The coding process was the most important part of the analysis as it formed the basis of the findings that 

emerged related to perceptions, vulnerability, adaptations to climate change and the layers of resilience for the 

same. 

Key issues that emerged during the first round of data collection were incorporated into the analytical 

framework and further rounds of elicitation carried out to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. This 

process hence helped generate explanations regarding the impact and the adaptations, the role of institutions, 

technology, participation and collective action that were grounded in the context of climate change. 


The threats related to climate change are apparent across the globe. It has been accepted that the worst hit in the 

coming future are going to be the agricultural community. Therefore it a need for micro-level studies to 

understand community perceptions and actions as a guide in devising viable adaptation strategies. Through the 

capability approach and using grounded theory as the method of analysis, this paper tries to understand the 

perceptions of the farmers to climate change, the impacts and the adaptation strategies and behaviour that they 

are demonstrating based on their perceptions. In doing so the paper draws attention to certain constraints that the 

communities in the six villages are facing and the implications on their capabilities and capacity to adapt. The 

six villages representing the first generation ICRISAT Village Level Studies (VLS) sites, are unique as the 

presence of longitudinal data enables the understanding of perceptions of both the first generation (old) and 

second generation (young) of farmers. The study showed that climate change/variability is becoming a major 

concern for the farming and non-farming community. Because of their perceptions, they have been adapting and 

have developed coping strategies to shield themselves against climate uncertainties. Diversification into short 

duration crops, commercial crops like sugarcane and soybean along with experimenting with vegetable growing, 

indigenous methods of soil conversation, the involvement of women in farm activities, and caste- based 

professions have emerged as effective strategies that have come to be accepted socially and culturally at the 

local level. At the institutional and the community level, there are serious constraints towards adapting to what 

may be a more challenging future resulting from climate change. The lack of collective feeling and action has 

hindered bargaining for better market prices and the development of alternate livelihood options. The minimal 

impact of ICT as an information dissemination tool is a source of concern. As climatic conditions are changing 

it is important to acknowledge that there needs to be robust medical and health care systems and facilities which 

can take care of health issues particularly which will be on the rise due to changing climatic conditions. The 

need for better financial inclusion and access to more formal systems of finance is pertinent not only to 

increasing the capabilities of the women but also the overall adaptive capacity of the household, especially 

during crisis situations or climatic shocks. The current study is an attempt to represent the understanding of the 

farming community to climate change and therefore the starting point for sensitising the policy makers to work 

towards aiming to enhance capabilities on adaptation measures of farmers in the semi-arid regions of India and 

mainstreaming of successful adaptation strategies in the agricultural development agenda. 


India, other partner countries are following similar suit. 



MTP Output target 2011 1.10.4 Policy package elements on risk management strategies for mitigating the 

impact of risks inherent in rainfed agriculture developed and shared with partners in Asia 

46

Intermediate output target in 2010- Enhancing Farmers Adaptation to Climate Change in Arid and Semi- 

Arid Agriculture of India: Evidences from Indigenous practices 


100% 




The paper attempts to explore how global Climate Change (CC) agenda and processes ( covering concerns, 

debates, negotiations, research- based projections, impacts and actions etc. broadly collectively termed as “ 

global discourse” in this paper), can help enhance the farmers ‘adaptations against impacts of CC in arid and 

semi–arid regions of India, which is potentially more vulnerable to climate change. 


Based on village, farm and plot level information from different studies during last 30 years in different parts of 

arid and semi arid areas of India, the paper synthesizes the attributes of the said adaptation strategies. The paper 

looks at their relevance in the context of evolving potential responses to impacts of CC in the dry regions of 

India. The relevant components of global discourse on CC for their ability to help farmers for enhancing their 

adaptation strategies were also looked at. 


Since the climate-linked risks are as old as agriculture in these regions, the farmers have learned to live with 

them by evolving various coping measures to minimize the impacts of climatic variability. The short and long 

term, as well as individual and collective coping measures against risks form the part of the overall adaptation 

strategies of dry land farmers. Based on the intra- regional biophysical and socio- economic differences, the 

adaptations show considerable diversity and flexibility as well as gradual change in their contents with the 

changing constraints and opportunities. Besides, three points that are central to our discussion on adaptations to 

CC can be noted. 

First, the highly variable weather (or climate) conditions in the dry regions have shaped the farmers responses or 

adaptations in the past. They may offer some insights and clues for evolving place based adaptation strategies to 

CC for the future. Second, the farmer's adaptation strategies (with some intra-regional differences) are not 

directed to weather variability exclusively. They are addressed to multiple constraints and opportunities 

including those having links with climatic variables. Third, the farmers’ adaptations measures not only have 

significant diversity and flexibility, but tendency to evolve (change) with the emergence of new opportunities 

and constraints. The implications of the above in the context of changing climatic conditions in the dry regions 

would include (i) possibility of harnessing the potential complementarities between traditional, farmer- evolved 

measures and those generated through modern technologies and management systems, (ii) designing and 

harnessing of micro-macro links- based policy-programme interventions to make dry land agriculture and 

rural development climate sensitive, (iii) re-orientation of institutions and overall support systems for dry land 

agriculture to enhance capacity of dry land communities to withstand the negative impacts of CC. 


The paper serves as background for highlighting constraining features of global discourse on climate change 

specially its missing links with micro level situations. The dry land agricultural context along with the 

traditional adaptation experiences; quantified field observations about adaptations at grass root levels were 

illustrated to reflect the diversity and dynamics of farmers’ adaptation measures; farmers’ experience based 

perception guiding adaptation strategies and indicative implications and imperatives of the above issues, mainly 

in terms of making dry agriculture and rural development climate sensitive. 


India, other partner countries are following similar suit. 



47

MTP Output target 2011 1.10.4a. A Ph. D dissertation on social networks and technology innovations 

completed 

Intermediate output target 2010: Mapping the social network architecture of rural communities: 

Insights from two villages in semi-arid tropics of India 


80% 


India 


To date, however, as discerned from the literature, we are still far from being able to understand and design 

ways that can harness the full potential of social networks. Understanding when, why, and how social networks 

function best is important. It is here that social network analysis plays an important role. More methodological 

and conceptual work is needed to understand the network conditions that best help to nurture and support the 

many aspects of rural communities. The focus of this study is on the Semi-Arid Tropics (SAT) poor engaged in 

agriculture, the marginalized groups especially women. 


The study is designed in such a way to include participatory and inter-disciplinary research. These include: 

Qualitative methods of data collection. Focus groups meeting with men and women farmers in the two study 

locations were conducted to understand the important transactions that people have in these two villages. The 

qualitative surveys in Aurepalle and Kanzara were also aimed to understand the villagers’ perceptions about 

Technological, policy-related changes and development programs in the village over the past two or 

three decades. 

Which among these impacted them the most? 

What are the different social network groups in the village? 

What role did social networks play in the adoption of these technologies and development 

interventions? 

Based on the analysis of this information, it was decided to focus as case studies: the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) 

in Aurepalle and how they influenced welfare outcomes; and the kinship networks in Kanzara for diffusion of a 

specific seed technology. 

A semi-structured questionnaire was developed to study social networks effectively. The methodology for 

understanding village dynamics and social relationships and networks was developed in 2008. A village census 

was done to capture village dynamics and social relationships both within and outside the villages. The village 

census instrument used in the ICRISAT VLS census rounds until 2007 was examined in detail. The VLS census 

instrument covered vital statistics on demographic, landholding and asset details of the entire population of the 

village. It was strongly recommended by the experts that the 2007 census be methodologically enhanced to 

capture village dynamics. Inclusion of key variables measuring relationships, key transactions and networks 

among individuals/households in the village was recommended to augment the recently completed 2007 census. 

A survey instrument was developed to collect information on the major transactions – economic, socio-culturalpolitical 

and technology related – from all adult members in the village. The questionnaire was implemented 

after conducting Focus Group Meetings (FGM) and pilot testing the draft questionnaire. 

Quantitative analysis using STATA and visual analysis using UCINET software are currently ongoing. This 

include mapping of the network architecture (including networks developed either through formal organizations, 

kinship groups, neighborhoods networks, work groups, self-help groups, or informal interactions) for 

investigating the flow of information, access to new opportunities and identifying the hubs or focal points for 

introducing interventions . 

The above analysis is complemented by descriptive analysis of these network maps and will address how and 

why are social networks fragmented within communities? Which collective benefits could emerge from creation 

of new links? How do the networks affect outcomes, etc. Essentially, through a network analysis the patterns of 

relations between actors will be mapped. 


a. Analysis of the data on linkages existing in the village: This analysis revealed the different groups existing in 

the village and the flow of information. In Kanzara it was found that there are two dominant groups existing in 

48

village – the credit society group (dominated by male members of the community) and the women self help 

groups. In Aurepalle, a contrasting picture was seen – there are many networks/groups operating the village and 

it was observed that people belonged to multiple groups/networks. Women belonged to the self-help groups as 

well as the credit society, men were members of the credit society, and they were members of the education 

committee and so on. This result raises some questions- what are the reasons for people of Aurepalle to form 

diverse networks and be a part of them? Are there cultural, social, economic or political reasons as to why 

people of Kanzara are not coming together to from new networks? These can be addressed through the social 

network analysis. 

b. Mapping the network architecture in the two villages 

Step 1: Reorganizing data into matrix form. 

As the data collected is very voluminous (about 15,000-20,000 observations approx. per village), it became 

difficult for handling in Microsoft Excel. Hence I took training in the use of STATA software for data 

management and some analysis. The network maps are drawn using UCINET 6.1 Netdraw tool. To be able to 

use this tool, it was mandatory to get all the relationships data into a matrix . Matrices were structured using 

STATA. 

Step 2: Documenting the network architecture of the village. 

The figure below shows a network map for village Aurepalle using a random sample of households. Similar 

maps are also developed for village Kanzara. 

Figure. A Network map of head of households in Aurepalle using a random sample of households 

If the above map is closely examined, it can be noticed that the pie can be cut into two parts or circles. The 

centre portion or the core or the inner circle is where the connections between people are dense and well 

connected. The periphery on the other hand shows the households/individuals who are not so well connected. 

Does this mean they are not well off and or are excluded? The qualitative life histories and the analysis of the 

three decades of data available on these households from the ICRISAT-VLS will help to get answers to these 

questions. The characteristics of the relationships as well as the attributes of the individuals/households – their 

caste, class status, other sociological variables like education, family size, risk taking behavior as well as their 

asset position and resource endowments – through the descriptive quantitative and qualitative analysis will help 

us to understand the outputs – who are connected to whom, why and how; how does this connection influence 

the outcomes. 

Two social network measures, Betweenness and Closeness, are particularly revealing of a node’s advantageous 

or constrained location in a network. The values of both metrics are dependent upon the pattern of connections 

that a node is embedded in. Betweenness measures the control a node has over what flows in the network – how 

often is this node on the path between other nodes? Closeness measures how easily a node can access what is 

available via the network – how quickly can this node reach all others in the network? A combination where a 

node has easy access to others, while controlling the access of other nodes in the network, reveals high informal 

power. 

49

Step 3. Analyzing networks by gender, caste, and transactions 

After analyzing the network map of the random sample of households, the next step was to analyse the network 

architectures by gender and type of transaction. As an example the network architecture of women in Aurepalle 

who are involved in land and labor transactions is presented here. By land and labor transactions here it is 

meant women who are involved in sale of land, leasing in or leasing out land for agriculture and crop sowing 

purposes, contracting labor for work, providing employment to labor households etc. It was observed that the 

connections are loosely arranged and not dense. More often it is a one on one transactions and is not a very well 

connected network. The circular nodes depict women while the squares are the men with whom they have these 

transactions. The transactions by women are always with men in these activities and there is not even one 

transactions between two women. Even if there is a link between two women in this case it is through a male 

member. In contrast such a network for men was found to be dense. 

A network map of men from one caste group (the Gowda community which is one of the dominant caste groups 

in Aurepalle was also mapped. Taking a sample of households which belong to the VLS sample, the network 

architecture of these men are documented . The results reveal that 5 households are linked to each other through 

one transaction or the other. But one household has no connections with the other members of the community. 

Is it the case that this household is poor and therefore has no connections with members of his own caste group? 

Or are the connections of this household with people not necessarily from his own caste group? Is it that he 

does not indulge in the caste occupation – toddy tapping as he has no date palm trees? Answers to these 

questions can be got from an analysis of the VLS data which gives us information about his primary occupation, 

his income and asset position, as well as the individual history of the individual and the household. Another 

interesting node in this network is the node with id A0109001. This individual has links with people outside the 

village and that too with institutions like the Grameen Bank, Mandal Revenue Officer etc. His links with the 

people within the village are through his affiliations outside the village. Indepth interviews with him also reveal 

that he is the husband of the ex-sarpanch of the village. When his wife was in power he was the one who would 

approach the officials for bringing development programs in the village. He is also a money lender within the 

village and maintains network with people outside the village to maintain his powerful status in the village. 

Another case study is the network architecture of a money lender from a forward caste. As illustrated in the 

analysis of the data as well as Focus Group Discussions, he is a powerful hub/node in the village. A close 

examination of the predominance of the money lender in the village given that there are other sources of credit 

available to the rural poor revealed that the transaction costs of approaching a money lender is still small 

compared to approaching the bank or a SHG in the case of women. Also he is able to ensure that the produce is 

sold at a better price and the farmer gets some money back after repayment of the loan to the money lender. 

Moreover, the money lender also assists the farmer in procuring the needed inputs for crop production. His 

links with the outside groups also form a channel for information flows. In the earlier decades, the money lender 

was an important focal point in the village as he was the main source of credit to the famers from all class and 

caste categories. With the spread of financial institutions in the villages and the women Self Help Groups 

which are now the source of micro-credit, and the awareness by the communities of the advantages of these 

formal sources of finance, the money lenders have now a limited role to play. They are still popular in the 

villages because if the farmer wants a large sum of sum without the hassles of the banking procedures, he/she 

still approaches the money lender for financial help. This mapping gives a picture of how important this 

node/focal point is in the present economy and for what purposes is this focal point important. 

The network table of the money lender (Mr Vattem Rama Rao) in Aurepalle presents an interesting picture. His 

transactions now are reduced to more of a socio-cultural-political kind of transactions. He is seen interacting 

with people in the village from mostly his own caste group and some other forward caste group members. 

About 50% of his transactions are with his relatives either by blood or marriage. His monetary/economic 

transactions are again outside the village and include mostly formal financial institutions. As he does not 

practice agriculture, he has no transactions related to agricultural technology. Also since he belongs to the 

forward caste, he does not have any interactions with people in power (village council) regarding the 

development programs as he is not a beneficiary of the programs. He lives alone in the village and his 

transactions are mostly limited to his caste group now, which was not the case about 20 years back. 

He figures in 120 networks though. As mentioned earlier he still is the source of credit as far as large sums of 

money are considered and about 60 people in the village still approach him for economic help. About 50 people 

approach him for socio-cultural-political needs (e.g. As a respected person while fixing marriage alliances of 

their kith and kin, and to some extent for information regarding formation of SHGs, how to get loans from the 

banks, how much interest from the banks etc). 

50

c. Case studies 

Women Self-help groups in Aurepalle: As mentioned earlier in the report there are about 53 SHGs operating in 

Aurepalle. Information on 45 groups has been collected (see example below). These are currently being 

analysed using the network data. Network maps both in tabular form as well as in pictorial form will be 

developed. The maps of women belonging to SHG will be compared with those maps of women who do not 

belong to a SHG will be compared. An in-depth qualitative survey will be conducted to draw further inferences. 

Kinship networks in spread of an agricultural innovation in Kanzara: Agriculture is the main traditional 

livelihood in Kanzara. Two key features of agriculture in this region are the predominance of cotton and the 

practice of intercropping . Cotton is being grown in this region since centuries. From 2005-06 Soybean crop has 

been taken up by the villagers and is gradually replace cotton during the kharif season. Cotton and cotton 

mixtures are intercropped with sorghum and pulses such as mung and pigeonpea during the Kharif season. 

Cropping pattern analysis (see line diagram below) reveals that pigeonpea is grown as in intercrop since many 

decades. 1-2 rows between 16-18 rows of cotton and sorghum earlier; now with soybean. Pigeonpea is used for 

own consumption and local pigeonpea was mostly grown using the seeds saved by the farmers. Following the 

attack of wilt (a disease) for consequent years the progressive farmers requested ICRISAT for a wilt resistant 

variety of pigeonpea during the late eighties 

ICRISAT introduced a wilt resistant variety of pigeonpea (ICP 8863) through the LEGOFTEN program in 1987. 

5 kgs of seed was distributed among 5 farmers of the village during 1987-1992. Within a span of 5 years this 

variety spread throughout the district even in the absence of the state government getting engaged in the 

multiplication of the seed. The variety and the seed spread was through friends, relatives and acquaintances 

alone. The variety still dominates the pigeonpea production even till 2009 as is evident from the data. 

Using focus group meetings and key informant interviews with two farmers who got this seed from ICRISAT, I 

tracked the spread of this technology within the village and outside. Along with Mr VK Chopde, Senior 

Scientific Officer at ICRISAT, we documented the spread and the tracking of the technology through these 

meetings. The flow charts depicting tracking the seed technology the of the two farmers gives a complete 

picture of the spread of the technology. The two examples show how even in the absence of an apathetic and 

inefficient beauracracy technology adoption and diffusion can take place through networks of friends, relatives 

and kin. The steps ongoing are now to develop network maps of people who are growing this variety of 

pigeonpea and to compare with those not growing pigeonpea if the case may be. Additionally, ICRISAT 

introduced another hybrid variety of pigeonpea in this village in 2008. Mapping to whom this technology was 

introduced, where do they appear in the network map of the maruti growers and see the spread of this 

technology. This will lead to testing the hypothesis whether introducing an intervention to the members in the 

core will lead to faster adoption of the technology or the individual in the periphery will slow down the 

diffusion speed. 


Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay 


: Profs D Parthasarathy, Sarmistah Pattanaik and KN Narayanan 

: R Padmaja and MCS Bantilan 


Nil 

MTP Output target 2012 1.10.1 Gathering longitudinal data on households, individuals and fields in 42 

selected villages in years 1-5 of the project 

Intermediate output target in 2010- Data collection and validation of 2009 data completed 


100% 


India and Bangladesh 


The main objective is to enhance the availability of reliable household-, individual-, and field-specific, highfrequency, 

time-series data in purposely selected 42 villages in the semi-arid and humid tropics of South Asia. 

51

Understanding village-level information and ground realities can act as an important catalyst in accelerating 

agricultural and rural development. This project is aimed at creating a premier source of high quality 

longitudinal household data in selected regions of South Asia. This will give a voice to the poor and inform 

programs and policies that help smallholder farmers lift themselves out of hunger and poverty, alongside 

helping shape future agricultural development strategies. 


The household surveys were conducted in 42 selected villages (30 in India and 12 in Bangladesh) using pretested 

and well designed interview schedules, namely, General Endowment Schedule (GES), Cultivation 

Schedule (Y), Transaction Schedule (L), Employment Schedule (K), Livestock Schedule (Z) and Monthly Price 

Schedule (M). GPS coordinates were collected for all households in all the villages to enable geo-referencing of 

the data during data analysis. Three frequency modes were employed in data collection, namely, high-frequency 

(monthly), seasonal (half-yearly) and annual. The data collection was done by field investigators who resided in 

the respective villages. Data checking was done by supervisors at the village level as well as at ICRISAT. Data 

entry and validation were done through the double-entry method. In addition, social and resource maps were 

drawn by the villagers in 6 VLS villages. Special purpose surveys on Climate Change were undertaken in all 

traditional 6 VLS villages in India and 4 villages in Bangladesh. Experimental village grants are being 

implemented in the 6 traditional VLS villages. 

To ensure high quality in data collection, entry, management and analysis, several trainings, workshops and 

orientation programs were organized. 


• Formal project launch meetings and follow-up planning meetings successfully organized for SAT India, 

East India and Bangladesh components. 

• Survey instruments and methods for collecting quality data were harmonized. Appropriate periodicity for 

different survey modules was finalized. 

• Data collection through monthly, seasonal and annual frequencies is on schedule in SAT India, East India 

and Bangladesh. 

• Complementary qualitative data were collected using PRA tools and focus group interviews. 

• Customized data entry templates and applications (CS Pro) adapted for all 3 regions and required training 

programs on CSPro organized. 

• Training of staff for standardized econometric software package (STATA application) completed in May 

2010 for SAT India. 

• Guidelines for mid-course monitoring and corrections to improve data quality both during data collection 

and data entry/validation established for use in all three regions. 

• Half yearly review meetings were conducted in all the three regions to ensure timely collection and 

processing of data. 

• Project Annual Review Meeting was held on 22 November 2010 at ICRISAT. 

• Special Session on VDSA was organized during the 18 th Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics 

Research Association held at NAARM, Hyderabad on 20 November 2010. 


NCAP, IRRI, SocioConsult, CPD 



Intermediate output target in 2010 -Integrating gender issues in the VDSA 


20% 


India 


To integrate gender issues in VDSA project 

52


The basic survey questionnaires are enhanced with specific questions focusing on gender aspects. These include: 

• Roles and responsibilities - Labor and time allocation 

• Decision making roles and responsibilities 

• Employment 

• Access to and control over resources for crop production 

• Access to and control over benefits from crop produce; utilization of crop products and by-products 

• Coping mechanisms during shocks 

• Access and benefit from government/development programs 

Data for 2009 on different gender issues (as per point # 1) are being validated, analyzed and publications are 

under the production process. Anthropometric tools/equipment – digital weigh balance (for adults); height rod 

(adults); infantometer (for weight and height recording for 0-18 months age group); tape for measuring arm 

circumference have been delivered from SEACA, Germany. Distribution of one full set per village is 

completed. Training on taking accurate measurements using anthropometric equipments were given to all the 

field investigators by resource persons from National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). 

A special module on nutrition, health, sanitation and gender is being planned for commencement under the 

project. This may include collaborations with NIN and University of Pennsylvania among others. 

Field investigators are also trained on collecting information specific to gender issues, and qualitative tools. In 

addition to the above, women farmers were also included in the farmers trips/excursions to different agricultural 

research stations in the region as well as some historical, social and cultural places of interest. 


IRRI, NCAP, CPD, Socioconsult 



Intermediate output target 2010 – Special session on VDSA at the 18th Annual Conference of the 

Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA) 

Achievement of Output Target 

100% 


India 


“Creating strong public-private partnerships and involving a larger number of stakeholders creates a selfsustaining 

value chain with critical inputs reaching farmers in a timely manner and quality commodities 

reaching end users,” said Director General William Dar at the 18th Annual Conference of the Agricultural 

Economics Research Association (AERA). 

As Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker, Dr Dar appropriately set the tone of the conference by elaborating on 

the theme and citing examples of ICRISAT’s successes in value chain enhancement, namely the Agri-Business 

Incubator, a pioneer in agri-business incubation in India; ICRISAT’s promotion of sweet sorghum with its 

multi-product potential as a viable crop for bio-ethanol production; and the project where small-scale sorghum 

and pearl millet farmers were successfully and profitably organized into Farmers’ Associations who were then 

linked to industrial end users. 

The GT-IMPI team (Drs Cynthia Bantilan, P Parthasarathy Rao, V Kiresur, Uttam Kumar Deb, Naveen Singh 

and other Scientific Officers and Visiting Scientists) organized a special session entitled, “Exploring 

Development Pathways through Village Dynamic Studies”, where participants were exposed to the VDS and 

deliberated on options for analyzing these data towards addressing key issues for creating policy 

recommendations in the agriculture sector. 


NCAP 

53



Intermediate output target 2010 – Consultations and discussions with project advisory members 

Extensive discussions and consultations with Dr Hans Binswanger were undertaken during April 2010 on the 

implementation of the VDSA project, learning’s so far , mid-course corrections if any, constraints faced and 

evolving solutions, and future plans under the project. 



Intermediate output target in 2010- Village Dynamics Studies (VLS) in West Africa 


75% 


Niger and Burkina Faso 


In twelve villages of Burkina Faso & Niger, data are being collected using about 26 modules. Used costaccounting 

method to collect data at village, household and plot data using 25 modules: Household sociodemographic 

profile, Land stocks, Plot characteristics, Weights and units of measurements 

Transactions on agricultural products (Sale of agricultural products and gifts received, Purchase of agricultural 

products and gifts given, Sale of animals and gifts given, Purchase of animals and gifts received), Labor use 

(Family labor, Hired labor, Family labor sale on agricultural activities), Price of agricultural products in the 

market, Purchase of inputs, household investment and expenditures (Expenditures on durable assets, 

Expenditures on consumable goods), Off-farm revenues, Food consumption, Crop stocks flows, Livestock 

flows, Migration, Remittances, Use of oil and water conservation measures, Risks and calamities, Climate 

change, Agricultural equipment, Credit (Borrowing, Lending), Split households since the 1980, Food security 

and poverty proxy, Household affiliation to institutions, Household durable assets 


Data collection for year 1 is ongoing. 


IFPRI, INRAN and INERA 


West Africa: Assessing the dynamics of poverty and land degradation in the Sahelian countries of West Africa 

from IDRC. 

MTP Output target 2012 1.10.2 Assembly of secondary agricultural meso-level data into an integrated 

database updated, expanded in coverage, extended in geographic area and decentralized in level of aggregation 



25% 


India, Bangladesh 


ICRISAT is maintaining district level database for India that includes data on area and production under major 

crops, land use, crop wise irrigated area, source wise irrigation, farm harvest prices, fertilizer consumption, 

rainfall, infrastructure variables like road length, and markets, land holding size and census data relating to 

human and livestock population. The database spans 512 districts in India covering 16 states (now 19 states, 

with the formation of 3 new states). 

54

A number of research papers have been produced using this database. For example, documenting cropping 

pattern changes, supply response functions, typology of agriculture, factors influencing livestock density and 

productivity and more recently on factors influencing Diversification of Agriculture in India. The main 

objective is to provide one stop shop for meso level database. 


Recently formed districts and other relevant geo-political boundaries have been identified in all three project 

regions (Sat India, Eastern India, and Bangladesh) and methodologies of dealing with them have been developed 

that will ensure the consistency of the data across all regions. The methodology that is being followed for all 

three regions is to collect the data according to the new district/province boundaries. Data from earlier years is 

apportioned according to the land area of the original (1966) boundaries for India and boundaries for 

Bangladesh. Data will be reported according to the new boundaries. 


For SAT India the existing district level database has been updated till 2007 for the 8 states in the region. The 

variables available in the database are crop area and production, land use, irrigation, agro-climatic variables, 

livestock, farm harvest prices, fertilizer consumption, roads, credit, monthly rainfall data, wages and markets. 

Additional variables have been identified that are relevant to the over-arching VDSA project objectives such as 

GDP per capita, literacy rates, poverty ratios, sectoral shifts, infrastructure indices, and welfare programs are 

being collected at the district level from 2000. A similar undertaking is also underway in north India for the 

northern and eastern states of India, however, owing to delays in the project implementation, the data collection 

and updating in this region is currently ongoing. 

In 2010, meso-data collection for Bangladesh was collected at two levels: region level and district level. At the 

region level, area, production and yield data for six major crops (Aus Rice, Aman Rice, Boro Rice, Wheat, Jute 

and Potato) for all 22 regions of Bangladesh for the period 1981/82-2009/10 were collected, processed, 

validated and submitted to the BMGF. At the district level, area, production and yield data for five major crops 

(Aus Rice, Aman Rice, Boro Rice, Wheat and Potato) for all 64 districts of Bangladesh for the period 2003/04- 

2009/10 were collected, processed, validated and submitted to the BMGF. 

We are in the process of building comprehensive time series data set that would include more detailed climatic 

and infrastructure variables initially for the districts in the states on Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and 

Karnataka. Besides rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, humidity, wind velocity and soft 

infrastructure variables like education institutions, health centers, livestock institutions etc. from 1970-71 to 

2007-08 (or for the available years) have been collected for Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. 

Additionally the data set includes daily temperature and humidity data for Andhra Pradesh (20 districts) and 

selected districts of Maharashtra. In order to collect the time series data from rare government publications in 

Andhra Pradesh for the above variables, these documents were photographed and then entered into the database 

at the ICRISAT headquarters. The data set for Andhra Pradesh will be ready for analysis by end Decemeber 

2010. Such a comprehensive data base would enable in-depth analysis of the impact of climate change on crops 

and analysis of supply response, and role of infrastructure in agriculture development. 

Digitized GIS maps for SAT and Eastern India are available and have been used to carry out spatial analysis for 

ICRISAT mandate crops and presented in various workshops/conferences. . 


ICRISAT, IRRI, NCAP, CPD 



MTP Output target 2012 1.10.3. Capacity building for NARS scientists and regional scientists in the design 

and execution of household panel surveys, data processing technologies and time-series panel data analysis 


50% 

Countries Involved 

India 

55

Intermediate output target in 2010- Building analytical capacity of staff through training in STATA and 

meso-data analysis 


Strengthening of in-house institutional analytical capacity to conduct analysis on the micro- and meso-data 

Methodology/Approach: Training with internal and external subject experts and combining both theoretical and 

practical approaches. With special emphasis on hands on experience. 


GT-IMPI organized a training course on Econometric Methods and Applications using STATA (Data Analysis 

and Statistical Software) from 25 to 31 May at Patancheru. The training course emphasized the need for timely, 

accurate and robust analysis of the data collected under the Village Dynamics Studies, combining both 

quantitative and qualitative variables, at the micro- and meso levels. This training course was primarily aimed at 

social scientists and support staff. It is envisioned that their skills in econometric analysis using STATA will be 

enriched under the able guidance of experts in the field. The coordinator for this training course was S 

Madheswaran from the Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore. He was ably supported by Subir 

Sen from the Energy and Resource Institute, New Delhi and Badri Narayana Rath from IIT- Hyderabad. 

Workshops on data collection for meso-data were undertaken at ICRISAT in order to train NARS partners on 

the appropriate methodologies for data collection, validation and analysis. Seminars and lectures on the 

relevance of meso-data in socio-economic research, particularly in the writing of village profiles, were 

conducted for a wide cross section of people ranging from NARS partner scientists to field investigators. 


Bill and Melinda Gates foundation 

Intermediate output target 2010 - VDSA M&E through annual and mid-term project training cum review 

meetings 


100% 


India 


The program aimed at reviewing the progress made by the resident field investigators during the last year and at 

receiving feedback on the survey work and their stay in the villages. 


A 4-day Mid-Term Review Workshop-cum-Training program from 24 to 27 August, 2010 was organized by 

the VDSA team of the Global Theme on Institutions, Markets, Policy and Impacts (GT-IMPI). As many as 19 

field investigators, one each from the 18 target villages spread across five states of SAT India, namely, Andhra 

Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and a lady field investigator from Patancheru 

actively participated in the workshop. Project Leader and GTL MCS Bantilan highlighted the importance of 

quality data collection as well as analysis including publishing as critical outputs of the project. She also 

reiterated and impressed upon the resident field investigators to publish the field observations and analysis as a 

pathway for their career progression. VR Kiresur, P Parthasarathy Rao and UK Deb gave a brief account of the 

progress achieved in the project during its first year. The capacity building component of the workshop 

included sessions on qualitative data collection methods (by R Padmaja), computer assisted personal interview 

instruments (by GV Anupama), soil sampling method for soil analysis (by IYLN Murthy from DOR, 

Hyderabad), method of usage of rain gauges (by NN Srivastava from CRIDA, Hyderabad), use of 

anthropometric equipment (by K Mallikarjuna Rao and Sree Rama Krishna from NIN, Hyderabad). The third 

day was totally devoted to a village immersion at Aurepalle village, Mahbubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. 

Field investigators, supervisors and data entry operators were divided into four groups for a mock household 

survey organized to appreciate the effort of quality data collection at field level. The workshop ended on the 

fourth day with the finalization of work plans for each of the villages under all the three objectives envisaged in 

the project. 

56

A similar training-cum-Project Review Workshop of the Bangladesh Component of the Village Dynamics in 

South Asia (VDSA) Project was successfully organized during 7-9 May 2010, at the Socioconsult, Dhaka, 

Bangladesh. The workshop started with a visit to Nishaiganj village of Mymensingh district, which is one of the 

twelve villages selected for implementing the VDSA project in Bangladesh. A major shift from rice cultivation 

to fish farming in Nishaiganj was one example of the rapidity of village dynamics, which are being tracked in 

the project. 

MCS Bantilan gave an overview of the project to the Bangladesh VDSA team. The project was reviewed 

following the presentation of the achievements of the Bangladesh component in the first year by Alamgir 

Chowdhury (Socioconsult) and UK Deb (Center for Policy Dialogue). VR Kiresur and P Parthasarathy Rao 

imparted training to the Bangladesh team including field investigators, programmers and data entry operators on 

the quantitative methodologies for village/household surveys and meso/macro data collection. R Padmaja and 

Rupsha Banerjee guided the participants on the use of qualitative tools for data collection. Naveen Singh and H 

Padmini also participated and contributed to the successful organization of the workshop. 

A one day annual review meeting of the project was also organized back to back to the AERA Conference on 

November 22, 2010. All project partners from SAT India, East India and Bangladesh actively participated in 

this meeting. The morning session focused on knowledge gaps and research needs under the Village dynamics 

studies for the three regions namely SAT India, eastern India and Bangladesh. Extensive discussions by the 

participants in identifying knowledge gaps and research needs were undertaken keeping in mind the focus of the 

project as well as the ultimate outcomes desired. The session also had presentations on women’s contribution to 

rural economic activities in India and Bangladesh. Discussions on gaps and research needs in this area was very 

interactive and explanatory. The session ended with a good discussion on all the issues presented and discussed 

in the forenoon. 

The afternoon session dealt with discussion on researchable issues, small grants, co-funding plans and 

development and finalization of work-plans by regions namely SAT India region, East India region and 

Bangladesh. Dr MCS Bantilan opened the session with introduction on the project management issues like 

grants, co funding and work plan for the coming year, highlighting 3 key points – a. not to lose focus of the 

project; harnessing the data collected by making comparative and stimulating analysis across 42 villages; spatial 

analysis with the geo-referenced data. She also requested the participants to focus on research prioritization for 

the forth coming competitive grant projects. She also emphasized on innovative analytical prowess looking into 

panel data under VDSA project. 

Various researchable issues were highlighted by Drs PK Joshi, MCS Bantilan, NS Jodha, Anjani Kumar, VR 

Kiresur, P Parthasarathy Rao and Uttam Kumar Deb. 10 broad researchable areas were summarized: 

1. Typology of poor under different rainfall regimes 

2. Land markets and new dimensions of land market emerging 

3. Labor markets after initiation of the schemes – eg NREGA in India, so also similar programs in 

implementation in Bangladesh 

4. Technology profiling in SAT and humid regions – compare and contrast 

5. Water markets 

6. Service sector 

7. Delivery mechanism – especially inputs and governance of the schemes 

8. Income diversification for livelihood options 

9. Documenting innovative institutions and how they are helping the poor to get out of poverty 

10. Agriculture vis-à-vis health and education 

Dr Bantilan supplemented the above discussion with a reiteration that there is a need to understand, document 

and analyze the emerging micro-level issues identified through micro level data and upscale the findings and 

policy implication through meso-level data analysis. There has to be convergence of the meso- and micro-level 

data such that the ground level insights on the emerging issues will be able to provide compelling research 

response and ultimately achieve impact. Cross-cutting gender-related issues to be identified eg. Analysis of 

tenancy and land fragmentation in East India with a gender perspective. 

The achievements for the three objectives in SAT India region, EAST Indian region and Bangladesh were 

presented by the respective objective leaders and coordinators. Workplans for the following year were discussed 

in detail. The proposed workplan for 2011 includes Complete digitization of PRA maps; Organizing CSPro 

training; Finalize CSPro data-entry templates development; Computer entry of 2009-2010 HH data; HH Data 

collection for 2010-2011; Computer entry of 2010-2011 HH data; Finalize template for meso-data; Collection 

57

and entry of meso-data; Analyze micro and meso level data; Publish profiles of 12 villages; review papers on 

poverty and food security in SAT India, East India and Bangladesh. The publications and dissemination strategy 

was also discussed and highlighted. 

Dave Hoisington, DDG, ICRISAT in his concluding comments, after actively participating in the days 

proceedings, impressed upon the ethical issues to be carefully considered in data collection as well as 

dissemination of the data to the wider audience through the website. 

Dr Bantilan also proposed that Dave Hoisington be part of the Advisory Panel for the project. She reminded the 

group to keep the basic guiding principles of the project discussed in the morning session: 

• Raising the voices of the poor 

• Quality data and analysis 

• IPG 

• Highest priority for capacity building of South Asian researchers 

• Methodology building and developments both quantitative and qualitative components of the project 





MTP Output target 2012 1.11.1 Database and documentation of VLS baseline data for SAT India, East India 

and Bangladesh; VLS information portal developed 

Intermediate output target in 2010- Database management and documentation of VLS data for SAT India 

initiated 


40% 




A data mining expert Prof. TV Prabhakar from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur was hired as a 

resource person for an exploratory workshop entitled ‘Developing concept maps, models and relational 

databases for GT-IMPI Databases’ held on Saturday 21 August. As per his advice, preparations were started for 

setting up a data warehouse with OLAP features. A concept map and mind map depicting the different entities 

in the VLS and district level databases and their inter-relations were developed. These maps provide the viewers 

an overall view of the databases including the survey locations, the key features, detailed survey modules, 

methodology, censuses and special purpose surveys. 

We are exploring the external warehouse service providers, particularly IBM, Oracle and Microsoft. Good 

progress was made with IBM-Envision. They visited ICRISAT to find out the requirements, studied the data, 

worked with a sample to produce snapshot reports. They also presented a seminar showcasing their capabilities 

using the sample reports. Oracle also visited ICRISAT to study the existing system and requirements. We are 

also working with Sonata on a possible solution from them. The different vendors are expected to suggest the 

necessary hardware requirements, the suitable software, provide necessary technical support and required 

training for the sustainability of the project. The Data management unit at ICRISAT is playing a key role in this 

aspect. This external agency will also be helping us in developing a high standard VLS portal. 

Alongside database development, the information portal or the website for hosting VDSA is being developed. 

All the static pages of the project are ready and being edited. The pages for database posting are being 

developed. This also includes data documentations. 

After extensive search, with World Bank advice, three Samsung UMPC q1-ultra model CAPI instruments were 

purchased for data collection. These instruments will be piloted one each in three districts, namely 

Mahbubnagar, Sholapur and Akola. Each of them costed around 1.5K US$. We have also purchased Reliance 

internet data cards for these instruments for easy transmission of the data from villages to Patancheru. We are 

planning on the job training for the investigators in April on the usage of these instruments. Both hard copy 

58

questionnaires and CAPI will be implemented in these villages for a minimum of 6 months to test the efficiency of the new instrument. Based on the 

performance this system will be extended to other villages in the coming years. 

The development of summary files at plot, household and individual level is in progress. Plot summary files for 

the 6 old VLS villages from 1975-2008 were completed. For the same time period, per capita and per household 

incomes from various sources like migration, caste occupations, farm labor, non-farm labor, agriculture, 

livestock, remittances, rents and interests were also computed and preliminary poverty estimations were done. 


IRRI, NCAP, CPD 



Intermediate output target in 2010: Development of databases for household and meso-level datasets, 

documentation of databases and development of VLS website. 


30% 




The main objective of this activity is to sharply increase the availability of household panel dataset and mesodata 

sets, across regions and years, for decision making on development issues to reduce impoverishment in 

poverty-laden regions in the semi-arid and humid tropics of South Asia. Hence, database development and 

management assumes prime importance. Access to these data sets through web would enhance the ability of the 

development researchers and policy analysts in evidence-based policy recommendations. 


CSPro data entry software is adopted for entry and validation of household panel data in all the three regions. 

This software is freely downloadable and widely used for surveys and censuses. CSPro was customized to suit 

the requirements of the three regions. Double entry method of data feeding was followed to check data entry 

errors. Data documentation manual was prepared for supply to data users. Development of data warehousing 

system would ensure efficient data management and user friendly data extraction. 


• Customized data entry software has been developed in CS-Pro. 

• Computation of the estimates of synthesized key summary variables based on the longitudinal datasets, at 

plot level, individual level and household level is in progress. These variables include crop output, crop 

income and expenditure, net returns, household income from different sources, assets value, food and 

nonfood consumptions etc. These summary files will be also part of the website under open access. 

• Training of staff for standardized econometric software package- STATA – application completed in May 

2010 for SAT India. 

• To handle the datasets collected earlier in previous VLS rounds, documentation for the VLS database for 

the year 2001-04 is completed. This documentation along with the standardized survey instruments will be 

uploaded on the website. 

• Documentation of the existing meso-database has been completed from 1966 to 1999 for uploading the data 

on the webpage. 

• Database management protocols are being designed with the assistance of Knowledge Management and 

Sharing Unit (KMS) at ICRISAT. 

• VDSA Project Website is developed, which is yet to be hosted. 

• Development of data warehousing systems is in progress. 


NCAP, IRRI, SocioConsult 



59

Intermediate Output Target 2010: District level data base development of VDSA locations 


25% 




ICRISAT is maintaining district level database for India that includes data on area and production under major 

crops, land use, crop wise irrigated area, source wise irrigation, farm harvest prices, fertilizer consumption, 

rainfall, infrastructure variables like road length, and markets, land holding size and census data relating to 

human and livestock population. The database spans 512 districts in India covering 16 states (now 19 states, 

with the formation of 3 new states). 

A number of research papers have been produced using this database. For example, documenting cropping 

pattern changes, supply response functions, typology of agriculture, factors influencing livestock density and 

productivity and more recently on factors influencing Diversification of Agriculture in India. The main 

objective is to provide one stop shop for meso level database. 


Recently formed districts and other relevant geo-political boundaries have been identified in all three project 

regions (Sat India, Eastern India, and Bangladesh) and methodologies of dealing with them have been developed 

that will ensure the consistency of the data across all regions. The methodology that is being followed for all 

three regions is to collect the data according to the new district/province boundaries. Data from earlier years is 

apportioned according to the land area of the original (1966) boundaries for India and boundaries for 

Bangladesh. Data will be reported according to the new boundaries. 


For SAT India the existing district level database has been updated till 2007 for the 8 states in the region. The 

variables available in the database are crop area and production, land use, irrigation, agro-climatic variables, 

livestock, farm harvest prices, fertilizer consumption, roads, credit, monthly rainfall data, wages and markets. 

Additional variables have been identified that are relevant to the over-arching VDSA project objectives such as 

GDP per capita, literacy rates, poverty ratios, sectoral shifts, infrastructure indices, and welfare programs are 

being collected at the district level from 2000. 

A similar undertaking is also underway in north India and Bangladesh. However, owing to delays in the project 

implementation, the data collection and updating in those regions is currently ongoing. 

We are in the process of building comprehensive time series data set that would include more detailed climatic 

and infrastructure variables initially for the districts in the states on Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and 

Karnataka. Besides rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, humidity, wind velocity and soft 

infrastructure variables like education institutions, health centers, livestock institutions etc. from 1970-71 to 

2007-08 (or for the available years) have been collected for Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. 

Additionally the data set includes daily temperature and humidity data for Andhra Pradesh (20 districts) and 

selected districts of Maharashtra. In order to collect the time series data from rare government publications in 

Andhra Pradesh for the above variables, these documents were photographed and then entered into the database 

at the ICRISAT headquarters. The data set for Andhra Pradesh will be ready for analysis by end Decemeber 

2010. Such a comprehensive data base would enable in-depth analysis of the impact of climate change on crops 

and analysis of supply response, and role of infrastructure in agriculture development. 

Digitized GIS maps for SAT and Eastern India are available and have been used to carry out spatial analysis for 

ICRISAT mandate crops and presented in various workshops/conferences. . 





60

Intermediate output target in 2010 District level meso database management 


25% 



Progress of work: 

Documentation of the existing database has been completed from 1966 to 1999 for uploading the data on the 

webpage. The data collection and validation will be stepped up in 2010 to meet the first output of the objective 

slated for first quarter on 2011. 

61



Sustaining biodiversity of Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Small Millets, 

Groundnut, Pigeonpea and Chickpea for current and future 

generations 

HD Upadhyaya 


In our quest to identify genetic resources for useful traits in our mandate crops, two vegetable 

pigeonpea accessions, ICP 12772 and ICP 12059, have been identified as asymptomatic (0% incidence) 

for both Fusarium wilt and Sterility mosaic disease (SMD) compared to the control , where the 

incidence was more than 90%. 

A large number of accessions were evaluated to identify sources for trait enhancement for yield and 

quality traits in chickpea, groundnut, pearl millet and sorghum. 

In chickpea several early maturing lines with high yield potential were identified for normal (winter) 

sown irrigated and rainfed situations and late sown (spring) irrigated conditions when temperatures are 

high and heat stress is a problem. ICC 5597, 5829, 12426 and 14368 among the desi types performed 

better than control ICCV 92944 in all environments. A few kabuli types such as ICC 14197, 14284 and 

18591 had acceptable yield level under heat stress conditions but were at par with control in the winter 

season. Among the large-seeded newly introduced kabuli types, ICC 19763 was early (107 d), extralarge 

seeded (73.1 g) and high yielding (2 t ha -1 ), compared to the best control, KAK 2, under irrigated 

while ICC 19449 (55.4 g) was at par with control under rainfed conditions. Evaluation of 35 early 

maturing desi and kabuli lines for heat tolerance/resistance, we identified ICC 14346 as the most stable 

line for both cool and hot seasons. Another nine desi types and three kabuli were identified as 

promising for heat tolerance. A new salinity tolerant line, ICC 11121(2.43 t ha -1 compared to control, 

2.38 t ha -1 ) was identified for irrigated environment, while ICC 4593 and 9942 were at par with the 

control, CSG 8962 (1.68 t ha-1), under rainfed situation. 

In groundnut, promising confectionary, salinity, drought, BND and defoliation tolerant lines were 

identified. Among confectionary types ICG 5662, 9127, 12199 (60-82 g 100 seeds -1 ) were at par or 

better than control, Somnath (71 g) for yield during post-rainy season and ICG 5690, 8268, 9127 and 

12199 (45-51 g) were better than Somnath (45 g) during rainy season. For salinity tolerance, ICG 

11426, during the 2010 rainy and ICG 6022 during 2009-10 post-rainy seasons performed better than 

control. Among drought tolerant lines, ICG 14426, 02286, 94169 and 92206 during rainy season and 

ICG 02286, 94169, 01328 and 86011 during post-rainy season were superior to the controls. Two lines, 

ICG 13099, 14710 (1.54-1.58 t ha -1 ) identified for their transpiration efficiency produced higher yield 

than controls (1.37-1.48 t ha -1 ). In yield potential evaluation, 12 (1.37 – 1.88 t ha -1 ) accessions 

produced significantly higher yield than the control cultivars (0.69-1.36 t ha -1 ). 

In pearl millet, 360 fodder type accessions exhibited great diversity for fodder traits such as, plant 

height (143-441 cm), tiller number (1-18), leaf number (9-20), leaf length (60-78 cm), leaf width (24- 

44 mm) and late flowering (up to 128 days). The promising accessions were 14 for stem thickness, 9 

for leaf width, 4 for high leaf number, 61 for plant height and 46 for high tiller number. Evaluation of 

the mini core (238 accessions) for agronomic traits led to the identification of promising lines for early 

flowering (7), plant height (40), panicle number per plant (4), panicle length (42) and panicle thickness 

(31). There was a large and differential response among the accessions for heat tolerance. While some 

accessions performed well in rainy season, some were best in the hot summer season and a few were 

very stable and good in both seasons. Heat stress accelerated the life cycle in some and slowed down in 

others in both seasons and had no effect on some others. A group of accessions were selected for a 

detailed study of heat tolerance in the pearl millet during 2011. 

In sorghum, 242 mini core accessions, 103 new germplasm lines and 574 ICRISAT genebank lines 

were phenotyped during 2010. A large diversity was observed among the lines and the data analysis is 

in progress. Accessions (12) belonging to wild species such as S. aethiopicvum (20), S. verticilliflorum 

(4), S. virgatum (40) and S. arundinaceum (2) were characterized. 

In evaluation of chickpea accessions for disease resistance, 21 lines to Ascochyta blight, 93 for 

botrytis grey mold, 2 for dry root rot, and 2 for collar rot were found to be moderately resistant while 

62

30 lines were asymptomatic for Fusarium wilt. Considerable variation for resistance to Helicoverpa 

was observed among the germplasm lines and selection based on detached leaf assay and field 

infestation could be used as for selecting tolerant lines. Under natural infestation in field ICC 3737 was 

promising, other lines showing lower susceptibility to damage by H. armigera and a yield potential of 

>1000 kg ha -1 under unprotected conditions were identified for distribution to NARS partners for use in 

breeding program. 

We regenerated a total of 11,816 accessions in field and 262 accessions in special/controlled 

environment facilities at Patancheru and 696 accessions in Niger during 2010. We tested the seed 

viability of 8952 accessions at Patancheru and 5540 at Sadore, Niger during the reported period. A total 

of 1029 germplasm accessions were monitored for seed health and 490 accessions were completely 

free from pathogens. We processed 6,755 accessions for the active collection and 1,443 accessions for 

the base collection, resulting in conservation of 90.7% accessions in base collection. Additionally, 

22,000 accessions were deposited in Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway as safety backup during the 

reporting period. A total of 11,791 accessions were conserved in duplicate freezer at ICRISAT-Niamey 

at -20 0 C. 

Gaps in ICRISAT database were also updated resulting in availability of 97% characterization and 

evaluation data in our databases. Gaps in pearl millet passport databases were identified and published 

in a journal article in Plant Genetic Resources – Characterization and evaluation. To promote the 

utilization of pearl millet Germplasm in West and Central Africa, we evaluated 81 accessions at 

Sadore, Niger. Several accessions were identified for traits such as: presence of long awns, compact 

panicle with higher grain density, early maturing, striga tolerant and wide adaptation. PQL facilitated 

the export of 19,263 seed samples of staple crops to 46 countries during 2010. A total of 26 import 

permit requests were processed, 1,123 samples were imported during 2010. 

ICRISAT has the global responsibility of collection and conservation of small millets in addition to the 

mandate crops. During 2010 we assembled 70 unique small millets accessions and identified 2,314 

unique accessions for safety backup at ICRISAT. Finger millet and foxtail millet core accessions were 

evaluated in multilocational trials at five locations. Based on these evaluations, we identified 10 

accessions for early flowering (

esistant to neck and finger blast. Similarly 7 foxtail millet accessions resistant to neck and panicle 

blast and 7 to sheath blast, 10 accessions for grain yield potential and wider adaptability, 5 each for 

salinity and transpiration efficiency (TE), 4 for protein, 2 for calcium, 2 for Iron and one for zinc 

content were identified. 

Sorghum reference set was evaluated for drought tolerance traits and TE and we observed a 10-fold 

range for seed yield and harvest index (HI), 2-fold for TE and 1.25-fold for water extraction. 

Chickpea mini core was evaluated for tolerance to salinity, from 2005 to 2009 and 9 lines consistently 

tolerant to salinity were identified. Similarly we identified 14 salinity tolerant lines in groundnut mini 

core collection. Chickpea mini core was evaluated under two soil moisture conditions and a wide range 

of ∆13C was observed. Chickpea reference set was genotyped with DArT marker and marker 

associated with various traits such as root volume, root length, root dry weight, root surface area, root 

depth and root length density, and carbon isotope discrimination were identified. Diversity analyzed for 

the markers associated with drought related traits in chickpea and marker associated with drought 

related traits such as total dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root depth, root length were 

identified. Groundnut reference set was genotyped with 154 SSR Markers and a wide range of 

variation was observed for polymorphic information content (PIC) and gene diversity. Wild and 

cultivated accessions clustered separately and similar pattern was observed in grouping based on 

species, sub-species and genomes. 

Assessed genetic diversity of sorghum composite collection based on 41 SSR markers and a journal 

article prepared and submitted to BMC Plant Biology. Similarly genetic diversity of pearl millet 

composite collection analyzed and a reference set capturing 95% alleles of composite collection 

selected. Data sets of pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet were prepared and delivered to GCP and 

made available via internet. 

Assessed genetic diversity of foxtail millet composite collection and selected a reference set of 200 

genetically most diverse accessions capturing 87.3% alleles of the composite collection. 

Regenerated the seed of sorghum and pigeonpea reference sets and extracted DNA of chickpea, finger 

millet and groundnut mini core and reference sets and RILs and made available on request. To broaden 

the genetic base of cultivated groundnut, and introduce useful traits, A. chiquitana was crossed with 

cultivated groundnut and BC 3 F 4 generation screened for A. flavus. Progenies with resistance to A. 

flavus and low aflatoxin production were selected. Tetraploid hybrids between synthetic and cultivated 

groundnut generated. Cytological analysis showed maximum recombinations, high pollen fertility and 

good seed sets. Advanced generation stable C. platycarpus derivatives were screened for a range of 

desirable traits and found lines with low damage due to H. armigera, pod fly and bruchids in 

pigeonpea. 

Allele specific sequence diversity in chickpea reference set was studied. The candidate gene 

sequencing based association genetic approach on reference set of chickpea showed the association of 

two genes with drought tolerance traits. Of the 80 SSRs screened on five genotypes, 71 were found 

functional. Additionally SSR primer pairs were designed for 688 ESTs of chickpea 657 EST of 

heterologous (closely related to chickpea) species. Primer pairs were designed and synthesized for 

1152 SSRs in groundnut and a set of 3200 genomic SSRs developed in pigeonpea. 

A dense genetic map comprising of 1291 marker loci developed and efforts made to develop a 

transcript map of chickpea. A total of 3213 SSRs were screened on 3 groundnut populations to 

construct three individual linkage maps in groundnut. To identify most appropriate tool and approach 

to identify SNP based on short reads in a species like chickpea, NGS pipeline has been developed and 

made available through internet. 

A total of 137 Actinomycetes isolated from 25 different herbal vermin composts were characterized for 

their antagonistic potential against Fusarium oxysporium. A total of 8 Actinomycetes were identified 

by 16S rDNA analysis. 

A total of 35 plant growth promoting bacteria and Actinomycetes were freeze dried for long term 

conservation. We supplied 1009 units of carrier based different Rhizobium inoculants on request to 

NARS partners. 

64

Output 2.1: Germplasm of staple crops assembled and conserved and germplasm characterized 

and documented for utilization and knowledge shared with partners 

Output target 2.1.3: Germplasm sets of staple crops evaluated for useful traits (2010) 

Activity: Evaluate germplasm sets of staple crops for agronomic characters and special traits for 

utilization 

Milestone: 2.1.3.1: Vegetable type pigeonpea germplasm evaluated for agronomic performance (2010) 


100% 


India 


ICRISAT-Patancheru 


Identification of vegetable pigeonpea germplasm for resistance to wilt and SMD: In our quest to 

identify Fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic disease (SMD) in the vegetable type of pigeonpea 

germplasm, a set of 224 lines were sown in FW sick plot during 2010 rainy season at Patancheru. For 

SMD evaluation, each and every plant of the test entries were staple inoculated at three leaf stages 

with viruliferous europhid mites, reared separately on SMD infected plants. Susceptible controls to FW 

(ICP2376) and SMD (ICP 8863) were sown after every 10 test rows. Two lines (ICP 12772 and ICP 

12059) were found asymptomatic (0% incidence) to both the diseases while the respective susceptible 

control showed >90% incidence to FW and SMD. 

Mamta Sharma and Suresh Pande 

Milestone: 2.1.3.2: Sets of germplasm in staple crops evaluated to identify sources for yield and other 

quality traits () 


100% 


India 




Crop germplasm are necessary and fundamental to crop improvement programs. Continuous progress 

in plant breeding depends on discovery of new sources of genetic variation with beneficial traits and 

their judicious use in crop improvement programs. Sets of chickpea, groundnut, pigeonpea, pearl millet 

and sorghum germplasm were evaluated in RCBD designed trials with 2-3 replications using standard 

control cultivars to identify sources for yield and quality traits 

Chickpea 

Early maturity: Most breeding programs aim at developing early-maturing cultivars whose maturity 

period matches with the available cropping duration. Appropriate time to flowering is a major 

component of crop adaptation, particularly in the environments where the growing season is restricted 

by terminal drought and high temperature. Breeding for early maturing, high-yielding and 

agronomically broad-based cultivars require diverse sources of early maturity. When 16 germplasm 

lines were evaluated along with four controls (ICCV 2, ICCV 92944, ICCV 96029 and Annigeri) under 

irrigated, non-irrigated and late sown-irrigated environments, ICC 5597, ICC 5829, ICC 12426, ICC 

13839 and ICC 14368 (103-105 days to maturity; 2.45-2.82 t ha -1 seed yield) among desi and ICC 

14197 (103 days), high yielding (2.21 t ha -1 ) and large-seeded (45.5g 100 seed -1 ) line among kabulis 

were early maturing and produced higher seed yield than the best controls (Annigeri 104 days; 2.42 t 

65

ha -1 or ICCV2, 100 days, 1.89 t ha -1 , 25.3g 100 seeds 

-1 

) under irrigated environment. ICC 5597, ICC 

5829, ICC 11916, ICC 12426, ICC 12532, ICC 13839, ICC 14345, ICC 14368, ICC 14347 and ICC 

14348 (87-97 days to maturity; 1.35 – 1.57 t ha -1 ) among desi types and ICC 14197 (90 days; 1.46 tha -1 ) 

among kabuli type were early maturing and produced higher seed yield under un-irrigated environment 

in comparison to control cultivar Annigeri (98 days; 1.32t ha -1 ) and ICCV 2 (92 days; 1.21 tha -1 ). ICC 

5597, ICC 5829, ICC 11916, ICC 12426, ICC 12532, ICC 13044, ICC 14346, ICC 14368, ICC 14347, 

ICC 14348, and ICC 14349 (65-78 days; 0.36 t ha -1 ) were early maturing and produced higher seed 

yield than Annigeri (78 days; 0.30 t ha -1 ) under late sown environment. ICC 5597, ICC 5829, ICC 

12426, and ICC 14368 matured early and produced higher seed yield than best control cultivar 

Annigeri over all the three environments. 

In another experiment 17 germplasm lines and three controls (KAK 2, ICCV 92944, and Annigeri) 

were evaluated under irrigated, non-irrigated and late sown-irrigated environments, none of the test 

entry produced higher seed yield than best control cultivar Annigeri under irrigated environment. 

However, ICC 13124, ICC 14284, ICC 14648, ICC 14649 and ICC 19641, (97-98 days; 1.50– 1.69 t 

ha -1 ) among desi types and ICC 17452 (98 days; 53.0g 100-seed weight; 1.38 t ha -1 ) among kabuli type 

were early maturing and produced significantly higher seed yield under un-irrigated environment in 

comparison to control cultivar Annigeri (98 days; 1.41t ha -1 ) and KAK 2 (97 days; 1.37 t ha -1 ). ICC 

6121, ICC 7410, ICC 13124, ICC 14293, ICC 14648, ICC 14653, ICC 19641, and ICC 19645 (73-74 

days; 0.52 – 0.74 t ha -1 ) among desi type and ICC 17452, ICC 17456, ICC 17459, and ICC 18591 (73- 

74 days; 0.25 – 0.36 t ha -1 ) among kabuli types were early maturing and produced higher seed yield 

than Annigeri (74 days; 0.51 t ha -1 ) and KAK 2 (74 days; 0.21 t ha -1 ) under late sown environment. 

ICC 13124, ICC 14648 and , ICC 19645, among desi types and ICC 17452 among kabuli types 

matured early and produced higher seed yield than best control cultivar Annigeri and KAK 2 under unirrigated 

and late sown environments. 

Large seed size in kabuli type: Seed size is an important trait in kabuli chickpea. Large seeded (100- 

seed weight >40g) kabuli chickpeas fetch higher market price as they are preferred by consumers. We 

evaluated 18 large seeded kabuli lines from newly assembled chickpea germplasm accessions from 

USA along with four control cultivars (ICCV 2, KAK 2, JGK 1 and L 550). ICC 19763 was early 

maturing, large-seeded and produced higher seed yield (107 days; 73.1g; 2.01 t ha -1 ) than the control 

cultivar KAK 2 (108 days; 40.9 g; 1.69 t ha -1 ) under irrigated environment. ICC 19449 was early 

maturing, large-seeded and produced similar seed yield (97 days; 55.4g; 1.03 t ha -1 ) to the control 

cultivar KAK 2 (101 days; 38.0 g; 1.09 t ha -1 ) under un-irrigated environment. A journal article on 

identification of large-seeded high yielding and stable kabuli chickpeas through evaluation of 65 large 

seeded kabuli lines in 18 trials and 13 environments was published (Crop Sci. 51: 198-209) 

Heat tolerance in chickpea: Global warming is inevitable under climate change scenario and 

identification of appropriate species/ varieties that could adapt to such change is imperative for 

sustaining crop productivity and ensuring food security. We evaluated 33 early maturing chickpea 

germplasm accessions for their tolerance to heat stress, the major factor in climate change, along with 

heat tolerant control cultivar ICCV 92944 in 9 trials comprising three environment (irrigated, rain-fed 

and late sown) and three seasons (2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10). Data for individual trial and 

environment and pooled across environments and seasons was analyzed. Plant traits such as plant 

width, flowering duration, days to maturity, pod number, seed weight, grain yield and per day 

productivity were affected under heat stress. Genotypes differed in their sensitivity to heat stress and 

the yield loss among genotypes varied from 10–20% of potential yield for every degree increase in 

temperature beyond the comfort zone (optimum temperature range). Mitigation of heat stress by 

application of additional nitrogen fertilizer to the crop resulted in sustaining the potential yield (unto 

85%). The accession ICC 14346 (BG 274, India) showed high tolerance to heat stress and could be 

used as a parent in crop improvement research. Though none of the accessions were significantly 

superior to the heat tolerant control ICCV 92944, a few accessions that showed consistent numerical 

superiority for yield and high response to management were identified. ICC 5597, ICC 12426, ICC 

14368, ICC 12670, ICC 13044, ICC 19645(all desi types with low SW), ICC 14653 and ICC 6121 

(both desi types high SW) and ICC 14197, ICC 18591, and ICC 14284 (kabuli types with high SW) 

were found promising for tolerance to heat stress, response to irrigation and additional nitrogen. A 

journal article has been submitted to Crop Science. 

66

Salinity tolerant chickpea: Salinity is an important constraint in agriculture worldwide, especially in 

South Asia (India, Pakistan) and Australia. Improved genotypes that are well adapted to saline 

conditions are needed to enhance and sustain production in these areas. We evaluated 13 previously 

identified salinity tolerant chickpea germplasm accessions and seven control cultivars under irrigated 

and non-irrigated environments for yield and yield attributing traits. A salinity tolerant accessions ICC 

11121, produced higher seed yield (2.43 t ha -1 ) compared to the best salinity tolerant control cultivar 

CSG 8962 (2.38 t ha -1 ) under irrigated environment. Similarly ICC 4593 and ICC 9942 produced 

higher seed yield (1.71-1.72 t ha -1 ) compared to CSG 8962 (1.68 t ha -1 ) under non-irrigated 

environment. 

Groundnut 

Confectionary groundnut: Groundnut is important food crop at the time when we are facing protein 

and energy malnutrition and shortage of pulses. Large seeded confectionery groundnuts have a great 

demand as snack food in market. Hence more emphasis is given to improve and exploit groundnut as a 

food crop to make farming more competitive and remunerative. Twenty-five large seeded accessions 

and five control cultivars (Gangapuri, ICGS 44, ICGS 76, M13 and Somnath) were evaluated during 

2009-10 post-rainy and 2010 rainy seasons at Patancheru. ICG 5662, ICG 9127, and ICG 12199 (60- 

82g 100-seed -1 ; 0.80-0.90 t ha -1 ) produced higher or similar pod yield than large seeded control 

cultivars Somnath (71g 100-seed -1 ; 0.83 t ha -1 ) during 2009-10 postrainy season. ICG 5690, ICG 8268, 

ICG 8345, ICG 9127 and ICG 12199 (1.06 – 1.32 t h -1 ; 45.0 – 51.0g 100-seed -1 ) produced higher pod 

yield than Somnath (1.06 t ha -1 ; 45.0g 100-seed -1 ) during 2010 rainy season. 

Salinity tolerance in groundnut: Salinity affects plant growth, development and yield in 

approximately 100 M ha of arable land worldwide. Salinity adversely affects plant growth at all stages, 

seedling and reproductive stages in particular, drastically reduced the crop yield. The 

development/introduction of improved genotypes that are well adapted to saline conditions are needed 

to enhance and sustain production in salinity affected areas. We evaluated 11 previously identified 

salinity tolerant germplasm lines for pod yield and other agronomic traits with four control cultivars 

(Gangapuri, M 13, ICGS 44, ICGS 76) during 2009-10 postrainy and 2010 rainy seasons. ICG 6022 

(fastigiata) produced higher pod yield (1.21 t ha -1 ) with higher 100-seed weight (65g) than the control 

cultivar Gangapuri (0.92 t ha -1 , 44g 100-seed -1 ) during post-rainy season. ICG 11426 produced (3.53 t 

ha -1 ; 50.0g 100-seed -1 ) higher pod yield than all the control cultivars (1.36 – 1.95 t ha -1 ; 40.0-48.0g 

100-seed -1 ) during 2010 rainy season. 

Drought tolerance in groundnut: Drought is one of the most important constraints for productivity, 

and there is a scope to avert large portion of these productivity losses through crop improvements. We 

evaluated previously identified 20 contrasting genotypes (10 low and 10 high root length/density) with 

four control cultivars (Gangapuri, M 13, ICGS 44, ICGS 76) for pod yield and other agronomic traits 

during 2009-10 postrainy and 2010 rainy seasons. ICGV 02286 and ICGV 94169 (1.28-1.34 t ha -1 ) 

among the higher root length density(RLD) types produced higher pod yield with greater 100-seed 

weight (61-73g) in comparison to all the control cultivars (0.74-1.22 t ha -1 ; 42-60 g). Among the lower 

RLD types ICGV 01328 and ICGV 86011 (1.48-1.75 t ha -1 ) produced higher pod yield in comparison 

to all the control cultivars (0.74-1.22 t ha -1 ; 42-60 g) during 2009-10 postrainy season. ICG 14426, 

ICGV 02286 and ICGV 94169 (2.51-3.59 t ha -1 ) among the higher RLD types produced higher pod 

yield with greater 100-seed weight (37 – 51 g) in comparison to all the control cultivars (1.34-1.75 t ha - 

1 ; 29 - 45 g). Among the lower RLD types ICGV 92206 (1.87 t ha -1 ) produced higher pod yield during 

2010 rainy season Similarly evaluated 20 groundnut germplasm with high (10) and low (10) total dry 

mass and four control cultivars for agronomic traits during 2010 rainy season. None of the lines 

produced higher pod yield than the control cultivars. We also evaluated 10 high and 10 low 

transpiration efficient groundnut germplasm with four control cultivars (Gangapuri, ICGS 44, ICGS 76 

and M 13) during 2010 rainy season. ICG 13099 and ICG 14710 (1.54 – 1.58 t ha -1 ) produced higher 

pod yield than the control cultivars (1.37 – 1.48 t ha -1 ) 

Bud necrosis disease (BND) and defoliation tolerant groundnut: Bud necrosis disease and 

defoliation are the major biotic stresses affecting the groundnut production drastically. We evaluated 

20 previously identified tolerant/resistant genotypes under natural field condition with four control 

cultivars (Gangapuri, M 13, ICGS 44, ICGS 76) for pod yield and other agronomic traits during 2009-10 

67

postrainy and 2010 rainy seasons. ICGV 01276 and ICGV 86011 (1.45-1.83 t ha -1 ) produced higher 

pod yield than all the control cultivars (0.85-1.40 t ha -1 ) during postrainy season. ICGV 01276 and 

ICGV 86011 (2.28 – 4.27 t ha -1 ) produced higher pod yield than all the control cultivars (1.23 – 2.28 t 

ha -1 ) during 2010 rainy season. 

Evaluation of groundnut germplasm for agronomic traits: 264 germplasm lines and four control 

cultivars (Gangapuri, M 13, ICGS 44 and ICGS 76) as part of reference set were evaluated in alpha 

design during 2009-10 postrainy season. ICGs 5236, 12991, 15419, 11088 and ICGVs 87354, 91116, 

97183, 87921, 88145, 01276, 01328, and ICGV 02446 (1.37 – 1.88 t ha -1 ) produced greater pod yield 

than all the controls (0.69 – 1.36 t ha -1 ). 

Pearl millet 

During 2010 rainy season, 360 accessions of fodder type, 238 accessions of mini core collection, 335 

accessions of P. violaceum and 48 accessions of P. mollissimum were planted in different trials for 

evaluation. Accessions were grown in a single row of 4-m length in alpha-design with two replications. 

Fodder type pearl millet: A total of 360 accessions were evaluated for fodder traits, such as high 

tillering, high plant height and high scoring for green fodder yield potential. IP 3616 and IP 22269 

(both fodder types) and IP 17862 (grain type) were used as controls. Accessions selected were highly 

diverse for days to 50% flowering ranging from 41 to 128 days. Plant height varied from 142.9 cm to 

440.7 cm, total tillers from 1 to 18 tillers, leaf length from 60 to 78 cm, leaf width from 24 to 44 mm 

and number of leaves from 9 to 20. None of the accessions flowered earlier than the best control IP 

17862, which is a grain type and flowered in 45 days. Fourteen accessions for stem thickness, 9 

accessions for leaf width, four accessions (IPs 6140, 11593, 17189 and 17287) for number of leaves per 

plant, 61 accessions for plant height, 46 accessions for total tillers per plant, 28 accessions for 

productive tillers per plant, 35 accessions for panicle length and 3 accessions (IPs 6494, 11673 and 

17342) for panicle thickness, showed significantly better performance than the best control. 

Mini core collection: For enhanced utilization of germplasm in crop improvement, the researchers at 

ICRISAT genebank developed pearl millet core collection consisting 2094 accessions representing the 

entire collection for diversity (Upadhyaya et al. 2008). The size of core collection was large and 

unwieldy for management. Therefore for effective management and evaluation, a mini core collection 

consisting 238 accessions (10% of core collection or 1% of entire collection; Crop Science 51:217-223) 

and representing the diversity of entire collection (20,766 cultivated germplasm accessions) was 

developed. During 2010 rainy season, mini core collection (238 accessions) was evaluated for 

important agronomic traits. Seven accessions (IPs 4291, 7846, 9492, 9527, 11546, 12418 and 17532) 

for flowering, 40 accessions for plant height, six accessions (IPs 3626, 4291, 7497, 7846, 7886, 18040) 

for total tillers per plant, 4 accessions (IPs 3626, 4291, 7497 and 7886) for productive tillers, 42 

accessions for panicle length and 31 accessions for panicle thickness, performed better than the best 

control. Evaluation data of wild species is being computerized. 

Heat tolerance in Pearl millet: To promote pearl millet adaptation in the face of changes in climate, 

substantial efforts are needed to identify trait-specific germplasm adapted to abiotic stresses 

particularly high temperature. Adverse effect of high temperature has been reported in cereal crops as 

shortening of the developmental phases resulting in reduced productivity. Pearl millet mini core 

collection was evaluated under stress (high temperature) and non-stress (normal) conditions for 

agronomic traits during rainy (June/July planting; temperature 22-31°C) and summer season 

(Feb/March planting; temperature 35-43°C) at ICRISAT, Patancheru and during rainy (40- 42° C) and 

summer season (42-52°C) at Jodhpur /Sanchore, Rajasthan, India (coinciding high temperature at 

reproductive stage). Data on important agronomic traits such as days to 50% flowering, days to 

maturity, plant height, number of total and productive tillers, panicle exsertion, panicle length, panicle 

thickness, panicle compactness, 1000-seed weight, seed color, seed yield potential and fodder yield 

potential were recorded and the difference in trait values recorded between normal and high 

temperature seasons were taken as a measure of heat tolerance. Mean performance of accessions over 

locations under stress conditions indicated significantly higher performance of 5 accessions (IP 5185, 

IP 5711, IP 5719, IP 8472 and IP 20715) for plant height, 12 accessions for panicle length and one 

accessions (IP 5581) for stover yield. Overall mean of accessions under stress conditions indicated 

early flowering (64.5 days) relatively short height (185 cm) and low stover and seed yield when 

compared to performance under normal conditions. 10 accessions (IPs 1566, 3525, 5389, 6798, 8350, 

10953, 16402, 16489, 17775 and 19305) for flowering, one accession (IP 13387) for plant height and 

68

three accessions (IP 9617, IP 18545 and IP 19305) for stover yield did not show any effect of stress 

conditions and performed similarly under both conditions. Flowering was delayed by 1-16 days in 122 

accessions under stress conditions. Maximum delay for flowering was in IP 7846, which flowered in 39 

days under normal conditions and 55 days under stress conditions. On the other hand, 106 accessions 

flowered early under stress conditions. In 168 accessions including one control (IP 3616), plant height 

was affected and decreased under stress conditions. Maximum reduction in plant height was observed 

in IP 14599 (129.6 cm). The selected heat tolerant accessions will be further studied to understand the 

physiological basis of heat tolerance by physiologists. The heat tolerant pearl millet germplasm will be 

made available to researchers worldwide under the Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) of 

the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) for further 

testing and utilization in breeding and genomics applications including mapping and cloning of 

genes/QTL associated with heat tolerance. 

Sorghum 

Evaluated 242 accessions of sorghum mini core collection accessions, 103 new germplasm accessions 

received from Griffin, USA and 574 data missing accessions for important morpho-agronomic 

characters like days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), panicle exsertion (cm), panicle length (cm), 

panicle width (cm), and on sucrose content during 2010 rainy season. We also characterized 100 

accessions of wild sorghums during 2010 rainy season. The plant stand was good, and data were 

recorded for important morpho-agronomic characters. These characters are days to 50 % flowering, 

culm height, plants rooting at culm nodes, culm branching above, culm hairiness, culm pigmentation, 

waxy bloom, nodal hairiness, nodal hair type, nodal pigmentation, leaf sheath clasping, leaf shape, leaf 

color, midrib color, leaf blade (abaxial), leaf blade (adaxial), leaf margin hairiness, leaf sheath 

hairiness, ligule form, leaf length (5 th leaf) cm, leaf width (5 th leaf) cm, panicle exsertion (cm), panicle 

length (cm), panicle width (cm), rachis node number, plants whether rhizomatous or not, basal tillers 

number, panicle shape, rachis continuity, number of branches at each node, spikelet pairing and raceme 

length. Post harvest data analysis is progress. 

Characterized 12 wild sorghum germplasm accessions of S. aethiopicuum (2), S. verticilliflorum (4), S. 

Virgatum (4), and S. arundinaceum (2) for rhizoplane soils in 2010 rainy season. Data analysis is in progress 

The use of these new sources of variation in plant breeding would have a great impact in developing 

new and improved high yielding broad based cultivars for cultivation under diversified cropping 

systems and varied environmental conditions 

HD Upadhyaya and CLL Gowda 

Milestone: 2.1.3.3: New/assembled germplasm characterized/evaluated for important traits to fill gaps 

in characterization data (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Characterization and evaluation of germplasm are the crucial component of genebank activities and are 

required to enhance the use of germplasm in crop improvement and molecular biology. We identified 

characterization gaps in the databases of chickpea, groundnut, pigeonpea, pearl millet and sorghum. 

These accessions were characterized along with the newly assembled germplasm. Characterization data 

was recorded and databases updated. 

Chickpea: Characterized 1048 chickpea accessions to fill the gaps in characterization database for 

days to 50% flowering, days to flower ending, flower color, plant color, flowering duration, growth 

habit, and days to maturity during 2008-09 postrainy season. 

69

Groundnut: Characterized 453 groundnut accessions during 2008-09 postrainy and 200 accessions 

during 2009 rainy season to fill the gaps in characterization database for 31 agro-morphological traits 

Pigeonpea During 2008-09, a total of 670 accessions of pigeonpea were characterized to fill the gaps 

for various traits in characterization database. The gaps were mostly for leaf size. In continuation of our 

efforts to fill the gaps in characterization database, we have planted another set of 804 accessions in 

2009-2010 rainy season in vertisols for recording observations on various characters. Recording of 

observations is in progress. 

Pearl millet: Registered, characterized, and documented 617 pearl millet germplasm accessions 

identified as unique in genebank at ICRISAT, Niamey, Niger, for 23 morpho-agronomic traits. Data 

revealed considerable diversity for almost all traits in the newly acquired pearl millet collection. Days 

to 50% flowering in the newly acquired pearl millet collection ranged from 56 to 113 days, plant height 

varied from 205 to 445 cm. Total tillers varied from 1 to 5 and productive tillers from 1 to 3, panicle 

length from 14 to 120 cm, panicle thickness from 12 to 40 mm and panicle density score from 4 to 8. 

Sorghum: 482 newly assembled sorghum germplasm accessions from Niger were characterized and 

classified for important morpho-agronomic characters. These include races bicolor (59 accessions), 

guinea (40 accessions), caudatum (43 accessions) and durra (24 accessions), and intermediate races 

guinea-caudatum (78 accessions), caudatum-bicolor (130 accessions), durra-bicolor (8 accessions), 

kafir-caudatum (2 accessions) and durra-caudatum (98 accessions). 

The updated characterization databases will facilitate the scientists to select the germplasm lines for use 

in crop improvement 

HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone: 2.1.3.4: New germplasm sources identified for target insect pests and diseases in different 

crops (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Identification of new germplasm source for resistance to ascochyta blight, botrytis gray mold, 

fusarium wilt, dry root rot and collar rot in chickpea: To identify resistance to Ascochyta blight 

(AB), Botrytis gray mold (BGM), Fusarium wilt (FW), collar rot (CR) and dry root rot (DRR) diseases 

of chickpea, 250 new germplasm accessions were evaluated following green house/controlled 

environment conditions at ICRISAT-Patancheru. Standardized resistance screening techniques based 

on sound epidemiological principles were followed to evaluate these accessions for individual diseases. 

Severities of AB, BGM and DRR were scored on 1-9 rating scale and the incidence of FW and CR was 

recorded as percentage of mortality. Results are as follows: 

Resistance to AB: Twenty one lines were found moderately resistant (3.1-5.0 rating, based on 1-9 

scale) to AB. 

Resistance to BGM: Ninety three lines were found moderately resistant (3.1-5.0 rating, based on 1-9 

scale) to BGM. 

Resistance to DRR: Two lines were found moderately resistant (3.1-5.0 rating, based on 1-9 scale) to 

DRR. 

Resistance to CR: Two lines were found moderately resistant (10.1-20% incidence) to collar rot. 

Resistance to FW: Thirty lines were asymptomatic (0% incidence) and four lines moderately resistant 

(10.1-20% incidence) to FW. 

The susceptible controls for FW and CR (JG62) showed 100% incidence, while controls for AB (PB7), 

BGM (JG 62), and DRR (BG 212) were rated 8-9 on 1-9 severity rating scale, where 1= resistant and 

9=highly susceptible 

Suresh Pande, Mamta Sharma, HD Upadhyaya and CLL Gowda 

70

Evaluation of chickpea reference set for resistance to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera 


80% 

The reference collection is being evaluated for third seasons 


India, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania 


Indian Institute of Pulses Research - India; Institute of Agricultural Research - Ethiopia; Kenya 

Agricultural Research Institute - Kenya 


Evaluation of chickpea reference set for resistance to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera. The 

reference set (300 lines), along with the resistant (ICC 506), and the susceptible (L 550) controls was 

evaluated for resistance to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera during the 2008/09 postrainy season at 

ICRISAT-Patancheru, India. There were three replications in a randomized complete block design. The 

test material was sown on ridges, 60 cm apart. There were two rows for each plot, 2 m long. The plants 

were thinned to a spacing of 10 cm between the plants at 15 days after seedling emergence. Normal 

agronomic practices were followed for raising the crop, but there was no insecticides application in the 

experimental plots. Data were recorded on leaf and pod damage, egg and larval density per 10 plants, 

overall resistance score, and grain yield. The material was also evaluated for resistance to H. armigera 

using detached leaf assay at the vegetative (30 days after seedling emergence) stage. For this purpose, 

the terminal branches (5 – 7 cm long, with five fully expanded leaves) were infested with 10 neonate 

larvae in a 250 ml plastic cup in the laboratory. Data were recorded on leaf feeding on a 1 – 9 scale (1 

= 80% leaf area damaged), larval weight, and larval survival at 5 days after infestation. 

In detached leaf assay at the vegetative stage (30 days after seedling emergence), leaf feeding scores 

ranged from 1.67 – 7.98 (mean 3.98), and compared to 3.67 on ICC 506 and ICC 3137. Larval weights 

ranged from 0.58 – 5.65 mg (mean 2.80 mg) compared to 1.91 mg on ICC 506, and 2.94 mg on ICC 

3137. Many lines suffered low feeding damage and also had lower larval weight gains comparable to 

the resistant control, ICC 506, and further screening of these lines may result in identification of 

genotypes with antifeedant and/or antibiosis mechanism of resistance to H. armigera. 

Under natural infestation in the field, leaf feeding scores varied from 3.5 – 7.5 in the reference set, 5.5 

in ICCV 10, and 5.0 in ICC 3137 during the vegetative phase. There were 0.0 – 9.0 larvae per 5 plants 

in the reference set, 4.0 in ICCV 10, and 5.5 in ICC 3137. During the reproductive stage, there were 0.0 

– 17.0 larvae per 5 plants in the reference set, 3.5 in ICCV 10, and 6.0 larvae in ICC 3137. Overall 

resistance scores ranged from 3.0 – 8.0 (mean 6.25), 3.5 in ICCV 10 and 7.0 in ICC 3137. Pod damage 

ranged from 3.5 - 86.9% in the reference set, 12.9% in ICCV 10 and 24% in ICC 3137. The grain yield 

of the test lines ranged from 100 – 2,530 kg ha -1 , The genotypes showing lower susceptibility to 

damage by H. armigera and a yield potential of >1,000 kg ha -1 under unprotected conditions will be 

distributed to NARS partners for use in breeding programs or for on-farm testing for use by the 

farmers. The genotypes ICC 1230, ICC 2263, ICC 3325, ICC 4567, ICC 5135, ICC 6874, ICC 10466, 

ICC 11198, ICC 12307, ICC 14831, ICC 15406, ICC 15606, and ICC 16524 suffered low H. armigera 

damage and plant mortality due to seedling diseases, and also exhibited high yield potential under 

unprotected conditions. The results indicated that there is considerable variation in the reference set for 

resistance/susceptibility to H. armigera, and selections based on detached leaf assay, and field 

performance of the lines can be used for developing breeding populations with resistance to pod borer. 


Tropical Legumes 1- Gates Foundation 

HC Sharma and HD Upadhyaya 

71

Output target 2.1.4: Germplasm accessions regenerated for conservation and distribution (2011) 

Activity: Regenerate critical accessions of staple crops germplasm 

MTP 2011 2.1.1 

Milestone 2.1.4.1: Germplasm of staple crops regenerated (2000 accessions) for conservation and 

distribution (2011) 


100% 


India 




Germplasm regeneration is an important component of genebank management. Chickpea, groundnut, 

pigeonpea, pearl millet and sorghum germplasm lines with low seed stock and poor viability (

Germplasm of staple crops assembled and conserved for utilization at regional genebanks in 

Africa (Bulawayo, Nairobi and Niamey) 


80% 

Stringent germplasm exchange requirements from Ethiopia made it difficult to get germplasm from there. 


Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia 


KARI-Kenya, NARO-Uganda, DRD-Tanzania, EIAR/ARARI-Ethiopia. 


ICRISAT in collaboration with Tanzanian and Ugandan NARs, conducted collection missions in June- 

July 2010 to fill gaps. In Tanzania collection targeted the southern part of the country: (Sumbawanga, 

Nkasi and Mbozi districts); a major millet growing area, but where little is known on its production. 

Ugandan collection targeted all major growing areas (Soroti, Kumi, Serere, Apac, Lira, Hoima and 

Masindi districts). A total of 81 and 105 samples were collected from Tanzania and Uganda, 

respectively and being characterized in Kiboko. Germplasm is yet to be got from Ethiopia. 


HOPE project 

Mary Mgonja, Henry Ojulong 

E Manyasa P Sheunda and J Kibuka 

Milestone: 2.1.4.2: Germplasm accessions of staple crops germplasm with low seed stock/viability 

regenerated (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Germplasm regeneration is an important component of genebank management. Chickpea, groundnut, 

pigeonpea, pearl millet and sorghum germplasm lines with low seed stock and poor viability (

• Season – Since groundnut is day-neutral and seeds can be regenerated both during rainy and 

post-rainy seasons. A minimum of two plantings in each ring was achieved in one year. Pod 

returns are assured irrespective of the season and local weather conditions. 

• Operations – With minimal monitoring and care during the regeneration cycle the efficiency 

gains were larger. 

• Pod/seed yields – All the wild species have potential for higher pod yield as observed from the 

data. Extending the harvesting period till pod set and maturity in each accession and confining 

pod set within the ring facilitated achieving the desirable yields. Harvesting all the developed 

pods was possible in rings while these were not possible under field conditions. 

• Genetic integrity – The main objective of establishing the facility is to maintain genetic 

integrity of the wild species accessions during regeneration by restricting plant growth and 

pod set to one ring thereby avoiding admixtures from other accessions. This was a big 

constraint under field regeneration. 

Updated seed stock of staple crops germplasm with low and poor viability with healthy pure and viable 

seed to meet the seed request. 


Milestone: 2.1.4.3: Seed viability and health of new and regenerated germplasm tested and viability of 

conserved germplasm monitored () 


100% 


India 




Provide healthy, pure and viable seed is an important genebank activity. We monitored the seed 

viability and health of chickpea, groundnut, pigeonpea, pearl millet and sorghum germplasm which 

were regenerated to update the seed stocks in base and active collections and to maintain a safety 

backup. 

Seed viability: The seed viability of 8,952 accessions was tested during this period. This included 

4,290 samples of germplasm for medium-term storage and safety back up at Svalbard (sorghum-770, 

chickpea – 3,063 and pigeonpea – 457); 2,182 for medium-term storage (Sorghum- 1,496 and pearl 

millet – 686); 1,066 accessions of working collections (sorghum – 720 groundnut – 188 and pigeonpea 

– 158); and monitoring viability on 1,414 accessions of sorghum base collection. 

Seed health testing: Seed health test of new and regenerated germplasm is a regular activity of Plant 

Quarantine Laboratory (PQL) in collaboration with genebank. During 2010, a total of 1029 germplasm 

accessions (pigeonpea-576 and sorghum-453) regenerated from medium term storage of the genebank 

were evaluated for their seed health status using the standard blotter method. Four hundred and ninety 

accessions were completely free from pathogens. In the remaining accessions, we detected 17 fungi in 

pigeonpea and 18 in sorghum. Among the major seed borne fungi detected were species of 

Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Fusarium in pigeonpea, Alternaria, Fusarium and Curvularia in sorghum. 

The accessions found unfit for storage and distribution varied from 6 to 16% across two crops as the 

germination was below 80% and fungal infection from 4 to 92%. 

Updated the seed stocks of staple crops germplasm with low and poor viability in base and active 

collections with healthy, pure and viable seeds to meet the seed request. 

RP Thakur, R Sharma, HD Upadhyaya and NBPGR 

Milestone: 2.1.4.4: Germplasm samples processed for medium- and long-term conservation (Annual) 


100% 

74


India 




Regeneration and conservation are important activities of genebank management. Regenerated 

germplasm of staple crops were processed for moisture content, genetic and physical purity and 

viability test and the accessions which met the required standard for all the test were transferred to 

medium- and long-term collections 

Seed harvests of 389 critical accessions of chickpea (93) and groundnut (296) regenerated in the special 

facilities during 2009 were transferred to the medium term storage on priority basis. Additionally, seed 

samples of 6,366 accessions regenerated during the rainy and post-rainy seasons were transferred to the 

medium-term cold rooms following standard protocols. These include sorghum (2,160), pearl millet 

(686), chickpea (3,063) and pigeonpea (457). Seed yield from 2009 post-rainy season was poor in 

majority of accessions because of stem rot/white mold infection on the standing crop and harvested 

seeds were processed for 2010 post-rainy season plantings. A total of 1,443 accessions were processed 

for long-term storage (chickpea – 935; pigeonpea – 54; and sorghum – 454) bringing the total base 

collection to 108,558 accessions covering 90.7% of the entire collection. 


Activity: Establish safety back up collections of staple crops 

Milestone: 2.1.4.5: Facilities identified for backup safety storage of germplasm collections in 

collaboration with partners and samples processed for safety backup (Annual) 


100% 


India 




As part of the agreement between ICRISAT and the Nordic Genetic Resources Center, Norway), we 

deposited the germplasm of staple crops to Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway for safety back up. 

Identified germplasm accessions of staple crops for safety back up. These accessions were regenerated 

and processed for safety back up. We have deposited 22,000 seed samples of in-trust staple crops 

germplasm at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway following standard protocols of seed health 

testing and certification by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in India. An 

additional 900 accessions from this set were also sent for germination monitoring in due course of time. 

The passport and characterization data on these accessions was successfully uploaded to the public data 

portal at www.nordgen.org/sgsv. With these depositions the total number of duplicate samples of 

ICRISAT germplasm of staple crops at the seed vault increased to 58,600 representing sorghum 

(21,000), pearl millet (13,580), chickpea (10,005), pigeonpea (8,000) and groundnut (6,015). Thus, 

ICRISAT is fulfilling the role of the great initiative for saving global agricultural biodiversity for future 

generations. 


MTP 2009 2.1.2 

Milestone 2.1.5.1: Staple crops germplasm databases updated and uploaded to SINGER database 

(2009) 

Progress reported in 2009: 

75% 

75


100% 


India 




Under agreement between ICRISAT and Svalbard Global Seed Vault the databases of chickpea, 

groundnut, pigeonpea, pearl millet and sorghum were updated and uploaded to the SINGER format and 

Svalbard Global Seed Vault 

The passport information on 109,378 accessions of staple crops and their distribution data (outside the 

institution) have been uploaded to SINGER following standard protocols. The distribution data 

includes 664,541 samples of 91,047 accessions represented by sorghum (32,200), pearl millet (17,252), 

chickpea (16,507), pigeonpea (10,664) and groundnut (14,424). Passport and conservation data of 

58,600 accessions, deposited at Svalbard Global Seed Vault was uploaded to www.nordgen.Org/sgsv. 

The Other documentation activities included the following the design and validation of web based 

Chickpea Crop Registry, design and updating the genebank website and improvement of georeferences 

data quality 

Passport and characterization data of 58,600 accessions, deposited at Svalbard Global Seed Vault was 

uploaded to www.nordgen.Org/sgsv. Similarly information on 109,378 accessions of staple crops has 

been updated to SINGER server. 


MTP 2010 2.1.2 

Output target 2.1.6: 85% of germplasm characterized and documented for utilization (2010) 

Activity: Characterize and document staple crops germplasm assembled 

Milestone 2.1.6.1: Germplasm accessions of staple crops characterized for morpho-agronomic traits 

and documented for utilization (2010) 


100% 


India 




Characterization and documentation are the integral component of genebank management to enhance 

the use of genetic diversity conserved in genebanks in crop improvement programs and genomics. We 

identified the gaps in characterization databases of staple crops, characterized those accessions and 

updated the databases 

Characterized 248 chickpea accessions for updating plant pigmentation and 405 accessions for 

updating flowering duration, 315 groundnut accessions for updating 19 traits, 335 accessions of P. 

violaceum, and 48 accessions of P. mollissimum in pearl millet and 804 accessions of pigeonpea, 103 

accessions of sorghum and gaps in databases updated. Additionally we grew 517 of pearl millet, 910 

accessions of pigeonpea, 110 accessions of chickpea, and 650 accessions of groundnut during 2010-11 

season for gaps in databases. With these updates, our databases contain characterization and evaluation 

data on 97% of total accessions conserved in ICRISAT genebank. 

76 

HD Upadhyaya and CLL Gowda

Germplasm characterized and documented for utilization at regional genebanks in Africa 


80% 

as data and materials are still under processing 


Southern Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania: 


MOA-Sudan, KARI-Kenya, NARO-Uganda, DRD-Tanzania 


45 sorghum accessions collected from Southern Sudan were characterized at Kiboko (Kenya) and Torit 

(S. Sudan) in 2010. The data is still being processed. 


HOPE project 

Mary Mgonja, Henry Ojulong, 


MTP 2010 2.1.1 

Output target 2.1.7: Germplasm of staple crops assembled and conserved for utilization at 

regional genebanks in Africa (Bulawayo, Nairobi and Niamey) (2010) 

Activity: Identify sorghum collection gaps, collect and conserve new germplasm from identified 

priority areas in the eastern and southern Africa (ESA) 

Milestone: Gap analysis for pearl millet collection published (2010) 


100% 


India and Niger 


ICRISAT-Patancheru and Niamey 


Critical assessment of existing collections, identifying geographical and diversity gaps and launching 

germplasm collection missions in unexplored and under-explored areas is important to increase the 

variability and achieve near completion of the collection to support crop improvement program and 

combat the effect of climate change on crop productivity. The ICRISAT Genebank in India holds the 

world’s largest collection of 21,594 pearl millet germplasm accessions from 50 countries including 

6,529 landraces from 10 Asian countries. Gaps in the pearl millet collection database were analysed 

using GIS tools. 

Gap analysis revealed 134 distinct districts of 14 provinces in India and 12 districts of Punjab province 

in Pakistan as the major geographical gaps. In India, Chittoor, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Prakasham and 

Warangal in Andhra Pradesh; Raigarh in Chattisgarh; Dewas and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh; Buldana 

and Hingoli in Maharashtra; Malkangiri, Nabarangapur, Naupada, and Sundergarh in Orissa; Bhilwara, 

Chittaurgarh and Kota in Rajasthan; Thiruvallur and Vellore in Tamil Nadu and Auraiya, Chandauli, 

Chitrakoot, Gonda, Gorakhpur, Hamirpur, Kushinagar, Mau, Shrawasti and Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh 

were found as common geographical gaps by both methods; agricultural statistics for India predicted 

probability of pearl millet occurrence, used in this study. A total of 208 distinct districts of 12 

provinces were identified as gaps in diversity for one or more traits. Among all districts, Beed, Latur 

and Osmanabad in Maharashtra, India; Rajanpur, Mujaffargarh, Multan and Lodhran for panicle length 

and Chakwal and Sargodha in Pakistan and southern parts of North Yemen and Lahiz provinces in 

Yemen were identified as gaps in the diversity. In India, Warangal in Andhra Pradesh; Rewa in 

77

Madhya Pradesh; Hingoli in Maharashtra; Vellore in Tamil Nadu; Auraiya, Chandauli, Chitrakut, 

Gorakhpur and Mau in Uttar Pradesh were identified as gaps in diversity for one or more traits and 

found common to geographical gaps identified. In Pakistan, Lodhran, Multan and Muzaffargarh were 

identified as gaps common to probability and diversity methods. 

Area for exploration should be decided prior to launch of the collection mission in consultation with 

local government officials and extension officers, who are known to have knowledge of pearl millet 

cultivation in the identified districts. It is suggested to collect the complete passport data including georeference 

information while collecting the germplasm. A journal article was published in Plant Genetic 

Resources 8:267-276. 

Bettina IG Haussmann and HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone: African accessions of GCP pearl millet reference collection characterized in West Africa 

(2011) 


100% 


Nigeria, Niger, Mali 


LCRI, IER, ICRISAT-Niger 


This Trust-funded project has been successfully completed with a final report which was appreciated 

by the donor; the respective manuscript preparation is in final stages (abstract copied below); data have 

been shared with the Trust and with Trushar Shah (ICRISAT database manager) for inclusion in a data 

base. 

Abstract. To promote utilization of West and Central African (WCA) genetic resources of pearl millet 

[Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], and to enhance linkages between the Generation Challenge Program 

(GCP) and WCA pearl millet breeding programs, the present project aimed at agro-morphological 

characterization of selected accessions from the GCP pearl millet reference collection. A total of 81 

accessions from the collection were successfully multiplied via manual “sibbing” at Sadore (ICRISAT- 

Niger) during the off-seasons 2008/2009 and February 2009. The 81 accessions comprised 78 

cultivated landraces and three improved cultivars. The 78 landraces originated from 13 countries, 

namely Benin (1 accession), Burkina Faso (8), Cameroon (6), Central Africa (1), Ghana (4), Mali (9), 

Mauritania (1), Niger (15), Nigeria (14), Senegal (1), South Africa (3), Sudan (10), and Togo (5). The 

three improved cultivars originated from ICRISAT-Niger (2) and from a joint ICRISAT / “Institut 

d’Economie Rurale” (IER, Mali) breeding program (1). In cooperation with Lake Chad Research 

Institute (LCRI, Nigeria) and IER, 74 of the 81 accessions (depending on available seed quantity) were 

characterized together with 7 controls in the rainy season 2009 in field trials under low- and high-input 

conditions at Sadore (Niger), Maiduguri (Nigeria) and Cinzana (Mali). All 81 accessions were 

evaluated together with 18 controls for resistance to the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) 

Benth. in an artificially infested field at Sadore (Niger). The tested accessions revealed a wide range of 

genetic diversity for various traits. Several accessions were identified as sources for specific traits of 

interest, such as presence of long awns, compact panicles with high grain density; specific grain color; 

earliness, lower susceptibility to Striga, and wide adaptation across the various test environments. 

These accessions are currently being integrated in ICRISAT’s and partner NARS’ breeding programs. 

The project therefore successfully contributed to use of genetic resources and diversification of pearl 

millet breeding programs in Niger, Mali and Nigeria. Seed of all accessions and characterization data 

are available with ICRISAT. 


Global Crop Diversity Trust 

Bettina IG Haussmann 

78

Activity: Conserve safety copy of germplasm held at ICRISAT, Patancheru at Sadore, Niger 

Milestone 2.1.7.2: Safety copy of germplasm conserved at Niamey genebank (groundnut, finger millet 

and pearl millet) (Annual) 


100% 


Niger 


ICRISAT-Niger 


The safety duplicates of a total of 11,791 accessions (5,205 pearl millet, 4,580 finger millet and 2,006 

groundnut accessions) were conserved in deep freezers at ICRISAT-Niamey at -20°C. We have 

encountered few problems of power cuts for short periods which may not influence the viability of well 

dried seeds and samples packed in good quality laminated aluminum pouches for storage at sub-zero 

temperatures. However, we are adopting suitable precautionary measures to avoid such power 

interruptions in future. 


No 


Activity: Safely conserve assembled germplasm for utilization 

Milestone: 2.1.7.4: Germination tested for groundnut, sorghum and millet germplasm accessions at 

Sadore, Niger (Annual) 


100% 


Niger 


ICRISAT-Niger 


The Sadore genebank team (Hassane Bissala, Sani Awel) tested 5540 groundnut accessions for 

germination percentage to identify critical accessions. These tested 5540 accessions covered all FAO 

in-trust groundnut accessions (with ICG number) stored in the active collection. 


No 


Milestone: 2.1.7.5: Critical accessions of groundnut, sorghum and millet regenerated in glasshouses at 

Sadore, Niger (Annual) 


100% 


Niger 


INRAN-Niger 

79


A total of 566 critical groundnut accessions and 130 sorghum accessions with low seed quantities were 

regenerated in 2010. Groundnut regeneration took place at the INRAN Station at Bengou, financed by 

ICRISAT core funds. After shelling, more than 300g of seeds was obtained for each 536 groundnut 

accessions. The sorghum accessions were regenerated at Sadore and simultaneously characterized for 

up to 20 traits, to augment the characterization data base. Processing of harvest observation and data 

analyses are still underway. 


No special project funding. 


Milestone: 2.1.7.6: Germplasm accessions of groundnut, sorghum and pearl millet regenerated in the 

field at Sadore, Niger (Annual) 


100% 


Niger 


INRAN-Niger 


Reported under milestone 2.1.7.5 


Output target 2.1.8: Unrestricted access and movement for staple crops germplasm ensured 

(2010) 

Activity: Assure risk-free export and import of germplasm materials 

Milestone 2.1.8.1: Requested germplasm of staple crops distributed to bona fide users for utilization 

(Annual) 


100% 


Twenty six countries – Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, 

India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nepal, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Senegal, South Africa, 

Swaziland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and USA 


ICRISAT-Patancheru, NARS in 26 countries 


Unrestricted movement of germplasm is required to utilize the variation available in vast pool of plant 

genetic resources. Pure, healthy and viable seeds of staple crops were supplied on request following 

standard germplasm distribution protocols. 

The Patancheru genebank distributed 3,268 germplasm samples in 88 consignments for research use in 

26 countries following standard germplasm distribution protocols. This included sorghum (1,423), 

pearl millet (360), chickpea (783), pigeonpea (319) and groundnut (383). Part of this distribution 

includes eight sets of mini core collection (sorghum – 4, chickpea -3 and pigeonpea – 1). The user 

community includes CGIAR centre (25), NARS (1,413), University (1,455), commercial company 

(370) and farmer/individual (5). 

80

Additionally, 2,888 germplasm samples representing sorghum (2,038), pearl millet (531), chickpea 

(89), pigeonpea (186) and groundnut (44) were supplied to scientists within the institute. The supply 

included one reference set of sorghum and two sets of pearl millet mini core collection. We supplied a 

total of 6156 seed samples to the researchers in 26 countries and within ICRISAT. 

RP Thakur, HD Upadhyaya, CLL Gowda and NBPGR 

Milestone 2.1.8.2: Requested germplasm of staple crops exported for utilization and new germplasm 

imported for conservation after seed health evaluation and clearance through NBPGR (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Export. PQL facilitated export of 19263 seed/grain samples of ICRISAT’s mandate crops to 46 

countries during 2010. Among exported samples, 16034 seed samples (sorghum-2456, pearl millet- 

7613, chickpea- 4592, pigeonpea- 304, groundnut-947 and small millets-122) were processed for 

phytosanitary measures through NBPGR Hyderabad and exported along with 136 phytosanitary 

certificates. Additional 3229 samples (Pearl millet 3185 grain samples for chemical analysis to 

Australia and chickpea 44 seed samples to USA for research) were sent without phytosanitary 

certificate after following importing country’s regulations. A total of 135 (0.8% of the total processed 

for phytosanitary certificates) seed samples (sorghum-30, pearl millet-27, Chickpea-61, pigeonpea-10 

and groundnut-7) were rejected either due to poor germination, and/or association with seed borne 

fungi (Bipolaris sacchari, Fusarium spp., Botryodiplodia theobromae, Rhizoctonia bataticola, R. 

solani) or gram -ve bacteria, store-grain pests, bacteria of unknown etiology and samples for which 

FAO designation status was not provided by the consignors. 

PQL arranged the export of 284 plant parts dried at 60ºC and ground to 1mm particle size to USA (115 

samples of pearl millet flour) and Afghanistan (169 samples of mixed grass of wheat and legume 

forage) with two phytosanitary certificates. PQL also arranged export of one bulk consignment (300kg) 

of pigeonpea ICPL 88039 to Nepal with phytosanitary certificate. All these consignments were 

subjected to phytosanitary measures (inspections and issuance of phytosanitary certificates) through 

Plant Quarantine Station, Hyderabad under the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, 

Ministry of Agriculture, India. 

Import: 

Applications processed for Import permits: A total of 26 import permit requests were processed for 

obtaining import permits to import various plant material, DNA and seed germplasm. Among these, 

five import requests were processed through Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage 

(DPPQS), Faridabad to import leaves/stem/grain/stover/straw samples of Tef, Sorghum, Maize, Sweet 

sorghum, Rice and cowpea from Ethiopia (1000 samples), Zimbabwe (230 samples) and Nigeria (570 

samples) whereas 21 import requests were processed through NBPGR to import DNA samples 

(Common Bean 92 samples and Maize 896 samples) and seed germplasm (523 samples including 

foxtail millet) from 14 countries. 

Imports Released: NBPGR, Hyderabad released 1123 germplasm samples consisting of 502 DNA 

samples of sorghum, pearl millet and bean from Germany and Bulgaria; and 621 samples of seed 

germplasm of different crops, sorghum- 232, pearl millet-261, chickpea-81, cowpea-45 and maize-2 

from Mali, Niger, USA & Syria, USA and Ghana, respectively. 

We also facilitated the import of 4 consignments containing 1716 samples of wheat straw and cowpea 

for nutritional analysis from Pakistan (740), Nigeria (423), Bangladesh (133) and Nepal (420), which 

were received by ILRI and submitted to PQL for inspection & release. These consignments were 

released after fumigation. These samples were imported under the special import permissions granted 

by DPPQS, Faridabad. 

81

Grow out test for detection of exotic pests: 

Material in Isolation area (RCW 18). Four inspections were carried out for 179 tomato accessions 

imported from Taiwan and grown at RCW fields. Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans was 

noticed in some plants. Infected plants were rouged out and incinerated. 

Material in PEQIA 

Groundnut: 185 accessions from USA were tested. Crop was found healthy during 5 visits in the 

growth period. Random plants were detected for the bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) and all the 

accessions were found free from the pathogen. During harvest, pods were inspected and healthy pods 

were released, whereas pods infested with peanut bruchid beetle (Caryedon Serratus) and infected with 

Aspergillus spp. and Sclerotium sp. were destroyed. Suspected plants to bacterial wilt infection of the 

two accessions EC 655712 and 655661 were tested for ooze test and were found free from the 

bacterium. 

Sorghum: Six inspections were arranged during crop growth period on 106 accessions of USA and 

leaf blight was recorded in 10 accessions (EC 635897, -635910, -635911, -635913, -635916, -635917,- 

635924, -635925, -635929, -635945) and all infected plants were rouged-out and incinerated. 

Chickpea 39 accessions from Australia and 208 accessions from USA were imported. In these 

consignments, during the last sowings in post entry isolation area, very less seed was harvested, hence 

original seeds of these consignments was re-sown in greenhouse; crop was inspected twice and found 

healthy. 

A total of 640 exotic germplasm of sorghum (374- from Mali, USA, France and Kenya), pearl millet 

(from Niger -261 samples) and finger millet (from Kenya-05 samples) were planted recently in PEQIA 

for screening for exotic pest/pathogen. One hundred forty of the 210 accessions imported from France, 

which did not flower during 2005, were planted again this year. 


Output 2.2: Germplasm of six small millets assembled and conserved germplasm characterized/ 

evaluated and documented for utilization and knowledge shared with partners 

2010 2.2.2 

Output target 2.2.2: Germplasm of six small millets conserved with 50% of germplasm 

characterized/evaluated for desirable traits and documented for utilization (2010) 

Activity: Characterize new germplasm/data missing accessions of six small millets for morphoagronomic 

traits 

Milestone 2.2.2.1: Germplasm of six small millets conserved and characterized/evaluated for desirable 

traits and documented for utilization (2010) 


100% 


India 




ICRISAT has the global responsibility to conserve the germplasm of six small (Finger-, Foxtail, Little-, 

Kodo-, Proso-, and Barnyard millet) millets. Geographic and taxonomic gaps were identified in 

passport databases of small millets and unique accessions were identified and assembled. 

We assembled 28 unique finger millet accessions from the All India Coordinated Small Millets 

Improvement Project, ICAR, India to fill gaps in the collection. The Global Crops Diversity Trust 

(GCDT) in collaboration with NARS have identified 2,314 accessions of important national finger 

millet collections for regeneration and safety duplication at ICRISAT, Patancheru genebank over a 

period of five years. Out of this, 585 accessions will be directly coming to Patancheru and 1,729 

accessions of the national collections from Africa proposed for conservation at the regional genebanks 

82

and for safety duplication at Patancheru. These include 1,714 accessions from Nairobi and 15 

accessions from Bulawayo. 

We assembled 42 new small millets germplasm accessions of finger millet (8 accessions), foxtail millet 

(7), proso millet (7), little millet (7), kodo millet (7), and barnyard millet (6 accessions)from Tamil 

Nadu, India for conservation and utilization in crop improvement programs. Identified priority areas for 

small millets germplasm collection which includes Asia (Bangladesh, China, India, Japan and Korea), 

central Africa (Chad), eastern Africa (Rwanda, Tanzania and Zaire), southern Africa (Angola and 

Mozambique), and west Africa (Cote d’ Ivoire). 

Evaluated finger millet and foxtail millet mini core collections in multilocation ά designed trials with 2 

replications for agronomic and quality traits and biotic and abiotic stresses during 2010 rainy season 

under BMZ/GTZ collaborative project. Recording of observations is in progress. Analyzed the 

multilocation evaluation data of mini core collections of finger millet and foxtail millet trials conducted 

during 2009 rainy season and identified trait specific accessions for early flowering (10 accessions) and 

high grain yield (8 accessions) in finger millet. IE 196, IE 501, IE 588, IE 2093, IE 2293, IE 2322, IE 

3104, IE 4734, IE 4759 and IE 5736 (


Output target 2.2.3: Databases of small millets germplasm updated for utilization (2010) 

Activity: Update germplasm databases of small millets 

Output target 2.2.4: Germplasm accessions regenerated for conservation and distribution (2010) 

Activity: Regenerate critical accessions of small millets germplasm 

Milestone 2.2.4.1: Germplasm accessions of small millets with limited seed stock/viability regenerated 

and seed samples processed to for medium- and long-term conservation (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Regeneration and seed processing for conservation are the critical activities to maintain purity and 

integrity of germplasm. Germplasm accessions with low seed stocks and poor viability are regularly 

regenerated to update the seed sock with pure, viable and healthy seeds. Germplasm accessions with 

low seed stock and poor viability were identified and regenerated and verified for genetic integrity and 

tested for moisture content and seed health and processed to active and base collection. 

The regenerated germplasm totaling 1,019 accessions from 2009 rainy season was processed for 

medium-term storage as active collection/working collection (finger millet – 165 and foxtail millet - 

219) to meet immediate user needs and for safety back up storage (finger millet - 360 and foxtail millet 

- 275). During 2010 rainy season we planted a total of 509 accessions for seed increase. This includes 

finger millet (160), foxtail millet (155), proso millet (106), and barnyard millet (88) for conservation as 

active collection and for safety back-up at Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Plant stand was good to secure 

sufficient seed stocks in these accessions. 

We processed a total of 1, 019 accessions of finger millet and foxtail millet germplasm to add to active 

and base collection. Additionally 509 accessions of finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, and 

barnyard millet were regenerated during 2010 rainy season. 

CLL Gowda and HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone 2.2.4.2: Seed viability and health of new and regenerated small millets germplasm tested and 

viability of conserved germplasm monitored (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Maintaining purity and viability is a critical activity of genebank management and require regular 

monitoring of seed health and viability in active and base collections. Similarly it is required while 

updating the seed stocks with freshly regenerated seeds. Accessions with low seed stock and poor 

viability identified, regenerated and tested for moisture content, seed health and viability. Similarly 

plant health was monitored during regeneration in field. 

Viability testing: The seed viability of 480 accessions was tested during this period. This included 315 

accessions of finger millet and 165 accessions of foxtail millet regenerated during 2009 rainy season 

for medium-term storage and safety back up at Svalbard. 

84

Plant health monitoring during regeneration: During the rainy season 2010, a total of 509 genebank 

germplasm accessions of small millets (finger millet 160, barnyard millet 88, proso millet 106 and 

foxtail millet 155) were inspected in the field during active growth period for assessing their health 

status. All barnyard and proso millet accessions were found free from quarantine significant pests 

whereas three accessions in foxtail millet were found infected with Exserohilum turcicum, leaf blight 

pathogen. In finger millet, 40 accessions were found infected with Pyricularia grisea. The infected 

plants were rouged out and incinerated and two prophylactic sprays were arranged with carbendazim @ 

0.2% at weekly interval to avoid the spread of the disease. 

RP Thakur, R Sharma and HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone 2.2.4.3: Small millets germplasm processed for safety back up (Annual) 


100% 


India 




We deposited 1,000 seed samples of in-trust small millets germplasm at the Svalbard Global Seed 

Vault as part of the Agreement between ICRISAT and the Nordic Genetic Resources Center, Norway. 

Identified the accessions and regenerated the seeds of identified small millet accessions for safety back 

up at Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Tested seed health and viability and obtained certification from 

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in India and processed for safety back up. 

As part of this agreement we have deposited 1,000 seed samples of in-trust small millets germplasm at 

the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway following standard protocols of seed health testing and 

certification by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in India. An additional 100 

accessions from this set were also sent for germination monitoring in due course of time. The passport 

and conservation data on these accessions was successfully uploaded to the public data portal at 

www.nordgen.org/sgsv. With these depositions the total number of duplicate samples of ICRISAT 

germplasm of small millets at the seed vault increased to 7,400 representing finger millet (4,400), 

foxtail millet (1,000), proso millet (600), little millet (400), kodo millet (500) and barnyard millet (500). 


Milestone 2.2.5 : Finger millet collection gaps filled in Tanzania and Kenya and germplasm shared 

according to agreed country germplasm sharing regulation (2010). 


100% 


Southern Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania: 

Partners Invovled: 

KARI-Kenya, NARO-Uganda, DRD-Tanzania 


Finger millet collection database were acquired, collections mapped and collection gaps identified. 

Based on this information and in collaboration with national curators, collection missions were 

conducted in the respective countries except for Kenya, where no collection gaps were identified. In 

Tanzania, collection targeted the southern part of the country: Sumbawanga, Nkasi and Mbozi districts; 

a major millet growing area, but where little is known on its production. Ugandan collection targeted 

all major growing areas (Soroti, Kumi, Serere, Apac, Lira, Hoima and Masindi districts). A total of 37 

and 92 samples were collected from Tanzania and Uganda respectively. Unique finger millet 

accessions have been collected from Uganda and Tanzania. Germplasm is being multiplied in 

ICRISAT-Kiboko to provide seed for characterization in the future years. 

85


HOPE project 

Mary Mgonja , Henry Ojulong, 


2011 2.2.1 

Output target 2.2.5: Germplasm of small millets supplied on request (2011) 

Activity: Assure risk-free export and import of small millets germplasm materials 

Milestone 2.2.5.1: Requested germplasm of small millets distributed to bona fide users for utilization 

(Annual) 


100% 


India 




To meet the seed request of small millet germplasm for research use we distributed 1,011 samples 

following standard protocols and obtaining SMTA in 20 consignments for research use in three 

countries. This includes finger millet (274), foxtail millet (687) and barnyard millet (50). The 

distribution include four sets of foxtail millet core collection, one set each of finger millet and foxtail 

millet mini core collection and 4 sets of part of finger millet mini core collection. Additionally, 307 

germplasm samples representing finger millet (149) and foxtail millet (158) were supplied to scientists 

within the institute. The supply included one set of foxtail millet core collection. 

RP Thakur, HD Upadhyaya, CLL Gowda and NBPGR 

Milestone 2.2.5.2: Requested germplasm of small millets exported for utilization and new germplasm 

imported for conservation after seed health evaluation and clearance through NBPGR (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Exported the seed samples of small millets germplasm to meet the seed request of scientists from 

overseas and imported the germplasm for updating the gaps in assembly of our germplasm collections. 

Seed samples were exported and imported through NBPGR, New Delhi, India. 

A total of 122 small millets samples were processed for phytosanitary measures through NBPGR 

Hyderabad and exported to two countries along with two phytosanitary certificates. These included 39 

foxtail millet samples to China and 83 finger millet samples to Thailand. 

Two import permits were processed and NBPGR issued two import permits to import 51 samples from 

China, these samples have been received at NBPGR and were under quarantine clearance. 


86

Output 2.3: Core, and mini-core collections and trait specific germplasm identified and evaluated 

and composite collections and reference sets developed and genotyped for utilization and new 

knowledge shared with partners 

Output target 2.3.1: Core and mini core collections of germplasm established for utilization 


Activity: Establish core and mini core collections of staple crops and small millets 

Milestone 2.3.1.4: Mini core collection of pearl millet germplasm established for utilization (2010) 


100% 


India 




The large collection of germplasm in genebanks coupled with limited information on traits of economic 

importance has resulted in very limited usage of germplasm by crop breeders and thus contributing to a 

narrow genetic base in many crops. The concept of core collection (about 10% of the entire collection) 

was visualized to enhance the utilization of germplasm in breeding programs. Precise evaluation using 

multi-locations and replications of this core for economic traits which show high genotype × 

environment interaction would be resources intensive. To overcome this, development of mini core 

collection in crops having large number of accessions has been suggested. The pearl millet mini core 

collection comprising of 238 accessions was constituted by using data on 10 morphological and 8 

agronomic traits of 2094 core collection accessions. The hierarchical cluster analysis of data using 

phenotypic distance matrix was performed. A proportional sampling strategy with 10% or a minimum 

of one accession from each cluster was used to form the mini core collection. 

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] exhibits enormous genetic diversity in the global 

germplasm collection. The pearl millet core collection (~10% of the entire collection), with 2094 

accessions, is still large for precise evaluation to identify parents for a genetic improvement program. A 

mini core collection of pearl millet comprising 238 accessions was constituted by using data on 10 

qualitative and 8 quantitative traits of 2094 core collection accessions. The hierarchical cluster analysis 

of data using a phenotypic distance matrix resulted in 136 clusters. A proportional sampling strategy 

with 10% or a minimum of one accession from each cluster was used to form the mini core collection. 

The comparison of data in the mini core and core collections using various statistical parameters, such 

as homogeneity of distribution for geographical origin and frequency classes of qualitative traits, 

means, median, within and between-accession variances, diversity index, and phenotypic correlations, 

indicated that almost the entire genetic variation present in the core collection was captured in the mini 

core collection. The possible impact of high between- and within-accession variability in pearl millet 

on maintenance of genebank accessions is discussed. With its greatly reduced size, the pearl millet mini 

core collection can be used for precise evaluation of traits of agronomic importance and biotic and 

abiotic stresses as well as mapping with molecular markers for identification of trait-specific 

germplasm and discovery of new genes. 

The pearl millet mini core collection is a subset of the core, consisting about 10% of the core collection 

or 1% of the entire collection and representing its diversity. The pearl millet mini core collection that is 

representative of the diversity of the pearl millet core and entire collection will enhance the use of pearl 

millet germplasm in breeding programs, molecular studies and discovery of new genes. A journal 

article has been accepted for publication in Crop Science (51:217-223) 


87


Output target 2.3.3: New reference sets of chickpea, groundnut, pigeonpea and sorghum 

germplasm (300 accessions each) established and evaluated for utilization (2010) 

Activity: Genotype composite collections for studying diversity and population structure and 

developing reference sets of staple crops 

Output target 2.3.4: Core, mini core, and or reference sets of germplasm evaluated for utilization 

in Asia (2010) 

Activity: Evaluate core/mini core/reference sets of staple crops and small millets for agronomic traits 

Milestone 2.3.4.3: Reference set of sorghum phenotyped for agronomic traits (2010) 


100% 


India 




Drought is one of the most important abiotic constraints to crop productivity worldwide. Sorghum 

reference set was evaluated to identify genetically diverse high yielding drought tolerant sorghum 

germplasm in a split plot design with irrigation and rainfed two main plots and three replications. 

Sorghum reference set consisting of 384 genetically most diverse accessions was characterized under 

well watered (WW) and post flowering water stress (WS) conditions and quality traits 

Sorghum reference set characterized under well watered (WW) and post flowering water stress (WS) 

conditions showed variability for seed micronutrient contents, Fe and Zn. Four accessions ISs 18879, 

18821, 14259, and 3957 had high content of both Fe and Zn both under WW and WS conditions. The 

correlation studies showed positive correlation between Fe and Zn content under both WW and WS 

conditions across all the groups as well as in the entire set. However, Fe and Zn content were 

negatively correlated with yield under both the conditions across all the groups and in the entire set. 

The accessions also showed a large range of variation for SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) 

both at flowering and 30 days after flowering (DAF) under WW and WS conditions. Under WW, six 

accessions ISs 2398, 29375, 13989, 452 (484) 510, 19262 and 22287 had high SCMR both at flowering 

and 30 DAF. Under WS, seven lines ISs 29496, 393 (411) 659, 303, 2398, 22506, 14276, and 29472 

had high SCMR both at flowering and 30 DAF. Only one line IS 2398 had shown higher SCMR both 

at flowering and 30 DAF both under WW and WS conditions. A large range of variation was observed 

for transpiration efficiency under WW and WS conditions. Promising accessions based upon stay-green 

character, chlorophyll content, transpiration efficiency and rate of water loss per unit of leaf area under 

terminal drought conditions have been identified for multilocational evaluation for stover/grain yield 

and component traits. 

Sorghum reference set accessions showed large range variation for phenological traits, which is 

probably associated due to differences in temperature and photoperiod across diverse test 

environments. Large range variations were also observed for SCMR at flowering and 30 days after 

flowering (DAF) under well watered (WW) and water-stressed (WS) conditions. 

HD Upadhyaya, Shivali Sharma, CLL Gowda, 

CT Hash and V Vadez 

Performance of germplasm accessions: The efforts on sweet sorghum genetic enhancement for 

specific traits like brix% and biomass have started recently. It is critical to identify new sources for 

traits like high brix%, juiciness, biomass, photo-insensitivity to improve productivity of sweet 

sorghum. As sweet sorghum distillery was established in Nanded, Maharastra, India and it is a partner 

in IFAD-ICRISAT biofuels project, the accessions collected from that region are also screened for 

sugar yield and allied traits. 

88

Sweet sorghum germplasm accessions trial-1 (SSGAT-1): A total of 82 germplasm accessions 

selected from the sweet sorghum germplasm accessions screening trial conducted during 2008 

postrainy season, were evaluated as a trial during in 2009 postrainy season along with the two 

controls viz., SSV 84 and CSH 22 SS in RCBD with three replications. The sugar yield ranged from 

0.08 to 2.06 t ha -1 (SSV 84: 1.21 t ha -1 ). The following seven germplasm accessions viz., IS 79 (2.06 t 

ha-1), IS 70 (1.89 t ha-1), IS 67 (1.66 t ha -1 ), IS 1126 (1.64 t ha -1 ), IS 58(1.63 t ha -1 ), IS 95(1.56 t ha - 

1 ), IS 105 (1.53 t ha -1 ) were significantly superior to the best performing control SSV 84 (1.21 t ha -1 ). 

Among the entries, days to 50 % flowering ranged from 53 to 82 days (SSV 84: 62 days). plant 

height ranged from 1.2 to 3.1 m (SSV 84: 2.2 m) and brix % varied between 6.3% and 16.5 % (SSV 

84: 13.33 %) and grain yield ranged from 0.2 t ha -1 to 4.3 t ha -1 (SSV 84 : 2.6 t ha -1 ). 


imported from China were evaluated during in 2009 postrainy season along with the two controls viz., 

SSV 84 and CSH 22 SS, in RCBD with two replications. The sugar yield ranged from 0.08 t ha -1 to 

1.34 t ha -1 (SSV 84: 0.54 t ha -1 ). One accession, i.e., IS 30383(1.34 t ha- 1 ) was numerically superior to 

the best performing control (ICSV 93046:1.33 t ha -1 ) and the stalk yield ranged from 0.7 to 22.8 t ha -1 

(CSH 22SS:13.4 t ha -1 ). Among the screened accessions, days to 50%flowering ranged from 62 to 91 

days (ICSV 93046: 90 days); brix % varied from 7.6 to 21.6 % (ICSV 93046: 17.0 %); plant height 

ranged from 0.8 to 2.4 m (ICSV 93046: 2.3 m) and the grain yield ranged from 0.1 t ha -1 to 7.3 t ha -1 

(ICSV 93046: 0.7 t ha -1 ). 


imported from China were evaluated during in 2010 rainy season along with the two controls viz., SSV 

84 and CSH 22 SS, in RCBD with two replications. The sugar yield among the all germplasm lines 

four genotypes viz., IS 41112 (0.9 t ha -1 ), IS 40942 (0.9 t ha -1 ), SP 4487-3 (0.8 t ha -1 ) and IS 41056 (0.8 

t ha -1 ) performed superior in sugar yields compared to the best performing control SSV 84 (0.76 t ha -1 ). 

Stalk yield ranged from 5.2 to 36.4 t ha -1 (SSV 84: 29.7 t ha -1 ). The days to 50% flowering ranged from 

53 to 101 days (CSH 22SS: 80 days). Brix% ranged from 5.8% to 15.8% (SSV 84: 14.0%), while the 

plant height ranged from 0.6 m to 3.2m (CSH 22SS: 2.4m). 

Sweet sorghum photo-insensitive lines trial-1 (SSPILT-1): A total of 127 germplasm accessions 

and 11 B-lines, having similar degree days to 50% flowering in rainy and postrainy seasons obtained 

from Generation Challenge Program were evaluated during in 2009 post rainy season along with the 

three control cultivars, SS 2016, S 35 and SPV 1411 in RCBD with three replications. The sugar 

yield ranged from 0.02 t ha -1 to 0.97 t ha -1 (SS 2016: 0.57 t ha -1 ). Three germplasm accessions viz., IS 

22282 (0.97 t ha -1 ), IS 22332 (0.62 t ha -1 ) and IS 11758 (0.61 t ha -1 ) were significantly superior to the 

best performing control (SS 2016: 0.57 t ha -1 ) for sugar yield. Among all the genotypes, days to 50 % 

flowering ranged from 57 to 142 days; stalk yield ranged from 0.8 to 13.6 t ha -1 (SS 2016: 10.4 t ha -1 ); Brix 

% varied from 5.5% to 18.5 % (SS 2016: 11.2% ); and grain yield ranged from 0.1 t ha -1 to 9.7 t ha -1 

(SS 2016: 1.36 t ha -1 ). 

Sweet sorghum photo-insensitive trial -2 (SSPILT-2): A total of 142 germplasm accessions and 11 

B-lines having similar degree days to 50% flowering in rainy and postrainy seasons obtained from 

Generation Challenge Program (GCP); 15 lines imported from USDA were evaluated during in 2009 

post rainy season along with the three controls, SS 2016, S 35 and SPV 1411 in RCBD with three 

replications. The sugar yield in the following four accessions viz. IS 16545 (0.9 t ha -1 ); IS10234 (0.8 t 

ha -1 ); IS 4112 (0.5 t ha -1 ); IS 20700 (0.5 t ha -1 ) was superior to the best performing control SPV 1411 

(0.49 t ha -1 ). Stalk yield ranged from 2.1 to 96.8 t ha -1 (SPV 1411: 21.5 t ha -1 ). There was wide range of 

variation in days to 50% flowering ranging from 58 to 103 days (S35: 69 days). IS 30385 flowered 

earliest with 58 days. Brix% ranged from 1.9- 31.6% (SPV 1411: 16.8%), while the plant height ranged 

from 0.4 m to 2.9m (SPV 1411: 2.1m). 

Sweet sorghum landrace selections trial (SSLST): A land race selections trial was constituted using 

22 superior land races selected previously, were evaluated in 2010 rainy season, along with two 

controls viz., Urja and RSSV 9 in RCBD with three replications. Nine accessions viz., IS 23537 (1.3 t 

ha -1 ), IS 23560 (1.3 t ha -1 ), IS 23562 (1.3 t ha -1 ), IS 23574 (1.2 t ha -1 ), IS 23519 (1.1 t ha -1 ), IS 23558 

(1.1 t ha -1 ), IS 23525 (1.0 t ha -1 ), IS 41461 (1.0 t ha -1 ) and IS 23528 (1.0 t ha -1 ) were superior for sugar 

yield compared to the best performing control RSSV 9 (0.9 t ha -1 ). The days to 50% flowering, among 

the entries ranged from 71 to 93 (Urja: 76 days). Among the land races IS 41401 was the earliest to 

89

flower with 71 days. The Brix% ranged from 11.3% to 18.0% (Urja: 18.0%), while plant height ranged 

from 2.3 m to 4.2 m (RSSV 9: 3.7 m). 

Sweet sorghum Ch lines trial (SSCAT): A total of 32 Ch lines selected previously, were evaluated in 

2010 rainy season, along with controls viz., Urja and SPSV 30 in RCBD with two replications. Among 

the tested entries, sugar yield ranged from 0.2 t ha -1 to 1.8 t ha -1 (SPSV 30: 1.8 t ha -1 ). The days to 50% 

flowering ranged from 67 to 95 days (Urja: 77 days); stalk yield ranged from 7.4 t ha -1 to 29.1 t ha -1 

(SPSV 30: 29.0 t ha -1 ); Brix% varied from 10.8 to 18.1% (SPSV 30: 18.1%) and plant height ranged 

from 0.6 m to 2.3m (Urja: 2.4m). 

Sorghum reference set trial (SRCT): A total of 142 germplasm accessions flowering in the range of 

60-100 days were selected from the reference set and screened for sugar yield and biomass along with 

five controls viz., CSH 22SS, Urja, JK Recova, RSSV9 and SSV 84 in RCBD with two replications. 

Among the screened germplasm accessions, two lines viz., IS 27599 (1.04 t ha -1 ), IS 10876 (0.90 t ha -1 ) 

were superior to the best performing control Urja (0.76 t ha -1 ) for sugar yield. A wide range of variation 

was observed in days to 50% flowering (51 to 87 days). The germplasm accession IS 30441 was 

earliest to flower in 51 days. The stalk yield ranged from 4.3 t ha -1 to 58.0 t ha -1 (CSH 22 SS: 58.0 t ha -1 ). The 

Brix% ranged from 7.0 to 18.0 %. (Urja: 18.0%). The same trial is being repeated in postrainy season 

2010 to select the best adapted lines for post rainy season. 

Sorghum germplasm accessions (PJ and NJ series) trial: The commercial sweet sorghum distillery 

i.e. Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) is located in Nanded, Maharastra, India. In view of the well 

documented high GxE in sweet sorghum, it is thought to better screen germplasm accessions collected 

from that region. Hence, 70 germplasm accessions collected from that region were taken from the 

genebank and were screened for sugar yield and biomass along with five controls viz.,Urja, RSSV 9, 

CSH 22SS, JK Recova and SSV 84 during 2010 rainy season, in RCBD with two replications. Among 

all the screened germplasm accessions, fifty entries were superior to the best performing control Urja 

(0.6 t ha -1 ) for sugar yield. The highest sugar yield was recorded by IS 18371 (1.3 t ha -1 ) followed by 

18360 (1.2 t ha -1 ). The days to 50% flowering ranged between 60 and 89 days. The stalk yield ranged 

from 4.7 to 46.9 t ha -1 and 35 entries showed higher stalk yields to the best control JK Recova (23.5 t 

ha -1 ). The Brix% ranged from 6.5 to 15.0%. The same trial is being repeated in post rainy season, 2010 

to identify post rainy season adapted accessions. 

The best performed germplasm accessions identified based on high Brix%, high sugar yield and 

biomass will be used in the crossing program to develop improved sweet sorghum cultivars. 


1.ICRISAT-IFAD Biofuels Project: “Linking the poor to global markets: Pro-poor development of 

biofuel Supply chains” funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development. 

2. SWEETFUEL: Sweet sorghum- an alternative bioenergy crop 

P Srinivasa Rao and BVS Reddy 

Evaluation of the full sorghum reference set for stay-green and chlorophyll content under 

terminal drought condition 


100% 


Kenya, Tanzania 

Partners Invovled: 

KAR Kenya, DRD-Tanzania 


Data on days to 50% flowering from the 2008/9 short rains was used to group the 390 Sorghum 

reference set lines from India. Seven distinctive groups; each with 10 day interval were obtained, group 

six (92-101 days after flowering) was discarded because it had very few entries. The trial was planted 

on 19 th June 2010 as single row plots of 3 m length with 2 replications and inter-row spacing of 0.75m 

in an augmented design with an average of two controls per group. Irrigation was stopped at 20 days to 

90

median of 50% flowering of each group. Days to 50% flowering ranged from an average of 67 in group 

1 to 96 in group 7. Short duration plants (group 1) were shorter than the longer duration genotypes 

(group 7), while the opposite was true for panicle exertion. Short duration genotypes had more basal 

and nodal tillers than the long duration genotypes. For flag leaf characteristics (flag leaf length and 

width), short duration genotypes had lower values compared to the long duration genotypes. At flag 

leaf initiation, short duration genotypes had fewer green leaves than the long duration. Groups were 

significantly different (P


India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania 


Indian Institute of Pulses Research - India; Institute of Agricultural Research - Ethiopia; Kenya 

Agricultural Research Institute - Kenya 


Evaluation of pigeonpea germplasm for resistance to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera: We evaluated 

146 pigeonpea mini core germplasm accessions for resistance to H. armigera along with resistant and 

susceptible controls under field conditions using three replications in a randomized complete block 

design. Data were recorded on pod borer damage and recovery, resistance on a 1 to 9 rating scale (1 = 

80% pods 

damaged and pods present only on a few branches), and grain yield. The genotypes ICP 7, ICP 655, 

ICP 772, ICP 1071, ICP 3046, ICP 4575, ICP 6128, ICP 8860, ICP 12142, ICP 14471, and ICP 14701 

exhibited moderate levels of resistance (damage rating 5.0 as compared to 9.0 in ICPL 87) to pod 

borer, H. armigera and these lines also showed good yield potential (> 0.85-1.54 t ha -1 ) under 

unprotected conditions, and also had no wilt incidence as compared to 38.2% wilt in ICP 8266. 


ISOPOM project on Helicoverpa resistance- ICAR, Tropical Legumes 1- Gates Foundation 


Milestone 2.3.5.1: Mini core collection of pigeonpea germplasm evaluated for resistance to wilt and 

sterility mosaic diseases under controlled environment. (2009). 


100% 


India 




Reconfirmation of pigeonpea mini-core collections for resistance to wilt and SMD: 

To reconfirm resistance to Fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic disease (SMD) in the five 

pigeonpea mini-core collections (ICPs 6739, 11015, 13304, 14976, 15049) identified as resistant to 

these diseases during 2009 season, they were revaluated to both the diseases under artificial epiphytotic 

conditions in field. One line (ICP 11015) was found resistant (0.1- 10% incidence) to both FW and 

SMD. For FW alone ICP 6739 remained asymptomatic (0% incidence). Similarly three lines (ICPs 

13304, 14976, 15049) were asymptomatic (0% incidence) to SMD. The susceptible controls for FW 

(ICP 2376) and SMD (ICP 8863) were highly susceptible (100% disease incidence). 

Suresh Pande, Mamta Sharma and HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone 2.3.5.3: Sorghum mini core collection evaluated for resistance to grain mold and 

anthracnose) (2010) 


100% 


India 




Grain mold and anthracnose are important biotic constraints to grain sorghum production worldwide 

92

and are best managed through host plant resistance. A sorghum mini core collection composed of 242 

germplasm accessions developed from a core collection of 2246 landrace accessions from 58 countries 

was screened to identify sources of grain mold and downy mildew resistance. 

Resistance to grain mold: Of 242 sorghum mini core accessions grown for evaluation of grain mold 

resistance in 2007 only 140 flowered for which grain mold scoring was done. The same set of 140 

accessions and one resistant (IS 8545) and 3 susceptible (SPV 104, Bulk Y and H 112) controls were 

screened for resistance to grain mold in the 2008 rainy season in grain mold nursery. 

Based on mean grain mold severity for the two years (2007-08), 53 accessions were resistant (grain 

mold severity ≤10%), 32 moderately resistant (mold severity 11 to 30%), 25 susceptible (mold severity 

31 to 50%) and 30 highly susceptible (mold severity >50%) compared to 83 to 88% severity in 

susceptible controls SPV 104 and Bulk Y, respectively, and 2% severity in resistant control IS 8545. 

Fifty accessions were found resistant in both the seasons indicating stable resistance in these accessions 

for grain mold. 

Resistance to Anthracnose: The mini core accessions (242) were evaluated in the 2009 and 2010 

rainy seasons for anthracnose resistance along with susceptible control H 112 in the anthracnose 

nursery. The accessions were whorl-inoculated with infested sorghum grain (grains colonized by 

Colletotrichum graminicola) 30 days after seedling emergence, and high humidity was maintained 

through overhead sprinklers twice a day on rain free days till physiological maturity of the grain. The 

anthracnose severity was recorded on 10 uniformly flowered plants at the soft dough stage using a 

progressive 1-9 scale where 1= no disease and 9 =76-100% leaf area covered with lesions. 

Based on mean anthracnose severity for two years, 10 accessions were found resistant (score≤3.0), 105 

moderately resistant (score 3.1 to 5.0), 72 susceptible (5.1 to 7.0) and 55 highly susceptible (>7.0) 

compared to 8.7 score in the susceptible control H112. Nine accessions (IS 473, -5301, -6354, -10302, 

-19153, -20956, -23521, -23684 and -30572) were resistant in both the years indicating stable 

resistance in these lines; therefore, these lines can be used in the breeding program to transfer 

anthracnose resistance in the elite hybrid parent lines. 

RP Thakur, Rajan Sharma and HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone: Reference collection characterized for Helicoverpa resistance (2011) 


100% 


India 




Analyzed the data of chickpea reference set evaluated for tolerance to Helicoverpa pod borer during 

2008-09 season. Identified ICC 20174, ICC 16903, ICC 14595, ICC 15518, ICC 8522, ICC 9590, 

ICC 9875, ICC 9712, ICC 9895, ICC 4182, ICC 15435 with low damage rating score (1.4 – 2.4), 

compared to the resistant control cultivar ICC 506 (2.6). Similarly identified ICC 7819, ICC 12537, 

ICC 6903, ICC 15435, ICC 13764, ICC 18828, ICC 9862, ICC 4533, ICC 14595, ICC 11498 with 

lower larval survival % (48.8-54.1%), compared to ICC 506 (56.8%). Three accessions (ICC 70826, 

ICC 16903, ICC 6293 had lower larvae weight (2.1-2.9 gm) compared to the control cultivar ICC 506 (3.1gm). 

HC Sharma, HD Upadhyaya and N Lalitha 

Milestone: Sorghum mini core collection evaluated for resistance to leaf blight and downy mildew 

(2011) 


100% 

93


India 




Resistance to downy mildew (Peronosclerospora sorghi): 242 mini core accessions were evaluated in 

a greenhouse along with a susceptible control (296 B) and a resistant control (QL 3) using a sandwich 

inoculation technique. Of the 242 accessions, 6 were resistant (≤10% incidence), 2 moderately resistant 

(11 to 20% incidence), 14 susceptible (21-30% incidence) and the remaining 220 highly susceptible 

compared to 100% incidence in the susceptible control (H 112) and 23% in the resistant control (QL 3). 

Among the resistant accessions, IS 28747 was free from downy mildew, two accessions (IS 31714 and 

IS 23992) recorded ≤5% downy mildew, while three (IS 27697, IS 28449 and IS 30400) had 6 to 10% 

incidence. 

Resistance to leaf blight: The mini core accessions were evaluated during 2009-10 post-rainy season 

in the leaf blight nursery. The accessions were whorl-inoculated with infested sorghum grain (grains 

colonized by Exserohilum turcicum) 30 days after seedling emergence, and high humidity was 

maintained through overhead sprinklers twice a day on rain free days till physiological maturity of the 

grain. The leaf blight severity was recorded on 10 uniformly flowered plants at the soft-dough stage 

using a progressive 1-9 scale. Of the 242 accessions, 90 were resistant (score ≤3.0), 109 moderately 

resistant (score 3.1 to 5.0), 38 susceptible (score 5.1 to 7.0) and 5 highly susceptible to leaf blight 

during 2009-10 screen. These mini core accessions are presently (2010-11 postrainy 2001-11 season) 

being reevaluated to confirm the resistance. 


Milestone: Pearl millet mini core collection evaluated for resistance to rust (2012) 


100% 


India 




Pearl millet mini core comprising 238 accessions was evaluated for rust resistance under natural 

conditions in the 2010 rainy season along with susceptible control ICMR 06222. The experiment was 

conducted in a RCBD with 2 replications; 1 row of 4 m length/replication. The disease severity was 

recorded at soft-dough stage using modified Cobb’s scale. None of the 238 accessions were free from 

rust. Nine of 238 accessions (IP -5964, -6057, -6113, -6517, -14599, -11943, -14787, -17396 and 

20577) were resistant with ≤10% severity; 64 accessions showed moderate level of resistance (11- 

30% severity), 138 accessions were susceptible (31-50%) and remaining 27 accessions showed high 

susceptibility to rust under natural infection. The mini core accessions are presently being reevaluated 

along with systematic susceptible controls in the rust nursery following artificial inoculation to confirm 

resistance in the mini core accessions to rust. 


2011 2.3.3 

Milestone 2.3.5.4: Pearl millet mini core collection evaluated for resistance to downy mildew (2011) 


100% 


India 

94




Progress/Results: Downy mildew (DM) disease of pearl millet caused by Sclerospora graminicola 

(Sacc.) Schroet, is a major biotic constraint severely limiting the production and productivity of the 

crop. The most effective and reliable management of this disease can be achieved only through 

resistant cultivar. High level of DM resistance is pre-requisite for a cultivar to be released for 

commercial cultivation in India and elsewhere. Pearl millet germplasm collection, particularly the 

recently developed mini core set could provide some good sources of genetic resistance to this disease. 

Pearl millet mini core comprising of 238 accessions and three germplasm controls (IP3616, IP 17862 

and IP 22281) were reevaluated for downy mildew (DM) resistance in the DM sick plot using the 

infector-row system at Patancheru during 2010 rainy season. The lines were evaluated along with 

systematic susceptible controls 7042S and PMB 11571-2 planted after every 8 test rows. The 

experiment was conducted in a RCBD with 2 replications; 1 row of 4 m length/replication. High 

humidity (>90%RH) was maintained using overhead perfo irrigation for about 15 days after planting 

the test rows to facilitate disease development. Total number of plants and downy mildew infected 

plants per plot/entry were recorded at the pre-tillering stage (about 30 days after emergence) and at the 

soft-dough stage (about 60 days after emergence). The disease incidence data at the soft-dough stage 

was considered for comparison, as there was increase in incidence in some entries at the later stage. Of 

238 accessions, 15 (IP 5711, -5869, -6324, -8913, -9645, -9934, -11428, -11546, -11811, -12374, - 

14537, -15273, -17396, -20715, and -20955) were highly resistant with no DM, 113 were resistant with 

1-10% incidence, 83 were moderately resistant with 11-30% incidence, 27 were susceptible compared 

to 100% incidence in known susceptible controls. Results from both 2009 and 2010 seasons indicated 

that, 3 accessions (IP 9934, IP 11428 and IP 20715) were highly resistant with no DM across 2 years, 

122 were resistant with ≤10% incidence, 90 moderately resistant with 11-30% incidence, 15 

susceptible with 31-50% incidence and remaining 8 had >50% DM incidence across 2 years. The 

accessions found resistant in the field screen will be evaluated in the greenhouse against diverse 

pathotypes to identify genetically diverse DM resistant accessions for use in pearl millet DM resistance 

breeding program. 


Milestone 2.3.5.6: Foxtail millet core collection evaluated for agronomic traits in India (2010) 


100% 


India 




Our objective was to enhance rural livelihoods and household food and nutritional security in the 

foxtail millet growing regions of India through cultivation of adapted, high yielding cultivars. Foxtail 

mini core collection (155 accessions) and five control cultivars were evaluated in alpha design at 10 

locations in India. 

Multilocation evaluation of 155 accessions of the foxtail millet core collection in different geographical 

areas of India, during 2008 rainy season, revealed highly significant genetic and gxe interaction 

variances for all the 11 quantitative traits studied such as days to 50% flowering (DF), plant height 

(PH), number of basal tillers (BT), flag leaf blade length (FLBL) and width (FLBW), flag leaf sheath 

length (FLSL), peduncle length (PEDL), panicle exertion (EXSER), inflorescence length (INFL) and 

width (INFW), and panicle weight (PANW). The PC analysis revealed that DF, PH, FLBL, FLSL and 

INFL (PC1 group), followed by PEDL and EXSER (PC2 group) were the traits most sensitive to 

varying environments. They also showed significant correlation among themselves. Stability analysis 

for each trait indicated that these have weak stability while BT and PANW were more stable indicating 

that selection in stress environments should be based on yield components. Promising genotypes for 

95

high grain yield and wider adaptability (ISe 710, 969, 1820, 49, 388, 842, 1888, 364, 90 and 1767); 

salinity (ISe 254, 869, 1888, 1851 and 96) and drought tolerance (ISe 289, 1892, 1474, 1302 and 

1108), high grain protein (ISe 1312, 1227 1789 and 1254), Ca (ISe 1227 and 1286), Fe (ISe 1151 and 

1286) and Zn (ISe 1286) were identified. 

Enhanced cultivation of the superior and diverse foxtail millet germplasm by farmers will increase 

productivity, availability of nutritionally rich food, and marketing opportunities, and contribute to insitu 

conservation of foxtail millet germplasm in India 


BMZ/GTZ project on finger millet and foxtail millet. 

ICRISAT Patancheru: HD Upadhyaya, Naresh Dronavalli, CLL Gowda; 

Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, India: 

NDRK Sharma, Y Narasimhudu and PRK Raju; 

University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, India: 

CR Ravishankar; Rajendra Agricultural University, 

Dholi, India: SK Varshney and SK Singh 

Milestone 2.3.5.7: Finger millet core collection evaluated for resistance to blast disease (2010) 


100% 


India 


Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Nandyal; Agricultural Research Station (ARS), 

Vizianagaram; AICRP on Small millet, Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), Mandya 


During the past 3 years, considerable progress has been made in establishing the pure cultures of the 

pathogen Magnaporthe grisea fm strain, developing field and greenhouse screening techniques and 

screening and identifying some accessions resistant to neck and finger blast described below. 

Finger millet core collection comprising 622 germplasm accessions was planted in 1 row of 2m/plot in 

two replications in RCBD. Systemic susceptible controls (VL 149, VR 708, RAU 8 and PR 202) were 

planted on every 5 th row alternatively. Plants were thinned to 20 plants/row 15 days after planting and 

other agronomic practices were followed as per local practices. Plants were spray-inoculated at preflowering 

stage with an aqueous conidial suspension (1×10 5 spores ml -1 ) of M. grisea fm-strain grown 

on oat-meal agar medium at 28 o C for 7 days. High humidity was provided by perfo-irrigation twice a 

day on rain-free days, 30 min each in the morning and evening hours to facilitate the disease 

development. 

Leaf blast was recorded using a progressive 1-9 scale, where 1= no infection and 9=>75% leaf area 

infected with typical lesions of blast. Neck blast incidence was recorded at the dough-stage using a 1-5 

scale, where 1= pinhead size lesions, 2= 1.0-2.0cm, 3= 2.1-3.0cm, 4= 4.1-6.0cm, 5= >6.0 cm lesions on 

the neck region. Finger blast severity (%) estimate was recorded across all panicles/all tillers in a row. 

Based on neck blast rating, the accessions were categorized in to: highly resistant (0-1.0), resistant (1.1- 

2.0), moderately resistant (2.1-3.0), susceptible (3.1-4.0) and highly susceptible (4.1-5.0). Similarly, 

based on finger blast severity (%), accessions were classified into: highly resistant (0-1.0%), resistant 

(2-10 %), moderately resistant (11-20%), susceptible (21-30%) and highly susceptible (>30%). 

Leaf blast resistance: Most of the lines were free from leaf blast and only a few lines recorded leaf 

blast with

Greenhouse evaluation of finger millet mini core for leaf blast resistance against Patancheru 

isolate: The greenhouse screening technique to evaluate finger millet for leaf blast resistance was 

developed. The screening involves: spray inoculation of 15-day-old potted seedlings with aqueous 

conidial suspension as mentioned above and incubating at 22±1°C with >95% RH and leaf wetness 

under 12 hr photoperiod for 7 days and recording foliar blast severity 8 th day after inoculation using a 1 

– 9 scale. 

Finger millet mini core comprising 80 accessions and 4 control lines were evaluated for leaf blast 

resistance in a greenhouse screen. Of the 80 accessions and four controls, 22 were found highly 

resistant, 43 resistant, 18 moderately resistant and one highly susceptible to leaf blast. 

Finger Millet Blast Stability Nursery (FMBRSN – 2010):Finger millet germplasm accessions have 

been evaluated at several locations including Nandyal, Vizianagaram, Mandya, Nagenahalli and 

Patancheru in India during 2008 - 09 and some accessions exhibiting resistance to neck and finger blast 

have been identified. Some other lines have shown differential reactions at these locations indicating 

possible variability in the pathogen population. 

Finger Millet Blast Resistance Stability Nursery (FMBRSN) – 2010 has been constituted with the 

accessions that showed resistant and variable disease reactions at the above mentioned locations. The 

FMBRSN - 2010 consists of 28 finger millet accessions as test entries including one susceptible (VR 

708) and one resistant (GPU 28) controls. The nursery is being evaluated at 5 locations: Patancheru, 

Mandya, Vizianagaram, Naganahalli and Nandyal. 

Three accessions (GPU 28, IE 3077, IE 5066) were found highly resistant to leaf blast (score ≤ 1.0 on 1 – 9 scale) at Patancheru 

and another three (IE 2710, IE 4497 and IE 7079) at Mandya. Similarly 4 accessions (GPU 28, IE 5106, IE 4497, IE 2957) were 

highly resistant at Vizianagaram and 5 each at Nagenahalli (IE 2911, IE 2957, GPU 28, IE 6337 and IE 4497) and Nandyal (IE 

2911, IE2957, IE 4497, IE 6337 and GPU 28). The observations are still to be recorded for neck and finger blast at all locations. 


ICRISAT-GTZ/BMZ 

RP Thakur, Rajan Sharma, HD Upadhyaya, CLL Gowda 

NARS Collaborators from Nandyal, Y Narasimhudu, 

Vizianagaram PRK Raj and Mandya CR Ravishankar 

2011 2.3.1 

Milestone 2.3.5.8: Foxtail millet core collection evaluated for resistance to blast disease (2011) 


100% 




Blast disease of foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] caused by Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) 

Sacc. (teleomorph- Magnaporthe grisea) is a major problem in India and Africa causing substantial 

yield loss. Management of this disease can best be achieved through host plant resistance. The major 

focus in Cereals Pathology has been to screen the core collection of foxtail millet that is available at 

ICRISAT Gene bank to identify genetic resistance to this disease. 

Foxtail millet core collection comprising of 155 accessions along with 4 controls were planted at 

ICRISAT, Patancheru in a RCBD with 2 replications, 1 row of 2 m long/replication. Plants were 

spray-inoculated at tillering stage with an aqueous conidial suspension (1 × 10 5 spores ml -1 ) of P. 

grisea fxm-strain. High humidity was provided by perfo-irrigation twice a day on rain-free days, 30 

min each during morning and evening hours to facilitate the disease development. Foliar, neck, panicle 

and sheath blast were recorded at dough stage. Of 155 accessions, 10 accessions did not germinate. 

One hundred forty one accessions were highly resistant to leaf blast without any infection compared to 

4 accessions (ISe 1129, ISe 1299, ISe 1037 and ISe 1118) that had 7-9 score on 1-9 scale. Seventeen 

97

accessions (ISe 375, -480, -748, -751, -769, -1037, -1067, -1204,-1320, -1335, -1387, -1419, -1547, - 

1593, -1685, -376 and -1541) were resistant ( ≤5% incidence) to neck and panicle blast confirming 

last year’s results. Seven accessions (ISe 237, ISe 717, ISe 1000, ISe 1204, ISe 1251, ISe 1320 and ISe 

1674) were resistant to sheath blast and remaining accessions had 10-90% incidence. 


BMZ/GTZ Project on finger millet and foxtail millet 

RP Thakur, Rajan Sharma, HD Upadhyaya, CLL Gowda 

NARS Collaborators from Nandyal, Y Narasimhudu, 

Vizianagaram PRK Raju and Mandya CR Ravishankar 

Activity: Evaluate Core and mini core collections for resistance to important abiotic stresses 

Milestone 2.3.5.9: Groundnut mini-core collection screened for root traits (2010) 


100% 


India 


ICRISAT Patancheru 


Completed in reported in 2009 archival 

V Vadez, HD Upadhyaya, RK Varshney and CLL Gowda 

2011 2.3.4 

Milestone 2.3.5.11: Sorghum mini-core or reference set screened for root traits (2011) 


100% 


India 




Although sorghum is known to be adapted to dry situation and to be deep rooted, there is still large 

variation in root traits. The work was undertaken to identify germplasm (from the reference set) with 

high capacity to extract water from the soil profile when exposed to typical postrainy conditions (water 

stress appearing after flowering). 

One hundred and forty nine germplasm entries from the sorghum reference set lines, having limited 

variation in the flowering time, and three control cultivars were evaluated under terminal water stress 

and fully irrigated conditions, using lysimeters (see detailed description in http://www.icrisat.org/btroot-research.htm. 

A ten-fold range for seed yield and harvest index (HI), two-fold range for transpiration efficiency (TE) 

and a 1.25 fold variation for water extraction were observed under terminal water stress. Transpiration 

efficiency and water extraction under water stress related poorly to that under fully irrigated conditions. 

A large genotype-by-water treatment interaction was noted. Although the range of variation for water 

extraction was small, the 3 L difference in total water extraction was estimated as differences in the full 

extraction profile of about 400 mm. Among races, Durra had highest water extraction capacity and TE, 

whereas Caudatum had poor water extraction but high TE. Although yield was closely related to HI, at 

any level of HI there was substantial yield difference remaining unexplained, and these residual yield 

variations were closely related to transpiration efficiency (R 2 = 0.60). Similarly, substantial yield 

98

variations that were still not explained by HI or TE were closely related to the total water extracted 

under water stress (R 2 = 0.35). These results were confirmed by a multilinear regression analysis, 

which also showed the importance of water extracted during the grain filling period. These data 

indicate that large range of variation exists in the sorghum germplasm for TE and the capacity to 

extract water from the soil profile, and each contributes to a substantial yield differences under terminal 

drought (Fig 1). The lysimetric system proved to be critical to precisely assess yield component traits 

and assess their respective importance on yield. 

Figure 1. Total water extracted from the lysimeter soil profile (g plant -1 ) under terminal water stress conditions (a) 

and well-watered conditions (b) in 152 germplasm entries arranged in the same order as in (a). Data are the mean of 

3 replicated lysimeter-grown plants per genotype. Bar indicates LSD 

These data indicate the potential of the lysimetric system to accurately assess the different components 

of the Passioura’s equation, in a way that allows the respective weighing of their importance under 

different watering regime. 

V Vadez, HD Upadhyaya, RK Varshney and CLL Gowda 

Activity: Evaluate mini core and/or reference sets for important abiotic stresses 

Milestone 2.3.5.13: Mini core collection of groundnut evaluated for resistance to seed infection by 

Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin contamination (2009) 

Progress reported: 

50% 


100% 


India 




After 2008-09 post rainy experiment, no trial was conducted during 2009-10 postrainy season. Hence 

there is no further advancement in the proposed activity from previous year. However, during 2010-11 

99

postrainy season, 184 mini core accessions are being planted in the A. flavus sick field for systematic 

evaluation for resistance to seed infection by Aspergillus flavus and subsequent aflatoxin 

contamination. 

H Sudini and HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone 2.3.5.18: Reference sets of chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut evaluated for salinity 

tolerance (2010) 


100% 




Results on pigeonpea for the mini core collection reported earlier and not assessed for the reference 

collection 

Legumes are generally considered sensitive to salinity, but the salinity resistance of large number of 

germplasm has rarely been explored. This study aimed to: (i) determine whether there is consistent 

genetic variation for salinity resistance in the chickpea and groundnut mini-core and reference 

collections; (ii) assess the strength of the relationship between the yield under saline conditions and that 

under non-saline conditions; and (iii) identify contrasting sets of entries. 

Chickpea and groundnut germplasm from the mini core collection and reference set (chickpea) were 

planted in 25 cm diameter pots, filled with 7.5 kg of Vertisol (chickpea) or 10kg of Alfisol (groundnut). 

Salt treatment consisted in an application of a 80 mM NaCl solution in sufficient amount to saturate the 

soil profile. This corresponded to a 0.94 g/kg Alfisol and 1.17 g/kg in the Vertisol. Salt treatment was 

applied in 3 split doses at sowing (1/3), and approximately 10 and 20 days after sowing. Subsequent 

irrigation was done with soft water. Plants were grown in pots outside, buried in the ground, and plants 

harvested at maturity. Four chickpea plants and two groundnut plants per pot were used. 

Chickpea – Several trials were carried out between 2005 and 2009. There was a large variation in seed 

yield among the genotypes in the saline pots, and a small genotype by environment interaction for grain 

yield in both soil types. The non-saline control yields explained only 12 to 15% of the variation of the 

saline yields indicating that evaluation for salinity resistance needs to be conducted under saline 

conditions. The reduction in yield in the saline soil compared with the non-saline soil was more severe 

in the Alfisol than in the Vertisol, but rank order was similar in both soil types with a few exceptions. 

Yield reductions due to salinity were closely associated with fewer pods and seeds per pot (61 to 91%) 

and to lesser extent from less plant biomass (12 to 27%), but not seed size. A group of consistently 

salinity resistant genotypes was identified for use as donor sources, for crossing with existing chickpea 

cultivars (Table 1). (Details in Krishnamurthy et al., 2011 – J. Agron. Crop. Sci). 

Table 1. Best linear unbiased predicts of genotypes (BLUPs) for days to 50% flowering, shoot 

biomass and seed yield for the group of consistently highly resistant accessions (n=12) in a 

Vertisol (2005-06) and an Alfisol (2007-08) soil. 

Vertisol (2005-06) Alfisol (2007-08) 

-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- 

Days to Shoot Grain Days to Shoot Grain 

50% biomass yield 50% biomass yield 

Accession flowering (g pot -1 ) (g pot -1 ) flowering (g pot -1 ) (g pot -1 ) 

ICC 456 61 24.4 10.7 55 26.5 11.3 

ICC 791 63 33.4 10.3 68 25.4 9.0 

ICC 1710 65 32.0 10.4 67 25.7 8.5 

ICC 3325 63 28.0 9.7 54 27.1 9.7 

ICC 4918 43 30.8 9.9 50 25.5 9.9 

ICC 5613 52 30.8 9.6 46 23.5 7.8 

ICC 6279 45 28.4 11.1 43 25.5 11.1 

100

Vertisol (2005-06) Alfisol (2007-08) 

-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- 

Days to Shoot Grain Days to Shoot Grain 

50% biomass yield 50% biomass yield 

Accession flowering (g pot -1 ) (g pot -1 ) flowering (g pot -1 ) (g pot -1 ) 

ICC 9942 57 31.9 12.8 54 32.4 15.7 

ICC 11121 60 30.5 11.0 60 26.9 10.7 

ICC 12155 60 32.1 10.1 50 26.0 12.4 

ICC 14799 60 35.8 10.6 60 25.1 8.6 

ICCV 95311 46 28.2 10.2 45 25.7 9.1 

Please Add SE±, CV%, CD in table 1. 

Groundnut: A total of 275 genotypes of groundnut including genotypes from putatively salinity 

affected areas were screened across three different seasons for shoot biomass and seed yield, under 

saline and non-saline conditions. Shoot biomass under saline conditions showed limited genotypic 

variation and was not kept as a selection criterion. In comparison, a six-fold range of variation for pod 

yield under salinity (10-12.5 dSm -1 NaCl) was observed. Pod yield under saline and non-saline 

conditions were poorly related.. Although the genotypic variation for pod yield under saline conditions 

was large, it also showed large G×E interaction. We report a set of 14 tolerant and 17 sensitive 

genotypes, consistently contrasting across years for pod and seed yield and pod and seed numbers 

under saline conditions across seasons, and those could be used in breeding (Table 2). Our attempt to 

increase the frequency of tolerant lines by selecting landraces from putatively salinity affected area was 

not successful and the mini core collection of germplasm provided most of the salinity tolerant entries. 

Table 2. List of 14 most tolerant and 17 most susceptible genotypes, including germplasm type (MC, minicore, 

BL, breeding line) and origin, and data o days to flowering, shoot dry weight at maturity (SDW) and 

pod weight at maturity (PW) from two seasons evaluation under saline (S, 1.17 g NaCl kg-1 soil) and control 

(C, 0 g NaCl) conditions. Data are the mean (± SE) of 3 replicated pots (containing 2 plants pot-1) 

Genotype Type Origin Season Days to 

flower (DAS) 

SDW (g pot -1 ) PW (g pot -1 ) 

Tolerant S C S C S C 

ICG 5195 MC Sudan 2006 34 25 19.0 ± 1.60 28.1 ± 1.12 12.6 ± 0.16 22.4 ± 3.55 

2006-07 45 42 18.3 ± 0.11 35.6 ± 5.44 17.1 ± 0.81 34.9 ± 6.43 

ICGV 86156 BL ICRISAT 2006 30 28 15.4 ± 2.03 23.7 ± 5.50 13.7 ± 1.5 14.1 ± 2.02 

2006-07 51 40 11.0 ± 2.51 26.1 ± 0.11 23.1 ± 3.15 44.2 ± 3.82 

ICG (FDRS)10 BL ICRISAT 2006 28 25 25.8 ± 8.10 35.3 ± 3.12 11.5 ± 4.60 19.8 ± 3.44 

2006-07 52 39 25.1 ± 0.01 41.3 ± 5.00 24.5 ± 3.33 45.1 ± 3.09 


2006-07 39 37 17.1 ± 1.62 29.7 ± 3.52 22.2 ± 2.41 49.4 ± 2.42 


2006-07 59 37 16.7 ± 2.29 29.4 ± 6.58 24.5 ± 4.04 34.3 ± 8.59 

ICGS 44 BL ICRISAT 2006 33 28 13.3 ± 1.24 29.8 ± 5.53 9.5 ± 0.37 33.6 ± 13.52 

2006-07 47 43 21.5 ± 3.58 23.9 ± 0.81 23.2 ± 2.48 52.7 ± 6.45 

ICG 442 MC USA 2006 34 24 13.1 ± 1.86 55.3 ± 5.55 7.6 ± 1.30 20.5 ± 5.17 

2006-07 45 41 17.6 ± 1.08 26.6 ± 3.28 20.6 ± 0.57 40.7 ± 4.44 

ICG 7283 MC Paraguay 2006 32 26 16.2 ± 2.14 29.4 ± 2.93 9.5± 2.53 28.9 ± 0.85 

2006-07 45 26 17.5 ± 6.12 27.2 ±12.27 26.1 ± 6.13 32.4 ± 14.08 

ICG 1711 MC Boliva 2006 30 27 12.9 ± 2.45 30.6 ±1.69 10.5 ± 2.57 24.1 ± 4.60 

2006-07 44 39 20.5 ± 1.91 40.9 ± 6.25 18.0 ± 2.65 36.4 ± 7.66 


2006-07 75 41 9.42 ±1.85 28.9 ± 5.45 25.2 ± 1.46 35.9 ± 9.61 

ICG 2106 MC India 2006 36 28 18.0 ± 3.81 30.9 ± 3.46 10.7 ± 3.39 17.9 ± 0.91 

2006-07 75 41 16.7 ± 1.17 36.1 ± 4.33 23.4 ± 0.77 45.4 ± 0.92 

ICGS 76 BL ICRISAT 2006 37 35 17.2 ± 2.12 47.8 ± 11.11 11.7 ± 2.89 34.7 ± 14.01 

2006-07 54 54 19.1 ± 0.83 37.4 ± 4.04 27.2 ± 1.64 42.3 ± 6.55 

ICG 1519 MC India 2006 37 27 14.6 ± 0.52 45.5 ± 15.37 11.3 ± 2.54 21.7 ± 5.32 

2006-07 77 43 13.8 ± 1.70 29.4 ± 2.58 25.2 ± 4.51 39.7 ± 2.54 

ICGV 87187 BL ICRISAT 2006 36 17 11.0 ± 2.21 17.3 ± 0.52 14.4± 1.75 29.6 ± 0.88 

2006-07 56 51 17.9 ± 0.83 33.3 ± 0.60 25.2 ± 1.11 48.4 ± 0.11 

Susceptible 

ICG 6402 MC Unknown 2006 33 29 11.4 ± 2.88 31.6 ± 2.72 1.6 ± 1.11 14.8 ± 2.19 

2006-07 73 43 17.6 ± 2.1 34.2 ± 0.5 12.1 ± 5.64 51.6 ± 1.49 

ICG 5149 MC Paraguay 2006 30 26 13.6 ± 1.58 59.0 ± 8.60 3.1 ± 1.94 16.08 ± 6.59 

2006-07 42 37 26.4 ± 1.21 40.5 ± 1.41 11.6 ± 0.32 33.9 ± 8.33 


2006-07 44 45 8.8 ± 2.32 48.4 ± 9.86 20.9 ± 0.81 37.9 ± 4.53 

ICG 6993 MC Brazil 2006 38 33 4.1 ± 2.97 22.6 ± 0.16 1.5 ± 0.59 4.9 ± 2.01 

2006-07 54 50 28.1 ± 3.18 68.6 ± 4.57 15.9 ± 4.28 26.1 ± 6.50 

ICG 13856 MC Uganda 2006 36 26 11.5 ± 2.04 37.5 ± 0.05 6.7 ± 0.86 31.1 ± 2.20 

2006-07 81 42 11.6 ± 1.18 24.7 ± 3.19 14.1 ± 6.16 34.9 ± 5.56 

ICG 8083 MC Russia / CISs 2006 26 23 6.3 ± 1.38 20.7 ± 1.66 5.5 ± 0.93 17.9 ± 1.75 

101

High contrast exists for salinity tolerance in groundnut and chickpea. In chickpea, sensitivity to salt 

stress is related to the sensitivity of reproduction and similar trend is very likely in groundnut. 

V Vadez, HD Upadhyaya and RK Varshney 

Activity: Evaluate groundnut and sorghum mini core and/or reference sets for transpiration 

efficiency (TE) and root traits 

Milestone 2.3.5.19 C.5.3.5: C ¹³ in chickpea analyzed at JIRCAS (Annual) 


100% 


India and Japan 


JIRCAS, UAS Bangalore, ICRISAT-Patancheru 


As indicated in the previous report, the field trial at Patancheru was repeated again in 2009-2010. The 

trial with the reference set was planted on 31 Oct 2009 under two soil moisture conditions. The pattern 

of receding soil moisture was normal except for a 39 mm rain on 14 Jan 2010 when most early duration 

accessions had already reached the physiological maturity. The data on SLA, SCMR and phenology 

were recorded. Similar to the previous year data, data from 2009-10 had also shown a large and 

significant variation across the soil moisture regimes for most of the traits monitored including Δ 13 C (Table 3). 

Table 3. Means (BLUPs) and range of various traits observed both under drought stressed and 

optimally irrigated environments of the 280 accessions of the reference set of chickpea 

germplasm during 2009-10 postrainy season in a Vertisol. 

Drought stressed 

Optimally irrigated 

_______________ 

_________________ 

Characteristics Mean Range Mean Range 

Days to 50% flowering 48 35-66 53 36-64 

Days to maturity 95 79-115 112 108-117 

Shoot biomass (kg ha -1 ) 4120 2822-5499 6781 3566-8926 

Seed yield (kg ha -1 ) 1518 442-2314 1522 694-2311 

Harvest index 38 11-57 23 11-38 

Pod number plant -1 43 21.2-71.2 49 28.6-86.9 

Seeds pod -1 1.1 0.77-1.37 1.2 0.9-1.6 

100 seed weight (g) 17.3 9.2-44.8 15.1 8.1-33.9 

Shoot biomass (kg ha -1 day -1 ) 43.5 28.4-57.3 60.4 32.7-78.4 

Seed yield (kg ha -1 day -1 ) 33.4 7.7-53.5 25.7 13.2-37.7 

Under drought stress, there was a large range in Δ 13 C value of the accessions and this ranged between - 

27.2 to -24.2. However, it was very narrow and between -28.6 to -27.4 under optimally irrigated 

conditions. The seed yield per day (seed yield/ days of reproductive growth duration) or water use 

efficiency (WUE) under terminal drought stress prone condition was significantly associated with the 

Δ 13 C (Fig. 2) like the observation in previous year. It was interesting to note that Δ 13 C was not only 

related to WUE but also with the phenology, shoot biomass, seed yield. Surprisingly Δ 13 C was not 

correlated with SLA or SPAD values. But there was a good negative correlation between SLA and 

SPAD values (r = -0.38 *** ). The narrow range of Δ 13 C values observed under optimally irrigated 

condition was not associated with the phenology or the yield component traits. 

102

y = -8.38x - 182.7 

R 2 = 0.25*** 

60.0 

50.0 

WUE (Kg ha -1 d -1 ) 

40.0 

30.0 

20.0 

10.0 

0.0 

-27.5 -27 -26.5 -26 -25.5 -25 -24.5 -24 

Delta C 

Figure 2. The relationship between the Δ 13 C and the rate of grain yield accumulation (kg ha -1 

day -1 ) in the 280 accessions of the chickpea reference collection during 2008-09 growing season 

Genotyping of the reference set with DArT markers 

A set of 288 chickpea genotypes from the reference set were genotyped using DArT markers and 1157 

polymorphic markers were identified. Based on the availability of both genotyping and phenotyping 

data, 270 genotypes from the reference set were used for marker trait association studies. 

Linkage disequilibrium based marker trait associations 

In order to identify the number of subpopulations, STRUCTURE analysis (Pritchard et al 2000) was 

performed, which estimates the natural logarithm of the probability Ln P(D) of given genotype, being 

part of a given population K. By the Bayes Model-based Clustering Analysis, the highest likelihood 

value (Ln P(D)), correspond to the most probable number of subpopulations. In order to find the best 

value of K, the program was run for 4 times fitting K from 2 to 20, under “admixture model”, for the 

DArT markers (Figure 2). However conclusive K value could not be determined, hence for determining 

the number of sub-populations, principal component analysis (PCA) in TASSEL 2.01 was used. As a 

result, 17 sub-populations were identified in the reference set which represent >70% of the variation 

existing the germplasm used. Further, in order to reduce the number of false positive associations both 

population structure and relative kinship information were employed. Both generalized linear model 

(GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) in TASSEL 2.01 software (Andersen et al. 2005) were 

employed for establishing marker trait associations. 

Markers associated with various root traits like root volume (cpPb-172290, cpPb-324158), root length 

(cpPb-677692), root dry weight (cpPb-489251), root surface area (cpPb-324158, cpPb-172290), 

rooting depth (cpPb-325441) and root length density (cpPb-677692) and carbon isotope discrimination 

trait (cpPb-680078, cpPb-490776) were identified (Table 4-5). Most of the associations identified for 

root volume, root dry weight root surface area by GLM were also identified by MLM. The markers 

associated with root volume and root surface area were mapped on linkage group (LG 3) on the high 

density inter-specific map developed using the mapping population ICC 4958 × PI 489777. However, 

markers associated with rooting depth and root length density are not mapped. Marker trait associations 

were detected only under rainfed conditions using GLM model. However MLM analysis detected 

marker trait association for under rainfed and irrigated conditions (Table 4-5). 

Table 4. Marker trait associations identified using generalized linear model (GLM) 

Locus LG Trait* p-value Rsq_Marker 

cpPb-172290 LG3 Root volume 0.000999 0.0382 


cpPb-489251 Not mapped Root Dry Weight 0.004000 0.0361 

cpPb-677692 Not mapped Root length density 0.015000 0.0315 

cpPb-172290 LG3 Root surface area 0.009000 0.0319 


cpPb-680078, LG7 CID 0.00099 0.045 

cpPb-490776 LG2 CID 0.00099 0.00329 

*CID=carbon isotope discrimination 

103

Table 5. Marker trait associations identified using mixed linear model (MLM) 

Locus LG Trait* p-value Rsq_marker 



cpPb-489251 Not mapped Root Dry Weight 0.0028 0.0279 




cpPb-325441 Not mapped Rooting depth 0.0059 0.031 


cpPb-677692 Not mapped root length 0.012 0.0206 

cpPb-327820 LG1 DeltaC_IR 0.0043 0.045 


cpPb-490776 LG2 DeltaC_RF 0.0018 0.0295 









*Delta C_IR= under optimally irrigated conditions; and DeltaC_RF= under terminal drought 

conditions 

Special project funding: GCP SP3 G2008 

L Krishnamurthy, Rajeev Varshney, Pooran M Gaur and HD Upadhyaya 

Groundnut for TE 

Completed and reported in 2009 archival 

Sorghum 

Sorghum is usually cultivated under water limited conditions and as such, identification of entries that 

are capable of maximizing water productivity is an important endeavor. Further, there is evidence of 

genotypic variation for TE in sorghum, although this has been done in small range of germplasm. 

Therefore, an assessment was done here in a large number of entries, in a routine pot trial. 

Plants were grown under well-watered conditions until about 4 weeks after sowing. Then a set of plants 

is harvested to assess biomass at that stage. Then two sets of plants are used as water stress (WS) and 

well watered treatment. Pots are bagged to avoid soil evaporation. Progressive water deficit is imposed 

to the water stress treatment by limiting the maximum amount of water loss per day. Pot weight is 

taken every day. Once WS plants have exhausted the pot water, plants are harvested, biomass measured 

and TE calculated as the ratio of the biomass increase during the dry down, divided by the amount of 

water transpired during that time. 

A large range of variation was found (from 4.13 to 9.20 g biomass kg-1 water transpired). The trial 

mean value in 2009-10 was relatively lower (6.12 g biomass kg -1 water transpired) than the trial mean 

of 2008-09 (8.60 g biomass kg -1 water transpired). Yet, these data were in the range of those reported 

by other scholars (Yin et al., 2009; Balota et al., 2008; Hammer et al., 1997; Donatelli et al., 1992). 

There was a significant relation between the values obtained in the previous year. Therefore the data 

from the two years were averaged. The chart below provides the range of variation for TE across two 

years, i.e. a range between 6 and 10 g biomass kg -1 water transpired (Fig. 3). This work allows the 

identification of contrasting germplasm, having differences in TE under well watered conditions. Two 

measurements of SPAD value were done on the most fully expanded leaf during the course of the 

experiment, i.e. at 1 and 3 weeks after initiating the experiment and where plants were 5 and 7 weeks 

104

old. The purpose of measuring SPAD was to test whether TE data could be related to SPAD data, as it 

has been attempted in groundnut. The SPAD value varied between 30 and 60 in both measurements 

and were closely related (R 2 = 0.42). However, there was absolutely no relationship between TE and 

any of the SPAD measurement, showing that TE could not be measured with SPAD reading 

differences. 

TE (g biomass kg-1 water 

transpired) 

12.0 

10.0 

8.0 

6.0 

4.0 

2.0 

0.0 

387 entries tested 

Figure 3. Range of variation of TE across two years in sorghum reference set 

V Vadez, L Krishnamurthy and HD Upadhyaya 

Output target 2.3.6: Reference sets evaluated and genotyped for enhanced utilization 

Activity: Investigation of genetic diversity of chickpea and groundnut reference sets and assessing its 

relevance with drought avoidance root traits 

Milestone 2.3.6.1: Chickpea reference set phenotyped for root traits in PVC cylinders (120cm height) 

(2009) 


100% 


India and Japan 


JIRCAS, UAS Bangalore, ICRISAT-Patancheru 


To improve the prospects of identification of a major QTL for the root traits as well as the desire to 

improve the robustness of the molecular markers that would be identified, it was decided to continue 

the root phenotyping for the third season. The experiment was sown in an alpha design with three 

replications in cylinders as in previous tests. The sowing was done during 22 and 26 Dec 2009 and 

harvested during 26 to 30 Jan 2010. The rooting depth, root dry weight, root volume, root surface area 

and the root length density were the root-related data collected along with the shoot dry weight of these 

two plants from each cylinder. The plant growth in this trial was good. The rooting depth ranged from 

91 to 105 cm, root dry weight from 0.64 to 1.35g cylinder -1 (Fig 4) and the root length density from 

0.28 to 0.41 cm cm -3 . The root dry weight of the accessions recorded in this trial was well associated to 

the ones observed in the previous year (2008-09) (Fig 5). Similarly the root length density (r 2 = 0.14) 

and the shoot dry weights (r 2 = 0.35) were also closely associated. 

105

1.5 

Root dry weight (g cylinder -1 ) 

1.4 

1.3 

1.2 

1.1 

1.0 

0.9 

0.8 

0.7 

0.6 

0.5 

1 17 33 49 65 81 97 113 129 145 161 177 193 209 225 241 257 273 289 

Reference set 

Figure 4. The range of root dry weights (best linear unbiased predictors) observed in the 

reference collection of the chickpea germplasm in 2009-10 

0.90 

Root dry weight (g cylinder -1 ) in 2008-09 

0.80 

0.70 

0.60 

0.50 

0.40 

y = 0.362x + 0.228 

r 2 = 0.37*** 

0.30 

0.30 0.50 0.70 0.90 1.10 1.30 1.50 

Root dry weight (g cylinder -1 ) in 2009-10 

Figure 5. The relationship between the root dry weights of the reference of the chickpea 

germplasm recorded in 2008-09 and 2009-10 

Special Project Funding 

TL1 

L Krishnamurthy, N Lalitha, Rajeev Varshney, 

Pooran M Gaur and HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone 2.3.6.4: Groundnut reference set genotyped with 100 SSR markers (2010) 


100% 


India 


UAS-B 

106


Groundnut reference set was grown during 2009-10 post-rainy season and leaf samples were collected 

to extract the DNA for genotyping. A set of 154 SSR markers are chosen from the consensus genetic 

map prepared with 293 marker loci. The markers were chosen based on whole genome coverage and 

their uniform distribution on all linkage groups. Diversity analysis was done for 154 SSR genotyping 

data using PowerMarker V3.25 and DARwin 5.0.128. A total of 3,295 alleles were detected ranging 

from a minimum of 3(GM1135) to a maximum of 79 (GM2120) with an average of 21.3 alleles per 

locus. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value varied from 0.07 (GM1416) to 0.97 

(GM2120) with average 0.69. Major allele frequency was very low for GM2120 (0.09) due to presence 

of high variability for this locus and highest for GM1416 (0.96) indicating most of the genotypes had 

the same locus. A total of 64 markers did not exhibit any heterozygosity, while variation was high 

among remaining markers ranging from 0.003 (GM1603, GM1846, GM1907, S11, PM183) to 0.996 

(GM2215) with an average of 0.102 per locus. Wilds and cultivated clustered separately and similar 

separate clustering was also observed grouping based on species, sub-species and genomes (Figure 6). 

HD Upadhyaya, Mansee, Sriswathi, MK Pandey and RK Varshney 

A 

B 

Sub.species 

Hypogaea 

C 

Sub species.hypogaea (red); Sub species. fastigata 

(green); Sub species capibarensis (black) 

D 

AA genome (red); AABB genome (blue); BB genome 

(green); EE genome (pink); EX genome (yellow); PP 

genome (brown) 

•Wild species ;Cultivated 

Figure 6. Clustering pattern of 307 reference set genotypes based on 154 SSR markers. 

Distribution of genotypes based on species (A), sub-species (B), genome (C) and pictorial diagram 

for wild and cultivated genotypes (D) 


Department of Biotechnology (Government of India) 

107

Milestone 2.3.6.5: Candidate gene diversity analyzed in chickpea reference set (300 accessions) for 

drought tolerant alleles (2010) 


100% 


India, France and Peru 


CIRAD, INRA-CNG, CIP 


The candidate genes conferring drought tolerance were sequenced in 300 accessions of reference set of 

chickpea. The results of which are explained in Output Target 2.4.7 of Archival Report of Project 2. 

RK Varshney, HD Upadhyaya and PM Gaur 

2011 2.3.2 

Milestone 2.3.6.6: Diversity analyzed for the molecular markers and markers associated with drought 

related (root traits) in chickpea identified (2011) 


100% 


India 




Diversity analyzed for the molecular markers and markers associated with drought related (root 

traits) in chickpea identified: Chickpea reference set along with 6 (ICC 4958, Annigeri, G 130, 

ICCV 10, KAK 2, and L 550) control cultivars were planted in cylinder culture system under a rain out 

shelter during two consecutive postrainy seasons (2007-08, 2008-09) The chickpea accessions were 

grown in 18 cm diameter, 120 cm tall PVC cylinders (Kashiwagi et al., 2005) in an alpha design with 3 

replications. 

Phenotypic evaluation of root traits: 35 days after sowing (DAS) , the shoots were harvested, the 

cylinders were placed horizontally and the root and the soil particles are washed, the roots are stretched 

to measure their length as an estimate of root depth (RDp). The root system was then sliced into 

portions of 30 cm (0-30cm, 30-60cm, 60-90cm, 90-120cm), to measure the root length (RL) at each of 

the 30 cm depth of the root system, using an image analysis system (WinRhizo, Regent Instruments 

INC., Canada). Root length density (RLD) in each 30cm layer was obtained by dividing root length by 

volume of a 30cm section of the cylinder. The root dry weight (RDW) and shoot dry weight (SDW) 

were recorded after drying the roots and shoots in a hot air oven at 80 o C for 72 hours. Total plant dry 

weight (TDW) is sum of root and shoots dry weights. Root to total plant dry weight ratio (R/T %) was 

calculated as an indicator for biomass allocation to roots on dry weight basis. Data was analyzed and 

drought related trait-specific accessions were identified as below 

• Shoot dry weight: Of the 42 accessions, the top ten accessions were: (ICC 15518, ICC 

15406, ICC 18679, ICC 20263, ICC 11903, ICC 14446, ICC 12328, ICC 18699, ICC 15435, 

ICC 18912 (Shoot dry weight: 2.9-2.4 gm), compared to the control cultivar with highest 

Shoot dry weight – ICC 4958 -2.2 gm) 

• Root dry weight: Of the 40 accessions, ICC 10885, ICC 12492, ICC 13187, ICC 18858, ICC 

20267, ICC 11819, ICC 12379, ICC 15333, ICC 18912, ICC 19011 were the top ten 

accessions with highest root dry weight (0.97- 0.82 gm), compared to the control cultivar with 

highest root dry weight in ICC 4958 (0.72 gm) 

• Root Depth: Of the 13 accessions, ICC 8740, ICC 11498, ICC 18983, ICC 15518, ICC 7819, 

ICC 10885, ICC 2679, ICC 12028, ICC 16207, ICC 13524 were the top ten accessions with 

highest Root Depth (131.7-119.8 cm), compared to the control cultivar Annigeri (119.5cm) 

108

• Root to total plant dry weight ratio (R-T): 11 accessions ICC 12492, ICC 12928, ICC 

11198, ICC 2629, ICC 18858, ICC 16207, ICC 15610, ICC 19226, ICC 12037, ICC 9434, 

ICC 1230 (39.0-30.2%) were better compared to the control cultivar with highest Root to total 

plant dry weight ratio % G130 (30.1%) 

• Root length: Of the 33 accessions, ICC 10885, ICC 20267, ICC 3410, ICC 18828, ICC 

15518, ICC 18679, ICC 20263, ICC 8521, ICC 3512, ICC 8318- were the top ten accessions 

with highest root length (6818.3-6008.4), compared to the control cultivar with highest root 

length ICC 4958 (5549.14) 

• Root length Density: 6 accessions (ICC 8261, ICC 5337, ICC 6306, ICC 18912, ICC 20267, 

ICC 14446 – 0.41-0.26) were better compared to the control cultivar with highest root length 

density ICC 4958 (0.25) 

Molecular diversity of Chickpea reference set 

Genotypic evaluation of root traits: Total genomic DNA was isolated from newly expanded leaves 

by using a modified CTAB method (Cuc et al, 2008), from a single representative plant in each 

accession of chickpea reference set in Applied Genomics Laboratory, ICRISAT, Patancheru. The final 

concentration of all the working DNA samples was normalized to 5 ng/µl for PCR reactions. The 100 

polymorphic markers were selected for genotyping reference set accessions, which were mapped on 12 

linkage groups of chickpea (Winter et al, 2000). Based on high polymorphism and amplification rate of 

markers, 91 SSR markers were scorable. Raw allelic data of the markers was binned through AlleloBin 

(Indury and Cardon, 1997). 

Allelic richness and diversity in reference set : A total of 91 SSR markers detected 2411 alleles in 

300 reference set accessions. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 (CaSTMS20) to 61 (TS5), 

with an average of 26.66 alleles per locus. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged 

from 0.021 (CaSTMS20) to 0.969 (TA176), with an average of 0.809. Most of the markers had high 

PIC (< 4), whereas markers TAA57 (0.166), CaSTMS13 (0.291), TA108 (0.361) and CaSTMS23 

(0.392) showed low polymorphism. Gene diversity is defined as the probability that two randomly 

chosen alleles from the population are different. It varied from 0.0203 (CaSTMS20) to 0.969 (TA176) 

with an average of 0.825 in the reference set. 

Population Structure analysis: In the present study, population structure was dissected for 300 

accessions by using 91SSR markers allelic data by using the software program STRUCTURE. The 

reference set was grouped in to 17 subpopulations with varying number of accessions. The 

subpopulation 1 contained 17 accessions followed by subpopulation 2 (12 accessions), subpopulation 3 

(16 accessions), subpopulation 4 (53 accessions), subpopulation 5 (14 accessions), subpopulation 6 (10 

accessions), subpopulation 7 (30 accessions), subpopulation 8 (28 accessions), subpopulation 9 (22 



accessions), subpopulation 16 (11 accessions) and subpopulation 17 contained 18 accessions. 

Association of markers with drought related traits 

Trait Mapping: A total of 39 significant Marker Trait Associations (MTAs) were identified for 91 

SSR markers in both models, mapped and unmapped. From those 39 MTAs, 11 are specific for the 

single trait the remaining consists of associations with seven traits. TDW was involved in the highest 

number of MTAs (11), followed by SDW (9), RDW (7).The fewest MTAs were associated with RV(5), 

RLD (3), RL (3), RDp (1), RSA (1), Considering the total number of MTAs found for these traits, 

TDW has by far the highest amount of trait specific associations. 

Mapped Markers: The 39 associated mapped markers (Table 6) are included in genetic linkage map 

Winter et al., (2000). Each trait was associated with at least one and maximum eleven markers on 

different linkage groups (LG). Eight (LG 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13) linkage groups were involved in MTAs. 

Of a total 39 associated markers, 16 are associated with only one trait and therefore can be called traitspecific 

MTAs; the others were associated with up to nine traits and further referred to as multi-trait 

MTAs. Excluding the Multilocus markers, the highest number of associated markers was found on LG 

1, followed by LG 3, with the lowest on LG 7, LG8, LG4 (only1 each). Considering the homeologous 

groups, LG 1 contained highest number (11) followed by LG3 (19) associated markers; the lowest 

number was found for LG7, LG8, LG4 (1 each). In the following, the identified MTAs are described 

for each trait, and cM- positions for the trait specific MTAs are given in brackets. Shoot Dry weight 

(SDW) shared sixteen MTAs which are specific for only this trait. They are located on LG1 (8.9), LG3 

109

(0.5), LG5 (1.1), LG6 (2.5), LG13 (1.5) and all MTAs were significant in two years. The three loci on 

three different LGs had high LD (>0.9). Total dry weight shared eleven MTAs and SDW shared nine 

MTAs on LG1, LG3, LG5, LG6, and LG13. A total of 27 MTAs were identified for biomass and all 

are trait specific and were spread on all eight LGs. RV shared a total of five MTAs. RLD shared three 

MTAs. Two MTAs where shared by RL. On LG3 two unique MTAs was identified for RDP, and RSA. 

No MTA was found for the trait R/T%. Maximum phenotypic diversity percentage (28.62%) was 

observed by TAA59 for RLD on LG7 followed by TA20 (20.75%), TA135 (20.01%) for TDW. 

N Lalitha, HD Upadhyaya, L Krishnamurthy and V Vadez 

110

Table 6. Representation of Marker-trait Associations of different drought related on Linkage groups of Chickpea 

Trait Locus 

Linkage 

group df_Marker F_Marker p_Marker 

p- 

perm_Marker 

p- 

adj_Marker df_Model df_Error MS_Error Rsq_Model sq_Marker 

SDW CaSTMS5 LG3 12 2.8617 0.001 0.007 0.023 28 261 0.0637 0.4771 6.88 

SDW GA26 LG13 15 3.0647 1.39E-04 9.99E-04 9.99E-04 31 258 0.0619 0.4978 8.95 

SDW TA113 LG1 20 2.2233 0.0025 0.005 0.035 36 253 0.0632 0.4968 8.84 

SDW TaaSH LG5 25 2.4678 2.23E-04 9.99E-04 9.99E-04 41 248 0.0607 0.5262 11.79 

SDW TR40 LG6 24 2.1912 0.0015 0.005 0.017 40 249 0.0624 0.5115 10.32 

SDW GAA40 LG1 8 3.0621 0.0026 0.004 0.023 24 265 0.1004 0.3546 5.97 

SDW CaSTMS9 LG6 9 3.2785 8.38E-04 0.002 9.99E-04 25 264 0.0751 0.3861 6.86 

SDW TA20 LG1 42 2.1951 1.27E-04 0.004 9.99E-04 58 231 0.0682 0.5122 19.47 

SDW TS24 LG6 28 2.1546 0.0011 0.005 0.015 44 245 0.0722 0.4523 13.49 

RDW CaSTMS5 LG3 12 2.7537 0.0015 0.003 0.011 28 261 0.0086 0.3853 7.78 

RDW TA20 LG1 42 2.1174 2.50E-04 9.99E-04 9.99E-04 58 231 0.0079 0.5 19.25 

RDW TA25 LG8 40 1.86 0.0025 0.006 0.039 56 233 0.0083 0.4751 16.76 

RDW TaaSH LG5 25 2.4046 3.36E-04 0.002 9.99E-04 41 248 0.0082 0.4426 13.51 

RDW GA26 LG13 15 2.3296 0.0039 0.003 0.022 31 258 0.0095 0.3324 9.04 

RDW GAA40 LG1 8 3.165 0.0019 0.002 0.007 24 265 0.0096 0.3081 6.61 

RDW TR24 LG3 31 2.1373 7.87E-04 9.99E-04 9.99E-04 47 242 0.009 0.4049 16.29 

RDp TA135 LG3 30 2.2221 4.95E-04 0.002 9.99E-04 46 243 71.1432 0.2706 20.01 

TDW CaSTMS5 LG3 12 3.1847 2.86E-04 0.003 9.99E-04 28 261 0.1012 0.4828 7.57 

TDW GA26 LG13 15 2.9049 2.92E-04 9.99E-04 9.99E-04 31 258 0.1005 0.4927 8.57 

TDW TA5 LG3 24 2.1512 0.0019 0.004 0.015 40 249 0.1008 0.5089 10.18 

TDW TA113 LG1 20 2.3748 0.0011 0.004 0.013 36 253 0.1008 0.5008 9.37 

TDW CaSTMS7 LG5 5 3.5513 0.004 0.005 0.045 21 268 0.1493 0.3467 4.33 

TDW GAA40 LG1 8 3.5276 6.75E-04 0.004 9.99E-04 24 265 0.1455 0.3704 6.7 

TDW TaaSH LG5 25 2.2265 0.001 0.005 0.015 41 248 0.1405 0.4311 12.77 

TDW CaSTMS9 LG6 9 3.0909 0.0015 9.99E-04 0.009 25 264 0.133 0.3814 6.52 

TDW CaSTMS21 LG1 11 2.5389 0.0046 0.003 0.049 27 262 0.1338 0.382 6.59 

TDW TA20 LG1 42 2.3964 2.10E-05 0.002 9.99E-04 58 231 0.117 0.5237 20.75 

TDW TS24 LG6 28 2.2322 6.24E-04 0.006 9.99E-04 44 245 0.1262 0.4552 13.9 

111

RL TA5 LG3 24 2.3773 4.84E-04 9.99E-04 9.99E-04 40 249 405034.1 0.2882 16.31 

RL CaSTMS5 LG3 12 2.78 0.0014 9.99E-04 0.008 28 261 607890.7 0.1944 10.3 

RLD TA14 LG6 27 2.2292 7.44E-04 0.035 9.99E-04 43 246 5.90E-04 0.3692 15.43 

RLD) TA130 LG4 23 3.3634 1.16E-06 0.026 9.99E-04 39 250 5.52E-04 0.4004 18.55 

RLD TAA59 LG7 28 5.0201 8.48E-13 0.002 9.99E-04 44 245 4.69E-04 0.5011 28.62 

RV TA20 LG1 42 1.9134 0.0014 0.005 0.016 58 231 3.7971 0.4467 19.25 

RV TA22 LG3 42 1.9116 0.0014 0.004 0.014 58 231 3.798 0.4466 19.24 

RV TaaSH LG5 25 2.0933 0.0024 0.007 0.047 41 248 3.9365 0.3841 13 

RV TS43 LG5 37 1.9311 0.0019 0.003 0.012 53 236 3.8454 0.4275 17.33 

RV GAA40 LG1 8 3.3366 0.0012 0.004 0.01 24 265 5.2442 0.2194 7.86 

RSA CaSTMS5 LG3 12 2.9023 8.66E-04 9.99E-04 9.99E-04 28 261 20436.21 0.3021 9.31 

SDW=Shoot Dry Weight, RDW=Root Dry Weight (RDW), TDW=Total Plant Dry Weight, RDp=Root Depth, RL=Root Length, RLD=Root Length Density, 

RSA=Root surface area, RV=Root Volume. 

112

Output target 2.3.7: Germplasm sets evaluated for utilization in Africa (2010) 

Activity: Characterize core collection of finger millet and identify materials for regional evaluation 

Milestone 2.3.7.1: Promising and adaptable materials identified and distributed and evaluated in regional 

finger millet trials in the ESA (2010) 


100% 


Kenya 


KARI-Kenya 


A subset of 150-200 characterized finger millet accessions drawn from the 540 finger millet core 

collection that express variability in morphological traits and blast reaction composed and initial 

evaluation conducted in one site in Kenya: 158 finger millet accessions collected from 21 Kenyan 

districts (Baringo, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Keiyo Marakwet, Kisii, Kuria, 

Laikipia, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Nakuru, Nyamira, Samburu, Siaya, South Nyanza, Tharaka Nithi, 

Uasin Gishu and West Pokot districts) were characterized at Kiboko during 2010 long rains (LR) season. 

Quantitative data from Kiboko were subjected to ANOVA and fourteen traits (Days after flowering, finger 

width, finger length, flag leaf sheath length, flag leaf sheath width, leaf sheath length, leaf blade length, leaf 

blade width, number of fingers, number of leaves, number of productive tillers, peduncle length, panicle 

exsertion and plant height) showed significant differences at p=0.05. The earliest genotypes to flower were 

collections from Machakos district and the late flowering was from Baringo district with GBK-011111A 

flowering at 62 days after sowing and GBK-040467A flowering at 100 days, with a trial mean of 79 days. 

Average finger width was 1.045 cm with the widest and narrowest finger recorded in GBK-029767A (2.16 

cm) and GBK-043213A (0.65 cm) respectively. Mean finger length was 6.887 cm with a range of 3.75-12 

cm long in GBK-011118A (Machakos) and GBK-000375A (Kisii) respectively. Means and ranges of some 

important quantitative traits that had high significant differences recorded between the different accessions 

in the study included: Number of fingers (Mean=7, Range=6 – 10 fingers), Number of leaves (Mean= 13, 

Range=8-20), Number of productive tillers (mean=5 per plant, Range= 1-21 tillers per plant), Peduncle 

length (Mean= 26.14 cm, Range=18- 33.2 cm), Panicle exsertion (Mean= 15.14 cm, Range=7.6 – 26.8 cm) 

and plant height(Mean=101.9 cm , Range=44.4 - 146.4cm). The post harvest data is being finalized for 

analysis. 


HOPE project 

Mary Mgonja , Henry Ojulong, E Manyasa P Sheunda, and J Kibuka 

Activity: Characterize a sorghum core collection from five African Bio-fortified Sorghum target for 

diversity in micro nutritional traits 

Milestone: African accessions of pearl millet reference collection characterized in West Africa (2011) 


100% 


Nigeria, Niger, Mali 


LCRI, IER, ICRISAT-Niger 

113


This Trust-funded project has been successfully completed with a final report which was appreciated by the 

donor; the respective manuscript preparation is in final stages (abstract copied below); data have been 

shared with the Trust and with Trushar Shah (ICRISAT database manager) for inclusion in a data base. 

Abstract. To promote utilization of West and Central African (WCA) genetic resources of pearl millet 

[Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], and to enhance linkages between the Generation Challenge Program 

(GCP) and WCA pearl millet breeding programs, the present project aimed at agro-morphological 

characterization of selected accessions from the GCP pearl millet reference collection. A total of 81 

accessions from the collection were successfully multiplied via manual “sibbing” at Sadore (ICRISAT- 

Niger) during the off-seasons 2008/2009 and February 2009. The 81 accessions comprised 78 cultivated 

landraces and three improved cultivars. The 78 landraces originated from 13 countries, namely Benin (1 

accession), Burkina Faso (8), Cameroon (6), Central Africa (1), Ghana (4), Mali (9), Mauritania (1), Niger 

(15), Nigeria (14), Senegal (1), South Africa (3), Sudan (10), and Togo (5). The three improved cultivars 

originated from ICRISAT-Niger (2) and from a joint ICRISAT / “Institut d’Economie Rurale” (IER, Mali) 

breeding program (1). In cooperation with Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI, Nigeria) and IER, 74 of 

the 81 accessions (depending on available seed quantity) were characterized together with 7 controls in the 

rainy season 2009 in field trials under low- and high-input conditions at Sadore (Niger), Maiduguri 

(Nigeria) and Cinzana (Mali). All 81 accessions were evaluated together with 18 controls for resistance to 

the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. in an artificially infested field at Sadore (Niger). The 

tested accessions revealed a wide range of genetic diversity for various traits. Several accessions were 

identified as sources for desired traits such as long awns, compact and dense panicles; grain color; 

earliness, tolerance to Striga, and wide adaptation. These accessions are being integrated in ICRISAT’s and 

partner NARS’ breeding programs. The project thus has successfully contributed to use of genetic 

resources in the diversification of pearl millet breeding programs in Niger, Mali and Nigeria. Seed of all 

accessions and characterization data are available with ICRISAT. 


Global Crop Diversity Trust 


Activity: Evaluate groundnut mini core collection/wild species in ESA 

Milestone 2.3.7.3: Wild Arachis evaluated for target traits (GRD, ELS, aflatoxin resistance) at hotspot 

locations in ESA (2010) 


Report awaited from ESM 




Milestone 2.3.7.4: Gene introgression carried out for foliar and viral disease resistance from wild Arachis 

germplasm into cultivated varieties (2011) 






114

Output 2.4: Genetic diversity and population structure of staple crops and small millets assessed and 

mapping populations, RILs developed and DNA extracts assembled, conserved and distributed and 

new knowledge shared with partners 

Output target 2.4.1 Genetic diversity and population structure of staple crops assessed (2010) 

Activity: Genotype composite collections for studying diversity and population structure 

Milestone 2.4.1.2: Diversity assessment of sorghum published (2010) 


100% 


India, France and China 


ICRISAT-Patancheru, CIRAD-France and CASS-China 


Efficiency of breeding mainly depends on the diversity of the parents selected for crossing. Evaluation and 

characterization are essential for efficient exploitation of available germplasm resources. However, 

selection of diverse parents based on agro-morphological variation may not be effective due to dependence 

of these characters on environmental conditions. Molecular characterization provides thus an environmentindependent 

alternative. We present here a first comprehensive study of the genetic diversity of a large 

composite collection of sorghum germplasm (3367 accessions), including landraces as well as breeding 

material, and covering all worldwide origins and racial characterizations. 41 SSR markers, regularly 

covering the Sorghum genome, exhibited 789 alleles, with an average of 19.2 alleles per marker. Genetic 

diversity sensu largo is organized according to racial classification within geographic origin. The largest 

numbers of alleles were detected among accessions from Africa (Table 7). This confirms the domestication 

region of sorghum, reinforced by the largest morphological diversity of cross-compatible wild and 

cultivated sorghum. Race bicolor was scattered across all clusters suggesting that it is the most 

heterogeneous (as expected of the original domesticate), whereas the remaining accessions were largely 

clustered according to their race in a given geographic origin. Concentration of most kafir accessions in a 

single South African cluster confirms that this is the most homogeneous among the five basic races. West 

African accessions of the margaritiferum sub-group within race guinea (Gma) clustered closely with wild 

accessions, suggesting they arise from an independent domestication event. Our study highlights new 

findings considering domestication origin of sorghum in Africa. The reference set can serve as an entry 

point to global sorghum germplasm collections and may prove useful for further allele mining. 


Generation Challenge Program 

P Ramu, C Billot, J-F Rami, S Bouchet, R Rivallan, 

L Gardes, M Deu, J Chantereau, Y Li, T Wang, 

P Lu, RT Folkertsma, HD Upadhyaya and CT Hash 

Table 7. Number of accessions and alleles in different biological groups, races, and geographic races 

of sorghum reference set 

Accession status, race or passport origin 

Number of accessions 

(% of total) 

Number of alleles 

(% of total) 

Status 

Wild or weedy 68 ( 2.0%) 509 (64.5%) 

Landrace 3013 (89.5%) 740 (93.8%) 

Breeding lines or advanced cultivars 280 ( 8.3%) 446 (56.5%) 

115

Number of accessions Number of alleles 

Accession status, race or passport origin 

(% of total) 

(% of total) 

Unknown 6 ( 0.1%) 164 (20.8%) 

Race 

Bicolor 195 ( 5.8%) 485 (61.5%) 

Caudatum 577 (17.2%) 541 (68.6%) 

Durra 651 (19.4%) 523 (66.3%) 

Guinea 365 (10.8%) 470 (59.6%) 

Kafir 239 ( 7.1%) 327 (41.4%) 

Intermediate 1159 (34.4%) 632 (80.1%) 

Unknown 115 ( 3.3%) 378 (47.9%) 

Passport origin 

Africa 1926 (57.3%) 689 (87.3%) 

Central Africa 224 ( 6.6%) 446 (56.5%) 

Eastern Africa 570 (16.9%) 578 (73.3%) 

Southern Africa 735 (21.8%) 511 (64.8%) 

Western Africa 397 (11.8%) 522 (66.2%) 

Asia 1010 (30.1%) 600 (76.0%) 

Eastern Asia 441 (13.1%) 443 (56.1%) 

Indian subcontinent 449 (13.3%) 460 (58.3%) 

Middle East 120 ( 3.6%) 401 (50.8%) 

North America 227 ( 6.7%) 526 (66.7%) 

Latin America 21 ( 0.6%) 201 (25.5%) 

Unknown 138 ( 4.0%) 343 (43.4%) 

Other 45 ( 1.3%) 329 (41.7%) 


Milestone 2.4.1.5: Datasets for groundnut and pigeonpea composite collections genotyping made available 

globally via the internet (2010) 


Report awaited from TS 


India 




Databases of groundnut and pigeonpea composite collections were uploaded to GCP site and made 

available globally via the internet. 

HD Upadhyaya 

Milestone 2.4.1.6: Diversity and population structure of pearl millet composite collection analysed and 

reference set (300 accessions) established (2010) 


100% 

116


India 




Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) is the sixth most important cereal, and is the main food source in the poorest regions 

of India and the African continent. It is endowed with enormous genetic variability for various morphological traits, yield 

components, adaptation and quality traits, and highly tolerant to heat and drought, saline and acid soils. To enhance the utilization 

of germplasm in crop improvement programs, a composite collection of pearl millet, consisting of 1021 germplasm accessions, 

has been developed from the world collection of 21,594 pearl millet germplasm held at Patancheru-based ICRISAT genebank in 

India. This composite collection was genotyped using 19 SSR loci spread across seven linkage groups of pearl millet to study 

genetic diversity and population structure and from it select a reference set of 300 most diverse accessions. The composite 

collection accessions were highly heterogeneous and up to 8 alleles were detected per locus. A total of 230 alleles were detected, 

of which, 102 were rare alleles (1%). Only seven alleles were unique in wild species whereas 30 in landraces (Table 8). The 

clustering pattern indicated that the accessions were largely grouped geographically but not by biological status. The released 

cultivars and breeding materials were scattered across different clusters. A reference set of 300 accessions was chosen using ‘Max 

length sub tree’ option of DARwin 5.0 based on Euclidean distance matrix derived from allele frequency values. The reference 

set has captured 94.8 per cent of the composite collection alleles (230). This reference set will be profiled with additional markers 

and extensively phenotyped for traits of economic importance to identify accessions with beneficial traits for utilization in pearl 

millet breeding and genomics. 

Special project funding: Generation Challenge Program 

HD Upadhyaya, CT Hash, RK Varshney, 

S Senthilvel, CLL Gowda, A Rathore and T Shah 

Table 8. Allelic richness in wild relatives and landraces of pearl millet composite collection 

Wild relatives 

Landraces 

Size 

range 

(bp) 

Major 

Allele 

(bp) 

Major 

Allele 

(%) Allele 

Size 

range 

(bp) 

Major 

Allele 

(bp) 

Major 

Allele 

(%) 

SSR Loci Allele 

Xpsmp2030 12 101-133 113 55 19 101-137 113 54 

Xpsmp2043 13 156-198 190 20 14 158-196 180 24 

Xpsmp2076 7 146-166 148 30 16 140-170 160 51 

Xpsmp2085 8 163-177 169 32 12 163-195 169 42 

Xpsmp2090 8 169-185 177 28 14 167-199 177 35 

Xpsmp2201 5 332-364 364 84 9 332-370 364 50 

Xpsmp2203 12 334-360 334 28 21 328-368 334 27 

Xpsmp2208 5 244-252 246 63 7 244-262 246 65 

Xpsmp2227 7 189-211 197 74 8 189-211 197 56 

Xpsmp2231 14 223-249 225 41 17 201-249 245 24 

Xpsmp2233 7 252-264 256 50 9 252-268 256 40 

Xpsmp2237 10 210-258 230 27 17 208-272 230 29 

Xpsmp2246 6 258-288 262 39 4 258-264 258 36 

Xpsmp2248 11 150-172 162 36 12 142-172 166 37 

Xpsmp2249 2 152-154 154 60 4 152-160 154 60 

Xpsmp2275 6 264-285 273 47 9 261-285 273 40 

Xicmp3017 7 181-211 193 31 12 175-211 193 43 

Xicmp3038 3 194-200 197 69 5 191-203 197 62 

Xicmp3048 2 244-248 244 81 5 236-250 244 77 

117

Milestone 2.4.1.7: Diversity assessment of pearl millet published (2011) 


100% 


India 




Preparation of manuscript is in under preparation 





Milestone 2.4.1.8: Data sets for pearl millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet composite sets made available 

globally via Internet (2010) 


100% 


India 




• Pearl millet data templates consisting of 19399 (1021 accessions x 19 SSRs) SSR marker data 

points generated at ICRISAT delivered to GCP Central Registry and made available globally via 

internet 

• Finger millet data templates consisting of 19399 (1021 accessions x 19 SSRs) data points 

generated at ICRISAT delivered to GCP Central Registry and made available globally via internet 

• Foxtail millet data templates consisting of 9500 (500 accessions x 19 SSRs) SSR marker data 

points generated at ICRISAT delivered to GCP Central Registry and made available globally via 

internet 





Milestone 2.4.1.9: The diversity of the sources of resistance to the groundnut rosette virus in groundnut 

assessed and documented (2009) 

Progress reported - 75% 





118


Output target 2.4.2: Reference sets of small millets germplasm established (2010) 

Activity: Establish reference sets of small millets 


Milestone 2.4.2.2: Genetic diversity and population structure of foxtail millet composite collection assessed 

and reference set (200 accessions) established (2010) 


100% 


India 




Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L). P. Beauv.), once a major food crop in early agriculture of Eurasia, is now 

a minor cereal, reduced to a relic crop in many parts of the world. The information about the usefulness of 

foxtail millet germplasm in breeding is not available. Using passport and characterization data on entire 

ICRISAT foxtail millet germplasm collection, a composite collection (500 accessions) was developed. This 

composite collection was genotyped using 19 SSRs in high throughput assay to detect genetic structure and 

diversity and from it extract genetically most diverse accessions to construct a reference set. Allelic data of 

19 SSR loci on 452 accessions detected 362 alleles, of which, 196 were common and 166 rare alleles 

(Table 9). Gene diversity varied from 0.012 to 0.670. A number of group-specific unique alleles were 

detected: 40 in Indica, 21 in Moharia, 10 in Pumila, and eight in Maxima among races, while among 

regions, 57 in South Asia, 17 in West Asia, 14 in East Asia, and three in Africa. The shared common alleles 

were 28 between Moharia and Indica, 16 between Maxima and Indica, nine between Maxima and Moharia, 

four between Moharia and Pumila, three each between Italica and Indica and Pumila and Indica. Regionwise 

shared common alleles were 43 between East Asia and South Asia, 24 between South Asia and West 

Asia, 4 between Africa and South Asia, three each between East Asia and West Asia and Africa and West 

Asia, and two between Africa and East Asia. A reference set of 200 genetically most diverse accessions 

was established, capturing 316 (87.3%) of the 362 alleles detected in the composite collection. This 

reference set would be useful in foxtail millet breeding and genomics. 

Table 9. Allelic composition, polymorphic information content (PIC), gene diversity, and 

heterozygosity in composite collection (19 SSR loci data on 452 accessions) of foxtail millet 

Marker Range Allele no 

Common 

alleles 

Rare 

alleles 

Heterozygo 

sity PIC Gene diversity 

P2 108- 130 10 7 3 0.183 0.582 0.624 

P13 150- 194 14 11 3 0.086 0.832 0.848 

P5 277- 310 10 8 2 0.135 0.544 0.564 

UGEP8 292- 300 5 4 0 0.012 0.114 0.115 

UGEP53 176- 284 35 18 17 0.407 0.907 0.913 

UGEP81 110- 236 30 9 21 0.122 0.712 0.745 

UGEP102 176- 206 11 7 4 0.155 0.603 0.639 

UGEP3 166- 208 22 15 7 0.311 0.754 0.765 

UGEP15 150- 238 31 23 8 0.239 0.919 0.923 

UGEP56 120- 174 24 9 15 0.219 0.521 0.542 

UGEP90 163- 269 28 13 15 0.086 0.635 0.650 

ICMMO2C24 316- 398 30 7 24 0.239 0.684 0.724 

119

ICMMO2D15B 132- 166 16 10 6 0.157 0.296 0.306 

ICMMO2D07 226- 256 11 9 2 0.635 0.791 0.814 

UGEP11 146- 176 13 7 6 0.115 0.257 0.264 

UGEP12 210- 248 19 8 11 0.291 0.849 0.864 

UGEP77 227- 291 33 20 13 0.670 0.853 0.863 

UGEP26 207- 240 12 8 4 0.125 0.334 0.340 

ICMMO2C05 184- 208 8 3 5 0.012 0.145 0.149 

Total - 362 196 166 - - - 

Mean - 19.1 10.3 8.7 0.221 0.596 0.6137 

Min - 5 3 0 0.012 0.114 0.115 

Max - 35 23 24 0.670 0.919 0.923 

Special project funding: Generation Challenge Program 

HD Upadhyaya, CT Hash, RK Varshney, S Senthilvel, CLL Gowda, A Rathore and T Shah 

2011 2.4.1 

Milestone 2.4.2.3: 2009 2.4.1 Datasets of composite collections of finger millet and foxtail millet 

genotyping made available globally via the internet (2011) 


100% 


India 




Pearl millet data templates consisting of 19399 (1021 accessions x 19 SSRs) SSR marker data points 


• Finger millet data templates consisting of 19399 (1021 accessions x 19 SSRs) data points 


• Foxtail millet data templates consisting of 9500 (500 accessions x 19 SSRs) SSR marker data points generated at 

ICRISAT delivered to GCP Central Registry and made available globally via internet 





Output target 2.4.4: Germplasm reference sets available for utilization (2010) 

Activity: Ensure availability of reference collections of staple crops and small millets to partners 

Milestone 2.4.4.2: Germplasm accessions of pigeonpea and sorghum reference sets regenerated for 

distribution to partners on request (2010) 


100% 


India 



120


Reference sets of sorghum (384 accessions) and pigeonpea (300 accessions) were regenerated and the seed 

is available for distribution to partners on request 

HD Upadhyaya, RP Thakur, R Sharma, CLL Gowda and NBPGR 

Output target 2.4.5: DNA extracts of mini core collections and reference sets of germplasm conserved 

for utilization (2011) 

Activity: Conserve DNA extracts of sub sets of germplasm for utilization 


Milestones: 2.4.5.1: DNA extracts of chickpea and groundnut mini core collections of germplasm 

conserved for utilization (2010) 


100% 


India 




DNA of chickpea (211 accessions) and groundnut (184 accessions) mini core collections was extracted and 

conserved for utilization 

HD Upadhyaya, RK Varshney and CLL Gowda 

Milestones: 2.4.5.2: DNA of pigeonpea, groundnut, and sorghum mini core collections and reference set 

extracted and made available on request (2011) 


100% 




DNA of chickpea (300 accessions) and groundnut (300 accessions) reference set was extracted and 

conserved for utilization. Reference sets of pigeonpea (300 accessions) and sorghum (384 accessions) were 

planted in field to extract the DNA for conservation and utilization. 

HD Upadhyaya, RK Varshney, CT Hash, 

CLL Gowda and KB Saxena 

Milestones: 2.4.5.3: DNA of finger millet mini core collections and reference set extracted and made 

available on request (2012) 


100% 



121


DNA of finger millet mini core collection and reference set was extracted and is available on request 

HD Upadhyaya, RK Varshney, CT Hash and CLL Gowda 

Output target 2.4.6: Broadening the genetic base of legumes through wide crosses (2011) 

Activity: Broadening the genetic base of groundnut by creating tetraploid groundnut using wild Arachis, 

synthetic amphidiploids and/or other diverse germplasm 

Milestone 2.4.6.1: Diploid hybrids between Arachis AA and BB genome generated and reference map of 

AA and BB genome constructed (2010) 


No report for 2010 




Milestone 2.4.6.2: Hybrids between cultivated groundnut and synthetic amphidiploids created, variation 

for different traits (Rosette and foliar diseases) analyzed and molecular map constructed (2011) 


100% 




Already reported in milestone 2.4.6.4.Will provide a detailed report in 2011 

Milestone 2.4.6.3: Develop hybrids between section Arachis and section Procumbentes and generate fertile 

backcross population and screen for desirable traits (2010) 


100% 




To broaden the narrow genetic base of cultivated groundnut, and introduce useful traits, A. chiquitana from section Procumbentes 

was crossed with cultivated groundnut. The initial generation crosses were developed by hormone aided pollinations and rescuing 

the hybrid embryos in vitro. First few backcrosses were required as selfing was not possible. From BC 3 it was possible to obtain 

progenies from self pollinations. BC 3 F 4 material from the cross A. hypogaea x A. chiquitana were screened for aflatoxin 

production by growing the plants in pots. They were subjected to A. flavus by drenching the pots with the inoculum. Plants were 

harvested and pods collected and the seeds were screened for aflatoxin contamination by ELISA technique. Interestingly none of 

the seeds had any trace of aflatoxin. The screening will be repeated again in 2011, under field conditions, to confirm resistance. 

Our results have shown that it is possible to introgress A. flavus resistance and low aflatoxin production from A. chiquitana. 

However, we are confirming these results. 

Nalini Mallikarjuna, Harikishan Sudini and HD Upadhyaya 

122

Milestone 2.4.6.4: Tetraploid hybrids between synthetic and cultivated groundnut generated and molecular 

map generated for use in breeding program (2011) 


100% 




There is ample evidence that groundnut has a narrow genetic base. In order to broaden the genetic base and 

introgress disease and pest resistance traits from wild Arachis species (diploid) to the amphidiploid and 

autotetraploid groundnut, synthetic tertaploids were produced at ICRISAT and used in the crossing 

program with cultivated groundnut. Hybridization between selected tetraploid groundnuts was carried and 

BC 1 material generated. Amongst the five crosses reported in 2009 archival report, three crosses (utilizing 

ISATGR 1212, ISATGR 265-5 and ISATGR 278-18) were advanced further to develop F 1 BC 2 population. 

The selection was based on the cytological analysis of the F 1 hybrids (Figure 7) as well as seed set. 

Cytological analysis showed maximum recombination, high pollen fertility and good seed set. As BC 2 

generation is critical to develop ABQTL population, the experiment to obtain maximum number of 

pods/seeds from this generation is in progress. In 2010 experiments, a good recombination between 

cultivated groundnut and new sources of tetraploid groundnut generated at ICRISAT was observed and it is 

important in base broadening efforts. 

First row A. hypogaea x ISATGR 1212: leftmetaphase; 

center-anaphase; right-tetrads. 

Second row A. hypogaea x ISATGR 278-18: Leftmetaphase; 

center-anaphase; right-tetrads 

Third row A. hypogaea x ISATGR 265-5A: leftmetaphase; 

center-anaphase; right-tetrads. 

Figure 7. Meiosis in F1 hybrids 

Nalini Mallikarjuna, Rajeev Varshney and HD Upadhyaya 

Activity: Broaden the genetic base of pigeonpea using Cajanus platycarpus, a tertiary gene pool species 

of Cajanus 

Milestone 2.4.6.5: Generate variation for desirable characters using Cajanus platycarpus (2010) 


100% 




Cajanus platycarpus, a wild relative in the tertiary gene pool of pigeonpea, is known to have many 

desirable traits necessary for the improvement of cultigen. Advance generation lines are now available at 

ICRISAT. Screening experiments were conducted in 2010 to confirm the presence of disease and pest 

resistance as well as the presence of some novel traits. Advance generation stable lines were screened for a 

range of traits including resistance to pod borer, pod fly, bruchids, SMD and FW under unprotected field 

conditions. Advance generation stable C. platycarpus derivatives, which morphologically resembled 

123

cultivated pigeonpea, were screened for a range of desirable traits under ICRISAT field conditions. A 

sample of the data is presented in the figure 8 shown below. Lines continued to show low damage due to 

insects H. armigera, pod fly and bruchids. In some lines multiple insect resistance was observed (Figure 8 

line 3, 10, 11 and 12). Lab based bioassay with a few selected lines for bruchid resistance showed low 

oviposition (Figure 9 and antibiosis mechanism of resistance with malformed adults. SMD and FW 

resistance was observed in some lines. Selected lines were screened for water logging and resistant lines 

showed growth under water logged conditions and the formation of lenticels as the resistance mechanism 

(Figure 10). A few lines were screened for salinity tolerance and the resistant lines showed normal growth, 

formed normal number of pods when grown on soil supplemented with 30 mM NACL. Some of the lines 

showed distinctive features such as dwarf growth habit and white seed color. 2010 screening experiments 

have further confirmed the presence of insect and disease resistance, as well as the presence of some unique 

morphological traits. 

Fig. Low insect damage in C. platycarpus lines 

35 

30 

Pod damage ( %) 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

Heliothis 

Pod f ly 

Bruchid 

0 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 

Platycarpus lines- controls are show n in the 13th line 

Figure 8 showing Insect resistance in C. platycarpus derived lines under ICRISAT unprotected field 

conditions 

120 

100 

(%) Eggs laid 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

ICPW-66 

ICPW-64 

A4-10-7-1 

A4-10-7-2 

A4-10-7-4 

A4-10-7-7 

A4-10-7-19 

A4-10-7-20 

Cont. ICP-85010 * 

Figure 9. Oviposition by female bruchid on C.platycarpus and its derivatives 

124

Figure 10. Formation of lenticels in water logged plants. 

Nalini Mallikarjuna, KB Saxena, L Krishnamurthy, 

HC Sharma, RK Varshney, R Sultana, 

GVR Rao, S Pande and M Sharma 

Output target 2.4.7: Allele specific sequence diversity in the reference sets staple crops studied (2011) 

Activity: Study allele specific sequence diversity in the reference sets of staple crops 

Milestone 2.4.7.1: Allele specific sequence diversity in the reference set of chickpea studied (2011) 


100% 


India, France and Peru 


CIRAD, INRA-CNG and CIP 


In continuation of the work conducted in 2009, sequencing of 288 genotypes was completed for chickpea 

apetala2 (CAP2-which is the homolog of DREB2A), abscisic acid stress and ripening hormone (ASR), 

sucrose synthase (SuSy), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and ERECTA genes. The sequence diversity 

analyses showed that the CAP2 gene was highly conserved across the reference collection with no SNPs, 

while CAP2 promoter had only one SNP. In case of ASR gene, 34 SNPs were found while, the SPS gene 

had 3 SNPs. ERECTA gene fragment (7f-5r) had 13 SNPs, while 20 SNPs were found in case of ERECTA 

(8f-8r) fragment. Nucleotide diversity was highest in case of ERECTA gene fragments (0.0029), followed 

by ASR (0.0014) and SPS (0.0011). Four haplotypes were derived for candidate genes ASR, ERECTA (7f- 

5r) and SPS genes, while three haplotypes were recognized in case of ERECTA (8f-8r) gene fragment and 

only two haplotypes were found in case CAP2 promoter. The candidate gene sequencing based association 

genetics approach on reference collection of chickpea showed that association of two genes with drought 

tolerance traits. The gene “ASR” was found to be associated with shoot dry weight with 12% phenotypic 

variation and “CAP2 promoter” was found to be associated with shoot dry weight and root dry weight 

phenotypic variation 19.21% and 13.48% respectively. 

RK Varshney, SN Nayak, HD Upadhyaya, D This, D Hoisington 

Milestone 4.7.1.2: Allele specific sequence diversity in the reference set of sorghum studied (2011) 


Report awaited CTH 

125




Output target 2.4.8: Development of genomic resources for SAT crops (2011) 

Activity: Development of molecular markers 

Milestone 2.4.8.1: Novel set of microsatellite markers developed and characterized for chickpea, 

pigeonpea and groundnut (2010) 


100% 


India, Germany and USA 


JCVI, NCGR, UC-Davis and Uni. of Frankfurt 


Chickpea: Apart from SSR markers developed from SSR-enriched libraries (Nayak et al. 2010, Theor 

Appl Genet 120: 1415-1441), BAC-end sequences (MS, under preparation) and EST sequences 

(Varshney et al. 2009, BMC Genomics 10:523), transcript assembly (CcTA) developed after using both 

Sanger ESTs and 454/FLX sequences reads were analyzed for developing SSR markers. On mining a total 

of 103,215 tentative unique sequences (TUSs) of CcTA, 26,252 SSRs were identified. Primer3 was used 

for designing primer pairs for the sequences containing SSRs. As a result, a total of 750 primer pairs were 

designed. However, after excluding mononucleotide and imperfect compound SSRs, primer pairs were 

synthesized for 80 SSRs. On screening these 80 novel SSR markers on five genotypes (ICC 4958, ICC 

1882, ICC 283, ICC 8261 and PI 489777), 71 were found functional. These results are part of the MS that 

describes the results of 454/FLX sequencing. 

In addition to above, based on allele re-sequencing and comparative genomics approach, additional set of 

genic molecular markers have been developed via identification of SNPs and their conversion into CAPS 

assay as well as intron spanning region (ISR) markers . For SNP discovery through allele re-sequencing, 

primer pairs were designed for 688 genes/ expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of chickpea and 657 genes/ESTs 

of heterologous (closely related to chickpea) species. High-quality sequence data obtained for 220 genes on 

2-20 genotypes representing 9 Cicer species provided 1,893 SNPs with an average frequency of 1/35.83 bp 

and 0.34 PIC value. On an average 2.9 haplotypes were present in 220 genes with an average haplotype 

diversity of 0.6326. SNP2CAPS analysis of 220 sequence alignments, as mentioned above, provided a total 

of 192 CAPS candidates. Experimental analysis of these 192 CAPS candidates together with 87 CAPS 

candidates identified earlier through in silico mining of ESTs provided scorable amplification in 173 

(62.01%) cases of which predicted assays were validated in 143 (82.66%) cases (CGMM). Alignments of 

chickpea unigenes with Medicago truncatula genome were used to develop 121 ISR markers of which 87 

yielded scorable products. In addition, optimization of 77 EST-derived SSR (ICCeM) markers provided 51 

scorable markers. These results have been included in a MS that has been communicated for publication in 

Theoretical and Applied Genetics (Gujaria et al. 2011). 

RK Varshney, PJ Hiremath, Ashish Kumar, Neha Gujaria 

Groundnut: In continuation to the earlier report on development of SSRs from BAC end sequences in 

collaboration with University of California, Davis (Doug Cook), out of the 4,869 SSRs identified, primer 

pairs were designed and synthesized for a total of 1,152 SSRs. All these primer pairs were used to screen 

parents of 12 mapping populations. As a result, 692 primer pairs provided scorable amplification and 184 

markers showed polymorphism across 16 genotypes. A total of 686 alleles were detected at 184 marker loci 

126

with an average of 3.7 alleles per marker. The number of alleles ranged from 2 (41 markers) to 14 

(FI281137 and FI299984) per marker. The PIC value for these 184 polymorphic markers ranged from 0.11 

(AhI498806) to 0.87 (FI299984) with an average of 0.39. Majority of these polymorphic markers (155/184, 

84%) were derived for SSRs with 3 to 12 repeats while 29 (16%) markers were derived for SSRs with 

higher number of repeat units (>12). In addition to the above, a total of 178 retro-transposon based and 72 

EST based primer pairs in collaboration with Dr. Sachiko Isobe, KDRI, Japan were synthesized and 

screened for amplification and polymorphism. With this set of the SSR markers, ICRISAT has a repository 

for 4735 SSR markers in groundnut. 

RK Varshney, B Gautami, K Ravi, MK Pandey, DR Cook and S Isobe 

Pigeonpea: In case of pigeonpea, a set of ca. 3200 genomic SSR markers was developed. These SSRs have 

been also tested for length polymorphism on a set of 22 parental genotypes of 13 mapping populations 

segregating for different traits. In total, 842 polymorphic SSR markers have been identified. Developed set 

of SSR markers has been made available public in the form of several research articles published in 

international journals like Plant Breeding, (Plant Breeding 129:142-148), Molecular Breeding (Molecular 

Breeding 26:371-380) and BMC Plant Biology. 


Generation Challenge Programme, Department of Biotechnology and Indian Council of Agricultural 

Research (Government of India) 

RK Varshney 

Activity: Development of molecular genetic maps 

2011 2.4.2 

Milestone 2.4.8.3: Molecular genetic maps and consensus maps based on SSRs, DArTs and EST-based 

markers developed for chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut (2011) 


100% 


India, Germany, Australia and USA 


University of Frankfurt (Germany), University of California- Davis (USA), National Research Centre on 

Plant Biotechnology (NRCPB, India), National Institute for Plant Genome Research (India), DArT Pty Ltd 

(Australia) 


Chickpea: Genotyping data for polymorphic SSR, DArT and SNP markers generated at ICRSAT and 

obtained from collaborators on the inter specific mapping population ICC 4958 × PI 489777 was used for 

developing the reference genetic map. By using JoinMap v 4.0, a dense genetic map comprising of 1291 

marker loci has been developed. This is, probably, the most comprehensive genetic map of chickpea 

available so far. 

In addition, efforts have been made to develop the transcript map of chickpea. In this context, as mentioned 

in 2.4.8.1, 281 easily assayable markers including 143 CGMMs, 87 CISRs and 51 ICCeMs were screened 

on 5 parental genotypes of three mapping populations. As a result, 104 polymorphic markers were 

identified that includes 90 markers for the inter-specific mapping population. 62 of these GMMs together 

with 218 earlier published markers (including 64 GMM loci) and 20 unpublished markers could be 

integrated into the genetic map. The genetic map developed so, therefore, has a total of 300 loci including 

127

126 GMM loci and spans 766.56 cM, with an average inter-marker distance of 2.55 cM. This transcript 

map has been communicated for publication in Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 

RK Varshney, M Thudi, Abhishek Bohra, SN Nayak, 

Ashish Kumar, Neha Gujaria, Pooran Gaur, Hari D Upadhyaya, 

Sabhyata Bhatia, Güenter Kahl, Peter Winter and DR Cook 

Groundnut: 

A total of 3213 SSR markers available in public domain as well as unpublished markers available from 

different sources were screened on the parental genotypes of the three mapping populations (ICGV 86031 × 

TAG 24, ICGS 44 × ICGS 76 and ICGS 76 × CSMG 84-1). Genotyping data generated for polymorphic 

markers were used for construction of three individual linkage maps. Number of mapped loci on these 

maps ranged from 87 to 191. Two versions of the genetic maps based on TAG 24 × ICGV 86031 

population have been published (Varshney et al. 2009, Theoretical and Applied Genetics 118: 729-739; 

Ravi et al. 2010, Theoretical and Applied Genetics DOI 10.1007/s00122-010-1517-0). Subsequently, by 

using three genetic maps developed for three different mapping populations, a consensus genetic map was 

constructed with 293 marker loci spanning 20 linkage groups with a total map distance of 2840.8 cM using 

the software MergeMap (Table 10). Marker density ranged from 3.15 (LG20) to 19.86 (LG12) with a mean 

density of 9.96 cM per marker. Inter-locus distance ranged from 5.68 cM (LG14) to 22.7 cM (LG20), with 

average length of 11.08 cM per marker. Similarly, map length of different LGs ranged from 6.3 cM (LG20) 

to 293.37 cM (LG4) with a mean of 142.04 cM. Of the 293 mapped loci, 65.2% loci had marker intervals 

less than 10 cM, 26.9 % had interval distance between 11-30 cM while remaining 7.85% markers showed 

marker intervals more than 30 cM. Based on the common markers and the comparison between individual 

maps, majority of the linkage groups were consistent among the individual maps with few exceptions. 

RK Varshney, B Gautami, K Ravi, MK Pandey and DA Hoisington 

Table 10. Features of the consensus genetic map of groundnut prepared based on three RIL 

populations 

Consensus 

linkage group 

Mapped loci Length 

(cM) 

Consensus 

linkage group 

Mapped 

loci 

Length (cM) 

LG1 17 178.21 LG11 15 135.74 

LG2 16 96.21 LG12 8 158.9 

LG3 28 225.93 LG13 20 236.19 

LG4 16 293.37 LG14 11 110 

LG5 28 233 LG15 5 67.6 

LG6 16 157.95 LG16 10 51.14 

LG7 31 198.09 LG17 7 44.1 

LG8 19 105.9 LG18 11 102.6 

LG9 9 59.8 LG19 8 123.6 

LG10 16 256.17 LG20 2 6.3 

Pigeonpea: An interspecific mapping population (Cajanus cajan ICP 28 × C. scrabaeoides ICPW 94) has 

been targeted for developing the reference map of pigeonpea. Two separate groups of genetic maps on the 

basis of 554 DArT markers data were developed earlier and reported in 2009Archival Report. These results 

have been accepted for publication in Journal of Genetics. Subsequently, the same mapping population 

has been used for generating genotyping data for a total of 310 polymorphic SSR markers and 624 SNP 

markers, in collaboration with Doug Cook of University of California-Davis, USA. As a result, a dense 

genetic map has been developed that is comprised of 833 markers (624 SNPs and 209 SSRs) and a total 

map length of 1010.64 cM, 

In addition to above, five intraspecific F 2 mapping populations of pigeonpea (ICPA 2039 × ICPR 2447, 

ICPA 2043 × ICPR 2671, ICPA 2043 × ICPR 3467, ICPB 2049 × ICPL 99050, and ICP 8863× ICPL 

20097) have been used for developing the genetic maps for cultivated pigeonpea. After screening of 3072 

128

SSR markers and genotyping the mapping populations with polymorphic markers, genetic linkage maps 

have been developed for all the above five mapping populations. All the above linkage maps have 11 

linkage groups, and the number of mapped marker loci ranged from 60 (ICPB 2049 × ICPL 99050) to 140 

(ICPA 2043 × ICPR 3467). Construction of a consensus linkage map for the cultivated pigeonpea is in 

progress and will be completed as soon as possible. 

RK Varshney, Abhishek Bohra, RK Saxena, Anuja Dubey, 

Shi Ying Yang, Hari D Upadhyaya and Andrzej Kilian 


Generation Challenge Programme, Department of Biotechnology and Indian Council of Agricultural 

Research (Government of India) 

Milestone 2.4.8.4: Molecular genetic maps and consensus maps based on SSRs, DArTs and EST-based 

markers developed for pearl millet (2010) 


Report awaited from CTH 




Milestone 2.4.8.5: SSRs and EST-based marker positions identified on sorghum genome sequence, 

providing consensus map (2009) 

Progress not reported for 2009 


Report awaited from CTH 




Output target 2.4.9: Data management infrastructure development (2010) 

Activity: Data capture instruments expanded and functionality increased 

Milestone 2.4.9.2: Data submission, curation and fulfilling database interoperability requirements, 

generation of crop-specific trait ontologies (2009) 


80% 





129


Milestone 2.4.9.3: Data availability through GUI, web services and ongoing curation and generation of 

crop-specific trait ontologies (2010) 






Milestone 2.4.9.4: Ongoing data submission, curation, using ontologies for trait data processing. (2011) 






Data sets have started to be uploaded into ICRIS data base. 

Vincent Vadez 

Milestone 2.4.9.5: All components of the Information system for MAB designed and developed (2009) 


80% 






Milestone 2.4.9.6: Information system for MAB tested, alpha version released and user training (2010) 






Milestone 2.4.9.7: Information system for MAB beta-version released and user training (2011) 



130




Output target 2.4.10: Development of data analysis tools (2011) 

Activity: Enhancement of iMAS decision support system for MAB 

Milestone 2.4.10.1: iMAS version2.0 released (2009) 


90% 


100% 


Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Sudan, Egypt, India 


NA 


Project was finished and all milestones, except one were achieved. Final technical report of project has 

been submitted to GCP. However, during year 2010, a total of 63 participants representing 12 countries 

from Asia and Africa were trained in use of iMAS. 

A Rathore 

Milestone 2.4.10.3: Open source data analysis tools for comparative genomics made available, wrapped as 

web services (2010) 






Milestone 2.4.10.4: Sequence data analysis tools enhanced, users trained on use of tools through 

bioinformatics workflows (2011) 


100% 


India, USA, UK 


NCGR, TSL and University of Exeter 

131


In addition to developing tools for sequence analysis, ICRISAT team in collaboration with NCGR, TSL and 

University of Exeter has started to develop bioinformatic tools and approaches for analyzing the next 

generation sequencing (NGS) data, as these technologies are generating large amount of sequence data. 

NGS technologies like Illumina/ Solexa, ABSOLiD in general generate short sequence tags (SSTs) that are 

aligned with the reference genome and SNPs are identified. Several bioinformatics tools have been 

developed in recent past to align the SSTs and identify SNPs. To identify the most appropriate tool and 

approach to identify the SNPs based on short reads, in a species like chickpea that doesn’t enjoy the 

availability of the reference genome, NGS pipeline has been developed after optimization of several tools 

and analytical approaches and is available at http://hpc.icrisat.cgiar.org/NGS/ . 


Generation Challenge Programme 

Trushar Shah, Sarwar Azam, Vivek Thakur, R. Pradeep, 

A BhanuPrakash, B Jayashree, Andrew D Farmer, David J Studholme, 

Greg D May and Jonathan DG Jones and RK Varshney 

Milestone 2.4.10.5: Users trained to carry out data analysis through bioinformatics workflows (2012) 






Output target 2.4.11: RILs and mapping populations of staple crops assembled for utilization (2010) 

Activity: Assemble and make available for distribution the existent RILs of staple crops and small millets 

that are in the public domain in seed and DNA form 

Milestone 2.4.11.5: DNA of different RIL populations isolated (2010) 


100% 




DNA of RILs of LLS and rust tolerance in groundnut, drought tolerance in chickpea and helicoverpa 

tolerance in pigeonpea was extracted and conserved. 

HD Upadhyaya and RK Varshney 

Milestone 2.4.11.6: Marker and phenotype databases for the available RIL mapping populations curated 



50% 



132


RILs of chickpea and groundnut were phenotyped and data is available. Compilation of genotypic data is in 

progress. 

HD Upadhyaya 


Out put target 2.4.12: Agriculturally beneficial micro-organisms assembled for utilization with 

associated capacity development (2010) 

Activity: Assemble and conserve agriculturally beneficial microorganisms for utilization and distribution 

Milestone 2.4.12.1: Agriculturally beneficial microorganisms from diverse environments accessed and 

characterized for 6 different traits – P- solubilization, antagonism to disease-causing fungi, pathogenicity 

to insect-pest, siderophore production (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Evaluation and conservation of bacterial and actinomycete isolates, accessed from various herbal 

composts and sorghum and rice rhizosphere, for plant growth promoting traits including managers 

of insect pests, antagonists of fungal pathogens, P-solublization and siderophore production: This 

study was done in order to identify potential antagonistic Actinomycetes against Fusarium wilt in chickpea 

under field conditions. A total of 137 Actinomycetes, isolated from 25 different herbal vermicomposts, 

were characterized for their antagonistic potential against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (FOC). Of 

them, five most promising FOC antagonistic isolates (CAI-24, -121, -127, KAI-32 and -90) were 

characterized by dual-culture assay for the production of siderophore, cellulase, protease, hydrocyanic acid 

(HCN), indole acetic acid (IAA) and antagonistic potential against Macrophomina phaseolina (Rhizoctonia 

bataticola), that causes dry root rot in chickpea (three strains viz. RB-6, -24 and -115) and sorghum (one 

strain), by dual-culture assay. All the five FOC antagonistic isolates produced siderophore and HCN, four 

produced IAA (except KAI-90) and two (KAI-32 and -90) produced cellulase and CAI-24 and -127 

produced protease. In the dual culture assay, three of the FOC antagonistic isolates, CAI-24, KAI-32 and - 

90 also inhibited all the three strains of R. bataticola, while two of them inhibited M. phaseolina (KAI-32 

and -90). When the FOC antagonistic isolates were evaluated further for their antagonistic potential in the 

greenhouse and wilt-sick field conditions on chickpea, 45−76% and 4−19% reduction of disease incidence 

was observed, respectively, over the control. The sequences of 16S rDNA gene of the isolates CAI-24, - 

121, -127, KAI-32 and -90 were matched with Streptomyces tsusimaensis, S. caviscabies, S. setonii, S. 

africanus and Streptomyces spp., respectively, in BLAST analysis. This study indicated that the selected 

Actinomycete isolates have the potential for biological control of Fusarium wilt disease in chickpea. 

A total of ten potential plant growth promoting isolates, 8 Actinomycetes (CAI-121- Streptomyces setonii, 

CAI-127- S. setonii, CAI-24- S. anulatus, CAI-68- S. flavogriseus, KAI-26- S. sampsoni, KAI-27- S. 

koyangensis, KAI-32- S. tendae and KAI-90- S. tendae) and 2 bacteria (PR-7- Pseudomonas libanensis and 

PR-4- P. fragi) were identified by 16S rDNA analysis. 

S Gopalakrishnan 

133

Milestone 2.4.12.2: Existing collection of agriculturally beneficial microorganisms conserved for medium 

and long-term storage system and annually 20% germplasm attended (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Conservation of already isolated plant growth promoting bacterial and actinomycete isolates for 

medium and long tem preservation: In the year 2010, a total of 35 plant growth promoting bacteria and 

Actinomycetes were freeze dried in the ampoules for long term preservation. These were as follows: 

Bacteria- HIB-9, -19, 56, -67, -91, EB-27, -35, -67, -75, -77, SB-9, -21, CDB-58, -59, -35, LS-12, BCB-21, 

-114, SRI-156, -158, -178, -229 and -305; Actinomycetes- MMA-32, CAI-21, -24, -26, -68, KAI-27, -32 

and -90; Rhizobium- IC-59 and -2058 (chickpea rhizobia) and PR-4 and -7 (Pongamia rhizobia). 


Milestone 2.4.12.3: Requested agriculturally beneficial microorganisms distributed to bonafide users for 

utilization (Annual) 


100% 


India 




Production and supply of Rhizobium and other PGPR to ICRISAT as well as NRCS scientists: Over 

one thousand units (1009 units; one unit is sufficient to cover one acre of land) of carrier based different 

Rhizobium inoculants (chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut) were supplied on request to NARS, farmers and 

peer scientists at ICRISAT (Table 11). Further, two units of chickpea rhizobia (IC-76 and -2099) and one 

unit of Metarhizium anisopliae in agar based slopes were supplied to NARS scientists. 


Table 11. Agar based cultures supplied in the year 2010 

S. No Date Strain Name No. of slopes Person/Address 

1 30-9-2010 Metarhizium anisopliae 1 Dr. C H Murali Mohan 

Dept. of Biotechnology 

GITAM Institute of Technology 

GITAM University, Visakhapatnam 

2 7-12-2010 Chickpea Rhizobium strains IC 76 1 Dr R V Vyas 

Chickpea Rhizobium strains IC 2099 1 Research Scientist 

Department of Microbiology 

B A College of Agriculture 

Anand Agricultural University 

Anand-388110 

134

S. No Date Strain Name No. of slopes Person/Address 

Carrier based cultures supplied in the year 2010 

1 30-3-2010 Groundnut Rhizobium strain IC 7001 1 E Manik Reddy 

Pigeonpea Rhizobium strain IC 4060 1 Farmer 

Chickpea Rhizobium strain IC 76 1 Bhanur, Medak (Dist.) 

2 24-05-2010 Pigeonpea Rhizobium strain IC 4060 1 Dr Nalini Mallikarjuna 

Pigeonpea Rhizobium strain IC 3195 1 Senior Scientist,ICRISAT 

3 16-11-2010 Chickpea Rhizobium strain IC 76 2 Dr. L Krishnamurthy,ICRISAT 

Scientist, ICRISAT 

4 20-11-2010 Chickpea Rhizobium strain IC 76 1000 Dr. Suresh Pande 

Principal Scientist, ICRISAT 

4 8-12-2010 Groundnut Rhizobium strain IC 7001 2 Dr Ratna Kumar 

Visiting Scientist, ICRISAT 

List of collaborating Scientist 

AB : A Bohra 

AD : A Dubey 

AK : A Kilian 

AK : A Kumar 

AR : Abhishek Rathore 

BG : B Gautami 

BS : B Sarathbabu 

BH : Bettina IG Haussmann 

BVSR : BVS Reddy 

CB : C Billot 

CLLG : CLL Gowda 

CRR : CR Ravishankar 

CTH : CT Hash 

DN : D Naresh 

DT : D This 

DAH : DA Hoisington 

DRC : DR Cook 

ESM : ES Monyo 

GK : G Kaul 

HS : H Sudini 

HCS : HC Sharma 

HDU : HD Upadhyaya 

JC : J Chantereau 

JFR : Jean-Francois Rami 

KA : K Anitha 

KR : K Ravi 

KBS : KB Saxena 

KSV : KS Varaprasad 

135

LG : L Gardes 

MD : M Deu 

MT : M Thudi 

MS : Mamta Sharma 

MS : Mansee Sriswathi 

MM : Mary Mgonja 

MKP : MK Pandey 

NG : N Gujaria 

NL : N Lalitha 

NM : Nalini Mallikarjuna 

NDRKS : NDRK Sharma 

PL : P Lu 

PR : P Ramu 

PSR : P Srinivasa Rao 

PW : P Winter 

PJH : PJ Hiremath 

PMG : PM Gaur 

PRKR : PRK Raju 

RR : R Rivallan 

RS : Rajan Sharma 

RDVJPR : RDVJ Prasada Rao 

RKS : RK Saxena 

RKV : RK Varshney 

RPT : RP Thakur 

RTF : RT Falkertsma 

SB : S Bhatia 

SBo : S Bouchet 

SGK : S Gopal Krishnan 

SI : S Isobe 

SS : S Senthilvel 

SYY : Shi Ying Yang 

SKC : SK Chakrabarthy 

SKS : SK Singh 

SKV : SK Varshney 

SNN : SN Nayak 

SP : Suresh Pande 

TW : T Wang 

TS : Trushar Shah 

VV : V Vadez 

YL : Y Li 

YN : Y Narasimhudu 

136



Producing more and better food from the staple cereals and legumes of the 

west and central African (WCA) SAT (sorghum, pearl millet and 

groundnut) through genetic improvement 

Eva Weltzein Rattunde 

Output 1: Heterotic relationships identified within sorghum and pearl millet germplasm adapted to WCA 

conditions and appropriate broad-based breeding populations and hybrid parents and knowledge made 

available to NARS and other partners in order to maximise genetic gain from selection 

Target 2010: 3.1.1 

Five new pearl millet and five sorghum inbred lines with good combining ability identified and 

characterized; seed made available to partners with associated capacity development for developing 

hybrid cultivars 

Pearl millet heterotic groupings based on combining ability estimates identified 

Rationale 

Building on the initial heterotic grouping of WCA pearl millet landraces undertaken in the BMZ-funded 

“Mobilizing regional diversity” project , the next step was to classify new WCA inbred lines into heterotic 

groups, for a more targeted use in hybrid breeding. 

Materials and Methods 

141 testcrosses of new WCA inbred lines on two population testers from Senegal and Niger (with testers 

belonging to putative different heterotic groups) were evaluated at Sadore in rainy season 2010 to classify 

the respective inbred lines into heterotic groups (MSc thesis of Christof Böhm). The heterotic grouping was 

based on combining ability (CA) patterns. 

Results and Discussions 

Three groups were identified with i) high CA towards the tester of Niger but low or negative CA to the 

tester of Senegal (heterotic group 1), ii) high CA towards the tester of Senegal but low or negative CA 

towards the tester of Niger(heterotic group 2); and iii) high CA towards both testers (heterotic group 3). For 

certain materials, the grouping according to CA patterns corresponded to a grouping according to genetic 

distance of the inbred line’s parental populations as determined by SSR markers. In other words, CA 

analysis grouped lines derived from genetically distant landraces mostly, though not always, into different 

heterotic clusters. Also, the testcross trial revealed hybrids with significantly superior grain yield (127%) 

compared to the best open-pollinated checks. 

Conclusions 

The best crosses should be validated and developed further to become new varieties. The respective inbred 

lines should be multiplied and shared with partners, thereby underlining the importance of building hybrid 

breeding on the concept of heterotic groups. 


Sweet Sorghum hybrid parents tested for adaptation in WCA 

Rationale 

One of the objectives of the IFAD biofuels project “Linking the poor to global markets: Pro-poor 

development of biofuel Supply Chains” is to identify promising hybrid parents for sweet sorghum hybrid 

development. A number of promising male parents identified during the 2007 and 2008 variety evaluations 

were used for test-crosses in 2009. 

137


Altogether five sweet sorghum A-lines from the Patancheru breeding program and eight sweet sorghum 

varieties were used in test crosses for hybrid development at Samanko: 5 Malian landraces, one caudatum 

sweet sorghum type with favorable grain quality from the CIRAD collection and two IS germplasm lines. 

F1 seed was shared between the IER breeding program and the Samanko program for evaluation of fertility 

restoration and sugar-yield related traits. In total, 48 test crosses between Patancheru sweet sorghum A- 

lines and high-potential sweet sorghum varieties and germplasm lines were evaluated by ICRISAT and IER 

for fertility restoration and desirable sweet sorghum traits at both Samanko and Sotuba in 2010. 


Preliminary results show that F1 hybrids derived from the bicolor parents were the most promising for 

sugar-yield related traits. Different levels of fertility restoration by the male parents were observed in the 

various combinations, tending towards sterility maintenance for the bicolor types and fertility restoration 

for the caudatum types. Data has not yet been completely analyzed. A/B-lines were shared with IER 

scientists at Sotuba who have a strong interest in developing specific sweet sorghum ideotypes with high 

sugar and biomass potential. For the 2010/11 off-season, IER planned several test-crosses for further 

analysis of fertility restoration and performance. 

Conclusions 

In view of the high biomass and sugar potential (brix>16%), the juiciness and vigorous appearance of 

hybrids derived from the male parent “local de Namakan”, it would be interesting to transform this variety 

into an A-line (high frequency of male sterile plants in hybrid). Experienced breeders at IER are weighing 

up whether to integrate this activity into their hybrid development program. 

Kirsten vom Brocke 

Sorghum hybrid parents characterised for the Sudanian and Guinea zones of West Africa 

Rationale 

A set of sorghum hybrid parents bred in Mali over the past ten years by ICRISAT and IER is now available 

for hybrid production. The general and specific combing ability of these lines were characterized to 

identify superior lines for hybrid development and to choose lines as source material for breeding the next 

cycle of hybrid parents. 


A total of 60 hybrids produced with five females parents (3 Inter-racial and 2 Guinea) and 12 males parent 

(6 Inter-racial and 6 Guinea) were tested together with 6 check varieties using alpha lattice design with 

three (2007) or four (2008) reps in four environments (ICRISAT-Samanko Low-P and High-P, IER-Sotuba, 

and IER-Cinzana). Grain yield was measured and REML and Regression procedures of GENSTAT were 

used for the analysis. 


The general combining ability (GCA) values for male parents showed more consistency over the six 

environments from Samanko and Sotuba stations, located at 12 N latitude (Table), as compared the more 

northerly Cinzana site (13 N latitude). The mean GCA values computed over the Samanko and Sotuba 

sites showed a wide range with of large agronomic importance. For example, the male parent ‘Lata’ gave a 

308 kg ha-1 yield advantage, on average, over all hybrids in which this line was a parent. 

The male parents with the best combining abilities were of derived from Guinea-Caudatum inter-racial 

crossing and from a Guinea-race population which is expected to have between 75 to 87.5% Guinea race 

genetic background. Both Guinea landrace parents as well as Caudatum-race parents showed very poor 

combining ability. Some correlation between shorter stem internode lengths and combining ability was 

observed among this set of male-parents, with the 3 highest GCA lines having short to intermediate 

internode lengths whereas the 5 lowest GCA lines all had longer internode lengths. 

138

The female parents however showed a different pattern, with the tall landrace parent ‘FambeA’ showing 

highest GCA in the two low-P environments whereas the shorter inter-racial parent 97-SB-F5DT-150A had 

the highest GCA values in the high-P environments at both Samanko and Sotuba. 

Conclusion 

The Guinea Population derivative ‘Lata’ and Guinea-Caudatum inter-racial line 02-SB-F4DT-298 showed 

the highest GCA values among the male lines, and thus should be used for future hybrid development and 

as source material for R-line breeding. 

Table 1. General combining ability values for grain yield in gm -2 of 12 male parents in each of seven 

environments, and the mean across all environments excluding C07 

Origin - Racial 

Type Males C07* L07 L08 S07 H08 S08 H07 Mean 

00-KO-F5DT-19 9 15 21 -23 45 -84 -1 -4.5 

Caudatum MALISOR-92-1 37 -5 -22 -17 50 -46 0 -6.7 

02-SB-F4DT-298 15 2 15 46 14 70 -4 23.8 

02-SB-F5DT-189 12 -40 -52 -13 -30 -72 -32 -39.8 

Inter-racial GRINKAN -8 9 30 23 40 51 17 28.3 

Guinea 

Population 

Guinea landrace 

CGM-19/9-1-1 -29 12 39 -6 -10 52 16 17.2 

LATA 3 Bala -36 16 27 71 8 27 36 30.8 

CSM-388 -16 -15 -16 -28 -72 -84 -16 -38.5 

CSM-63E 13 -12 -7 -43 -52 -33 12 -22.5 

IS 6731 -12 5 -36 -32 -48 -42 -14 -27.8 

SEGUETANA 12 -7 -38 -6 -14 -49 -7 -20.2 

se mean 14 12 11 12 16 16 15 

Trial mean grain yield 

g/m2 207 70 186 190 221 238 282 

*C,L,H,S denote Cinzana, low_P and high_P Samanko, and Sotuba; 07 and 08 denote 2007 and 2008 

Fred Rattunde, Abdoulaye Diallo and Eva Weltzien 

Diversifying hybrid parents for plant height, and for other production ecologies 

Rational 

Hybrid testing in Mali and Nigeria has shown that locally adapted male and female parents are essential for 

achieving superior grain yields with preferred grain qualities. Diversifying the hybrid parents is needed to 

broaden the target domains for hybrids in West and Central Africa and exploit the heterotic potential within 

the West African sorghum germplasm. Specific traits needed include reduced plant height of both male and 

female parents, and better grain and glume characteristics, including larger grain size for Nigeria. 


Crosses were made at ICRISAT-Mali with bold grain parents. A total of 29 F2 populations were sown at 

ICRISAT-Samanko in 2009 for conducting single plant selection. A total of 87 plants of shorter height 

were selected out of 25 of the F2 populations in 2009. These 87 progenies were sown head to row in two 

replicates and single plant selection was conducted in most progenies. F2 populations were also provided to 

IAR-Samaru, Nigeria and pedigree selection was practiced in 2009 and 2010. 


A total of 183 F4.3 progenies were selected. The majority of selected progenies show much larger grain 

size than any of the currently available hybrid parents. The 52 progenies selected from the Fara Fara 12 

and CK 60B cross and seven dwarf progenies of the IS 15401 x Ck60B cross will be testcrossed to identify 

which express the maintainer reaction. These lines would be used to produce the urgently need larger 

139

grained, well adapted, female seed-parents for producing new hybrids for Nigeria. The remaining 

progenies will be evaluated as potential male parents. 

Fred Rattunde and Eva Weltzien 

Target 2011: 3.1.1 

Six sorghum hybrids for at least two countries in West Africa identified, release relevant information as 

well as parental seed made available to partners 

Multi-location testing of sorghum hybrids in the Sudanian zone 

Rational 

Adaptation and acceptable yield performance over diverse environments in the target zone is a requirement 

for commercially viable hybrids. Multiple environment testing over differing soil fertility levels, sowing 

dates and Striga infestation is necessary to determine hybrid productivity and stability. Additionally, the 

temptation of West African farmers to sow F2 seed makes the hybrid F2 performance also of interest. 


A series of initial and advanced multi-location hybrid evaluation trials were conducted in collaboration 

with the national programs in Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria in 2009 and 2010. The initial trials, with 30 

entries, including checks, were conducted only on experiment stations. Advanced testing of hybrids and 

varieties was done in Short- and Tall-Height trials both on-station and on-farm. A total 14 sorghum hybrids 

were tested in 11 farmer managed trials in Mali over 2009 and 2010 with four replicates per site. Data was 

collected on rainfall, soil Bray P1, and agronomic performance traits, focusing on grain yield. Separate 

trials comparing F1 and F2 hybrid performance were conducted at Samanko and Sotuba in 2008 and 2009. 


The two highest yielding hybrids were Fadda (12A x Lata) and 97-SB-F5DT-150A x Grinkan, with 3.0 

t/ha mean grain yield over the initial on-station trials in 2009. The landrace check variety CSM388, in 

comparison, had only 2.3t/ha yield. 

Short hybrids gave an average yield superiority of 20% and the best hybrids more than 30% superiority 

over the well adapted local check ‘Tieble’ across all on-farm trials in both the Dioila and Mande zones in 

2009 with repeatabilities over 0.40 (Table1). Tall hybrids showed smaller yield advantages. 

Analysis of F1 and F2 hybrid yields over 5 environments showed F2 yield decreases differed depending on 

type of parent combinations. Severe F2 yield reduction was observed for Sewa, based an inter-racial 

parents, whereas no yield loss was observed for Pablo, based on Guinea-race parents. 

A total of 20 farmers were supported in 2010 with provision of parental seed for hybrid seed production, 

field protocols and visits. Hybrid seed production was introduced in the more market-oriented Dioila zone, 

and expanded in the Mande zone. Three one-day training workshops on hybrid seed production were 

conducted in Mali by ICRISAT and IER. 

Table 1. Mean grain yields (t/ha) and percent superiority of hybrids and varieties in 11 Short- and 

Tall-Plant Height on-farm trials conducted in the Dioila and Mande zones of Mali, 2009 

Dioila Means over 5 Trials Mande Means over 6 Trials 

Yield 

Superiority* Yield 

Superiority* 

Short Hybrids 

(t/ha) Name (%) 

(t/ha) Name (%) 

All Hybrids (n=8) 1.9 26 2.3 23 

Best Hybrid 2.0 Mona 32 2.8 Sewa 51 

Local Check 1.5 Tieble 1.9 Tieble 

Tall Hybrids 

All Hybrids (n=7) 2.0 7 1.8 16 

Best Hybrid 2.2 Caufa 21 1.9 Caufa 26 

Local Check 1.9 Tieble 1.5 Tieble 

* Percent superiority over well adapted landrace check ‘Tieble’ 

140

Table 2. Grain yield and percent superiority of hybrid F1 and F2 relative to landrace check means 

(CSM388 and Tieble) across 5 trials at ICRISAT-Samanko and IER-Sotuba, 2008 and 2009 

F1 Yield F1 

F1 Yield F2 

Hybrid Pedigree Type* (t/ha) Superiority% (t/ha) Superiority% 

Sewa 150Ax02-F4DT-298 IRxIR 3.6 36 2.2 -17 

Fadda 12AxLata IRxG 3.6 36 3.1 17 

Pablo FambeAxLata GxG 3.5 32 3.5 32 

*Type: IR denotes Inter-racial, G denotes Guinea-race 

Striga susceptibility, as measured by the cumulative Area Under Striga Number Progress Curve 

(AUSNPC), tended to be higher for later maturing hybrids in 2010. Among the short hybrids in 2010, 

Mona (PR3009A x Lata) had the lowest susceptibility (24,000) and was comparable to the local check 

‘Tieble’. Sigui Kumbe ((150A x 00-KO-F5DT-19) and Yougo (12A x CGM19/9-1-1) (43,000, se 4,300) 

were the most susceptible. Among the tall hybrids, Pablo (FambeA x Lata) had the lowest (32,000) and 

Omba (FambeA x IS6731) (40,000) and Caufa (FambeA x CGM19/9-1-1) (50,000) had the highest 

AUSNPC, relative to Tieble (36,000, se 5,300). 

Conclusions 

The hybrid Fadda has shown superior and stable yields and relatively lower yield reduction of its F2. 

Fred Rattunde, Eva Weltzien, Abdoualye Diallo and Felix Frey 

Target 2011: 3.1.2 

Five pearl millet inbred lines, and 2 populations with high general combining ability backcrossed into 

male-sterility inducing A4 cytoplasm 

Identifying restorer lines in inbred lines derived from WCA Pearl millet germplasm 

Rationale 

Previous research has shown that presently available male-sterile pearl millet lines are too early flowering 

and insufficiently adapted to WCA growing conditions. Therefore the need to develop new, adapted male 

sterile lines WCA genetic background. An important step in this direction is the classification of new WCA 

inbred lines into maintainer and restorer for different male-sterility conferring cytoplasms. 


Analysis of data derived from the evaluation of 30 testcrosses of new WCA inbred lines on male-sterile line 

17A (A-Aegps cytoplasm) in the rainy season 2009 provided initial evidence for lack of restorer types on 

A-Aegps cytoplasm in WCA germplasm (MSc thesis C. Böhm). To validate these initial findings, and 

broaden the germplasm base, the following number of crosses were successfully produced in the off-season 

2009/10: 138 crosses of new WCA inbreds on cms line 14A (A1 cytoplasm), 124 on cms line 17A (A-Aeps 

cytoplasm), and 113 crosses on cms line LCICMA7 (A4 cytoplasm). The testcrosses were evaluated 

together with checks at Sadore under well-fertilized field conditions during the 2010 rainy season. A MSc 

student (Bachir Issoufa) from CRESA (Univ. of Niamey, Niger) has helped collecting the data. Data 

analysis is still underway. 


Initial results from the 2010 trials confirm a general lack of reliable restorer genotypes in the WCA 

germplasm for all three cytoplasms tested. Only a few lines seemed to segregate for fertility restoration and 

will need to be selfed and investigated further to obtain lines with genetically fixed restorer alleles for the 

three cytoplasms. Alternatively, a new project may be developed to transfer restorer alleles from Indian 

germplasm into WCA material, using marker-assisted selection. 

Conclusions 

All 206 available WCA inbred lines have been advanced in the off-season 2009/10 and are presently again 

advanced in the off-season 2010/11. Final data analysis of the 2010 testcross trials on cms lines is required 

141

to plan conversion of new WCA lines into male-sterile/maintainer (A/B) line pairs. This will be started in 

the second off-season (planting early February 2011) 

Bettina IG. Haussmann 

Output 2: Improved methodologies developed for integrating breeding of groundnut, sorghum and pearl 

millet populations and varieties with crop management strategies to overcome key environmental and 

socio-economic constraints and making them available with new knowledge to partners 


Tools for farmer participatory recurrent selection tested for pearl millet and sorghum with partners with 

associated capacity development in different agro-ecologies. (associated with PRGA SWEP) 

Assessing genetic grain from recurrent selection in pearl millet populations under Sahelian target 

conditions 

Rationale 

Different options exist to enhance development of appropriate breeding populations and new experimental 

cultivars with farmers participation and thereby building on farmer’s knowledge. The McKnight- 

Foundation funded breeding project aimed at developing an initial strategy for efficient farmerparticipatory 

pearl millet improvement. Specific research questions were (i) after two cycles of selection 

using different on-farm and on-station selection methods, which method was most efficient for enhancing 

yields; (ii) what are the advantages and disadvantages of the various selection methods used; (iii) which 

agro-morphological traits changed during the selection; (iv) do farmer-selected varieties adapt beyond their 

sites of selection; (v) what is the extend of genotype x environment interaction (GxE) in on-station versus 

on-farm trials and what are the implications of the observed GxE for participatory pearl millet 

improvement? 


The study was initiated by ICRISAT in 2006 at three pilot sites in Niger. Site-specific base populations 

were created in the off-season 2006/07 using materials selected by farmers in the rainy season 2006. In 

2007, two to four farmers per site did on-farm simple mass selection (SMS) in subsamples of the 

populations. In 2008, five different selection methods were applied: on-farm SMS, on-farm mass selection 

with parental control (SMC), on-farm full-sib family (FSF) selection, on-station FSF selection, and 

combined FSF selection (on-station and on-farm). In 2009, multi-location selection progress trials were 

conducted both on-farm and on-station. 


Results showed that two cycles of SMS can significantly increase grain yield in individual cases, depending 

on the selection efficiency of the participating farmer-breeder. The more sophisticated FSF and SMC 

weren’t more efficient than SMS. Farmer selection resulted into shorter and more compact panicles, shorter 

plant height, better panicle exertion and in some cases higher grain yield. Biplots combining on-station and 

on-farm data revealed for two pilot sites that on-farm selected varieties performed better on-farm while onstation 

selected cultivars performed better on-station, underlining the importance of testing breeding 

materials on-farm. Certain varieties selected on-farm, including one selected exclusively by women, were 

performing above-average and achieved high farmer preference indices also at other sites, indicating the 

potential adaptability of farmer-selected cultivars beyond their site of selection. 

Conclusions 

As two seasons were insufficient to reliably measure selection progress in the highly variable Sahelian 

environments, it is recommended to continue the selection for two or three more cycles to derive final 

conclusions regarding the best strategy for participatory pearl millet improvement in WCA. 


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Best-bet soil fertility management options and their interactions with genotype identified for the Sahelian 

zone in Niger 

Rationale 

One of the constraints to agricultural production in the Sahel is low or absence of utilization of external 

input due to their limited availability or high price. To help increase the rate of on-farm application of 

sources of nutrients, the so-called fertilizer microdosing technology was developed and demonstrated in 

farmers’ field with promising results. Organic amendments constitute the principal source of nutrients for 

agriculture. Hill application of manure combined with mineral fertilizer microdose would be an optimal 

way to gain the best from the potentials of both fertilizers, but also assure that there is enough manure for 

wider area to sustain crop production. Combination of best genotypic potential of a crop with such 

technology could be the key to increased crop production. The present work funded by the HOPE project 

seeks to determine the optimal combination of the genotype, fertilizer microdosing and organic amendment 

application that would favor the expression of the yield potential of millet crop. 


Ten millet genotypes where evaluated under the combination of four mineral and organic fertilizer 

management options in a split plot design laid in three replications. The experiment was conducted at 

ICRISAT station at Sadore and at two INRAN research stations (Kollo, approximately 30 km from Sadore; 

and Maradi, approximately 600 km East of Niamey). The field at Sadore was purposely selected for low 

level of Bray P1 (Table 1). However it was a field under fallow cleaned for the purpose of the experiment. 

The same experiment was conducted as baby trials in a participatory manner with farmers of 4 localities in 

Western Niger (Bokki, Falwel, Tera and Dantchandou) and three localities in Eastern Niger (Serkin 

Haoussa, Sae Saboua and El Kolta). Eight millet genotypes were tested under various combinations of soil 

fertility management. During the cropping season and before harvest, the crops were evaluated with the 

farmers who ranked the treatments according to their appreciation. 


Table 1: Soil characteristic of the experimental field at Sadore, ICRISAT 

Depth pH H2O Organic C Total N (mg N/kg) Bray P1 

(cm) (1:2.5) (%) 

(mg P/kg) 

10 5.5 0.3 247.4 4.2 

20 5.7 0.2 119.9 3.5 

Soil data of the two other sites are being analyzed. However, prior to the selection, they were reported as 

having low fertility, which is reflected in crop yield obtained. Grain yield was especially low on average at 

Maradi (206 kg/ha), compared to 953 kg/ha at Sadore. 

Genotype differences were observed. At Sadore MIL.DE.SIAKA".(=PE05578-C2), SOSAT-C88, and 

PE05572.(KADO.NIO.DE.MALI) outperformed the other genotypes, but this trend was not consistent over 

the two other sites (Figure 1) . Slight yield increase was observed due to mineral and organic fertilizer 

application but the differences were statistically significant only at Maradi. 

In the on-farm trials. grain yield obtained was 1000 kg/ha on average at Bokki and Falwel due to combined 

effect of 200g of organic manure and 2g of DAP or 6g of NPK per hill . Grain yield at Serkin Houssa and 

Sae Saboua were as high as 1500 kg/ha on average. According to farmers’ appreciation hill application of 

manure brings additional work however it is a good practice as it increases crop yield. Among the varieties 

tested ICMV 89305, ICMV 99001 and PE05578-C2 performed very well on all the sites however they were 

not better than the local variety. The analysis of the soil samples collected on each site as well as manure 

samples will help us to better understand the tendencies observed. The analysis is specific genotype by 

fertilization interaction remains to be analyzed. 

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Conclusion 

Treatments identified together with the farmers will be tested in the coming rainy season. 

Fatondji Dougbedji 

Training courses for partners (NARS, ONG, OP) in participatory variety selection methodology 

Rationale 

Participatory variety evaluations and selection methods are widely used in ICRISAT collaborations in 

WCA. It is important to build on each others experience and to harmonize these procedures used by 

ICRISAT and its partners in the region. Training workshops allow the different actors of the projects to 

contribute to a common understanding of the aims and purposes of participatory evaluations as well as an 

understanding of the prevailing conditions, and approaches. Training workshops enable protocols for 

evaluations to be harmonized, reviewed, developed, and adapted to the specific objectives of each trial 

or specific situation/condition of the location. 


These training courses were focused on the training of partners (researchers, technical staff, farmer leaders, 

NGOs, extension services) in the use of participatory tools and strategies. The program included: 

1. April Workshop (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, conducted in French) 

• How to identify the target site: Village characterization and identification of constraints, choice of 

farmers, choice of fields) 

• Trial implementations and quality control of trials 

• Data monitoring 

• Evaluation and monitoring methods (classifications, scoring) 

• Data entry 

2. October workshop (Mali, Burkina Faso participants, conducted in French and Bambara) in collaboration 

with FFEM 2 project 

• Roles of different participants during PVS activities 

• Stages of the breeding cycle and priority setting 

• Open ended evaluation 

• Whom to invite to PVS evaluations 

• Ranking and scoring tools 

• Evaluation and selection (voting) of varieties during PVS trials 

• Development of PVS strategies and protocols 

3. December workshop in collaboration with EU-IFAD project (with participants from Nigeria, Ghana, 

India, conducted in English)) 

• Factors contributing to increasing adoption of new varieties and impacts 

• Tools for variety evaluation 

• Methods of questioning: Open questions and probing questions 

• Tools of evaluation: scoring and ranking 

• Planning PVS activities (Objectives, target conditions, Responsibilities) 

• Types of varieties and trials 

• Diagnostic tools (Venn diagram, mapping) 

• Seed systems 


Five-day training courses on participatory variety evaluation and breeding for pearl millet and sorghum 

were conducted in April, October and November of 2010 within the framework of the Hope Project 

(objectives 2, 3 and 6) and the Agrobiodiversity project (CIRAD/ICRISAT). The courses took place in 

Mali and each course attracted 20 to 35 participants from partner organizations from various countries 

(Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Ghana, Nigeria). Consequently, the participants were able to return to their 

144

countries and train local partners of the project at suitable locations across West Africa. Training courses 

for trainers will continue next year. Furthermore, concepts are being developed with the aid of the 

McKnight Foundation to harmonize data management and data bases across the region. A number of 

practical guides have since been developed which are to be reviewed for online publication on (e.g. Hope 

website). 

Kirsten vom Brocke and Eva Weltzien 

Evaluate two-stage recurrent selection procedure for sorghum adapted to the Sudanian zone 

Rationale 

Breeding of higher yielding sorghum varieties in the Sudanian zone requires both effective selection for 

both grain and glume characteristics crucial for adoption as well as yield performance over 

environments. Multi-location yield testing of large numbers of progenies in a sufficient sample of the target 

environments to make genetic gains for yield is a major challenge. We initiated a two stage progeny testing 

procedure, which includes multi-location testing of S2-progenies, with the objectives of developing 

superior varieties and effective methods for population improvement. 


A set of 150 progenies were selected for testing based on 2009 on-station and on-farm observations. The 

testing scheme designed involves single-rep on-farm strip tests with subsets of 50 S2-progenies and 

replicated checks. The 150 progenies were subdivided into sets of 25, with each farmer receiving two sets. 

Two checks were randomized within each block of 5 test entries to enable estimate of error level and enable 

yield adjustments. A total of 34 tests were prepared, installed and harvested. Trials were conducted at 

ICRISAT-Samanko under +P and –P , with data to compare researcher and farmer observations in 

replicated on-station relative and unreplicated on-farm results. On-station trials had four replicates in an 

alpha lattice incomplete block design. 


The on-farm strip tests provide a good sample the diversity of environments in the target zones. For 

example sowing dates varied over seven weeks, from June 18 to August 5, soil types ranged from gravelly 

laterite to fine textured soils of contrasting fertility levels. Panicle weights and farmer appreciation scores 

are entered and data analysis is underway. ICRISAT-Samanko on-station panicle weights have been 

analysed and are to be compared with the on-farm results. 

Additionally in Burkina Faso, initial trails to assess gains from farmer’s selection were conducted in two 

regions. Based on these results we have started to plan with INERA a trial that would compare gains made 

under different selection conditions. 

Fred Rattunde, Eva Weltzien and Kirsten von Brocke 

Develop recurrent selection schemes for implementation with NARS and FOs in the northern Sudanian 

zone (in collaboration with CIRAD FFEM 2/HOPE project) 

Rationale 

The mutual objective of the Agrobiodiversity (FFEM2)and HOPE projects in the Tominian region of Mali 

is to start a recurrent selection program so as to develop varieties responding to the harsh climate and 

production objectives of farmers living in that region. Base populations developed under a previous IFAD 

(PROMISO) project are being used as a source of diversity to kick start a breeding program. 

Material and Methods 

Protocols have been developed to start a recurrent selection scheme in the region of Tominian in four 

villages targeted by the Agrobiodiversity project (CIRAD/IER/ICRISAT) and the HOPE project. The aim 

was to conduct F2 populations derived from crosses between diverse guinea populations and landrace 

varieties in farmer fields for a first cycle of mass selection, and to subsequently select materials for the 

development of breeding lines. 

145


During the aforementioned October workshop in Koutiala, participants were informed of how to create 

diversity through crosses between diverse varieties. Also discussed and illustrated with the help of posters 

were the methods behind the use of broad-based populations for variety development. . Workshop 

participants further learned about priority-setting and target conditions for selection. 

Conclusions 

If recurrent selection with NARS and FOs is to be implemented, training has to be reinforced, specifically 

in regard to choosing farmers’ fields as selection sites and selection methods in segregating materials. 


Multi-location variety trials in farmers’ fields in three regions of Mali (FFEM project) 

Rationale 

The objective of the Agrobiodiversity project is to enhance sorghum biodiversity through the diffusion of 

new and diverse varietal options to farmers. The project offers the possibility to test and diffuse existing 

experimental varieties, bred by the ICRISAT/IER programs, in new zones of intervention, such as Sikasso 

and Koutiala. 


Varieties derived from the ICRISAT/IER and the CIRAD/INERA breeding programs were incorporated 

into variety trials in three regions of Mali (Tominian, Koutiala, Sikasso). These included improved 

varieties, landraces, and breeding lines at the end of the selection process. Two sweet sorghum varieties 

were also brought into the tests. Five to ten varieties were used in “preliminary tests” containing 32 

varieties, which were tested in two villages per zone, with two farmers per village (2 replications per 

farmer). One to three varieties were used in “multilocational tests” that comprised 6 varieties tested by ten 

farmers in the same two villages per zone. 


Although results are not yet available, preliminary results from the Sikasso region indicate that farmers 

have shown interest in two varieties contributed by ICRISAT/IER: DouaG (purified local variety) and 

IS23566 (sweet sorghum accession). 



Two NARS empowered to breed groundnut varieties with multiple attributes, including drought resistance. 

Rational 

NARS in WCA lack human resources and infrastructure to execute efficient groundnut breeding programs. 

These weaknesses have limited the development of improved varieties and farmers continue to grow old 

varieties that were developed or introduced more than half a century ago. It is thus important to enhance 

capacity of some of the NARS for breeding groundnut varieties with multiple attributes. 


A wide range of diverse genetic materials were supplied to enrich genetic diversity in NARS breeding 

programs. They can thus select adapted farmer-and market preferred varieties more effectively. Staff from 

the NARS breeding programs received theoretical training on breeding principles as well as hands-on 

training on how to manage a breeding program including priority skills such as hybridization, data capture 

and analysis. 


In the last three years more than 1000 advanced breeding lines have been supplied to the NARS in Mali, 

Niger and Nigeria in form of observation nurseries and/or replicated variety trials. From these trials 

146

national variety trials have been constituted. INRAN (Niger) was able to conduct trials at 6 locations across 

the major groundnut districts. In Nigeria (IAR), trials were conducted at 23 location in 2010 across the 

major groundnut producing states. In addition to the multi-location trials, a hybridization program was 

initiated at INRAN and IAR. This is the first time these NARS are beginning to make crosses after decades. 

B Ntare and F Waliyar 

2-3 farmer - and market-preferred groundnut varieties identified for cultivation in target countries of West 

Africa 

Rationale 

Farmers and processing industries demand varieties with specific desirable plant and seed traits. 

Knowledge of the range of plant, seed traits required for processing traits is valuable for crop improvement 

programs as they provide good market signals for processors. The demand for improved groundnut 

varieties will increase if varieties are designed to include producer and consumer preferred traits. 


PVS under the auspices of the Tropical Legumes project have been conducted in 6 villages each in Mali, 

Niger and Nigeria (2008-2009). Selected lines were put in larger demonstration plots in these countries. 

Some of these (2 in Mali, and 1 in Nigeria) have been recommended for release. Variety descriptions were 

prepared for the recommended varieties for release and registration in the national variety catalog. New 

on-farm farmer participatory variety selection trials in 5 villages (Bougoula (2), Sanambele, Fanza, 

Diakakegny and Tenekanu) in the Sanankoroba district, in Mali. Five groundnut varieties (ICGV 86124, 

ICGV 86024, ICGV 85015, ICG 7878, Fleur 11) along with a local check were evaluated by groups of 

women farmers in the five villages. In each village 25 women conducted the trial. The plot size was 0.1 ha 

per variety and unreplicated. Five women collectively managed a plot. Participating women were given 2- 

day training in good practices of integrated crop management before the start of the trials. A total of 150 

women from the farmer groups in the five villages, 10 village agents and 2 staff of PLAN Mali participated 

in the training. A simplified manual in French was produced for this purpose. This will be translated into 

the local language. Variety preference assessments were conducted during the plant establishment, 

flowering and harvest stages 


In Niger, 4 varieties (Fleur 11, J11, RRB & ICG 9346) from the FPVS trials conducted in the previous 2 

years were registered in the national variety catalog. ICGV 86024, ICGV 86124 and ICGV 86015 are 

candidates for release in Mali and ICIAR 19BT in Nigeria. Preference assessment from the new trials 

showed that over all ICGV 86024, ICGV 86124 and Fleur 11 were the most preferred varieties across the 

villages. Their pod yield varied between 15-25% over the local variety. 

Conclusions 

PVS are proving to be short cut to the release of varieties. This need to be advocated so that this becomes 

a routine source of information for the rapid release of new varieties. None the less the release of new 

groundnut varieties by NARS remains a very slow process through the traditional mechanism. This is 

largely due to variety release committees not meeting or the NARS partners not being aggressive enough to 

promote new varieties through nationally coordinated trials and on-farm participatory validation tests. 

However, through FPVS, the variety release process can be fast tracked. The major challenge facing 

women groundnut farmers is the limited access to good land. 

B Ntare 

Seed of advanced breeding lines produced to share with NARS partners 

Rationale 

The availability of seed is critical to ensure that varieties that meet the needs of the farmers and markets can 

be widely tested, and channeled for certified seed production. 

147


Seed of 29 promising advanced trait specific breeding lines selected from the previous on-station trials was 

increased at Samanko. 


A total of 1580 kg of seed of trait specific advanced breeding lines was produced at Samanko. This will be 

shared with NARS partners in the region and will be evaluated in new PVS trials during 2011 crop season. 

B Ntare 

At least 80-100 new breeding lines with farmer- and market-preferred traits made available to NARS for 

local evaluation 

Rationale 

To maintain a flow of new breeding lines, seed was supplied to various users including researchers, 

farmers. 

Material and methods 

A series of trait- specific preliminary and advanced performance trials were conducted at Samanko during 

the rainy season. These included 198 breeding lines in 5 advanced trials and 98 in 1 preliminary trial. A 

trial consisting of 5 advanced breeding lines tolerant to foliar diseases along with 2 susceptible checks 

(Fleur11 and ICGS11) was conducted to assess their yield and resistance to foliar diseases. Alpha lattice 

design with three replications was used in all the trials except the foliar disease trial which was a RCB. Plot 

sizes were of 4 rows and 4 m long 


Seed Supply: We supplied 63 trait-specific advanced breeding lines to partners in Mali (90 kg of 5 varieties 

to PLAN-Mali, 15 kg of three varieties to Millennium village project, and 9kg of 11 varieties to an export 

company YIRIWA); 200 gm each of 10 rosette resistant varieties to Cameroon, 50 seed each of 16 rosette 

resistant lines to Uganda and 100 kg of 8 varieties for researchers in ICRISAT. We also supplied 100 seeds 

of each of 256 groundnut germplasm reference set to IAR Nigeria on request. Yield trials: Promising high 

yielding lines with other attributes such as tolerance to foliar diseases were selected for further evaluation 

in regional trials. About 65 lines yielding significantly higher that the checks were selected. All the five 

lines (ICGV 01276 (score 2), ICGV 00068 (score 3), ICGV 00005 (score 3), ICGV 99029 (score 3), ICGV 

00064 (score 3) were resistant to early leaf spot, both on station and on-farm. 

B Ntare and F Waliyar 


Three high yielding, well adapted sorghum varieties with at least one trait adding value to the harvest 

(stover quality, sweet juicy stems, brewing quality) identified for dissemination to farmers in two countries 

in WCA 

At least 15 new sweet sorghum cultivars of different origins, three experimental sweet sorghum lines 

selected in 2009 and five hybrids evaluated in replicated trials 

Rationale 

In order to develop a value chain strategy for ethanol production from sweet sorghum, adapted to mostly 

subsistence production systems in Mali, it is necessary to first generate knowledge about the production 

potential of internationally existing grain-fuel sweet sorghum varieties in the Sudanian and north-sudanian 

zone. This was done through the IFAD funded biofuel project “Harnessing water-use efficient bio-energy 

crops for enhancing livelihood opportunities of smallholder farmers in Asia, Africa and Latin America” 

(2008 – 2010), in Mali in collaboration with IER. The aim is to identify cultivars which have high sugar 

yields but also provide animal fodder and acceptable grain quality and yield. 


During 2010 three activities were carried out in order to identify promising cultivars for either use as 

parents in breeding programs or directly for production by users in Mali. 

148

(1) A series of potential new sweet sorghum varieties and accessions provided by CIRAD (50 accessions 

with 20g seed with origins from West and Central Africa, East Africa and Central America and additional 

10 cultivars including control cultivars were tested in randomized field trials with two replications at 

Samanko and Cinzana. 

(2) The second year of the sweet sorghum trial with 40 entries (Malian local varieties, IS accessions and 

improved sweet sorghum breeding lines from ICRISAT India) was conducted with three replications at 

Sotuba with IER scientists. 

(3) A randomized field trial with two replications was carried out at two sites (Samanko, Sudanian zone and 

Cinzana, Sahelian zone) with the objective to evaluate the performance (brix, juice and grain yield/quality) 

of 34 progenies derived from 2009 selections at Cinzana (17 families) and Samanko (15 families). The 

progenies origin from the Patancheru Breeding program and were send by the team of De B. Reddy in 2009 

for evaluation under Malian climatic conditions. 

Results 

In the first field trial with 60 entries, about 70% of the varieties presented brix and juice values at a level 

that they could be classified as sweet sorghum varieties. However brix values of entries did not exceed 

16.2% at the Samanko station at physiological maturity. About 15 entries from Cameroon and Tchad were 

too late maturing for the Sudanian and Sahelian conditions. Several varieties with high biomass potential 

were identified, as well as one variety with interesting grain quality (vitreous and clean grain) for further 

use in the breeding program. Many entries had poor grain quality and poor panicle characteristics. 

At Sotuba, the plant stand was somewhat unfavorable in the 40 entry trial, however brix values were 

satisfying with up to 18%. Results are not yet analyzed. 

Preliminary results for the progeny trial show a trial mean for brix of 14% (6 – 19,5) at Samanko and 50ml 

per stem (10 – 120ml/stem) for juice volume. About seven progenies were selected at Samanko for further 

testing and purification, based on grain quality (vitrosity), gain mold resistance, grain color, panicle size, 

biomass, juice yield and brix values. 


At least 40 F2 families derived from sweet sorghum crosses conducted with a minimum of 400 plants per 

F2 

Rational 

To create the base materials for selection for locally adapted sweet sorghum genotypes with acceptable 

grain quality, wide crosses between different stem and grain types are being evaluated. 


Selection in 32 F2 families was carried out in Samanko and Cinzana. F2 families were either derived from 

crosses between sweet sorghum (bicolor) x sweet sorghum (caudatum) or sweet sorghum (caudatum) x 

grain sorghum (caudatum or guinea). 

Results 

Results showed few plants with the desired traits (sweetness of stem, juiciness, panicle and grain quality, 

biomass). At Samanko about 52 F2 and at Cinzana about 15 F2 plants were selected which presented an 

interesting diversity of plant types, differing in sweetness and juiciness and cycle duration. A few 

interesting long-cycle plants were selected involving the parent IS15401 (Soumalemba) which showed 

sweet juicy stems, acceptable grain quality and resistance to head bug and end of season drought. Most of 

the late maturing plants had very poor grain set due to head bug damage. 

149

Conclusions 

Some progress for grain quality seems to be possible (guinea type of grain combined with sweet stems). 

But in order to progress with these trait combinations, numbers of lines in the early segregating generations 

have to be increased. 


New sweet sorghum diversity created; at least 10 crosses between diverse sweet sorghum cultivars made 


Six sweet sorghum F2 families (caudatum or bicolor/caudatum) were crossed with three different local 

guinea landraces with favorable grain quality and biomass traits to improve grain quality and biomass 

production in the progenies. 

Result 

Au total 256 successful crosses from 18 couples were performed during the 2010 rainy season through 

hand emasculation. 


Awareness for sweet sorghum production of main stakeholders in Mali improved: at least 5 sweet sorghum 

varieties tested on-farm, at least one workshop/exposure visit conducted 


Sweet sorghum variety tests were conducted in three zones with three different local partners in Mali. Six 

to 10 varieties (sweet sorghum elite lines from Patancheru, local sweet sorghum varieties and germplasm 

lines) were tested with about 6 farmers in randomized trials with two replications in each of the sites. 

Partners were: NGO AMEDD in Koutiala conducting trials in 6 different sites (Sudanian zone); the state 

agricultural program in the Segou region (Sahelian zone), four tests in one village and the private enterprise 

“Mali Biocarburant” (biodiesel from Jatropha) in Koulikoro (Sudanian zone) which conducted tests at six 

sites with six entries. Participatory evaluation workshops were conducted with AMEDD in the Koutiala 

region and with IER and “office riz” in the Segou region with about 20 farmers per trial. 


Preliminary results received from the “Office riz” partners indicate that grain quality of early caudatum 

sweet sorghum lines and IS accessions were accepted. Due to less frequent rainfall in this region, grain 

mold was not a major issue in the on-farm trials. Biomass production in trials was favourable, however 

they were all conducted on fertile land and received standard dose of mineral fertiliser. A detailed analysis 

of the collected data is in progress. 


Three experimental sweet sorghum varieties with >15% brix, >20t/ha fresh stalk yield and acceptable 

grain yield (>1.5t/ha) identified 

Several IS lines (e.g., 23525, 23566, 23541), one sorghum line of the CIRAD collection and two improved 

ICRISAT sweet sorghum lines (ICSR 93034 and NTJ2) have been well appreciated by farmers in on-farm 

trials in the Segou. Three advanced progenies from the ICRISAT breeding program have also been tested at 

two on-station sites for further confirmation. A complete analysis of data of the 2010 trials and combined 

with results from previous years need to be performed to confirm the varieties. 


150

Management options identified for improved juice and sugar production in sweet sorghum with a focus on 

planting densities (field trials on station) 


For testing sweet sorghum management options, a split-split-plot trial with three replications was sown and 

evaluated at the Samanko station with the objective to analyze the performance of juice production at three 

harvest dates at and after physiological maturity (PM) (PM, PM+15, PM+25 days) with two fertility levels 

(0 fertilizer application and 200 kg DAP/ha) and six varieties (similar growing cycle, different variety 

types): 

F221: local sweet sorghum landrace (Mali) 

00-SB-F5DT-427: sweet sorghum IER improved line 

ICSR 93034: sweet sorghum improved line from Patancheru breeding program. 

IS 23566: guinea-caudatum germplasm accession 

IS 23541: guinea-caudatum germplasm accession 

104 GRD: sweet sorghum improved line from Patancheru breeding program. 

Results 

The trial was conducted for the second year. Compared to 2009 the trial was conducted on a less fertile 

field in order to have more differences between fertilized and the non-fertilized treatments. In 2009 the 

fertility treatment had no effect on sugar levels in the juice (Table 1). In 2010 the mean Brix values are 

relatively low, between 9 and 17%, with a trial mean of 13%. Observations and data entry are still ongoing. 

Table 1: Mean brix values in different treatment in 2009 management trial 

Factors Treatment %brix 

Mean MIN MAX 

6-variety F221 13,75 12 16 

00-SB-F5DT-427 13,72 11 16 

ICSR 93034 15,46 11 19 

IS 23566 16,06 14 18 

IS 23541 15,44 14 17 

104 GRD 16,33 14 18 

2 fertilizations Non-fertilized 15,11 11 18 

200 kg DAP/ha 15,14 12 19 

3-harvest dates pm 14,26 11 18 

pm+15 15,01 12 18 

pm+25 16,11 13 19 


Release of sorghum variety with adaptation to low P conditions and high Fe concentration adapted to the 

Sudanian zone 

Rationale 

Sorghum in Western and Central Africa is cultivated extensively on soils with low available phosphorous 

and with limited or no fertilization. Varieties that are better adapted to low-P soils could produce higher 

and more stable yields. 


A landrace variety “Doua-G” from Mali was identified to have superior performance under low-P 

available production conditions (see “Identification of germplasm” below). The registration document for 

this variety under the name of “Douaje” was submitted for inclusion in Variety Catalogue Mali in 2010. 

Foundation seed of Doua-G was produced in an isolation block at ICRISAT-Samanko in 2010. 

Fred Rattunde 

151

Identification of sorghum germplasm with adaptation to low P and Sahelian zone conditions 

Rationale 

Sorghum germplasm with superior adaptation to low P needs to be identified to serve directly as varieties 

for adoption as well as source material for breeding purposes. Understanding the nature of genotype x 

environment interaction for grain yield under low-P conditions is necessary to formulate effective testing 

and breeding procedures. 


The phenotyping of a Sudanian-zone sorghum panel of 70 varieties for adaptation to P-limited conditions 

was conducted under –P and +P fertilization at ICRISAT-Samanko from 2006 to 2010 and at IER- 

Kolombada from 2006 to 2009. These evaluations provide a unique data base for analysis of genetic 

diversity and genotype x environment interaction for P-Adaptation over 5 years in 18 environments. 

Phenotyping of a Sahelian-zone sorghum panel of 80 varieties for adaptation to low-P was initiated in 2010 

with trials conducted at IER-Bema, ISRA-Bambey, INRAN-Konni, ICRISAT-Samanko and ICRISAT- 

Sadore. 


The –P trials had substantially lower grain yield, shorter plant heights and delayed flowering relative to +P 

trials, indicating that the P availability differed strongly between –P and +P. Genetic variation for grain 

yield over eight low-P environments of the Sudanian panel was highly significant and varietal differences 

were high heritability. Selection for yield under low-P conditions therefore can be effective. Genotype x 

environment interaction within the eight low-P environments was significant but only moderate in 

magnitude relative to genotype main effects. Date of sowing and environmental yield level explained very 

little of the GxE interaction. Therefore there is apparently no need to target specific low-P environments 

for germplasm or progeny evaluations for yield under P limited conditions. Total rainfall accounted for 

nearly half of the GxE interactions under low-P. 

Analysis over low- and high-P levels indicated that genotype x P level was significant but explained only a 

small portion of the total GxE interactions. Plotting entry yields under low-P versus entry yields under 

high-P using REML blups standardized to mean=0.0, std. dev.=1.0, revealed that only very few entries 

deviated markedly from the 1:1 line. Thus it appears that most all of the West African sorghum varieties 

tested express a basic level of adaptation to low-P conditions, despite their diversity for genetic background. 

Only IS 15401 and NafalenP6 showed considerably superior yields under low-P relative to under high-P 

conditions. 

Selection for yield under low-P conditions can be effective. Varieties IS 15401 and NafalenP6 should be 

further investigated for their adaptation mechanism(s). Indirect selection for yield under low-P conditions 

may be possible based on yield performance in more favorable P environments for W. African Sudanian 

sorghums. However, low-P yield testing is required to identify particularly superior low-P adapted 

germplasm. 

Fred Rattunde, Eva Weltzien and Willmar Leiser 

Data analysis of multi-year and multi-location trials from Mali to identify new varieties for release 

Rationale 

Sorghum production conditions are diverse and varietal performance over the range of soils, weed management, 

sowing dates, and rainfall conditions can only be effectively assessed with more extensive on-farm testing to 

sample this diversity. On-farm validation of on-station varietal response to low-P availability is specifically 

needed. 


Large-scale multi-location trials were conducted with a wide range of farmer organizations, and other 

development partners in Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria in 2010. During 2010 these trials were largely 

152

conducted as split-plot trials with the main plots being agronomic practice, designed with the farmers in each 

village, and subplots of 3 to 5 test varieties. Partners were trained in this process. 

A structured evaluation of eight varieties identified to have contrasting low-P adaptation from on-station low-P 

phenotyping was conducted both on-station and on-farm in 2010. The trials at ICRISAT-Samanko were 

conducted under +P and –P conditions with early and later sowing dates and four replicates. On-farm trials were 

conducted as two replicate split plot trials with P level as main plot and variety as subplot. These trials were 

conducted by 24 farmers, involving 4 farmers per village, and 3 villages in both the Mande and the Dioila zones. 


The 2009 and 2010 data from farmer-managed test-kits trials were entered into a newly established database. 

Older data are presently being added to the database. Data were assembled for the release of variety DOUAJE in 

Mali. In Burkina Faso an additional season of trials was required under the new seed regulations to complete the 

release procedure. The trials were conducted in 2010 are presently being analysed. 

Eva Weltzien and Fred Rattunde 

Develop recurrent selection schemes for implementation with NARS and FOs in the northern Sudanian 

zone (in collaboration with CIRAD FFEM 2/HOPE project) 

Rationale 

The mutual objective of the Agrobiodiversity (FFEM2)and HOPE projects in the Tominian region of Mali 

is to start a recurrent selection program so as to develop varieties responding to the harsh climate and 

production objectives of farmers living in that region. Base populations developed under a previous IFAD 

(PROMISO) project are being used as a source of diversity to kick start a breeding program. 


Protocols have been developed to start a recurrent selection scheme in the region of Tominian in four 

villages targeted by the Agrobiodiversity project (CIRAD/IER/ICRISAT) and the HOPE project. The aim 

was to conduct F2 populations derived from crosses between diverse guinea populations and landrace 

varieties in farmer fields for a first cycle of mass selection, and to subsequently select materials for the 

development of breeding lines. 


During the aforementioned October workshop in Koutiala, participants were informed of how to create 

diversity through crosses between diverse varieties. Also discussed and illustrated with the help of posters 

were the methods behind the use of broad-based populations for variety development. . Workshop 

participants further learned about priority-setting and target conditions for selection. 

Conclusions 

If recurrent selection with NARS and FOs is to be implemented, training has to be reinforced, specifically 

in regard to choosing farmers’ fields as selection sites and selection methods in segregating materials. 

Kirsten vom Brocke, Eva Weltzien 

Multi-location variety trials in farmers’ fields in three regions of Mali (FFEM project) 

Rationale 

The objective of the Agrobiodiversity project is to enhance sorghum biodiversity through the diffusion of 

new and diverse varietal options to farmers. The project offers the possibility to test and diffuse existing 

experimental varieties, bred by the ICRISAT/IER programs, in new zones of intervention, such as Sikasso 

and Koutiala. 

153


Varieties derived from the ICRISAT/IER and the CIRAD/INERA breeding programs were incorporated 

into variety trials in three regions of Mali (Tominian, Koutiala, Sikasso). These included improved 

varieties, landraces, and breeding lines at the end of the selection process. Two sweet sorghum varieties 

were also brought into the tests. Five to ten varieties were used in “preliminary tests” containing 32 

varieties, which were tested in two villages per zone, with two farmers per village (2 replications per 

farmer). One to three varieties were used in “multilocation tests” that comprised 6 varieties tested by ten 

farmers in the same two villages per zone. 


Although results are not yet available, preliminary results from the Sikasso region indicate that farmers 

have shown interest in two varieties contributed by ICRISAT/IER: DouaG (purified local variety) and 

IS23566 (sweet sorghum accession) . 


Target 2011: 3.2.1 

At least two new breeding populations of groundnut with enhanced multiple attributes available for testing 

and selection by NARS 

Rationale 

We developed new breeding populations to combine new sources of sources of disease resistance and 

drought tolerance to start marker assisted selection for the future, to provide training opportunities for 

breeders. 


Phenotypic data from the reference set of 268 groundnut germplasm lines evaluated for early leaf spot 

(ELS) resistance, yield, harvest index (HI) and transpiration efficiency (TE) in different trials conducted at 

Samanko were analyzed. From this set new sources of resistance to foliar diseases were identified and used 

to generate new F2 populations. However in order to identify stable sources of resistance to ELS with 

consistent high TE across locations the data needs to be analysed jointly with evaluation data from other 

sites (Malawi and Tanzania, for ELS, and TE from India and Niger). The identified new sources of ELS 

and TE are being used to develop populations for marker assisted selection for these traits. 


F 1 seeds of 15 crosses made in the previous offseason were sown to determine their hybridity. A total of 40 

new three-way crosses involving farmer-preferred varieties and sources of resistance to early leaf spot (ICG 

7878) and rosette (ICIAR 19 BT) were made. Fifty nine (59) F 2:3 populations involving the most popular 

varieties in West Africa and sources of resistance to foliar, diseases, aflatoxin contamination and rosette 

were advanced to the next generation. Population size varied from 200 to 800 plants per population. Single 

plants and bulks were selected. Five of these populations involving a stable source of ELS resistance (ICG 

7878) crossed with the most popular varieties (55-437, 47-10, ICGV 86124 and Fleur 11) are being 

advanced through single seed descent (SSD) during the post-rainy season (Nov- April) to produce F 5:6 

RILS for phenotyping in 2011 crop season (June-October) 

Conclusion: The stage is set for developing populations to validate the QTLs for Marker assisted breeding 

and shows a clear linkage between TLI and TLII projects. 

B Ntare 

Target 2011: 3.2.2 

Improved cycle of at least one sorghum broad-based population produced by random-mating superior 

progenies 

154

Conduct mass selection among S0 plants in an existing broad-based guinea population adapted to the 

north Sudanian climatic zone 

Rationale 

The shared objective of the “Agrobiodiversity” project and the HOPE project in the Tominian region in 

Mali is to start a recurrent selection program in order to develop varieties responding to the harsh climate 

conditions and the specific production objectives of farmers in the region. Base populations, which were 

developed under a previous IFAD (PROMISO) project, were used as a source of diversity to start a 

breeding program. Further crossing activities were started in order to respond to a demand from farmers 

from the UACT farmer organisation, to reduce the growing cycle (shorter) of a popular landrace (Ariho). 


Eight F2 populations derived from crosses between broad based guinea populations and landrace varieties 

were sown in farmers’ fields in the Tominian region (Sahelian zone of Mali) in order to start a recurrent 

selection program with farmers in collaboration with IER the NGO AMEDD and the UACT farmer 

organization. The populations were sown in three villages with four farmers. Each farmer conducted a bloc 

containing four F2 populations sown in 10 rows of 10m. 

The landrace “Ariho” was crossed with a short cycle farmer preferred variety (CSM63) and an early 

guinea-caudatum population (PSR08) from the CIRAD/INERA breeding program in Burkina Faso by hand 

emasculation at the Samanko station. 


Farmers’ selected the best panicles in the populations. Due to late sowing date and difficult soil conditions 

and water stagnation only 50 panicles will be further tested. The majority (about 30 panicles per 

populations) will be bulked by population and used to reselect the populations for further farmers’ selection 

in 2011. 

F1 seed of 43 progenies involving the Ariho variety was harvested and will be advanced to the F2 

generation in the 2010/11 off-season. F2 populations will serve as base population for a participatory 

variety development program for the region. 


Cycle 1-bulk random mated of diversified dwarf sorghum population for the Sudanian zone 

Rationale 

Past research on photoperiod sensitive sorghums for the Sudanain zone has shown the advantages of short 

plant height, in view of improving harvest index, as well as stover quality. The available breeding material 

with short height and photoperiod sensitivity had been diversified by crossing it with interracial breeding 

material from IER, with new dwarf selections from the Burkina Faso guinea race populations. The aim of 

the diversification was to improve panicle exertion from the flagleaf sheath, improve glume opening, grain 

yield potential and adaptation to the northern Sudanian zone. 


The crosses had been made using the male-sterile plants of the selected dwarf guinea parent line, and from 

the Burkina Population. The resulting F1’s were randommated and seed increased, by groups of crosses. 

During the following rainy season, farmers received bulks of the random-mated populations or subpopulations. 

Farmer selected preferred individual plants, mostly from fertile plants, i.e. they were mostly -1 

progenies. With the IER sorghum breeders we constituted S1-nurseries for a grow out by groups of farmers 

from the same villages preferably during the 2010 season. All S1-progenies (approx 1100) were also grown 

at the Samanko research station in the 2009 rainy season. Single plant selections, mostly with short height 

were made on-station as well as on-farm. The following rainy season (2010), all the 100 short-internode 

and 28 intermediate inter-node S2-progenies were tested in multiplication trials, in sets of 60 testrows per 

farmer site. Together with the McKnight Foundation supported Statistical Support Services we supported 

155

IER in the development of a trial design, using incomplete blocks, so that individual farmers did not have 

to test the whole set of 100 progenies under evaluation. A total of 34 farmers across three different areas in 

Mali, in the Sudanian zone grew these progeny trials during the 2010 rainy season. IER partners collected 

data for all sites, and harvested those sites that were sufficiently uniform in terms of plant stand and general 

growth to yield interpretable data. The full sets of progenies were also evaluated in two on-station trials 

under high and low soil P availability conditions. 

The full set of lines was then grown in October 2010. Selections were made based on the evaluation of 

research station data, to choose entries for random mating the fist improved cycle bulk of this new 

population. Crosses were made using male-sterile segregants in the selected lines as females. 


The 2009 grow-out at the Samanko research station was late sown, and severely affected by late rains. The 

selection this focused largely on grain, glume and panicle traits that contribute to reduced grain mold 

incidence, and reduced grain insect attacks. Short interned length, panicle exertion form the sheath, and 

panicle size were other important selection criteria. Overall the S2 –lines performed well for these traits, 

and thus selection for productivity measures was meaningful at this stage. 

The two stage selection procedure clearly offered the opportunity to work with very large numbers of 

progenies in the initial stage. This allowed the farmers and the breeders to identify lines, which had a good 

chance to meet the criteria for adaptation and use required, while maintaining diversity for productivity 

related traits. More selection for variety development, as well as possible a population bulk for specific 

zones of adaptation will be made during the 2011 rainy season, after evaluating the multilocation results 

fully. 

Conclusions 

The experiences with the two stage selection procedure have been generally positive. The assessment of 

potential genetic gains remains to be done, as well as the assessments of selection differentials under 

specific testing conditions. We expect to continue using this method for the improvement of broad based 

breeding populations. 

Fred Rattunde, Eva Weltzien and Kirsten vom Brocke 

New base population with good adaptation to low P conditions, and Al toxicity 

Rational 

In view of the fact that gene markers for specific alleles of eth ALT-SB locus are becoming available, and new 

results that link the phosphorus efficiency QTL found in rice, to the ALT-SB locus, we decided, with inputs 

from EMBRAPA and GCP, to build –up a sorghum population with good adaptation to low – P availability, as 

well as Al –tolerance, as assessed in multi-year field trials in Mali. 


We intermated varieties and lines selected for their superior adaptation to low P conditions and Al toxicity with 

the lines from the diversified guinea dwarf population segregating for male-sterility during and 2009/2010 offseason. 

The bulked F1-seed from these crosses for each donor parent were selfed during the rainy season. We 

used an early sowing under cages, to reduce the day length, to achieve earlier flowering and maturity. We could 

thus sow large F2 populations in the late October off-season, without cages, for a second random mating, using 

the male-sterile plants segregating in the bulks as females. Crossing is underway for the second random mating. 


So far the crossing plans have worked well, and the population will be ready for marker assisted selection for 

increasing the frequency of the ALT and P-efficiency alleles, once the markers become available. 

Fred Rattunde and Eva Weltzien 

156

Develop set of backcross populations to facilitate nested association mapping of traits related to adaptation to 

the southern Sudanian zone of adaptation 

Rational 

As marker assessments are becoming less costly, than field evaluations it is essential that important adaptation 

traits, which tend to reduce effective gain from selection, could be addressed using marker-based selection tools. 

Thus, the breeder could expect the maximum possible gain for complex traits such as productivity, from 

expensive field trials. 


In collaboration with IER, and members of the GCP sorghum group, we selected a recurrent parent, the dwarf 

guinea race restorer, Lata and a set of 10 common donor lines, which IER will also cross with the recurrent 

parent chosen. In addition we chose another set of 10 donor parents, widening the range of germplasm to be 

explored for this mapping and selection study. 

During the 2009/2010 off-season we made a complete set of crosses between the identified 20 donor parents and 

Lata, or a sisterline of Lata segregating for male sterility. 

Results 

During the rainy season we completed and succeeded in making sufficient backcrosses to have at least 150 

BC1F1 seeds for all 20 donor parents. Selected crosses have sown to advance the material to BC1F2, others will 

undergo selection in the BC1F1 generation during the rainy season. 

Eva Weltzien and Fred Rattunde 

Target 2011: 3.2.3 

At least 2 downy mildew resistant open pollinated varieties of pearl millet made available to partners with 

release relevant information 

Pearl millet open pollinated varieties resistant to downy mildew 

Rationale 

Downy mildew is a major pearl millet production constraint and it is essential that any newly developed 

cultivars show an acceptable level of quantitative resistance to this fungal disease. 


With the aim to finalize new open-pollinated experimental varieties, a final cycle of recurrent full-sib 

family selection for downy mildew resistance and performance was successfully conducted in a total of 8 

elite populations (at the INRAN station at Bengou/Tara (South of Niger, financed by ICRISAT HOPE 

budget). Each population was also evaluated at a second site in HOPE partner countries (Table x). 

Table x. Elite pearl millet populations that underwent a final selection cycle in 2010 

# Target country Type of population N of FS tested 

at site 1/2 

Evaluation 

sites 

1 Nigeria PE05532 (“Super Sosat”) 132/102 Tara & 

Maiduguri 

2 Nigeria PE05684 78/54 Tara & 

Maiduguri 

3 Nigeria PE05984 (extra early) 162/144 Tara & 

Maiduguri 

157

4 Niger, 

Mali, 

Burkina 

5 Niger, 

Mali, 

Burkina 

6 Niger, 

Nigeria 

7 Niger, 

Nigeria 

PE05572 (wide 

adaptation) 

PE05539 (wide 

adaptation) 

SHLxKBH-C1Aguie 

SMC 

SHC2_KANDELA_SMS 

(women-selected) 

186/108 Tara & 

Cinzana 

132/186 Tara and 

Gampela 


Maradi 


Maradi 

8 Niger, 

Nigeria 

F8xM1-C2 PF_Sad 348/348 Tara and 

Maradi 


The FS trials were successfully completed and achieved reasonable repeatabilities at most sites for 

agronomically important traits. The FS population of PE05572 proved to be very susceptible to downy 

mildew at Cinzana and will require another selection cycle. 

Conclusions 

Best families of each population are being recombined in the off-season 2010/11 to form the new 

experimental cultivars, which will be disseminated within HOPE. Another cycle of FS and/or S1 selection 

will be conducted in the PE05572 population. 


Target 2011: 3.2.4 

Refined adaptation maps for at least 10 sorghum and pearl millet varieties available for use by partners 

Rationale 

Refined adaptation maps are required to better target dissemination of improved cultivars beyond their sites 

of selection. Adaptation mapping is based on multi-location (GxE) trials, partially combining cultivars and 

natural resources management practices (GxExM). The results of these trials are also used to derive genetic 

parameters for adaptation modeling using APSIM or DSSAT crop growth models. 


A multi-factorial on-station trial has been conducted at three sites in Niger involving 10 pearl millet 

cultivars and 16 soil fertilization options (4 levels of mineral fertilizer and 4 levels of organic fertilizer in 

all combinations). The on-station trial has been complemented by on-farm demonstrations involving each 8 

cultivars and three soil fertilization options at all HOPE sites in Niger. Data collection and analysis are still 

underway. Once completed, the results are expected to give a good insight into genotype x location x soil 

fertility interaction effects for elite pearl millet cultivars in Niger, and to identify the most promising and 

economic options for farmers (=IGNRM). 

A 102-entry pearl millet landrace trial was conducted within the frame of the BMZ abiotic stress project 

under low and high P conditions in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal. 

Furthermore, within the BMZ-CODEWA project, a 20 millet genotype x environment interaction trial was 

conducted for the third year along a climate gradient in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana, to move forward 

the varietal adaptation mapping, in cooperation with PS Traore (ICRISAT-Mali). To assess photoperiodic 

response to latitude differences, one millet and one sorghum 30-variety photo period sensitivity 

158

trial with 2 or 3 planting dates (depending on the location) were also conducted at Sadore, Samanko (Mali) 

and Wa (Ghana) (PhD study Aicha Sacko and PS Traore). 

For sorghum the results derived from the multi-country, multi-site farmer managed evaluation trails will be 

used to support any mapping efforts, especially also with results on specific pests and diseases. 


Data collection and analysis of these trials are still underway. 

Conclusions 

Once data analysis is completed, the results are expected to give a good insight into genotype × location × 

soil fertility interaction effects for a representative set of pearl millet cultivars, and into the effect of latitude 

on photoperiodic response (an important aspect with regard to adaptation to climate change, when agroecological 

zones in west Africa may move southwards). Genotypic data will be used in adaptation 

modelling from which new adaptation maps will be derived. 

Bettina IG Haussmann, Pierre.S. Traore, 

Aicha Sacko and Eva Weltzien 

Target 2011: 3.2.5 

Understanding of dry land cereal pest dynamics enhanced for at least two priority species across WCA, 

and used in adaptive IGNRM research targeting at least two countries 

Assessing potential trap crops for the pearl millet stem borer 

After a 3 rd year of observations in a specific trial, Andropogon grass was definitely ruled out as a potential 

trap crop for millet stem borer MSB management (monitoring by a BSc student of the University of 

Niamey, Mr Amadou Idrissa, supervised by AR) (Table 1). 

Table 1. Compared damage and infestation by MSB on millet and Andropogon grass at Sadoré 

(2008, 2009 & 2010) 

Year & parameter 

2008 2009 2010 

Crop 

2008 

Bored 

stems (%) 

2009 

Bored 

stems (%) 

2010 

Bored 

stems (%) 

No. MSB No/ MSB No. MSB 

larvae/stem larvae/stem larvae/stem 

Millet 81.7 a 67.6 a 78.1 a 1.8 a 1.5 a 3.1 a 

Andropogon grass 23.8 b 25.6 b 17.7 b 0 b 0 b 0 b 

Means followed by the same letter in a same column are not significantly different at P

Regarding the new trial to be conducted both at Sadore and on one INRAN station, the activity was 

satisfactorily implemented respectively as part of UAM student Amadou Idrissa’s internship and at the 

Doukoudoukou Seed Multiplication Center under HKK’S supervision. At both locations, a trial with 5 

treatments and 4 reps was planted, in plots of 12.8X12.8m. Millet cultivar was ICMV IS 99001; three 

treatments involved millet stems cut and placed on the fields respectively at harvest and every second 

month thereafter (namely at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the dry season), a fourth with 

stems left upright until the onset of the rains on the one hand, and the fifth with stems cut at harvest and 

removed from the fields (for off-season storage on traditional platforms). 

At harvest (resp. 06/10 & 02/12/10), observations were made on incidence of stem borers and head miners 

on two 1m² squares, while grain yield was recorded on both those squares and on the whole plots. Soil 

macrofauna observations were made on the same squares (down to a depth of 0.25m). Analysis of results is 

underway. Five soil sub-samples per plot were taken with cylinders (15 cm), then pooled for physicochemical 

analyses (see above). 


At Sadoré, the whole field was homogenous since there were no significant differences in terms of yield 

(mean of 1 227 kg/ha for whole plots), while at Doukoudoukou, yield was barely the same (mean of 1 176 

kg/ha) but there were significant differences between “treatments to be”. Similarly, MHM incidence was 

high (mean of 80%) and evenly distributed across the field at Sadoré, while it was low (2%), with also 

significant differences between “treatments to be” at Doukoudoukou. Stem borer incidence was evenly 

distributed at both locations, but much higher at Sadoré than at Doukoudoukou (incidence of 66% vs 13%). 

This questions the relevance of having this additional site which has no comparative advantage with Sadoré 

(where an unexpectedly high MHM infestation was observed). The situation will be reassessed at the end of 

the dry season, when all the treatments are applied and a second evaluation of soil macrofauna is 

conducted. On the other hand, significant results are expected from Sadore trial given the unusually high 

MHM infestation (in addition to that of MSB) at that location. 

Studies backstopping MHM biological control were not realized either, which was also partly due to travel 

restrictions in Niger. However, the latter study will be conducted around Sadoré in early 2011, given high 

infestation by this pest in this (relatively safe) area during last cropping season. 

A Ratnadass and Hame Kadi Kadi 

Sorghum Midge (SM) Management 

Rationale 

Sorghum midge is a devastating pest of sorghum in situations where not all sorghum flowers at the same 

time. There are regional differences in severity of the attacks. Rarely have efforts to manage midge 

infestation been made in West Africa. 


Studies on sorghum midge resistance were realized, with two tests planted at the INRAN station of Konni, 

as part of UAM student Tankari Moussa’s internship. The 1 st test, planted in 2 DOS (9 & 23 July), 

consisted of 6 sorghum cultivars, either resistant to sorghum midge or controls, in RCBD with 4 reps. The 

second test consisted in 41 sorghum midge resistant cultivars of various origins and a local control, planted 

on 23 July in a RCBD with reps. The 1 st DOS of the 1 st test was hampered by poor plant stand due to 

massive seed removal by ants. Transplanting made it possible to have homogenous central lines for damage 

scoring (SMVS=sorghum midge visual score on a 1-9 rating scale), but not for yield measurement, which 

was therefore taken only on 2 nd DOS. Alike the millet trial at Doukoudoukou, monitoring of the tests at 

Konni INRAN station was also adversely affected by travel restrictions in Niger for security reasons. For 

instance, cv. Ripdahu could not be scored on the 2 nd DOS due to late maturity as compared to other 

cultivars. However, yield could be measured despite late harvest. 


In terms of midge resistance and grain yield, SSD35 (contributed by HKK, INRAN) and Ripdahu 

(contributed by Ms Mary Yeye, IAR, Nigerai) were found to be the best cultivars, while Yarruwa was 

completely ruled out as a resistant cultivar (it was actually the most susceptible). 

160

In the 2 nd trial, five cultivars had a midge score < 2 (on a 1-9 scale): Ripdahu (from IAR, Nigeria); SSD 35 

(from INRAN/Intsormil); CIR-1/OG2-3G-1P-M-M (from CIRAD), and MR # 22 X IS 8613/2/3/3/1-2 # 34 

& IS 15107 (from ICRISAT-Patancheru)(Fig.5). However, F test was not significant although there was a 

tendency at the P=0.10 level. These cultivars were multiplied at Sadoré during the 2010-2011 off-season. 

Results of this 2 nd trial confirmed those of the 1 st , in terms of midge resistance of SSD35 and Ripdahu, and 

poor performance of Yarruwa. 

Studies on sorghum midge bioecology were the most seriously affected by travel restrictions since the 

application of some treatments on the trial at harvest, the survey at the farm level, requiring the presence 

and input of the supervisor, could not take place due to above-mentioned security reasons. 

Conclusions 

Studies on sorghum midge bioecology were the most seriously affected by travel restrictions since the 

application of some treatments on the trial at harvest, the survey at the farm level, requiring the presence 

and input of the supervisor, could not take place due to above-mentioned security reasons. 

Potential of trap crops for sorghum head-bug (Eurystylus) management was further investigated at both 

Konni and Sadoré, with the assistance of a Master Student of the University of Niamey, Mr Rabo 

Younoussou. New wild plants were identified as alternative hosts for 2 species of Eurystylus. Head-bug 

specimens form various host plants were collected for further genetic (µsatellite analysis) at Cirad- 

Montpellier. 

A Ratnadass and Hame Kadi Kadi 

Assessing effects of marker assisted transfer of Striga resistance on locally preferred sorghum cultivars 

Rationale 

Striga resistance is a trait that requires much effort and resources for its assessments. In recent years, 

QTL’s and closely linked markers associated with them had been identified for sorghum, to ease the 

transfer of Striga resistance into farmer preferred cultivars. National programs in Mali, Eritrea, Sudan and 

Kenya had transferred these QTLs into locally preferred varieties. The present study is being undertaken to 

validate the effectiveness of the QTL mediated transfer of Striga resistance. 


All selected backcross lines from the partners countries have been evaluated for the presence and absence 

of markers for the major Qtls indentified for Striga resistance in the mapping population. These lines were 

now evaluated in field trials with artificial Striga infestation in Samanko and at Sotuba during the 2010 

season. 


Initial results indicate that the number of QTLs is not correlated with the level of resistance to Striga 

observed in the field trials. More detailed data analysis is required, before drawing firm conclusions 

Peter Muth, Fred Rattunde and Eva Weltzien 

Output target 2011: 3.2.6 Tools for large scale dissemination of integrated Striga management practices 

tested in at least 2 countries in WCA 

Development and evaluation of integrated Striga and soil fertility management for pearl millet in Mali 

using cluster-based farmer field schools 

Rationale 

Striga hermonthica and soil fertility are frequently mentioned by farmers as two main constraints to cereal 

production in the Sahel region of West Africa. An integrated Striga and soil fertility management (ISSFM) 

strategy that uses combinations of practical and simple control methods has high potential for success and 

application by farmers. However, ISSFM is knowledge-intensive and needs adaptation to the local farming 

system, and cropping conditions. 

161


Cluster-based farmer field schools (CBFFS) for ISSFM were implemented in four townships in 2007 and 

2008 in the district of Tominian, Mali (Figure1). During farmer focus group interviews, local farmer 

practice (FP) for pearl millet cultivation was determined, different Striga control options were considered 

and subsequently, an ISSFM strategy was developed. This strategy consisted of application of organic 

fertiliser, microdose application of NPK fertilizer at sowing, intercropping of pearl millet with cowpea or 

groundnut, microdose application of urea at 4-6 weeks after sowing (WAS) and additional weeding at the 

start of Striga flowering (12-14 WAS). ISSFM was tested against FP under supervision of a facilitator and 

with regular interventions by scientists/specialists. For two consecutive years, yield of pearl millet grain, 

cowpea or groundnut grain and fodder and Striga seed bank was observed. A participatory evaluation and 

cost-benefit analysis of FP and ISSFM was performed with the farmers. 


ISSFM reduced emerged Striga and seed bank density, increased crop productivity and profitability in 

comparison to FP (Table 1). The availability and cost of fertilizers as well as difficulty of combining 

intercropping with a second weeding by animal drawn implements were indicated by farmers as potential 

bottlenecks to the adoption of all ISSFM control options in its current form. Preference was given to the 

options that did not require cash investment such as organic fertilizer, intercropping and additional weeding 

(Table 2). The cluster-based farmer field school proved very successful in stimulating not only 

technician/researcher-farmer knowledge exchange, but also farmer-farmer knowledge exchange. 

Conclusions 

It is essential to ensure that the necessary inputs for the ISSFM options are available in the local markets. 

There is a need to study and determine the impact of CBFFS on farmer knowledge and adoption of control 

options and ISSFM by farmer trainers, participants and non-participants within and outside intervention 

villages. 

Similar models of CBFFS were carried in the Sudanian zone, with sorghum in the Made region, as well as 

in Dioila cercle in Mali. The sites in Djenne and Mopti cerlce were continued for a second year. In 

Tominian cercle the farmer union conducted demonstration plots with the best practices identified during 

the CBFFS. 

Table 1. Partial costs, benefits and profits for FP and ISSFM for year 1 and 2 in the Segou region of 

Mali in the period 2007-2009 

Township Cost (€/ha) Benefits (€/ha) Profit (€/ha) 

Year 1 FP ISSFM FP ISSFM FP ISSFM 

4 CBFFS 126 213 93 429 -33 216 

(19 trials) 

SED 1.4*** 27.5*** 26.9*** 

Year 2 

4 CBFFS 104 195 100 384 -4 190 

(19 trials) 

SED 1.6*** 23.2*** 23.7*** 

*** Significantly different at P

Improves soil fertility on 

the long term 

Reduces S. hermonthica and 

it’s negative effect on pearl 

millet 

drought 

May increase weeds and Striga 

when manure is of a bad 

quality or if organic material is 

not properly composted 

May bring noxious insects and 

animals to the field (grubs, 

scorpions, snakes) 

2. Intercropping 

pearl millet and 

cowpea or 

groundnut 

3. Manual 

weeding of Striga 

at flowering 

4. Urea microdosing 

at booting 

stage pearl millet 

Can reduce the surface area 

cropped per person 

Allows for the harvest of 

two crops in the same field 

Conserves soil humidity and 

reduces S. hermonthica 

Suppresses excessive S. 

hermonthica development 

Improves efficiency of 

(organic) fertilizer applied 

Reduces S. hermonthica 

presence in the field and 

seed in the soil 

Allows for better pearl 

millet development in future 

years 

May improve grain filling 

of pearl millet within the 

season applied 

Improves pearl millet 

growth 

With soil humidity, reduces 

S. hermonthica emergence 

Reduces the negative effect 

of S. hermonthica 

Improves the effect of 

manure/compost on pearl 

millet 

Does not contain weed 

seeds, nor Striga seeds 

Sowing and especially weeding 

becomes more laborious 

Second weeding with an oxen 

plough becomes very 

difficult/impossible 

The option may not be 

effective if rains persist and S. 

hermonthica may regrow 

In combination with drought 

may damage the pearl millet 

crop 

No monetary costs 

Soil humidity 

Harvest of two 

crops 

No monetary costs 

Reduces Striga on 

long term 

Beneficial effect on 

crop growth in 

combination with 

manure or compost 

5. NPK microdosing 

on pearl 

millet at sowing 

Favours early pearl millet 

development 

Can reduce Striga 

Concentrated, less volume 

and work than organic 

fertilizer, can be applied to 

larger area 

Does not contain weed 

seeds, nor Striga seeds 

With drought, may damage 

pearl millet 

The cost and availability of 

fertilizer at sowing 

Has to be applied at the right 

moment, place and quantity 

(difficult to apply) 

No cash at sowing 

Tom van Mourik 

163

Output 3: Crop management, Aspergillus flavus resistant groundnut varieties and post-harvest 

technologies to reduce aflatoxin contamination in food and feed products, as well as micronutrient rich 

cereal varieties and processing techniques to improve bio-availability developed, tested and made 

available to partners with new knowledge in the SAT of WCA 

Target 2010 

3.3.2 ELISA testing lab set up at ICRISAT-Bamako 

Rationale 

ELISA is a low cost effective method for aflatoxin diagnosis in groundnut. Having such a facility in each of 

ICRISAT locations will enhance development of integrated management of aflatoxin contamination in 

groundnut. 


An ELISA kit has been installed in the pathology lab at Samanko. The necessary chemicals for analysis 

purchased and groundnut samples are routinely analyzed for aflatoxin contamination. 


The aflatoxin lab at Samanko is operational. A minimum of 2000 samples is analyzed every month. 

Outside users such as YIRIWA company in Mali which exports groundnuts to Europe has requested 

services for pre-shipment analysis. This will bring in additional resources to enable the lab to have the 

necessary consumables including hardware. 

F Waliyar, AT Diallo and B Ntare 

Target 2011: 3.3.1 

2-3 farmer-and market preferred groundnut varieties tolerant to aflatoxin contamination identified for 

dissemination by at least three NARS in WCA 

Rationale 

Previous results have shown that host plant resistance in combination with best-bet agronomies post harvest 

practices can reduce aflatoxin contamination significantly. 

Material and methods 

On-station and farm trials were conducted in Mali (Samanko and Kolokani) and Niger (Sadore, Maradi and 

Bengou) to evaluate new breeding lines as well management practices to minimize aflatoxin contamination. 

On station trails were replicated and alpha lattice design with there replications used. For on farm trials, 

each farmer was considered a replication. 

On-station evaluation of advanced breeding lines: In Mali, 23 breeding lines along with 1 resistant (55- 

437) and 1 susceptible (JL 24) checks were evaluated for yield and aflatoxin contamination levels in 

replicated 5 x 5 alpha lattice design with 3 replications. Each plot was 8 m 2 . 

In Niger, the trials were conducted at Sadoré and Bengou research stations. In all the trials, 55-437 and 

JL24 were used as resistant and susceptible checks, respectively. At Sadore, 7 groundnut breeding lines 

were evaluated along with 55-437 and JL 24 as resistant and susceptible checks respectively. The 

experimental design was a 3 x 3 lattice design with 3 replications and a plot size of 8 m 2 . At Bengou 

INRAN station, 16 lines along with the checks were evaluated in a Randomize Block Design (RBD) with 3 

replications and plat size of 8 m 2 . 

Evaluation of Inter-specific derivatives: Thirty two (32) interspecific derivatives along with 2 (55-437, 

J11) and 2 susceptible (JL 24 and Fleur11) checks were tested at Samanko. The design was 6 x 6 lattice 

with 2 replications and the plot size was 8 m 2 . 

164


In the Mali trails pod and haulm yields ranged from 1.70 to 3.10 t/ha and 2.67 to 5.0 t/ha, respectively. 

Aflatoxin contamination levels ranged from 0.1 to 294 ppb. Among the 23 breeding lines tested, 19 lines 

recorded aflatoxin level of < 5.0 ppb compared to the 294 ppb. For example 9 lines such as ICG 6222, 

ICG7 (0.1 ppb), ICGV 91324 (0.2 ppb), ICGV 02171 (0.4 ppb), ICGV 91283 (0.5 ppb), ICGV 91315 (0.6 

ppb), ICGV 91317 (1.0 ppb), ICV 93305 (1.0 ppb) and ICGV 03315 (1.2 ppb) recorded aflatoxin levels 

equal or less that 1.00ppb compared to the susceptible check JL24 with 294 ppb and the resistant check 55- 

437 with 1.2 ppb. 

At Sadore all the 7 advanced lines recorded aflatoxin contamination levels (0.00 to 1.10 ppb) compared to 

1.5 ppb for the resistant and 2.9ppb for the susceptible checks. Overall the level of contamination was low 

in this test. 

At Bengou, fourteen lines recorded less than 4ppb aflatoxin content compared to the 60.3 ppb by the 

susceptible check . Pod yields were in most part less than 1.5 t/ha. 

At Maradi INRAN station, 15 breeding lines and a local variety were evaluated in Randomized Block 

Design (RBD) with 3 replications. The level of contamination was low in all the lines with aflatoxin 

content ranging from 0.1 to 2.7 ppb compared to 14.4 ppb for the local variety. Lines such ICGV 91284, 

ICGV 91278 and ICGV 91315 produced more pods yields and haulm yields than the check 55-437. 

Twenty one (21) interspecific derivatives showed good levels of resistance (less than 4ppb). Five of these 

such as 4655-7 (0.07 ppb), 4373-15 (0.07 ppb), 4670-9 (0.08 ppb), 4897-17 (0.10 ppb), 4897-15 (0.12 ppb) 

recorded aflatoxin contents lower or equal to those of the 2 resistant checks 55-437 (0.08 ppb) and J11 

(0.12 ppb). Concerning the resistance to early leaf spot, 30 were resistant (scores ≤ 5) against 8 and 9 for 

55-437 and J11, respectively. 

At Sadoré 23 interspecific derivatives were evaluated in 5 x 5 lattice design with 3 replications. Seventeen 

were resistant with aflatoxin content ≤ 4 ppb. Four of these [4364- 3 (0.1 ppb), 4366-4 (0.1 ppb), 4897-17 

(0.2 ppb) and 18-03 (0.3 ppb)] were more resistant than the resistant check 55-437 which recorded 1.0 ppb. 

Pod and haulm yield were generally far below those of 55-437 and Fleur 11. 

Conclusion: The results indicated that 19 interspecific derivatives have good levels of resistance to 

aflatoxin contamination across locations (Mali and Niger). In particular, derivatives 4366-4, 4897-17 and 

4655-2 were superior to the resistant check 55-437. 

On-farm trials: Ten advanced breeding lines were evaluated by 10 farmers in Kolokani district in Mali. 

Each farmer evaluated 3 lines along with a local variety, 1 resistant (55-437) and 1 susceptible (JL 24) 

checks in an unbalanced design with 20 replications (20 farmers). Each plot was 100 m 2 . All the 10 lines 

recorded aflatoxin levels of less than 2.00 ppb. Among these, 5 lines; ICGV 91324 (0.0 ppb), ICGV 93305 

(0.1 ppb), ICGV 91317 (0.3 ppb), ICGV 91283 (0.3 ppb) and ICGV 91315 (0.4 ppb) were the most 

resistant compared to the resistant check 55-437 (0.5 ppb), local variety (9.1 ppb) and JL 24 (26.8ppb) the 

susceptible check . These 5 lines also produced reasonable pod and high haulm yields. 

In Niger the trials were conducted in Bengou and Maradi. At Bengou, 17 breeding lines were evaluated by 

36 farmers. Each farmer evaluated 4 breeding lines along with a local variety. An unbalanced block design 

with 36 replications (36 farmers) was utilized. The elementary plot was 64 m 2 . Overall the level of 

aflatoxin contamination was low in all the test material including the local check. Pod and haulm yields 

were also generally low. 

Several of these breeding lines including ICGV 91283, ICGV 91315, ICGV 91324 and ICGV 94379 

produced more pods and Haulm yields compared to local variety. 

At Maradi Farmers fields, 15 groundnuts advanced breeding lines and 33 farmers were selected. In each 

farmer, 5 advanced breeding lines + 1 resistant check (55-437) were tested. The Unbalanced Block design 

with 33 replications (33 farmers) was used. The plots sizes were 64 m 2 . Among 15 groundnuts advanced 

breeding lines, 10 lines were resistant with aflatoxin content less than 4 ppb. From these breeding lines, 5 

165

lines including ICGV 93305, ICGV 91283, ICGV 91317 and ICGV 91324 were more resistant than the 

resistant check 55-437 with the content varying from 0.3 ppb to 1.2 ppb against 1.5 ppb for 55-437. In 

general, the pods and haulm yields were very low. However some resistant varieties like ICGV 91278 and 

ICGV 91324 produced pods and haulm yields higher than resistant check 55-437. 

F Waliyar and B Ntare 

Target 2011: 3.3.2 

Mini-core Groundnut collection phenotyped for tolerance to A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination 

Rationale 

High levels of sources of resistance to aflatoxin contamination in groundnut are not common. Thus the 

need to search for more stable sources of resistance as this is the most cost effective way of managing the 

problem. 


Thirty four (34) germplasm lines identified from the mini-core collection as resistant to aflatoxin 

contamination were included in this trial to confirm their resistance. These along with a resistant (55-437) 

and a susceptible (JL 24) checks were laid out in 6 x 6 lattice design with 3 replications. The elementary 

plots were 8 m 2 . 


Out of 34 lines, 31 recorded less than 4 ppb. Among these, 13 lines including ICG 14630 (0.0 ppb), ICG 

1415 (0.1 ppb), ICG 3584 (0.1 ppb), ICG 8490 (0.1 ppb) and ICG 332 (0.3 ppb) were more resistant than 

the resistant check 55-437 (1.1 ppb). These results were comparable to those obtained in the previous year. 

However pods and haulms yields of these lines were low in general. 

F Waliyar and B Ntare 

Target 2011: 3.3.3 

Two sorghum and pearl millet varieties with increased iron and zinc content, and low content of antinutritional 

factors available for cultivation in at least two countries in WCA 

Pearl millet Biofortification 

Rationale 

Pearl millet and sorghum contribute up to 80% of the daily calorie intake in rural regions of WCA. 

Therefore, pearl millet and sorghum cultivars with enhanced bioavailable Fe/Zn contents can largely 

contribute to improving nutrition of women and children in these regions. 


Two activities fall under this milestone: 

1. Screening of cultivars for high Fe/Zn contents. 

2. Transfer of high Fe/Zn contents into later flowering, longer panicle pearl millet types: In 2008, fullsib 

(FS) family selection trials were conducted with FS families derived from the crosses of GB8735 

x ICMV IS99001, GB8735 x ICMV IS92222 and GB8735 x ICMV IS89305. In these crosses, 

GB8735 is the donor for high Fe/Zn, but too early flowering and short panicles, so the high Fe/Zn 

was to be transferred into later flowering, longer panicle cultivars via recurrent selection. A two-step 

selection procedure was followed: selection for agronomic performance in the first step and selection 

for Fe/Zn contents in the second step. Fe/Zn analyses were performed at University of Hohenheim. 

While results were of very high quality, analyses took almost one year, therefore the delay in 

completing the selection cycle. Remnant seed of the best FS were to be recombined in the off-season 

of January 2010 to form new experimental cultivars with high Fe/Zn values and later flowering and 

longer panicles than GB8735. 

166


1. Screening of cultivars for high Fe/Zn contents: Two high Fe/Zn pearl millet cultivars have been 

identified during previous projects (Harvest Plus, BMZ Mobilizing regional diversity) and are currently 

available for use: GB8735 and ICRI-Tabi. Within the EU-funded INSTAPA project, grains of GB8735 and 

ICRI-Tabi are currently used in Burkina Faso in a nutrition trial with children to assess its real effect on 

improving children nutrition (PhD study by Mme Fatoumata Hama). For this purpose 160 kg of ICRI-Tabi 

and 60 kg of GB8735 grain had been produced by ICRISAT-Niger in the rainy season 2010 and provided 

to Mme Fatoumata at Ouagadougou in November 2010. 

2. Transfer of high Fe/Zn contents into later flowering, longer panicle pearl millet types: Six new 

experimental cultivars were attempted to be derived from the first selection cycle (one yield-based and one 

Fe/Zn-content-based for each of the three crossing populations as listed above), but the recombination of 

the materials did not yield sufficient seed because of severe irrigation problems in the off-season of January 

2010 at ICRISAT-Niamey. The seed needs to be multiplied further before a validation of the cultivars can 

begin. For the second selection cycle, 78 new Fs families were produced (low number again due to 

irrigation problems) among high Fe/Zn and above-average yielding FS families of the first selection cycle. 

These were tested at Sadore in the rainy season 2010. Grain samples have been brought to University of 

Hohenheim for Fe/Zn analysis in January 2011 and results are awaited. 

Conclusions 

The long time required to get grain samples analyzed for Fe and Zn contents slows down progress of 

recurrent selection efforts. It would be better if such type of analyses could be done within the WCA 

region. 

Bettina IG Haussmann and Eva Weltzien 

Sorghum varieties with increased iron and zinc content identified for cultivation by women farmers 

Rationale 

There is a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies particularly of Fe and Zn in rural Mali. Sorghum 

contributes to about 50% of Fe intake and about 70% of Zn intake for young children and mothers. Women 

farmers feed their children an extra meal from their own farms as such production and consumption of high 

Fe and Zn varieties by women farmers can contribute to improved nutritional status of women and children. 


The trial involving 3 varieties were conducted by 31 women farmers in 15 villages. Two of four high Fe 

and Zn sorghum varieties previously identified in an on-station trial were provided by ICRISAT. Each 

farmer evaluated 2 high Fe/Zn varieties and a local variety. The 4 high Fe/Zn varieties were: Seguetana, 

Tieble, Nionifing and Yalama. One part of the plot was fertilized with Zn; the other left as a control. 


Zn fertilization did not have an effect on both grain Fe and Zn contents. However, there were significant 

differences in the varieties regarding grain Fe and Zn contents with the improved varieties showing a 

significantly higher Fe and Zn contents compared to the local check varieties. There were also no 

interactions between the varieties and whether or not they were Zn fertilized. Zn fertilization has been 

showed to significantly increase the grain Zn content in wheat. However, the timing and method of Zn 

application have been shown to be limiting factors and could explain why no effect was seen in this trial. 

Foliar application of Zn has been shown to be more efficient than soil application of Zn. Other soil fertility 

factors might also explain why no effect was observed. 

Conclusion 

Zn fertilization can increase grain Zn content. However, timing and mode of application of Zn fertilizer 

should be optimized to have positive results. In addition, exiting soil fertility management practices should 

be considered. 

Vera Lugutuah, Eva Weltzien and Fred Rattunde 

167

Output 4: High quality seed of adapted, released varieties of sorghum, pearl millet and groundnut 

accessible and affordable to small scale farmers in a timely manner through networks of agro-input 

dealers, seed entrepreneurs and breeders, both public and private by focusing on sustainable breeder 

and foundation seed production and creating an enabling agricultural environment for regional seed 

trade in West Africa 


Improved agricultural enabling environment established for marketing high quality seed of sorghum, millet 

groundnut, etc. between West African Countries 

Rationale 

For countries to be able to trade seeds intraregionally, the Economic Community of the Western African 

States (ECOWAS) adopted in 2007 a technical agreement on three policies for the development of the seed 

industry in West Africa. These agreements comprise: i) a Regional Variety Release System, which allows 

varieties to be marketed in all 17 ECOWAS countries; ii) an ECOWAS Seed Certification System, which 

harmonizes all national seed standards into a single regional set of standards for the 11 most traded crop 

seeds; and iii) an accreditation system for seed laboratories and seed businesses to conduct seed 

certification activities. 

For countries to be able to legally adopt the regional agreements, modifications to existing norms reflecting 

the changes, must be enacted. Experience elsewhere shows that these changes may not occur simply by use 

of national efforts. They do require technical assistance and follow-up. ICRISAT WASA Seeds Project 

specialists participated in the development of both these regional and national seed regulations. 

The regional variety release system adopted is the nucleus of the seed trade harmonization agreements. The 

system needs to be established, software finalized, loaded and thoroughly tested before opening to private 

and public sector variety registration for regional marketing of their varieties. It is important that the 

national seed authority in charge with variety release process in all 17 countries is familiar and assisted 

with such hardware and software. 


The analysis and modification of national seed laws are facilitated by WASA Seeds Project in collaboration 

with Iowa State University and the “Comité Inter-Etat de Lutte Contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel” 

(ISU/CILSS) team through tabulation of existing regulations and matching them with the agreements. A 

seed regulatory monitoring working group (WG) comprised of the related government seed authorities and 

the local seed association was established in each of the referenced countries. The national focal points, 

with the support of ISU/CILSS, were tasked with setting up the WGs. These WGs reviewed and proposed 

the regulatory modification in a legally acceptable format, which were then reviewed by ISU/CILSS. 

Subsequently, the same WG took responsibility for follow-up with the appropriate authorities for approval. 

These WGs were neither demand-driven nor donor-pushed, but rather a proposed mechanism to ensure that 

the necessary modifications to the legislation/regulations take effect. The WGs, comprised of five people, 

are scheduled to meet three times, two days each time, at a mutually convenient location. The publication 

and distribution of the Harmonized Technical Seed Agreements was critical for keeping all stakeholders 

informed. 

For the implementation of the regional seed variety catalogue, a database application for variety registration 

in both English and French was developed and the software in CD-format was provided to ECOWAS 

regional office. The software includes application, DUS, VCU and management modules. IT survey for 

regional office was completed in March and survey was sent in July for national offices. Software and 

hardware specifications were developed and provided to regional office; DUS comparison module was 

developed and integrated with main database software. Software installation and training was provided to 

regional office (July 12 and 13, 2010) and to national seed authority agents in Mali. 

168


Following the regional Regulation (C/Reg.4/05/2008) on the harmonization of rules governing quality 

control, certification and marketing of seeds in the ECOWAS region, new seed laws of Mali and Ghana 

were developed and approved in 2010. Burkina Faso and Niger have already completed most of the steps 

described above and other countries will be assisted following the same model. 

Ram Shetty, K. Kodio and E Lin 

Target 2011 

3.4.1 Improving the availability of breeder and foundation seed by NARS, other public sector and private 

sector entities 

Breeders and Foundation Seed production by NARS 

Rationale 

In West Africa, quality seed supply is a major constraint. When the Seeds Project (the 

Project) began in 2007, one of the initial findings in all six participating countries – Ghana, 

Mali, Niger and Nigeria-Burkina Faso and Senegal – was the poor quality of breeder seed coming from 

national agricultural research systems (NARS) and the almost complete absence of quality foundation seed 

production. 


In 2009, in Ghana, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, WASA-Seeds Project worked with the NARS in purifying 

breeder seed and jumpstarting the production of foundation seed. This work continued in 2010 in order to 

make sufficient stocks of high-quality foundation seed of improved varieties available for private seed 

companies/seed entrepreneurs. The foundation seeds produced in 2009 were distributed to seed producers 

and commercial seed companies (mostly in Nigeria) for the production of certified seeds to be marketed to 

farmers. 


The table 1 on next page presents the volume of seed produced per seed category and per crop in 2010. 

Table 1: Volume of seeds produced in 2010 under WASA-SP assistance 

Seed 

category 

Commodity 

UNIT 

Country 

Burkina 

Faso 

Breeder seed Cowpea Kg 60 20 0 0 0 0 80 

Ghana 

Groundnuts Kg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Maize Kg 100 60 0 0 0 0 160 

Millet Kg 0 0 0 136 0 0 136 

Rice Kg 500 0 0 0 0 0 500 

Sorghum Kg 90 0 0 0 0 0 90 

vegetables Kg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Mali 

Niger 

Nigeria 

Seneg 1 al 

Total 

Foundation 

seed 

Cowpea Kg 500 0 0 2 094 0 0 2 594 

Groundnuts Kg 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 

Maize Kg 3 000 0 0 214 0 0 3 214 

Millet Kg 0 0 0 36 267 38 000 0 74 267 

1 All foundation seeds commissioned with ISRA still under certification. 

169

Rice Kg 2 000 0 0 0 0 0 2 000 

Sorghum Kg 700 0 0 0 0 0 700 

Vegetables Kg 0 0 0 153 0 0 153 

Certified seed Cowpea Tons 0 0 7 5 0 0 12 

Groundnuts Tons 0 0 6 5 0 0 11 

Maize Tons 91 146 25 0 0 0 262 

Millet Tons 0 0 6 0 0 0 6 

Rice Tons 11 0 30 0 0 0 41 

Sorghum Tons 0 0 7 15 0 0 22 

Vegetables Kg 0 0 30 0 0 0 30 

Groundnut Foundation Seed 

SVR Shetty, K Kodjo and Edo Lin 

Rationale 

Lack of sufficient breeder and foundation seeds are a major bottle neck in the groundnut seed sector. 

Efforts are being made to augment those of NARS to produce foundation seed of the most popular varieties 

in Mali. 


The activity involves supply of seed produced in the previous season on request and on-station production 

of breeder and foundation seed of popular varieties. 


At the beginning of the crop season, we distributed a total of 1475 kg of both breeder and foundation seed 

of six varieties on high demand to various users including projects, non-governmental organizations and 

seed companies. The quantities were as follows: 255 kg of 4 varieties to WASA-SP in Niger; 60 kg of one 

variety to COPRO-SEM, 50 kg of one variety to Agro Action Allemande; 150 kg of 3 varieties to 

Millennium Village project in Mali , 120 kg of one variety to the sorghum program; and 40 kg to a grain 

producers. During the crop season we produced 1580 kg of breeder seed (in shell) of 29 advanced breeding 

lines. For foundation seed, we produced 1281 kg of 7 varieties with quantities ranging from 55 to 730 kg 

per variety. 

Conclusion 

ICRISAT remains the only source of breeder seed of groundnut in Mali. Efforts are under way in 

collaboration with WASA Seed Project to develop a business plan for the Foundation Seed Unit at IER in 

Mali for breeder and foundation seed. 

B Ntare 

Pearl Millet Foundation Seed 

Rationale 

Sufficient availability of foundation seed is a major requirement to enhance impact of new improved 

cultivars. Beyond seed production itself, it is important to establish new partnerships and to train new seed 

producers in foundation and certified seed production. 


1. Foundation seed of elite pearl millet cultivars is regularly produced in isolation plots at ICRISAT-Niger 

(Sadore station: one rainy season and two off-seasons) and partially also at ICRISAT-Mali. 

2. Furthermore, within the frame of the HOPE project, ICRISAT-Niger linked up with the private Alheri 

seed enterprise led by Issoufou Maizama at Doutchi. ICRISAT-Niger provided 925 kg breeders seed 

170

covering three ICRISAT varieties (Sosat-C88: 500 kg for 100 ha; ICMV IS 89305: 300 kg for 60 ha; 

ICMV IS 94206: 125 kg for 25 ha) to Alheri. 

3. Three training courses in seed production were held in cooperation with WASA. 


1. In 2010, a total of 9100 kg breeders or foundation seed covering 11 different pearl millet cultivars 

(ICMV IS 89305, ICMV IS 92222, ICMV IS 94206, ICMV IS 99001, GB 8735, SOSAT-C88, PE05539, 

PE05572, Mil de Siaka (PE0 5578-C2), SounaMau (PE08030), ICRI-Tabi) was available with the 

ICRISAT-Niger millet breeding program. In addition to the seed mentioned, further seed of other new 

experimental cultivars is produced via manual sibbing, because of lack of further adequate isolation plots. 

2. The seed produced by the Alheri seed enterprise in cooperation with ICRISAT is currently being cleaned 

up, after which final production data will be available. The cooperation is expected to significantly enhance 

impact of ICRISAT cultivars in Niger. Parts of the seed produced by Alheri will be used in HOPE Minipacks 

in 2011. 

3. In cooperation with WASA (Paul Buckner) with co-financing by HOPE a total of 66 seed producers 

were trained in three two-day training courses held at Mayayi (targeting seed producers at Mayayi (ACH), 

Serkin Haoussa, Sae Saboa, El Colta (all Fuma Gaskiya), Keita (targeting farmers linked to ACH at Keita 

and Croix Rouge at Tahoua) and Sadore (with seed producers from Mooriben Tera, Falwel, Bokki, and 

Dantchiandou). It is planned to further cooperate with the most serious seed producers identified to enhance 

also foundation seed production, as ICRISAT alone cannot produce sufficient quantities of foundation seed 

for the whole WCA region. 

Conclusions 

To make seed production and marketing more efficient at ICRISAT, it was suggested to the WA director to 

establish a seed unit at ICRISAT-Niger. A proposal needs to be developed in this regard. 

Bettina IG. Haussmann 

Sorghum Breeder and Foundation Seed Production, training for seed production 

Rationale 

Availability of breeders’ seed and foundation seed is critical for ensuring the production of certified seed. 

Progress with hybrid seed production is essential, to promote adoption. 


Breeders seed and Foundation seed of varieties with low stocks, and of hybrid parents were produced in 

close collaboration with IER, and well trained farmers. On station 2 varieties were produced during the 

off-season, and two others during the rainy season. One variety, Tieble, was produced in collaboration with 

an experienced farmer. 

Training for seed production focused on producing hybrid seed. Interested producers in two zones of Mali, 

member of two different seed commercialization groups, were trained first in April, to assure that planning 

of crop allocation to fields could take hybrid sorghum seed production into account. Practical aspects of 

sowing the hybrid seed production ploys were explained during seed distribution. Training on ensuring 

good levels of pollination of the female plants, and the procedures for safe harvest were held during three 

one day courses, in Dioila, Siby and Bamako, for farmers and private seed enterprises. 

Certified seed of varieties was produced by 3 different farmers’ cooperatives, partially in arrangements 

with private sector seed companies, who have successfully marketed some of the varieties. 


Seed certification is not finalized, thus quantities cannot yet be reported. Experiences with hybrid seed 

production were mostly positive, in s isolation distances were maintained by all producers, and the 

production fields were well managed. Nicking of the female and male parents was good, with the exception 

171

of one case of late sowing, where then the photoperiod sensitive male parents flowered before the 

photoperiod insensitive female parent. 

Conclusions 

In order to increase total see production, farmers will have to enter more contractual type arrangements, 

which will allow them to get credit for input purchase. Experiences of integrating hybrid seed production 

with grain production for food security have been positive. This will be pursued in further detail. 

Fred Rattunde, Abdoulaye Diallo, Mamourou Sidibe and Eva Weltzien 

Target 2011: 3.4.2 

Seed dissemination channels assessed in at least one country in WCA 

Effect of different farmers’ production strategies on the heterogeneity of seed grain of the commercial 

variety “Soumba” assessed. Continue the documentation of farmers practices to produce seed of the 

Soumba variety on-farm 

Rationale 

The IMAS project (CIRAD/IER/ICRISAT) analyses the resilience of seed systems and the effects of the 

introduction of new varietal diversity into the farming systems. ICRISAT is involved in the study in the 

Mandé and Dioila region and is especially interested on seed management aspects and diffusion involving 

varieties introduced into the study areas through participatory research and trials since 2003. 


In 2010 two field trials were conducted to examine the variability, and so the success of the different seed 

selection methods to keep an introduced, improved variety (Soumba) pure. For this purpose seed of the 

Soumba variety was collected from 6 farmers in Magnambougou (6 bulks from the farmers’ seed stock) in 

March 2009. In October 2009, 30 panicles have been randomly collected in the fields of the 6 farmers 

sown with the same Soumba seed stock (+on fields of two new farmers). The farmers all used different 

seed management methods to produce their seed. In 2010 two field experiments were carried out: 

The first field trial was the repetition of the 2009 Soumba field trial, containing eight entries, including the 

six Soumba seed stocks of farmers. The six entries were sown together with two control Soumba varieties 

of different origine (foundation seed/ICRISAT and certified seed/ULPS) in a randomized block design at 

the Samanko station at ICRISAT with five row plots and four replications under poor fertility conditions 

8low phosphor). The objective was to count off-types in the farmer seed stocks and measure agronomic 

performance. 

A second experiment was a nursery of panicle lines derived from the 30 panicles collected from the farmer 

fields. The objective of the nursery was to identify the number of off-types and to compare the results with 

heterogeneity levels analysed by microsatellite markers in the collected panicles. 


Results of the 2009 experiment and the number of off-types counted in the progenies of the 30 panicles of 

the different Soumba seed stocks are presented in Table 2. Data of the 2010 trial is being analyzed. 


172



Producing more and better food from staple cereals (sorghum 

and millets) and legumes (groundnuts, chickpea and pigeonpea) 

at lower cost in the eastern and southern African (ESA) SAT 

through genetic improvement 

Mary A Mgonja 

Project summary 

Project 4 contributes to the overall goal of achieving sustainable food, nutrition and 

income security of farm families in ESA and is responding to CGIAR System Priorities 

i) 2A to increase yield and considering pro- poor traits (pests, diseases and Striga), ii) 2B abiotic 

stresses (drought) and (iii) 2C on nutritional quality of sorghum, pearl and finger millet through biofortification; 

and on food safety issues associated with aflatoxins in groundnut. The project has five 

outputs designed around the three Science Priority areas but linked with other SP and projects. 

Highlight of 2010 progress by outputs are provided below: 

Output: 4.1 Sustainable regional breeding networks that integrate conventional and 

biotechnology tools established and associated capacity building implemented. 

This output emphasizes on strengthening the efficiency of breeding and cultivar evaluation while 

conserving and making maximum use of the natural genetic resource base (linked to project 2). i) 

Regionally-based task networks integrate farmer participation and include regional evaluation teams 

across the ESA region and are focusing in addressing constraints on drought through sorghum and 

millet variety and hybrid evaluation, midge, sweet sorghum and on constraints expressed in the sub 

humid environments and on finger millet evaluation ii) Groundnut teams evaluated varieties for 

regional adaptation and capacity building focusing on Seed Technology and Crop Science iii) ) 

pigeon pea team in Tanzania and Malawi that were supplied with high yielding early, medium and 

long duration genotypes for evaluation and seed increase resulted in the release of 4 varieties. iii) Desi 

and Kabuli chickpea genotypes with resistance to Fusarium wilt were availed for further evaluation in 

Kenya and Tanzania. Breeding networks emerge from collaborative development and implementation 

of regionally oriented projects such as Tropical Legume II and HOPE for dryland cereals. 

Output 4.2 Improved germplasm and parental lines of adaptable sorghum, pearl millet, pigeon 

pea, chickpea and groundnut that are resistant to chronic biotic stresses and meet end user 

preferences. Genetically diverse breeding populations were developed and advanced for sharing with 

partners for further selection e.g sorghum lines that are resistant to striga (developed using MAS), 

midge, stem borers and leaf diseases and bristled pearl millet varieties were developed and tested in 

Eritrea and Kenya. Hybrids and OPV sorghum , pearl millet and finger millet were tested in multilocation 

trials targeting diverse agro ecologies fro adaptation , and stability and mew test crosses 

evaluations were conducted to feed into the regional trials to provide researchers and farmers with 

more options. Genetic diversity was created for pigeonpeas and populations segregating for resistance 

to fusarium wilt were developed. Sources of groundnuts resistance to early and late leaf spots, rosette 

and aflatoxin contamination have been confirmed and the phenotyping and genotyping of pigeon pea 

and groundnuts was completed. Seed of various classes were produced for all the five crop. Capacity 

building was provided on need basis 

Output 4.3 New knowledge of the QTLs for the stay green and drought tolerance traits 

confirmed, specific abiotic stress tolerant varieties and associated knowledge and capacity 

development. 

Drought is considered to be the primary cause of yield reductions for crops in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Early maturing varieties that escape terminal drought have been developed and introgression of Staygreen 

(Sg) into farmer varieties is going on as a mechanism to confer drought tolerance. Stay-green 

QTL from two ICRISAT donor parents (B35 and E36-1) were introgressed through MABC into 4 

farmer-preferred Ethiopian sorghum varieties (76T1#23, Meko, Gambella and Teshale and will be 

advanced BC3S2 in 2009. The phenotyping of improved lines with introgressed staygreen QTL from 

India planned for Ethiopia to evaluate the effect of the stay-green QTL in Africa was implemented in 

2010 however data is yet to be received. For groundnuts, nuclear seed of 201 lines in Advanced to 

Elite trials in ESA were produced in quantities ranging from 5 – 80 kgs in Malawi, Mozambique and 

Tanzania. Approximately 10 tons breeder seed of 16 popular released varieties in the three countries 

was also produced in support of foundation/basic seed multiplications 

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Output 4.4 Progress in knowledge and/or improved germplasm of nutritionally enhanced 

transgenic sorghum and biofortified germplasm with enhanced micronutrient levels available for 

evaluation. The deployment of transgenic sorghum is likely to be met by trepidation that gene flow 

will negatively impact the environment. . The consequence of the transgene movement will however 

depend on the nature of the transgenic trait. The hybrid fitness study demonstrated that hybrids between 

wild and cultivated sorghum could survive under natural conditions but may not necessarily have an 

advantage over wild sorghum. Analysis of variance for the agronomic data taken revealed highly 

significant differences for all the traits among the breeding types. Differences were noted between the 

cultivated parents (Cult x Cult) and the hybrids (Cult x Wild and Wild x Cult) and wild parents (Wild 

xWild). No significant differences were however noted between the wild parents; and the Wild x Cult 

hybrids, implying that at F 2 hybrids were not superior to the wild parents. These results are in 

agreement with earlier results from the same F3 populations grown in 2008/2009 and follows similar 

patterns as in the F1s and F2s earlier evaluated 

Output: 4.5 Technological options and knowledge to reduce groundnut aflatoxin contamination 

Aflatoxins contaminate groundnut and other agricultural commodities. Management is difficulty due 

to lack of awareness, environmental conditions and farming practices. Farmer Field Schools (FFS) are 

now successfully being used in ESA to promote aflatoxin management practices on farmers’ fields. 

Awareness of the problem is also easily discussed and understood using the informal learning nature of 

FFS. On-farm studies highlighted the role of good cultural practices like early planting and water 

management in the control of aflatoxin contamination. Resistant varieties have been identified from 

germplasm and elite trials and their their additional contribution through IGNRM packages 

documented. Finally, mapping of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin contamination across districts in 

Malawi was completed. 

IPGs: 

• Breeding teams and breeding networks to address regional challenges, 

• Genetically diverse and improved germplasm, parental lines and varieties, new 

tools e.g. for aflatoxin diagnostics, traits discoveries and strengthened capacity. 

• Improved cereal and legume germplasm available for evaluation by collaborators , 

• A platform with clear rules and regulations (SMTA) developed for germplasm exchange 

among the breeders in the collaborating countries 

Outcome: 

i) Partners in breeding networks share responsibilities and products 

ii) Partners have capacity to use and integrate new and more precise tools 

iii) Partners and farmers’ access to quality seed of improved high yielding and 

nutritious germplasm for further testing 

iv) partners and farmers have access to mycotoxin diagnostic tools and iv) 

improved knowledge on gene flow and GM deployment 

Impact: 

• Improved efficiency in breeding, better access to quality seed, nutritious and safe to use food, 

increased productivity and profitability and informed decision on environment management 

and biosafety policy 

• Improvement of biotechnology and conventional facilities in participating national programs 

and demonstrated the utility of inter-institutional research collaboration (at both regional and 

international levels) 

• Policy support for biotechnology 

• Farmers production and productivity will increase especially if the project links to project 1 on 

markets policy and institutions 

Output 4.1: Sustainable regional breeding networks that integrate conventional and 

biotechnology tools established and associated capacity building implemented 

Output target 2010 4.1.1: Three groups of task networks addressing the key constraints of drought and 

photoperiod response active in sharing improved germplasm regional 


100% achieved with elite lines available for sharing across countries in the region 

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Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique 


NARS in Kenya (KARI) and Tanzania (DRD) 


Drought is one of the major abiotic constraints to crop production and productivity worldwide. 

Hence, development of drought tolerant cultivars is one of the major objectives of crop breeding 

programs. To identify drought tolerant germplasm lines, a genotype-based reference set comprising 

384 accessions (http://www.generationcp.org), selected from composite collection (41 SSR loci data 

on 3372 accessions) is being evaluated for post-flowering drought tolerance under well-watered 

(WW) and water-stressed (WS) conditions at ICRISAT sites and at NARS partners , Patancheru 

consecutively for two years during 2008-09 and 2009-2010 postrainy season. As mentioned in the 

previous year’s report, the lines will be first classified into different phenological groups based on 

variation in days to 50% flowering. These subgroups will then be evaluated for post-flowering 

drought tolerance traits at ICRISAT and other locations in the collaborating countries with the 

objective of identifying promising drought tolerant lines that are adaptable. The identified drought 

tolerant lines are already being shared with other national program partners like Ethiopia, Sudan, 

Tanzania and Eritrea. Photoperiodism is a trait that is required for sorghum adaptation to the areas 

with long season such as Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia. Germplasm collections and evaluation 

made in Tanzania had 12 varieties that were shared with NARS in Mozambique and Zambia for 

further evaluation for direct use and or for use in crop improvement 


Generation Challenge Program (GCP) and HOPE 

M Mgonja, H Ojulong, E Manyasa, P Sheunda and J Kibuka 

Output target 2010 4.1.1: At least one medium and one long duration pigeonpea variety released in 

two countries of ESA 


Achieved 100 % targets by release of three medium duration (two in Malawi and one in Kenya) and 

one long duration variety(in Kenya). Similarly, high yielding and fusarium wilt resistant farmer and 

market preferred medium and long duration genotypes are under National performance Trials (NPT) in 

Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique. 


Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique 


ICRISAT-Nairobi; Selian Agricultural Research Institute-Tanzania; Ilonga Agricultural Research 

Institute-Tanzania; Chitedze Agricultural Research Station-Malawi; ICRISAT-Lilongwe; Kenyan 

Agricultural Research Institute (Katumani)-Kenya; Leldet Seed Company-Kenya; Mozambique 

National Institute of Agricultural Research 


Long and medium duration varieties are highly popular among the smallholder farmers in ESA and 

there are definite niches to grow them. Long duration varieties are highly relevant for traditional maize 

based cropping systems and high altitude areas with relatively longer growing season Northern 

Tanzania, Southern Malawi, parts of Eastern Kenya and parts of Mozambique. With the advent of 

photo insensitive medium-duration varieties with ratoonability are grown in areas away from equator 

and drought prone/warm temperature areas (unsuitable for long-duration varieties) or areas with short 

growing season. Varietal release process in ESA in general is very slow but through concerted efforts 

by on-farm FPVS, demonstrations and farmers’ field days resulted in fast tracking of varietal releases. 

In total, one long duration (in Kenya) and three medium duration varieties (two in Malawi and one in 

Kenya) released in ESA. Similarly, 12 high yielding and fusarium wilt resistant farmer and market 

preferred medium (eight) and long duration (four) varieties are under various stages of National 

performance Trials (NPT)/DUS testing in Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique. 

175

In Kenya, last three years under treasure legumes project large number of FPVS and demos were 

organized, which facilitated in release of best-bet farmer choice varieties both in medium(ICEAP 

00850) and long duration (ICEAP 00932) group. Four more medium duration varieties (ICEAP 00557, 

00554, 00902, 00911) entered in to NPT and DUS evaluation is under progress in close collaboration 

with KEPHIS. 

In Tanzania, on-station and on-farm FPVS trials conducted in Babati, Karatu, Kondoa and Arumeru 

districts of Northern Tanzania under TL-II and Treasure legumes over years resulted in identification 

and inclusion of two medium (ICEAPs 00557, 00554) and two long duration varieties (ICEAP 00053, 

00932) in NPT. 

In Malawi, two medium duration varieties ICEAP 00557(Southern, Central and Northern regions) and 

ICEAP 01514/15 (Central and Northern regions) were released for cultivation. 

In Mozambique, two long duration varieties (ICEAPs 00040 and 00020) are under consideration for 

release and two medium duration varieties (ICEAPs 00557, 00554) are being evaluated. 

Quite a good number success stories of pigeonpea revolution in ESA in general and Babati district of 

Northern Tanzania in particular elicited wide spread interest among farmers, traders, researchers and 

policy makers. This coupled with large number of on-farm evaluations, varietal releases and demand 

from domestic and export markets elevated the place of pigeonpea in ESA’s agricultural map. 


Tropical Legumes-II, BMGF; Treasure legumes-IFAD; Kellogg’s fund 

SN Silim, NVPR Ganga Rao, Moses Siambi, 

M Somo, P Kalok and HHD Chipeta 

Output target 2011 4.1.1: Groundnut varietal adaptation trials including on-farm variety tests 

conducted and monitored in ESA countries 


100% achieved as on station and ion farm trials were carried out in Tanzania, Malawi Mozambique and 

Uganda 


Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda 


ICRISAT Malawi, Chitedze Agricultural Research Station Malawi, National Smallholders Farmers 

Association (NASFAM) Malawi, CARE Malawi, Naliendele Agricultural Research Institute Tanzania, 

Makutopora Research Station Tanzania, Diocese of Central Tanganyika, Diocese of Masasi and 

Tunduru, KMAS, Dutch Connection, Masasi District Council Tanzania, Dodoma District Council 

Tanzania, Chamwino District Council Tanzania, Department of Crop Development (DCD), 

Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) and Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), Institute 

of Agricultural Research – Nampula Research Station Mozambique, Inhambane and Nampula Districts 

Mozambique, ICRISAT Mozambique. Uganda National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) 

Progress /Results: 

Identification of groundnut varieties with high yielding potential, market preferred traits and resistance 

to foliar diseases and aflatoxin is important in addressing stakeholders’ demands. Attention is being 

focused on developing and identifying varieties with resistance to rosette, rust, ELS, LLS, and 

aflatoxin, in addition to grain size and adaptation to varying environments across ESA. As a result 

germplasm was supplied for on-station and on-farm trials to collaborating partners within NARES. 

A total of 47 sets that includes: 19 in Tanzania, 14 in Malawi , and 14 in Mozambique of 13 different 

Elite Regional Trials and nurseries responding to different constraints inclusive of length of growing 

period, drought, rosette, rust and ELS were distributed for the 2009/10 season. These trials were 

evaluated on-station. Besides evaluating for high yield and resistance to drought and foliar diseases, one 

176

trial was supplied on request to Tanzania to screen for grain oil content. In Malawi the trials were 

planted at Chitedze, Chitala, and Kasinthula research stations; in Mozambique trials were planted in 

Nampulaand Inhambane provinces while in Tanzania trials were planted at Naliendele, Nachingwea, 

Bihawana, Hombolo, and Makutopora research stations. All the trials were laid out in a simple lattice 

design. 

Another set of 291 on-farm trials were evaluated in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. These 

comprised of 18 sets by groups of farmers in Mozambique, 216 sets by individual farmers spread over 8 

districts in Malawi and 57 sets spread over 20 villages in 4 districts of Tanzania. 

• In Tanzania the best entries among the Elite Rust Resistant germplasm are ICGV-SM 03544, 

ICGV-SM 03521, and ICGV-SM 03510, that provided 51-64% yield superiority over the 

released varieties Nyota and 28 -39% over the popular variety Pendo (900 – 977 kg ha -1 

against 594 and 703kg ha -1 ). Among the Regional Elite Spanish varieties, ICGV-SM 99568 

and ICGV-SM 99566 were the best (1794 and 2038 kg ha -1 vs 960 kg ha -1 attained by the 

popular JL 24) 89 – 112% superiority. Among the Elite Regional Virginia, ICGV-SM 05606 

was the best 1341 kg ha -1 against 1129 kg ha -1 for CG 7 under no disease pressure. 

• In Malawi, superior lines were identified from the Elite Regional Spanish which includes, 

ICGV-SM 05723 (2373 kg ha -1 ), followed by ICGV-SM 99537 (2042 kg ha -1 ) and ICGV-SM 

94139 (1854 kg ha -1 ) against the standard popular JL 24 (1484 kg ha -1 ) reflecting a superiority 

of 25 - 60%. Among the Elite Virginia, the best three under high rosette pressure were ICGV- 

SM 01731 (1214 kg ha -1 ), ICGV-SM 05701 (1177 kg ha -1 ), and ICGV-SM 08503 (1138 kg ha - 

1 ), Yield superiority against the standard CG 7 (846 kg ha -1 ) was 35 - 43%. 

• In Mozambique, ICGV 94146 was the best (1663 kg ha -1 ), among the Elite drought tolerant 

lines compared to the released variety ICG 12991 also known as Nematil (1055 kg ha -1 ) a 

58% superiority across sites in Inhambane and Nampula. Other superior lines were ICGV-SM 

03502, ICGV-SM 03543 and ICGV 94139 all superior to Nematil by more than 24%. 

Among the elite rosette resistant lines, ICGV-SM 99566, ICGV-SM 03520 ICGV-SM 99541 

and ICGV-SM 01506 were among the best with grain yields ranging from 1330 – 1539 kg ha -1 

a 31 – 52% superiority over the released variety Nematil (1013 kg ha -1 ). 

• Following the release of 5 new varieties in Tanzania last year (ICGV-SM 01721, ICGV-SM 

01711, ICGV-SM 99555, ICGV-SM 99557, and ICGV-SM 83708) after 3 seasons of rigorous 

on-farm PVS the following new varieties were identified as potential candidates for a new 

round of on-farm verification trials - ICGV SM 03521 and ICGV SM 00537. Traits preferred 

by farmers were high yields, big pod size and tolerance to diseases 

• In Malawi, FPVS revealed that farmers preferred ICGV-SM 99567 and ICGV-SM 03576, 

Kakoma and Chitala of the Spanish types, and ICGV-SM series 01708 and 01728, 99772, 

Nsinjiro and Chalimbana 2005 of Virginia types based on ranking across sites in 2009/10 crop 

season and previous seasons 

• In Mozambique the most preferred varieties were ICGV-SM 01514, ICGV-SM 99541 and 

ICGV-SM 99568. Pod filling was the most preferred trait by farmers in Inhambane 

Mozambique where the biggest problem is pops. 

• In addition to the above, Uganda concluded the series of on-farm trials begun more than two 

seasons ago with the release of two new groundnut varieties in June 2010 as follows: 

o ICGV-SM 93535 the first red seeded rosette resistant variety in the region 

o ICGV-SM 99566 tan seeded early maturity (90-100 days) and rosette resistant 

Special Project funding: 

Tropical Legumes II and McKnight Foundation 

E S Monyo, S. Njoroge, O Mponda, A Chamango, M Amane, 

H Charlie, W Munthali and E Sichone-Chilumpha 

Output target 2010 4.1.2: At least 2 M.Sc students from ESA trained in pigeonpea and chickpea 

breeding and 2000 farmers trained in their production and management 


Achieved 100 % targets by training 3 students on chickpea and pigeonpea breeding. 9223 and 6163 

farmers trained on pigeonpea and chickpea production, seed production and utilization aspects, 

respectively. 


Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia 

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ICRISAT-Nairobi; ICRISAT-Patancheru; Lake Zone Agricultural Research and Development Institute- 

Tanzania; Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Centre-Ethiopia; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute 

(Njoro) –Kenya; Selian Agricultural Research Institute-Tanzania; Ilonga Agricultural Research 

Institute-Tanzania; Chitedze Agricultural Research Station-Malawi; ICRISAT-Lilongwe 


Pigeonpea and chickpea growing countries of ESA are constrained with acute shortage of technical 

manpower trained on crop improvement, production and utilization. Add to these farmers, agricultural 

extension staff and all other stakeholders are less aware about new superior varieties pigeonpea and 

chickpea and better production technologies. To develop long term resource base, trained 3 students on 

chickpea(two) and pigeonpea breeding(one); and 9223 and 6163 farmers trained on pigeonpea and 

chickpea production, seed production and utilization aspects, respectively. 

Two students (Peter Kaloki, Kenya and Tadesse Safera, Ethiopia) are working chickpea improvement. 

Peter Kaloki is trying to understand genetics/diversity of heat tolerance existing in kabuli and desi 

genotypes while Tadesse Safera working on molecular characterization of Ethiopian chickpea 

cultivars. One student from Tanzania (Mayomba Maryanna Maryange) is working on pigeonpea 

breeding. 

In ESA 6163 farmers were trained on various aspects of chickpea production technology, FPVS trials 

conduction and data collection, improved chickpea varieties, quality seed production, processing and 

post harvest handing including utilization in Ethiopia(5343), Tanzania(361) and Kenya(459). 

Similarly, 9223 ESA farmers were trained on various pigeonpea technologies through on-farm trials, 

field days, quality seed production, processing and utilization in Tanzania (7818) and Malawi (1405). 


Tropical Legumes-II, BMGF 

SN Silim and NVPR Ganga 

Rao 

Output Target 2010 4.1.2. At least 2 M.Sc students from ESA trained in pigeonpea and chickpea 

breeding 1 MSc each in groundnut breeding and seed systems and 2000 farmers trained in their 

production and management 


100% achieved as the 2 Msc students graduated 


Malawi and Tanzania 


ICRISAT Malawi, Chitedze Agricultural Research Station Malawi, and Naliendele Agricultural 

Research Institute Tanzania, 


In order to sustain the breeding program and seed systems in ESA there is need for more investment in 

training scientists on a continued basis as well as farmers on modern farming technologies. Enhanced 

skills will enable individuals to be more productive and being able to produce more output. Hence there 

was need to train staff in seed technology (Malawi) as well as conventional breeding (Tanzania) as one 

way of accelerating technological changes in their respective countries. 

Two students one from Malawi (Mr Wilson Chafutsa) registered at Bunda College of Agriculture and 

the other from Tanzania (Mr Juma Mfaume) registered at Sokoine University of Agricultere completed 

their MSc studies in Seed Technology and Crop Science respectively under TL2 in November 2010. 

Besides the MSc students, two PhD students from KwaZulu Natal University are under my supervision. 

These are Mr Justus Chintu from Malawi and Mr Amade Muitia from Mozambique both of them 

looking at the genetic control of rosette resistance in groundnuts and developing resistant varieties. Dr 

Njoroge (associate professional officer) met severally with Mr. Chintu, and provided him with relevant 

178

literature/material on groundnut diseases. He will work with him this season (2010/2011) on disease 

assessments in his trials. 

So far all the 2 MSc students completed their studies by end of 2010 and have reported back to their 

respective employers. Mr Chafutsa, a Malawian student is working with the ministry of Agriculture in 

the department of Research based at Kasinthula while Mr. Jume Mfaune, a Tanzanian national is 

working with the department of research and development in the ministry of Agriculture and is based at 

Naliendele research station. In Tanzania 1188 farmers and extension officers were trained in seed 

production in 2009/10. Two training sessions were organized in Malawi in February and April 

involving 22 extension officers and over 40 community facilitators as training of trainers in seed 

production. 


Tropical Legumes LII 

E S Monyo, O Mponda and A Chamango 

Output target 2010 4.1.3: At least 500 kg of breeder seed and 10 t of seed of pigeonpea and chickpea 

produced to support on farm trial and demonstrations in 4 ESA countries (2010) 


Achieved 100 % targets, by producing breeder seed of released/NPT/ PVS varieties of pigeonpea 

(short, medium and long duration varieties) and chickpea (desi and kabuli). 


Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi 


ICRISAT-Nairobi; Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center-Ethiopia; Lake Zone Agricultural 

Research and Development Institute-Tanzania; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Njoro)-Kenya; 

Selian Agricultural Research Institute-Tanzania; Ilonga Agricultural Research Institute-Tanzania; 

Chitedze Agricultural Research Station-Malawi; ICRISAT-Lilongwe 


Access to quality seed is the major bottleneck in ESA for achieving greater impacts. Farmers mostly 

growing local varieties which are susceptible fusarium wilt and mixed grain quality. Availability of 

quality seed is very much critical for conduct of FPVS trials, large scale demonstrations, varietal 

releases and maintaining seed production chain. Accordingly, breeder seed of released/NPT/ PVS 

varieties of pigeonpea (short, medium and long duration) both under net and space/time isolations; and 

chickpea (desi and kabuli) produced. To increase the foundation seed farmer organizations, progressive 

farmers and private seed establishments were involved. 

ICRISAT-Nairobi produced 3095 kg pigeonpea seed of seven long (ICEAPs 00040, 00053, 00020, 

00932, 00933, 00576-1, 00936) and five medium duration varieties (00557, 00554, 00850, 00902, and 

00911) and one short duration (ICPL 87091) produced in Kenya to meet seed requirements of varietal 

release, FPVS evaluation and on-farm demonstrations. 

12.3 t of breeder/foundation seed of ICEAPs 00557, 00554, 01514/15, 01480, 00040, ICP 9145 and 

Mthwajuni pigeonpea varieties was produced in Malawi. In Tanzania, 18.5 tons of breeder/foundation 

seed of ICEAPs 00557, 00554, 00053, 00040, 00932 in Karatu and Babati districts through private 

seed sector (Zenobia seeds), contract growers and Farmer associations. 

2800 kg chickpea breeder seed of five kabuli (ICCVs 97306, 95423, 00305, 96329, 92318) and four 

desi (ICCVs 97126, 00108, 92944, 97105) varieties was produced at Nairobi. About 9.5 tons of 

breeder/foundation seed of farmer-preferred varieties was produced by NARS partners in Tanzania 

(8.0 t) and Kenya (1.5 t). In Ethiopia, 9.75 t of breeder seed of 9 varieties (Monino, Marye, Arerti, 

Habru, Natoli, Ejere, Shasho, Mastewal and Minjar) and 47.5 t of foundation seeds of 8 varieties 

(Arereti, Ntoli, Habru, Shasho, Teji, Ejere, Chefe, Marye) was produced. 

179


Tropical Legumes-II, BMGF; Treasure Legumes project-IFAD 

SN Silim, NVPR Ganga Rao, P Kaloki, 

M Somo and Susan Njeri 

Output target 2010 4.1.3: At least 500 kg of breeder seed and 10 t of seed of pigeonpea and chickpea 

produced to support on farm trial and demonstrations in 4 ESA countries 


Achieved 100 % targets, by producing breeder seed of released/NPT/ PVS varieties of pigeonpea 

(short, medium and long duration varieties) and chickpea (desi and kabuli). 


Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi 


ICRISAT-Nairobi, Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center-Ethiopia, Lake Zone Agricultural 

Research and Development Institute-Tanzania, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Njoro)-Kenya, 

Selian Agricultural Research Institute-Tanzania, Ilonga Agricultural Research Institute-Tanzania, 

Chitedze Agricultural Research Station-Malawi, ICRISAT-Lilongwe 


ICRISAT-Nairobi produced 3095 kg pigeonpea seed of seven long (ICEAPs 00040, 00053, 00020, 

00932, 00933, 00576-1, 00936) and five medium duration varieties (00557, 00554, 00850, 00902, and 

00911) and one short duration (ICPL 87091) produced in Kenya to meet seed requirements of varietal 

release, FPVS evaluation and on-farm demonstrations. 

12.3 t of breeder/foundation seed of ICEAPs 00557, 00554, 01514/15, 01480, 00040, ICP 9145 and 

Mthwajuni pigeonpea varieties was produced in Malawi. In Tanzania, 18.5 tons of breeder/foundation 

seed of ICEAPs 00557, 00554, 00053, 00040, 00932 in Karatu and Babati districts through private 

seed sector (Zenobia seeds), contract growers and Farmer associations. 

2800 kg chickpea breeder seed of five kabuli (ICCVs 97306, 95423, 00305, 96329, 92318) and four 

desi (ICCVs 97126, 00108, 92944, 97105) varieties was produced at Nairobi. About 9.5 tons of 

breeder/foundation seed of farmer-preferred varieties was produced by NARS partners in Tanzania 

(8.0 t) and Kenya (1.5 t). In Ethiopia, 9.75 t of breeder seed of 9 varieties (Monino, Marye, Arerti, 

Habru, Natoli, Ejere, Shasho, Mastewal and Minjar) and 47.5 t of foundation seeds of 8 varieties 

(Arereti, Ntoli, Habru, Shasho, Teji, Ejere, Chefe, Marye) was produced. 


Tropical Legumes-II, BMGF; Treasure Legumes project-IFAD 

SN Silim, NVPR Ganga Rao, P Kaloki, M Somo, 

Output target 2010 4.1.4: At least 2 sorghum and or millet varieties released in one country 


100% as two varieties were released in Ethiopia 


Ethiopia 


Amhara Region Agriculture Research Institute (ARARI) 

Progress /results: 

The regional sorghum and millet variety /hybrid trials are regularly conducted across ESA countries 

and these have usually resulted in best bet optional cultivars for release. The variety ICSV111IN has 

180

een recommended and released by the Amhara Regional Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI) in 

Ethiopia and named Hormat. This variety has also been released in Eritrea and has demonstrated very 

good levels for striga resistance in both countries. The ARARI station at Sirinka in Ethiopia has also 

obtained a pre released status for the sorghum variety Sima which is also released in Zambia and also 

has a pre releases status in Zimbabwe. This variety has demonstrate stability in performance across 

environments and has multiple uses characteristics like food and brewing. The variety Sima is mainly 

targeted for brewing because of it meets brewing specifications such as large white seeds on a tan plant 


HOPE 


Output target 2010 4.1.7: At least 200 kg of breeder seed of sorghum and or millet availed to two 

ESA countries 

Achievement of Output Target 

100% achieved and the quantities targeted were exceeded 


Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Tanzania 


NARS Madagascar (FOFIFA), FAO Madagascar, Namburi Agricultural Seed Company and Zanobia 

Seeds ( Tanzania ) 


ICRISAT ESA cereal program receives request for seed from both public and private companies. In 

2010 there were specific requests targeting varieties that have been identified that meet specifications 

as stipulated by the brewing industries that use sorghum as the main substrate. Two seed companies 

(Namburi and Zanobia) in Tanzania received 120kgs of Macia and 40 kgs of KARI Mtama 1 was 

availed to Zanobia. Madagascar FAO was provided with 100kgs of ZSV2 a variety that was tested and 

recommended for release. This variety is targeting southern Madagascar region of Tulear. There was 

also provision of 10-20 kgs of Macia to Eritrea and Zimbabwe targeting the multiplication for the 

brewing industry. More than 400kgs was availed to four countries 


HOPE, FAO 


Output 4. 2: Improved germplasm and parental lines of adaptable sorghum, pearl millet, pigeon pea, 

chickpea and groundnut that are resistant to chronic biotic stresses and meet end user preferences 

developed and disseminated with new knowledge to partners 

Output target 2010: 4.2.1: Performance and adaptability of bristled pearl millet ICMV221 evaluated 

for the first time in ESA to reduce chronic bird damage. 


100% achieved as the materials are now being evaluated in an additional country 


Kenya, Eritrea 


National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Eritrea and Kenya Agricultural Research Institute 

(KARI) 


In the season 2010 long rains a Bristled pearl millet variety trial was conducted with an objective of 

evaluating the effect of pearl millet bristles to bird damage. Two field trials were conducted at Kiboko 

in the season 2010 LR with 12 pearl millet varieties (6 bristled from India, 4 from cycles of ICMV 

181

221 bristled pearl millet selections from Kiboko and 2 local checks). One of the trials was left for the 

birds to feed on it without scaring them away and the other one was controlled. The experimental 

design used was a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The trial was rain 

fed with supplemental irrigation until the earliest entry reached the booting stage where the water was 

completely withdrawn. Agronomic data was collected from the trials on number of damaged panicles, 

days to flowering, lodging score, grain yield, plant height, seedling vigor and the number of panicles at 

different bristle lengths. The collected data was subjected to ANOVA using Genstat 12 and the 

following traits were found to have highly significant differences between the varieties under study in 

the two trials; bristle length, number of long bristled panicles and the number of short bristled panicles. 

The mean trial yield for the controlled for from the bird controlled trial, the highest yields were 

obtained from ICMV221brC 0 with 2.045t/ha followed by ICMV221 and ICMV221C 1 with 1.887 and 

1.873t/ha respectively. From the uncontrolled bird damage trial the highest yields were 0.427t/ha, 

0.324t/ha and 0.315t/ha obtained from ICMV221brC 2 , ICMV221brC 3 and ICMVbrC 1 . From the 

analysis it is evident that bird control has an effect on grain yield of pearl millet, and where the bristled 

pearl millet were subjected to bird damage, the number and length of bristles have a negligible effect 

on the grain yield of pearl millet. All the genotypes in the trial had a higher grain yield in the 

controlled (mean yield 1.63t/ha) than uncontrolled set (0.210t/ha) and the mean grain loss due to bird 

damage was about 87.8%. Overall in the uncontrolled trial, the yield reduction in ICMV221brC 2 was 

by 55% and this can be attributed to presence of bristles. Collaborators in Eritrea also evaluated pearl 

millet varieties including Hagaz and “Kona” (ICMV 221 = ICMV 88904), local landraces and also the 

bristled pearl millet of ICMV221 (ICMV221br). The trial was planted at Gerset station and had very 

good growth and expression. A new version of bristled pearl millet was identified in Eritrea and is 

called “Zubedi’ and there are efforts to promote this to farmers 


ASARECA 


Output target 2010 4.2.3. Best sources of groundnut rosette virus resistance and vector resistance 

introgressed in preferred varieties using molecular markers 


100% achieved as three resistant lines of GRV were identified and confirmed 


Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania 


ICRISAT Malawi, Chitedze Agricultural Research Station Malawi, Naliendele Agricultural Research 

Institute Tanzania. 

Progress/results: 

New sources of resistance to groundnut rosette have been identified from the genetic resource unit, 

ICRISAT, India through the reference set which has been screened using the infector row technique for 

a period of two years. In addition to the already known GRV resistant ICGV-SM 90704 and vector 

resistant ICG 12991, three resistant lines were confirmed in 2009 from the reference set as GRV 

resistant using grafting trials. These are ICG 6888, ICG 13099 and ICG 14705. Additional sources 

were identified during the 2010 season (ICG 15405 and ICG 9449). A crossing program to incorporate 

these sources of resistance into the popular varieties as well as the newly released varieties in Tanzania 

which include Mnanje, Masasi, Mangaka, Nachingwea and Naliendele was initiated in 2010 and the 

progress is as follows: 

1. Completed the development of two rosette populations to F5 for phenotyping and genotyping. 

Populations are now planted at the high disease pressure nursery. 

2. A new crossing program involving resistance sources identified from the reference set have 

been initiated. Particular focus is to combine the two known modes of resistance (Aphid and 

GRV). 

3. Dr Njoroge was trained in detection of rosette viral components using RT-PCR in Dr. Santie 

Devillier’s laboratory. We have ordered for the PCR equipment and are still waiting delivery. 

182


Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and McKnight Foundation 

ES Monyo, S Njoroge, H Charlie and W Munthali 

Output target 2010 4.2.4: Striga resistance transferred to farmer-preferred sorghum varieties using 

MAS 


100% achieved and introgressed lines are available in Sudan and Kenya 


Sudan, Kenya 


Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur; Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri; Indian 

Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi; Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 


The objective of this project is to use marker assisted breeding to enhance sorghum productivity in 

Striga prone areas of eastern and central Africa(ECA) by improving the current knowledge on Striga 

resistance Quantatitive Trait Loci (QTL) in sorghum through the fine-mapping of SSR and DART 

markers tightly linked to Striga QTL, developing and evaluating farmer prefered Striga resistant 

sorghum lines and through capacity building for marker assisted breeding in ECA. 

QTL mapping of polymorphic markers and identification of markers tightly linked to Striga resistance 

This activity focused on the identification of polymorphic markers flanking five target Striga resistance 

QTL regions and mapping these markers on the skeleton linkage map of sorghum by making use of a 

Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) population derived from N13 x E 36-1 segregating for Striga 

resistance. This fine mapping will enable incorporation of superior levels of Striga resistance in 

agronomically elite genetic backgrounds by marker-assisted backcrossing. This was followed by 

partially saturating the Striga resistance QTL regions of the linkage map of the (N13 x E 36-1) with 

EST-derived SSR and DArT markers. In saturating the linkage map, PCR was optimized for EST- 

SSRs and this was followed by screening of genomic SSR markers for the ability to detect mappable 

polymorphisms in the (N13 x E 36-1) RIL population. 8 parents were screened with 218 selected 

markers using 6% PAGE and/or fragment analysis with an automated DNA sequencer (ABI 3730). 85 

polymorphic markers were used for fine mapping. 100 markers out of 218 were polymorphic and were 

used for BC3S3 genotyping of Sudanese progenies of N13 previously crossed with Tabat, Wad Ahmed 

and AG8. 

Farmer preferred Striga resistant sorghum varieties developed and evaluated. In Sudan, 31 BC3S3 

advanced backcross progenies developed from N13 x farmer preferred varieties were screened with 100 

EST-SSRs. DArT genotyping was performed on the BC3S3 progenies along with the donor and 

recurrent parents and results showed that out of 544 DArT clones used, 267 and 139 DArT clones 

scored presence and absence for the N13 allele, respectively. For foreground selection, the DArTs data 

further revealed 3 backcross progenies with SBI-01 QTL introgression, 9 progenies with SBI-02 and 

SBI-05b QTL introgression, 5 progenies with SBI-05a QTL introgression and none with SBI-06 QTL 

introgression. These 16 selected BC 3 S 3 progenies of farmer preferred varieties (Tabat, Wad Ahmed and 

AG8) were used for further backcrossing to generate a BC 4 population. 

Capacity of NARS in marker assisted selection enhanced. Two MSc students received supervision in 

the application of molecular techniques and genomics in crop improvement at BecA, specifically in 

molecular techniques, genotyping and molecular data analysis. They received scientific assistance in 

writing their MSc proposals, which they formally submitted and defended at the University of Nairobi. 

The Sudanese professional, Rasha Ali, has received three months training in QTL fine mapping, 

saturation of the sorghum linkage map and use of DArT markers at the ICRISAT Centre of Excellence 

in Genomics in India. 


ASARECA - Fighting Striga: Resistance genes deployed to boost sorghum productivity. 

D Kiambi, T Hash and S De Villiers 

183

Output target 2010 4.2.5 Development of molecular tools for variety identification and enhanced 

breeding efficiency for groundnut and pigeonpea in Malawi (SdV, RJ, MS, EM) 


100% achieved as the groundnuts and pigeon pea varieties were genotyped 


Malawi 


ICRISAT-Nairobi, ICRISAT-Malawi, BecA, Malawi Seed Services Unit 

Progress/ results: 

The Malawi Seed Industry Development project (funded by Irish Aid) develops a quality groundnut 

seed production system and disseminates improved medium-duration pigeonpea varieties on a large 

scale into areas where the crop has not previously been cultivated because of the non-availability of 

adapted varieties. Mixing of varieties whose seeds are visually similar would seriously compromise this 

initiative. Developing molecular fingerprints for variety identification allows efficient variety 

identification to prevent seed admixtures and maintain purity. 

Publicly available SSRs were used to characterise cultivated groundnut and pigeonpea germplasm from 

Malawi. Polymorphic marker data sets of both crops were mined for a small subset of markers that 

provide a unique genetic fingerprint for each variety to allow future monitoring of identity 

preservation, tracking of dissemination and adoption of new varieties and avoiding redundancy in gene 

banks. 

Genotyping for fingerprinting has been completed on groundnut and pigeonpea seeds received from 

Malawi. For groundnuts, 6 released and 13 local varieties were screened with 21 SSR markers (GCP 

http://gcpcr.grinfo.net/). For pigeonpea, 4 released and 70 genebank accessions were screened with 48 

SSR markers, 20 from the GCP and 28 others that were reported in recent publications. 

For groundnuts, 1 marker was not informative, 11 markers amplified 2-4 different alleles and 9 markers 

amplified between 5-8 different alleles across all the varieties. Using two of these markers (TCF12 and 

TC7H11) in combination, all six released varieties (JL24, Chalimbana, CG7, Baka, ICGV12991 and 

ICGV99568) can be distinguished. If marker 5D5 is added, all 19 varieties tested can be identified. 

Therefore, for groundnuts, the three markers TCF12, 5D5 and TC7H11 used in combination, provide 

unique fingerprints for all 19 varieties evaluated in this study. This 3-marker SSR genetic 

fingerprinting technique can be used for variety identification, seed purity testing and seed certification 

applications. 

For pigeonpea, there were few differences detected on the DNA level amongst all the varieties 

screened. Of the 48 markers used, 15 did not work well and another 11 were monomorphic. Data from 

these 23 markers were eliminated from the fingerprinting study. Only 25 markers detected useful 

differences. The three most common and widely grown varieties (Mtawajuni, ICEAP00040 known as 

Kachangu and ICEAP9145 known as Sauma, as well as the introduced varieties ICPV87105 and 

ICEAP00557) can be distinguished with a set of 8 markers. Very little differentiation is possible 

amongst the gene bank accessions with the set of markers used in this study. This data is still subject to 

further evaluation but these preliminary observations support the findings of other studies that there is 

very little genetic diversity in cultivated pigeonpea that can be elucidated with the current validated 

SSR markers available for pigeonpea. 

In October, 2 staff members from the Malawi Seed Systems Unit laboratories and one PhD student 

were trained at the BecA/ILRI hub on DNA extraction and SSR genotyping in order to build the 

capacity in Malawi for incorporate DNA fingerprinting into seed purity and certification applications. 


Irish Aid - Malawi Seed Industry Development project. 

SM de Villiers, RB Jones, M Siambi and E Monyo 

184

Output target 2009 4.2.5. Groundnut Breeding activities (and associated phenotyping facilities) 

initiated in at least one research station in Malawi and Tanzania 


Phenotyping facilities have been initiated in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania 





Institute Tanzania. 


Breeding activities in NARS have been lagging behind following poor infrastructures in disease 

screening, crossing and irrigation facilities. For the smooth operation on breeding work there is need 

to ensure facilities are in place and scientists and technicians in partnering countries are well 

supported to carry out their breeding work efficiently. 

In 2010, funds for infrastructure development were disbursed to NARS partners for drilling boreholes 

to support irrigation work in Tanzania and Malawi and construction of glass houses. In addition, 

training on artificial hybridization for technical staff ensured that frontline staff are able to carry out 

crosses and initiate their own hybridization program. 

To this effect the following progress has been made: 

1. Crosses for incorporation of rosette resistance into farmer preferred locally adapted 

germplasm in Tanzania and Mozambique were successfully harvested and have been planted 

to generate F2s 2010/11. At least 30 new crosses were successfully developed at Naliendele 

Research in Tanzania in 2010. 

2. RILS populations for Rust and ELS have been advanced through F4. Two RILS populations 

each for rosette, rust and ELS are being phenotyped in Malawi and Tanzania (rust only). 

Phenotyping will be repeated for a second season in F6 

3. 50 new crosses involving farmer preferred varieties have been generated involving good 

adapted elite lines from WCA and ESA and Elite sources of resistance in a good x good 

crossing scheme. 

4. We drilled a borehole to support hybridization efforts at Chitedze research station whereas in 

Tanzania work is ongoing to develop a one hectare irrigation block. 

5. A grafting experiment was conducted at Chitedze research station in order to characterize new 

sources of resistance for rosette reaction 

6. We have set up a controlled temperature room which will be used for the detarched leaf 

assay, which will be used to screen varieties for resistance to foliar pathogens. 

7. We obtained a spore collector from ICRISAT-Patancheru in October and we are sourcing for a 

vacuum pump that is attached to the spore collector. Spore collection will be done during this 

season (2011). We have also ordered the media and other equipment for culturing isolates 



E S Monyo, S Njoroge, O Mponda, A Chamango, 

Charlie, W Munthali and E Sichone-Chilumpha 

Output target 2010 4.2.5: Segregating long duration pigeonpea populations with large grain and 

resistance to fusarium wilt developed 


Achieved 100 % targets by making crosses between parents with large grains and resistance to 

fusarium wilt. 

185


Kenya 


ICRISAT-Nairobi 


Farmers and consumers/traders in ESA prefer large grains with cream seed. Fusarium wilt is one of the 

major diseases, inflicting pigeonpea productivity in ESA. Further, under maize cropping systems of 

Northern Tanzania farmers are looking for relative late maturity, so that they can reap full potential of 

existing favourable long growing season. To achieve this, crosses were attempted between parents with 

large grains and resistance to fusarium wilt. The virulence pattern existing in ESA is entirely different 

from that of Asia. The germplasm/cultivars from ESA offering greater resistance to fusarium wilt. 

Accordingly, crosses were made between ICEAPs 00040(fusarium wilt resistant) and 00048(large 

round grains and extra long duration) and F 2 populations were evaluated at Kabete (select for large 

grain) and Kiboko (wilt sick location) in 2008/09. 53 individual plants were selected from segregating 

populations based on grain yield, maturity duration and 100-seed mass/seed shape, and planted them at 

Kabete to carry out another round of selection for yield components and lateness (at high altitude) and 

8 F 3 populations found promising out 53 F 2 plants were selected for further evaluation. Looking at the 

promise of segregating populations, there is a likelihood of selecting high yielding, late and fusarium 

wilt resistant lines. 


Nil 

SN Silim, NVPR Ganga Rao, P Kaloki and M Somo 

2010 4.2.6: Multi-locational trials of at least three farmer preferred sorghum varieties carrying one to 

three Striga resistance QTLs conducted 


Achieved 100 % 


Kenya 


Mabanga ATC Kenya, Ministry of Agriculture Kenya, Ministry of Agriculture Southern Sudan, 

Department of Research and Development Tanzania, Kenya Seed Company 

Progress/Results: Regional Sub-humid Sorghum Evaluation: Regional Sub-humid sorghum variety 

trials were established at Alupe in Busia and Mabanga ATC in Bungoma county western Kenya. The 

trial at Mabanga was run in collaboration with Kenya Seed Comapany (KSC) and comprised of 25 

lines bred for sub-humid areas, prone to high incidences of leaf diseases, grain molds and stem borers. 

As earlier indicated the season at Alupe was below average hence the lines performed below their 

potential with grain yield range of the best 10 lines being 1.390 to 1.746 t/ha compared to Mabanga 

site which had the best 10 lines yield between 3.511 to 5.200 t/ha. Inspite of the low yields at Alupe, 4 

lines (IESV 92041 SH, IS 21055, IESV 92022/1 SH and IS 25395) gave better grain yield than the 

local (Nakhadabo) and improved (Seredo) checks. At Mabanga, IESV 94025SH, IS 21018, IS 8887 

out-yielded the commercial check, Seredo. The 4 highest grain yielding varieties at both locations also 

had grain yields higher than IESV 92033 SH which was entered into NPT in 2010 by Kenya Seed 

Company. 

The trial was also conducted at Bur Payam Eastern Equatorial of Southern Sudan in the season 2010 

where 27 sorghum varietal lines and a local check were augmented in a trial with an objective of 

evaluating their adaptation and the yield aspects. The trial was replicated three times in 4 rows of 4 m 

length with an inter row spacing of 0.75 m and intra row spacing of 0.2m using RCBD trial design. 

The trial was rain fed. Data was collected from the 2 centre rows of each plot as per the trial protocol 

on Seedling vigour(1-5) ,stand after thinning, date to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), disease 

damage score (1-9), insect damage score (1-9), agronomic score (1-5), plant stand at harvest, grain 

weight (gm), 100 seed mass (gm), lodging and the number of tillers. 

186

The results of the trial were subjected to statistical analysis using Genstat 12 and the following traits 

showed a highly significant difference at 95% confidence interval; plant height, seed mass and the 

overall disease score. The average plant height of the varieties under study was 168 cm with a range of 

113 cm- 254 cm in IESV 23017 DL and Local check respectively. The average disease score in the 

trial was 3.3 with a range of 1-7 with the most resistant and susceptible varieties being ICSR 161 and 

IESV 92043 DL respectively. The average seed size was 2.21 gm with a range of 1.433 -3.3 gms in 

100 seeds. 

Elite sorghum trial: The trial had 25 selections from advanced sorghum germplasm lines selected from 

Busia/Siaya/Teso germplasm during the 2009 short rains season and planted at Alupe in 2010 long 

rainy season. Siaya 46-2 had the highest grain yield of 4.244 t/ha with good overall leaf disease score 

(4.6) whereas the improved Seredo and IS 8193 had yields of 3.984 (disease score 5.0) and 3.627 

(disease score 5.4) t/ha respectively. 

Hybrid Test cross Evaluation: 416 test cross sorghum hybrids made in 2009/10 short rainy season were 

evaluated at Kiboko to determine fertility restoration. Data were also collected on seedling vigour , 

stand after thinning, date to 50% flowering, plant height, percent seed set, disease and insect damage, 

number of productive tillers, panicle exertion, panicle length, panicle width, panicle shape, presence of 

awns at maturity, agronomic score, grain weight , 100 seed mass, glume color, grain covering, seed 

and plant color. Preliminary results showed the hybrids flowering between 59 and 88 days after sowing 

with the best hybrids giving grain yields between 5.00 and 8.00 t/ha. 135 hybrids attained over 98% 

fertility restoration of which 121 have been put into a preliminary yield trial and planted at Kiboko 

(Kenya), and Miwaleni, and Ukiriguru in Tanzania. 

Sorghum Preliminary variety Evaluation Trial: 99 sorghum lines were evaluated at Miwaleni; Moshi 

district of Tanzania during the 2010 season. Quantitative data from Miwaleni were subjected to 

ANOVA and three traits (Number of tillers, plant height, and plant stand) showed significant 

difference at p=0.05. High variability was observed in number of tillers (0- 4 tillers), plant height 

(mean 91.6- 205 cm). The earliest variety to flower was ZSV 3 at 31 days after sowing and the latest, 

the local check at 78 days after sowing. Mean days to 50% flowering was 66 days after planting. The 

mean grain yield was 2.366 tons/ha with a yield range of 0.333- 5.667 tons/ha for IESV 91038 DL and 

IESV 92028 DL respectively. Nine varieties IESV 92028 DL, IESV 92008 DL, IESV 23007 DL, IESV 

92001 DL, IESV 92021 DL, IESV 92207 DL, Kaguru x Macia-3-1-1-3-1, IESV 23006 DL and KAT 

487 attained grain yields above 4.00 t/ha well above the local check yield of 1.333 t/ha. Forty seven 

lines with grain yields above trial mean (2.37 t/ha) shall be put into an advanced trial next season. The 

trial was also sent to Ethiopia and Eritrea and results are still awaited. 

Regional Drought tolerant sorghum trial: The regional drought tolerant trial kit was established in 

Kenya (Kiboko) and in Tanzania (Hombolo) in 2009 and results were reported in 2009 archival. The 

same trial was planted at Miwaleni Tanzania in 2010. All the test varieties outperformed the local 

check. Fifteen best yielding varieties had grain mean yields ranging from 2.556 ( SP 993515) to 4.056 

(IESV 23005 DL) t/ha against the check yield of 0.889 t/ha. Compared to data from Hombolo and 

Kiboko (2009) varieties IESV 23004 DL, IESV 23011 DL and IESV 23007 DL performed well across 

the 3 locations. 

Low Temperature Tolerant Sorghum Evaluation: The evaluation targets the high altitude areas of 

eastern Africa where low temperatures negatively affect seed set. The materials were selected from a 

collection of eastern Africa high altitude sorghum germplasm and cold tolerant lines bred by 

ICRISAT-Nairobi. The trial had 25 lines and they were evaluated at Elgon Downs farm in Kitale 

(towards north western Kenya) in collaboration with KSC. Already KSC has entered one cold tolerant 

variety (BM 27) into the NPT in 2010. Four lines Abaleshya (3.511 t/ha), IESV 91069 LT (2.978 t/ha), 

MB 29 (2.800 t/ha) and MB 30 (2.800 t/ha) had grain yields higher than BM 27 (2.756 t/ha) and the 

check variety E 1291 (2.356 t/ha) 

Preliminary Finger millet Trial: The trial comprising of 144 entries selected from global core collection 

that had been screened in 2005/6 and established at Alupe to evaluate for grain yield and blast reaction. 

Overall Blast rating was done on a 1-9 scale. Blast incidence was lower than usual (range 1.5 for KNE 

689 to 8.0 in IE # 6533 and KNE # 6546) owing to low humidity occasioned by poor rainfall, with 

grain yields ranging from 0.375 t/ha (IE 2006) to 3.020 t/ha (IE 2047). The highest yielding lines with 

187

good blast tolerance were IE 2047, IE 4121, KNE 758, IE 5066, IE 3165, IE 6294, IE 4115, IE 2590, 

IE 2619, IE 4047, IE 4192, KNE 688, IE 4122,IE 4118, IE 2633, Gulu E, IE 3827, IE 4997, IE 2457 

and IE 3779. Selections were done based on grain yield and blast scores (< 4.0). A total of 64 

selections were made and these have been put into a regional trial and planted at Alupe in the 2010SR 

season, Serere- Uganda (2010SR) and Uyole - Tanzania (Jan 2011). 


HOPE project 


Output target 2010 4.2.7: Segregating medium duration pigeonpea populations with large round 

grains and traits associated with insect pest tolerance developed (2010) 


Crosses were made between parents with high yielding, large grains and pest tolerant genotypes and 

achieved 100 % targets. 


Kenya 


ICRISAT-Nairobi 


Large round grains are preferred in ESA both in terms of superior milling quality and consumer 

acceptance. Pest tolerance in field as well as storage conditions provides greater relief to farmers, seed 

producers and traders with ease in handling. To attain this goal crosses were made between parents 

with high yielding, large grains and pest tolerant genotypes. 

Crosses were made between ICEAP 00040 (long duration, wilt tolerant, good grain type) and 

Mthwajuni; Acc 88 and ICEAP 00576-1(long duration, wilt tolerant, good grain type) to incorporate 

pest tolerance from Mthwajuni (Malawian germplasm) and Acc 88(Tanzanian germplasm) to 

incorporate pest tolerance. 

After two rounds of evaluation, 21 progenies showed promise from segregating populations of cross 

between ICEAP 00040 x Mthwajuni and planted them at Kabete for further evaluation and selection. 

The segregating population showed genetic diversity for grain yield, pod hairyness (linked with pest 

tolerance), 100 seed mass, seed colour and seed shape. Some progenies were relatively uniform with 

some promise when compared to both the parents, these will be further tested for confirmation. 

Progenies of medium duration and wilt tolerant genotypes (ICEAPs 00554, 00557) and pest tolerant 

Mthwajuni (Malawian germplasm) are being evaluated at Kiboko. 


Nil 

SN Silim, NVPR Ganga Rao, M Somo and P Kaloki 

Output target 2010 4.2.7. At least 5 kg nuclear seed of each of 15 varieties in Regional Trials 

produced annually from 2008 to 2011 as source for breeder seed and entries for collaborative trials 

with NARS in ESA 


100% achieved as nuclear seed was produced in all the targeted countries 





Institute Tanzania. Institute of Agricultural Research Nampula, Mozambique 

188

Nuclear seed remains the only source of breeder seed production as well as source of entries for 

collaborative trials with NARS in ESA. Therefore to increase seed availability, seed multiplication 

activities of promising entries in the regional trials were carried out on-station. 


1. In Malawi, a total of 191 elite lines were produced with yield ranging from 5 kgs to 80 kgs. 

2. in Tanzania the following nuclear seed was produced ICGV-SM 99555 (10 kg), ICGV-SM 

99557 (10kg), ICGV SM 03521 (5kg) and ICGV SM 00537 (5 kg) 

3. In Mozambique the following nuclear seed was produced Nametil (20 kg), Mamane (30 kg), 

JL 24 (25 kg), ICGV-SM 99541 (54 kg), ICGV-SM 99568 (40 kg), and CG 9 (50 kg) 



E S Monyo, O Mponda, A Chamango and M Amane 

Output target 2010 4.2.8: At least 5 kg nuclear seed of each of 15 varieties in Regional Trials 

produced annually from 2008 to 2011 as source for breeder seed and entries for collaborative trials 

with NARS in ESA. 


100% achieved as all the targeted seed quantities were produced. 


Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda 


KARI, NaSSARI Uganda, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Ministry of 

Agriculture south Sudan, 

Progress /Results: 

In the year 2010 we had 9 sets of 28 entries for the regional sorghum variety trials for the dry lowlands 

and 6 sets of 25 entries for the sub-humid sent to Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya ; 8 sets for the sorghum 

hybrid trials with 16 entries sent to Kenya, Ethiopia and Southern Sudan; 3 sets of 25 entries for the 

sweet stalk sorghum to Kenya and Uganda. For the open pollinated varieties there were 66 entries and 

seed production of these together with additional materials were multiplied in Kiboko Kenya and a 

minimum of 5kgs of each is maintained for experimentation as well as provisos to partners as may be 

requested. 

Output target 2010 4.2.8. At least 1 ton breeder seed of 3 released farmer/market preferred 

groundnut varieties in ESA produced annually from 2008 to 2011 as source for foundation seed for 

collaborating NARS and other partners 


100% achieved and seed of various classes are available for all crops 





Institute Tanzania. Institute of Agricultural Research Nampula, Mozambique 

Lack of seed of improved varieties remains one of the key constraints to groundnut production. To 

ensure enough availability of foundation seed there is need to strengthen breeder seed production of 

the farmer preferred varieties. This will also ensure constant supply of breeder seed to the 

collaborating partners. In view of this breeder seed production activities were carried out on-station. 

189

Achievements. 

1. The following breeder seed quantities were produced: 

a. In Malawi: ICGV-SM 90704 (1 560 kg), CG 7 (1340kg), ICGV-SM 99568 

(12049kg), ICG 12991 (320kg), JL 24 (800kg), ICGV 93437 (520kg for 

Zimbabwe). 

b. In Tanzania: ICGMS 33 (4000kg), ICGV-SM 01721 (250kg), ICGV-SM 83708 

(400kg) and ICGV-SM 99557 (100kg) 

c. In Mozambique: ICG 12991 (850kg), ICGV-SM 90704 (430kg). ICGV-SM 99541 

(450kg), ICGV 99568 (320kg), JL 24 (300kg), CG 7 (110kg) 

2. The following quantities of foundation seed was produced by ICRISAT and partners in ESA 

a. In Malawi: ICGV-SM 90704 (39,432 kg), ICGV-SM 99568 (13,335kg) 

b. In Tanzania: ICGMS 33 (54,000kg) 

c. In Mozambique: ICG 12991 (950kg), ICGV-SM 90704 (900kg). JL 24 (3300kg) 



E S Monyo, O Mponda, A Chamango and M Amane 

Output target 2010 4.2.9: At least 1 t breeder seed of 3 released farmer/market preferred varieties in 

ESA produced annually from 2008 to 2011 as source for foundation seed for collaborating NARS and 

other partners 


100% achieved 


Tanzania, Zimbabwe 


Department of Research and Development, FAO, Department of Research and Specialist Services 

(DR&SS) 

Progress/ Results: 

The three most popular sorghum varieties in the ESA region are Macia, Gadam , KARI Mtama 1 and 

these are increasingly demanded because they meet the food, feed and brewing specifications and the 

two Macia and Gadam are early and therefore adapt well to the frequents droughts experienced in the 

region. The seed production for the three varieties were over and above the Output target target (Macia 

1.2t produced at Miwaleni station in Tanzania; 800kgs of Gadam el Hamam in Miwaleni and Kiboko 

stations and 300kgs of KARI Mtama 1 at Kiboko. The total amount is at 2.3 t. There were 18 t of 

foundation seed of sorghum variety Macia produced in Tanzania at the Miwaleni station 

ESA-Bulawayo: Foundation Seed Production in Zimbabwe: Good seed is one of the most important 

primary inputs needed for good crop production. In Zimbabwe, smallholder farming has become the 

major player in the country’s crop production. However, limited access by smallholder farmers to good 

seed, and seed availability problems continue to suppress crop production progress under smallholder 

farming. The International Crops Research Institute of the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in 

Zimbabwe, with financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), initiated 

foundation seed production of four crops, Cowpeas, Groundnuts, Sorghum and Pearl Millet. We 

believe that this initiative will also help advance the genetic purity of seeds substantially, as well as 

arresting the loss of vigor over time. This project started in 2009. The Crops Breeding Institute (CBI), 

part of the Government’s Research and Specialist Services with mandate to produce foundation seed of 

varieties released in Zimbabwe is a partner in this project and provided 5kg of seed of each of the three 

varieties of cowpea (CBC1, CBC2 and CBC3). From the 5kg of each of these cowpea varieties, we 

managed to produce close to 2 tons of cowpea foundation seed. In the second season of seed production 

(2009/2010), ICRISAT-Bulawayo has produced 10100 kg of sorghum seed, 9418kg of pearl millet 

seed, and 4000kg of cowpea seed. In 2010/1011 season, hectares planted for groundnuts, cowpeas, 

pearl millet are shown. In addition, during the season 2010/2011, released sorghum and pearl millet 

190

varieties have been grown to regenerate seed and increase seed for those varieties that are low in seed 

stock 


Output 4.3: New knowledge of the QTLs for the stay green and drought tolerance traits confirmed, 

and marker assisted selection efficiency improved, and specific abiotic stress tolerant varieties and 

associated knowledge for sorghum, pearl millet and groundnuts developed and disseminated in 

ESA with associated capacity development 

Output target 2010 4.3.3. At least 1 backcross population for each farmer preferred variety 

incorporating one or more sources of disease (GRD, ELS, rust) resistance or drought tolerance for use 

in marker assisted backcross improvement 


50% 

Markers to use in MABC have not been identified , however BC2 generations incorporating 

GRV,ELS and Rust resistance were implemented 




ICRISAT Malawi, Chitedze Agricultural Research Station Malawi. 


1. The work through TL1 to identify markers for use in MABC has not given us this tool to use 

in ESA. However we proceeded to the production of second backcross generation 

incorporating GRV, ELS and Rust resistance into farmer preferred adapted varieties in ESA – 

using conventional breeding. This included ICGMS 33 (Pendo) for Tanzania, JL 24 

(Kakoma), Chalimbana and ICGV-SM 83708 (CG 7) for Malawi. We also completed the 

production of F4 generation of 9 populations; 3 for GRV, 2 for ELS, and 4 for Rust which will 

be phenotyped and genotyped through TL1 with the objective of identification of appropriate 

markers for use in MABC. 

2. We also produced F2 populations of four West African farmer-preferred varieties, 55-437, 

Fleur 11, 47-10 and ICGV 86124 with the ESA GRV and ELS sources of resistance. These 

are intended for use in MABC when reliable markers for these traits become available through 

TL1 

3. A back cross for ELS diallel crosses focusing on the mode of gene action for ELS resistance 

has been developed at ICRISAT Malawi glass houses. The aim for this activity is to 

understand how resistance to ELS is inherited so as to create a more focused ELS breeding 

program. F1 s from a p (p-1) diallel mating (ELS) design developed from a 2009/10 season are 

also being advanced into F2s. 



E S Monyo, S Njoroge, Charlie, 

W Munthali and E Sichone-Chilumpha 

Output 4.4 Progress in knowledge and/or improved germplasm of nutritionally enhanced transgenic 

sorghum and biofortified germplasm with enhanced micronutrient levels available for evaluation 

Output target: 4.4.1: Documentation for risk/safety assessment for GM regulatory needs drafted: 

Achievement of Output target: 

100% 

The project was though terminated due to lack of funding. 


Kenya, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria 

191


KARI-Kenya, INERA-Burkina Faso, ARI-South Africa. 


A second set of hybrid fitness F3 population was planted in Kiboko, Kenya during the first rains of 

2010. Seed from heads from different heads were planted on rows of 4m long with spacing of 0.75 x 

0.3 between and within rows. The first 60 plants (excluding the first plant) were target per row to 

provide the data points. Agronomic data (days after planting (DAF), days after heading (DAH), plant 

height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf length and width, penducle length, panicle exertion, length 

and width) and harvest data (number of seeds, weight of 100 grains, panicle weight and yield per plant 

were taken and averaged to give the data per head; which was used for analysis. Genotypes were 

grouped according to mating types:- Wild x Cultivated (W x C), Cultivated x Wild (C x W), wild selfed 

(W x W) and cultivated Selfed (C x C). Mating types were subjected to one way ANOVA and 

correlation. Only agronomic data is being presented 

Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences for all the traits among the breeding types. 

Differences were noted between the cultivated parents (Cult x Cult) and the hybrids (Cult x Wild and 

Wild x Cult) and wild parents (Wild xWild). No significant differences were however noted between 

the wild parents; and the Wild x Cult hybrids, implying that at F 2 hybrids were not superior to the wild 

parents. These results are in agreement with earlier results from the same F3 populations grown in 

2008/2009 and follows similar patterns as in the F1s and F2s earlier evaluated. 

Special Project Funding: Africa Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) project 

Henry Ojulong, M Mgonja, E Manysa, P Sheunda and J Kibuka 

Output 5: Technological options and knowledge to reduce aflatoxin contamination at 

different stages of the groundnut crop cycle developed and disseminated to partner NARES, 

traders and processors in ESA with associated capacity building for enhanced food and 

feed quality 

Output target 2010 4.5.1. Role of variety/genotype contribution to aflatoxin control documented in 

groundnut in ESA 


100% achieved as the two trials were conducted and conditions favoring aflatoxin were identified 




ICRISAT Malawi, Chitedze Agricultural Research Station Malawi. 

There is growing concern over the danger posed by exposure to aflatoxin on human and livestock 

health. For the past decade, incidences of aflatoxin contamination in produce above safety limits has 

become a barrier to international trade to European markets.. However, studies have shown that good 

cultural practices like early planting and water management through use of tied ridges have a 

significant effect in controlling aflatoxin contamination. In addition, use of resistant varieties remains 

a viable option to many farmers. 

Two trials were conducted with the objective of identification of new sources of resistance to 

aflatoxin production in groundnuts. One was a pot trial with treatments that simulated drought stress 

through termination of watering towards the end of the season, compared to the control which was 

well watered. The second experiment was a field trial but planted late (1 month late) ensuring the 

plants would be exposed to water stress at the end of the season, compared to control plants planted at 

the onset of rains and maturing before end-of-season water stress 

Progress: 

1. In the potted trial, aflatoxin levels varied from 0 – 36 ppb in the well watered treatment. 

Resistant cultivar J11 had an average aflatoxin contamination of 2ppb. However, under 

water stress, aflatoxin contamination in susceptible varieties were as high as 825 ppb 

192

compared to 97 ppb in J11. Other resistant varieties in the study included: Monir 240-30, U 

4-47-7, U 4-7-5 and VRR 245 all of which scored 0 ppb. In the field trials, aflatoxin 

contamination in J11 averaged 4 ppb and ranged from 0 ppb – 996 ppb among 36 entries 

evaluated. Resistant sources identified included: ICGV 91329 (0.7 ppb), ICGV 91298 (2.8 

ppb), ICGV 91322 (4.4 ppb), ICGV 93293 (7.5 ppb). 

2. A hybridization program was initiated between farmer adapted popular varieties with known 

sources of resistance to aflatoxin as a basis of working towards improving these varieties for 

aflatoxin resistance. 

3. We wrote a proposal to START, seeking funding for setting up a aflatoxin screening facility. 

Decision on funding is going to be made sometime in February 2011 and we should have it 

operational in a few months if we get the funds 

4. We requested for additional funding from McKnight foundation to support Ethel Chilumpha 

(ICRISAT technician) for training in the detection of toxigenic Aspergillus spp at IITA. 

Funding was approved and the technician will travel to IITA in March 2011. 

Special Project funding: McKnight Foundation 

E S Monyo, S Njoroge, E Sichone-Chilumpha and W Munthali 

Output target 2011 4.5.1. Farmer-friendly literature in vernacular languages (Swahili and Chichewa) 

on improved groundnut varieties and integrated crop management technologies available to farmers in 



100% as 2700 flyers on improved varieties and 3000 flyers on recommended 

Practices were delivered during field days and. 5000 flyers, leaflets, and brochures were distributed 

during the 2010 International Trade Fare in Blantyre, Malawi. 


Malawi, and Tanzania 




Makutopora Research Station Tanzania, Masasi District Council Tanzania, Dodoma District Council 

Tanzania, Chamwino District Council Tanzania, Department of Crop Development (DCD), 

Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA). 

Information plays a crucial role in technology dissemination. Efforts were made to develop and print 

farmer friendly literature in the vernacular languages of Chichewa and Swahili for Malawi and 

Tanzania, respectively. In Malawi a total of 2700 flyers on improved varieties and 3000 flyers on 

recommended cultural practices were distributed during field days held in conjunction with NARS. 

5000 flyers, leaflets, and brochures were distributed during the 2010 International Trade Fare in 

Blantyre, Malawi. 


Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, McKnight Foundation, EU Food Security Program for Malawi 

E S Monyo, O Mponda, A Chamango, E Sichone-Chilumpha, 

H Charlie, W Munthali and P Kamwendo 

Output target 2010: 4.5.2. Pre-harvest and post harvest aflatoxin control measures implemented in at 

least 2 countries in an annual basis by 2010 


100% achieved as three strategies were tested for the management of aflatoxin contamination of 

groundnut and these were coupled with training of frontline staff from two major groundnuts districts. 


Malawi, and Tanzania 

193



Association (NASFAM) Malawi, CARE Malawi, 


Aflatoxin contamination remains a challenge in groundnut production. Groundnut is prone to infection 

by Aspegillus flavus and therefore to aflatoxin contamination, before and after harvest. Unfortunately, 

few farmers know little about the control measures. Aflatoxin contamination in farmers’ fields is 

enhanced with increased moisture stress. Under water stress, groundnuts develop cracks, which 

predispose the pods to infection by Aspergillus spp. and therefore to aflatoxin contamination.. 

Three strategies were tested for the management of aflatoxin contamination of groundnut through use 

of three management options; varieties (resistant, J11 versus susceptible, ICGV-SM 99568), time of 

planting (early versus late) and water management (box versus open ridges). The trial was a 2 x 2 x 2 

factorial arrangement laid out in a randomized complete block design. Each plot had 4 ridges 

measuring 10 m long and plants spaced at 0.75 m between rows and 0.10 m between planting stations 

giving a total area of 240 m 2 . Treatments with box ridges, ridges were boxed every 2m. 

The other strategy tested was training frontline staff from two major groundnuts producing districts – 

Lilongwe and Kasungu at a workshop. The third strategy was to conduct a study on the occurrence and 

distribution of aflatoxin contamination in Malawi and developed a GIS based risk map for pre-harvest 

and post harvest aflatoxin contamination for Malawi. 

Major findings 

• Results showed that J11 (resistant variety) had lower levels of aflatoxin contamination than 

ICGV-SM 99568 (susceptible variety), 137 and 295 ppb, respectively, and early planting had 

lower levels than late planting, 181 and 251 ppb, respectively. Similarly, treatments with box 

ridges had lower levels of aflatoxin contamination that those with open ridges, 167 and 244 

ppb, respectively. 

• Use of box ridges coupled with early planting produced higher yield than in treatments with 

open ridges coupled with late planting, 834kg/ha and 731kg/ha respectively for ICGV-SM 

99568 and 603kg/ha and 380kg/ha respectively for J 11 

• A 4 day training of frontline staff workshop was organized for two major groundnuts 

producing districts – Lilongwe and Kasungu from 30 th June – 10 th July with a session for each 

district. A total of 27 NARES from different Agricultural Extension Planning Areas, District 

Health Offices and NASFAM Field Officers attended. The training involved presentations on 

health risks of aflatoxin to human, the groundnuts production chain, critical points for 

intervention to manage and control aflatoxin contamination and aflatoxin as a trade barrier. 

The presentations were followed by group discussions on the topics and individual 

assignments to gauge the understanding of the trainees. The participants finally developed an 

action plan tackling three main issues: Lack of awareness, training materials and knowledge of 

management tactics. It was obvious that more training sessions are required if the problem of 

aflatoxin is to be known, understood and action taken 

• We worked with partners and stakeholders to jointly investigate factors influencing aflatoxin 

contamination in groundnuts. Important risk factors included three or more weeks drought 

during pod formation ,high moisture or relative humidity above 83% at 30 o C, and length of 

incubation period. Others are rainfall at the end of the growing season that postpones harvest 

and prevents dry-down, grains with moisture levels above 9% at temperatures 28 to 33 o C. Preand 

postharvest grain damage by insects, rodents, birds, also predispose grains to colonization 

by the fungus and aflatoxin contamination. 

• We implemented a study on the occurrence and distribution of aflatoxin contamination in 

Malawi and developed a GIS based risk map for pre-harvest and post harvest aflatoxin 

contamination.. A. flavus is widely distributed across all groundnut production areas of 

Malawi. The distribution varies from 0 to 273,000 cfu / gram of soil in Chikwawa. 

Chikwawa district had the highest aflatoxin contamination – of 16,108 cfu/ gram of soil, 

followed by Lilongwe at 9,833 cfu/ g soil and Salima at 6767 cfu / gram of soil. The least 

contaminated district was Mzimba at 828 cfu / gram soil. Aflatoxin contamination in 

groundnuts also was higher in Chikwawa. Among major groundnut growing districts, the 

highest distribution of contamination, from high to low, was found in Chikwawa, Salima, 

194

Kasungu, Ntcheu, Mulanje, Nchisi, Nkhotakhota, Mchinji, Dowa, and Lilongwe. Though there 

was a good relationship between A.flavus contamination levels in the soil with aflatoxin 

contamination in the crop, the relationship was not a perfect fit because of a higher potential 

for post harvest contamination in zones that were more prone to end of season rains. 


McKnight Foundation and EU Food Security Program for Malawi 

E S Monyo, S. Njoroge, E Sichone-Chilumpha, H Msere, 

A Chamango, H Charlie, W Munthali and P Kamwendo 

2009: 4.5.3. Farmer Field School concept used with participatory farmer variety selection in adaptive 

trials to provide input into groundnut breeding and promote aflatoxin control practices in 2 ESA 

countries from 2009 


100% achieved as the number of FFS tripled to 360 attracting a total of 10,264 households 







The farmer field school approach is an effective way of transferring technology to farmers in a 

participatory manner. It assumes that farmers already have a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

Field schools try to focus on basic processes through field observations, season-long research studies, 

and hands-on activities. It has been found that when farmers have learned about the basics, combined 

with their own experiences and needs, they make decisions that are effective. When farmers have this 

basic knowledge they are better clients for extension and research systems because they have more 

specific questions and demands. It is against this background that the concept was used in Kasungu 

district, Malawi in an effort to reach many farmers with improved technologies. 

It was planned that by 2010 a total of 120 field schools each with up to 30 members will be operational. 

But due to the overwhelming response in the community the number of FFS tripled to 360 attracting a 

total of 10,264 households. Through the FFS farmers were equipped with knowledge on the new 

improved varieties as well as recommended control measures in reducing aflatoxin contamination. The 

concept was implemented through a partnership project which was implemented with CARE Malawi. 

Farmers will use FFS experience to help other farmers to learn about improved groundnut varieties as 

well as aflatoxin control measures such as water management and modern ways of drying (ventilated 

stacking). Through FFS we achieved the promotion of long-term sustainable seed availability by 

establishing local community seed banks among 1872 households in Malawi and linking them to 

commercial seed and grain marketers. 


McKnight Foundation and EU Food Security Program for Malawi 

E S Monyo, S. Njoroge, P Kamwendo A Chamango, 

H Charlie, W Munthali and E Sichone-Chilumpha 

195



Producing more and better food at lower cost of staple cereal and legume 

hybrids in the Asian SAT (sorghum, pearl millet and pigeonpea) through 

genetic improvement 

KN Rai 

I. Sorghum 

Output 5A: Hybrid parents and breeding lines of sorghum, pearl millet and pigeonpea with high yield 

potential and pro-poor traits in diverse and elite backgrounds, for specific target markets, production 

environments and research application made available biennially (from 2008) to defined partners with 

associated knowledge and capacity building in the Asian SAT 

Activity 5A.1.1: Develop and characterize a diverse range of improved parental lines 

Milestone 5A.1.1.1: Ten male-sterile lines and five restorer lines with high yield and large grain developed 

(BVSR, 2010) 

Hybrids are popular with the farmers due to heterosis for grain yield and adaptation. Bold grain hybrids (>2.5 g 

of 100-grain mass) are desirable. Hybrid parents improved for grain yield with appropriate grain size are 

required to develop improved hybrids. 

The result of evaluation of B-lines that were completely converted into A-lines and R-lines in the postrainy 

season, 2009 and rainy season, 2010 are presented here. The plot size was 2 rows of 2 m length with 75 cm 

between the rows and 10 cm between the plants in a row. Selections were made based on yield superiority over 

the best check and bold grain size (100 grain weight >2.5 g). 

A. Dual- purpose A/B-lines development for rainy season adaptation: 

Postrainy season evaluation: 

Advanced A 1 -based B-lines trial (ABTA 1 ): Thirteen maintainers of A 1 cytoplasm selected from the 

preliminary and advanced A 1 CMS-based B-line trials during the 2008 postrainy season were evaluated along 

with two checks (296B and ICSB 52) in ABTA 1 during the 2009 rainy and postrainy seasons. The grain yield 

among the B-lines ranged from 3.5 to 6.3 t ha -1 [trial mean: 4.6 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 0.8]. The B-line, SP07 54425-1 

with a grain yield of 6.3 t ha -1 was significantly superior to both the checks, 296B and ICSB 52, by 85% and 

26%, respectively. 

Advanced A 2 -based B-lines trial (ABTA 2 ): Fifteen maintainers of A 2 cytoplasm selected from the preliminary 

and advanced A 2 CMS-based B-line trials during the 2008 postrainy season were evaluated along with two 

checks (296B and ICSB 52) in ABTA 2 during the 2009 rainy and postrainy seasons. Two B-lines, SP07 54819-1 

(7.4 t ha -1 ) and SP07 54809-1 (6.6 t ha -1 ), were significantly superior to both the checks, 296B (3.6 t ha -1 ) and 

ICSB 52 (5.3 t ha -1 ) for grain yield with yield superiority of 25 to 40% over the best check, ICSB 52 [trial mean: 

5.3 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.0]. 

Preliminary B-lines (A 1 cytoplasm based) trial (PBTA 1 ): Maintainers (B-lines) of 55 newly developed malesterile 

lines with A 1 CMS system were evaluated along with two checks (296B and ICSB 52) in PBTA 1 during 

the 2009 postrainy season. Forty-five B-lines with a grain yield ranging from 2.9 to 6.7 t 

ha -1 were numerically superior to the check 296B (2.8 t ha -1 ) of which twelve B-lines were superior to ICSB 52 

(5.7 t ha -1 ) by 4 to 18% [trial mean: 4.3 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.6]. 

Preliminary B-lines (A 2 cytoplasm based) trial (PBTA 2 ) : Maintainers (B-lines) of 34 newly developed malesterile 

lines with A 2 CMS system were evaluated along with two checks (296B and ICSB 52) in PBTA 2 during 

the 2009 postrainy season. SP 27951 (6.6 t ha -1 ) was significantly superior to the best performing check ICSB 

52 (4.9 t ha -1 ) by 35% and six B-lines with a grain yield ranging from 5.5 to 6.6 t ha -1 were significantly 

superior to the popular B-line check, 296B (3.8 t ha -1 ) by 45 to 74% [trial mean: 4.4 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.5]. 

Rainy season evaluation: 

Advanced A 1 B-lines trial (ABTA 1 ): Maintainers of 31 male-sterile lines with A 1 cytoplasm selected from the 

PBTA 1 and ABTA 1 during the 2009 postrainy season were evaluated in ABTA 1 along with the check 296B 

during the 2010 rainy season. Fourteen B-lines with a grain yield of 1.9 to 2.6 t ha -1 were significantly superior 

196

to the check, 296B (1.3 t ha -1 ) for grain yield [trial mean: 1.74 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 0.51]. All these B-lines were 

tolerant to grain mold with threshed grain mold rating (TGMR) ranging from 2.0 to 3.7 compared to the 

susceptible check, 296B (TGMR: 4.3 on 1 to 9 scale where 1 = no molds and 9 = >90% grain surface area 

covered with molds). 

Advanced A 2 B-lines trial (ABTA 2 ): Nineteen maintainers on A 2 cytoplasm selected from the PBTA 2 and ABT 

during the 2009 postrainy season were evaluated in ABTA 2 along with the check 296B during the 2010 rainy 

season. Three B-lines with a grain yield of 2.1 to 2.8 t ha -1 were significantly superior to 296B (1.5 t ha -1 ) for 

grain yield [trial mean: 1.5 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 0.4]. The TGMR score ranged from 2.0 to 2.7 among these lines 

(296B: 3.3). 

Preliminary A 1 B-lines trial (PBTA 1 ): Maintainers (B-lines) of 83 newly developed male-sterile lines with A 1 

CMS system were evaluated along with two checks (296B and ICSB 444) in an augmented design during the 

2010 rainy season. Twenty B-lines with grain yield ranging from 1.8 t ha -1 to 2.8 t ha -1 were significantly 

superior to both the checks, 296B (1.1 t ha -1 ) and ICSB 444 (1.5 t ha -1 ) for grain yield [trial mean: 1.4 t ha -1 , lsd 

(5%): 0.3]. The 20 B-lines flowered in 65 to 76 days, had a plant height of 1.4 to 2.1m, grain weight of 1.8 to 

2.5 g 100 -1 grains and a TGMR score of 1 to 4. The B-lines SP 20415 and SP 20637 with a TGMR score 1 were 

more tolerant to grain mold. 

B. Dual-purpose R-line development for rainy season adaptation 

From the hybrid parent development program for rainy season adaptation, promising F 5 progenies with restorer 

reaction on A 1 and/or A 2 CMS systems were evaluated in replicated yield trials, Preliminary R-lines trial (PRT), 

Advanced R-lines trial (ART) and Elite R-lines trial (ERT) during the both rainy and postrainy seasons. The 

details are: 

Postrainy season evaluation: 

White colored advanced R-lines trial (WCART): Eleven R-lines with white colored grains selected from the 

preliminary R-line trial, advanced R-lines trial and dual (both A 1 and A 2 ) R-line trial evaluated during the 2008 

postrainy season were reevaluated in WCART during the 2009 postrainy season along with the checks RS 29, 

ICSR 89058, M 35-1 and ICSB 52. Three R-lines FDRT 5, ERT 3 and PRT 45, with grain yield ranging from 

5.6 to 6.6 t ha -1 were significantly superior to the best check, RS 29 (2.6 t ha -1 ) by 115 to 153% [trial mean: 2.9 t 

ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.8]. These R-lines had grain weight of 2.2 to 3.4 g 100 -1 grains and flowered in 77 days. 

Cream colored advanced R-lines trial (CCART): Eighteen R-lines with cream colored grains selected from 

the preliminary R-line trial, advanced R-line trial and dual R-line trial evaluated during the 2008 postrainy 

season were reevaluated in CCART during the 2009 postrainy season along with the checks RS 29, ICSR 89058, 

M 35-1 and ICSB 52. The R-line, SP07 93383, with a grain yield of 6.7 t ha -1 was numerically superior and 

comparable to the best check, RS 29 (6.5 t ha -1 ) [trial mean: 3.3 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.8]. It flowered in 81 days, had 

a height of 1.4m and grain weight of 2.7 g 100 -1 grains. 

White colored preliminary R-lines trial (WCPRT): Seventy-three newly developed white grain colored 

restorers of A 1 CMS system were reevaluated in a WCPRT along with the checks RS 29, ICSR 89058, M 35-1 

and ICSB 52 during the 2009 postrainy season. Eight R-lines (6.4 to 7.8 t ha -1 ) were numerically superior to the 

check, RS 29 (6.3 t ha -1 ) for grain yield [trial mean: 3.9 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 2.2]. These lines flowered in 73 to 80 

days, had a height of 1.5 to 2.2m and a grain size of 2.6 to 3.1g 100 -1 grains. 

Cream colored preliminary R-lines trial (CCPRT): Seventy-six newly developed cream grain colored 

restorers on A 1 CMS system were evaluated in a CCPRT along with the checks RS 29, ICSR 89058, M 35-1 

and ICSB 52 during the 2009 postrainy season. Three R-lines, SP09 25241-2, SP09 25231-1 and SP09 25268-1, 

with a grain yield of 7.7 to 8.0 t ha -1 was significantly superior to the best check, RS 29 (5.4 t ha -1 ) [trial mean: 

4.0 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 2.1]. These lines flowered in 74 to 75 days, had a height of 1.5 to 1.7m and a grain size of 

2.9 to 3.2g 100 -1 grains. 

White colored preliminary varieties trial (WCPVT): Sixty-four newly developed white colored varieties 

were evaluated in WCPVT during the 2009 postrainy season along with the checks SPV 1616, SPV 475, M 35- 

1 and ICSB 52. The variety SP09 25561-1 with a grain yield of 7.4 t ha -1 was significantly superior to the best 

check, SPV 1616 (5.3 t ha -1 ), while 16 varieties with grain yield ranging from 5.4 to 6.4 t ha -1 were numerically 

superior and comparable to SPV 1616 [trial mean: 3.8 t ha -1 , lsd (5%):1.8]. Among these varieties, SP09 25574- 

1 had a large grain size of 3.6g 100 -1 grains (SPV 1616: 2.8 g 100 -1 grains). It will be tested for restorer reaction. 

197

Cream colored preliminary varieties trial (CCPVT): Forty-six newly developed cream colored varieties 

were evaluated in CCPVT during the 2009 postrainy season along with the checks SPV 1616, SPV 475, M 35-1 

and ICSB 52. Three varieties SP09 25856-1, SP09 25656-1 and SP09 25640-1 with a grain yield ranging from 

5.3 to 6.6 t ha -1 was numerically superior and comparable to the best check, SPV 1616 (5.1 t ha -1 ) [trial mean: 

2.8 t ha -1 , lsd (5%):1.6]. These varieties flowered in 79 days (SPV 1616: 73 days), had a plant height of 1.4 to 

1.6 m (SPV 1616:1.9 m) and a 100-grain weight of 2.6 to 2.8 g (SPV 1616: 2.8g). They will be tested for 

restorer reaction. 

Rainy season evaluation: 

Advanced white grain colored R-lines trial (WCART): Twenty-six white grain colored R-lines selected from 

PRT and ART trials (referred above) conducted during the 2009 postrainy season were reevaluated in WCART 

during the 2010 rainy season along with the checks RS 29 and SPV 1616. Compared to the best performing 

check RS 29 (1.8 t ha -1 ), one R-line, SP 09 32317-1 (2.5 t ha -1 ) was significantly superior for grain yield and 3 

R-lines with the grain yield ranging from 1.9 to 2.0 t ha -1 were numerically superior or comparable to it [trial 

mean: 1.3 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 0.8]. The threshed grain mold resistance (TGMR) scores of the selected lines ranged 

from 1.3 to 3.0 (RS 29: 1.7). 

Advanced Cream grain colored R-lines trial (CCART): Eighteen cream grain colored R-lines selected from 

PRT and ART trials conducted during the 2009 postrainy season were reevaluated in CCART during the 2010 

rainy season along with the checks RS 29 and SPV 1616. Compared to the check RS 29 (1.1 t ha -1 ), four R-lines 

with the grain yield ranging from 1.6 to 1.9 t ha -1 were significantly superior for grain yield [trial mean: 1.22 t 

ha -1 , lsd (5%): 0.28]. The grain mold TGMR score, in the selected lines ranged from 1.3 to 2.3 (RS 29: 2.0). 

Preliminary R-lines trial (PRT): One hundred sixty-two newly developed R-lines were evaluated in PRT 

during the 2010 rainy season along with the checks RS 29 and SPV 1616 in an augmented design. Compared to 

the best performing check RS 29 (2.2 t ha -1 ), eight R-lines, with a grain yield ranging from 3.3 to 4.1 t ha -1 , were 

significantly superior for grain yield [trial mean: 1.9 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.0]. The grain mold TGMR score ranged 

among them from 1.0 to 3.0 (RS 29: 1.0). SP 21657-1 was most tolerant to grain mold with a score of 1.0 (days 

to 50% flowering: 74 days and plant height: 2.5 m). 

Advanced varieties trial (AVT): Twenty varieties selected from WCPVT and CCPVT during the 2009 

postrainy season were evaluated in AVT during the 2010 rainy season along with the check SPV 1616. One 

variety, SP09 25640 with a grain yield of 2.5 t ha -1 was numerically superior and comparable to SPV 1616 (2.4 t 

ha -1 ) [trial mean: 1.4 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 0.4]. This variety flowered in 80 days (SPV 1616: 71 days), had a plant 

height of 1.9 m (SPV 1616: 2.7 m), grain mold score of 1.7 (SPV 1616: 1.0) and a 100-grain weight of 2.6 g 

(SPV 1616: 3.0 g). It will be tested for restorer reaction. 

Preliminary varieties trial (PVT): Newly developed 215 varieties were evaluated in PVT during the 2010 

rainy season in augmented design along with the checks SPV 1616 and RS 29. Compared to the best performing 

check SPV 1616 (3.2 t ha -1 ), eight varieties, with grain yield ranging from 4.2 to 5.5 t ha -1 were significantly 

superior for grain yield [trial mean: 2.4 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 0.8]. The grain mold score in the selected lines ranged 

from 1.0 to 3.0 (SPV 1616: 3.0). The varieties, SP09 17005-1 and SP09 17046-1, were most tolerant to grain 

mold with a TGMR score of 1.0 (days to 50% flowering: 72-73 days and plant height: 1.9-2.1 m). They will be 

tested for restorer reaction. 

Belum VS Reddy, RP Thakur and Rajan Sharma 

Milestone 5A.1.1.2: Three brown midrib restorer lines with high yield and large grain developed (PSR/ BVSR, 

2010) 

Brown midrib (bmr) color is a morphological marker for low lignin. It is essential to identify the suitable bmr 

source having high biomass and digestibility for use in forage breeding as well as to develop high biomass 

sorghums amenable for lignocellulosic ethanol production as low lignin reduces processing costs. Introgressed 

lines with bmr 6 and bmr12 in different backgrounds that were imported from USDA were evaluated for 

biomass and quality in a RCBD trial with three replications (plot size 2 rows of 2 m length with 75cm between 

the rows) in 2010 rainy season along with the check RSSV 9. Selection criteria: Tall plant height, more biomass, 

bmr score 1, high grain yield, low lignin and high digestibility. 

In the entries evaluated, the days to 50% flowering ranged from 54 and 89 days. The plant height ranged from 

0.5 to 2.9 m (RSSV 9: 2.7 m). The stalk weight ranged from 6.8 to 51.5 t ha -1 (RSSV 9: 27.3 t ha -1 ). Among the 

all genotypes, highest stalk yield was recorded by IS 11861 (51.5 t ha -1 ) followed by IS 23253 (43.7 t ha -1 ) and 

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IS 23789 (43.3 t ha -1 ). Dried bmr line samples were sent to International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) for 

lignin quantity analysis. 

The lines, IS 11861, IS 23789 and IS 23253 were found to be high biomass lines. Once the results of quality 

analysis are available, 3-4 best sources of biomass and quality will be identified and used in the crossing 

program. The trial is being repeated in 2010 postrainy season for confirmation of the previous results. An 

introgression program was initiated by developing 57 F 1 s from the crosses of bmr 6 and bmr12 with high 

biomass sweet sorghum varieties in 2009 postrainy season and these are being backcrossed in 2010 postrainy 

season. 

P Srinivasa Rao and Belum VS Reddy 

Milestone 5A.1.1.3.1: Five new high-yielding and large grain male-sterile lines in diverse backgrounds 

developed (BVSR/HDU, 2010) 

A wide array of material ranging from F 2 to BC 7 stages from which a number of male-sterile lines can be 

identified in diverse backgrounds for rainy and postrainy season adaptations forms the backup materials for 

further improvement of male sterile lines for rainy and postrainy seasons adaptation. These materials were 

developed from crosses involving diverse parents from germplasm for both rainy and postrainy seasons. 

A. Dual-purpose B-line development for rainy season adaptation: 

A diverse array of progenies in various generations (F 3 s 975; F 4 s 1359 and F 5 s 34) and testcrosses and 

backcrosses in various stages and their progenies (700) were evaluated in nurseries with appropriate checks (296 

B and ICSB 101). Lines with grain yield and size better than the checks were selected. 

To diversify the hybrid parents for rainy season adaptation, from the crosses between high yielding B-lines, 

high-yielding varieties and lustrous germplasm lines, 180 F 4 s, 144 F s s and 7 F 6 s were selected based on grain 

yield and agronomic desirability during the rainy season 2010. Further, 49 BC 7 s, 4 BC 6 s and 101 BC 1 s with A 1 

cytoplasm were selected for high grain yield and rainy season adaptation. Further, 493 F 6 s were test crossed and 

advanced with selection for grain yield and agronomic desirability. 

B. Dual-purpose B-line development for postrainy season adaptation: 

During the 2009 postrainy season, the following materials were evaluated for bold, round and lustrous grain and 

high grain yield in nurseries with M 35-1 and 296 B as checks. These are: F 3 s 833; F 4 s 2377, F 5 s 373 and F 6 s 

251. Test crosses and backcrosses in various stages and their progenies (856) were evaluated in nurseries with 

appropriate checks (296 B and M 35-1) for conversion and selection. Further, a population with maintainer 

reaction with ms 3 is being developed for postrainy season adaptation to provide source materials for selection of 

B-lines for postrainy season. 

We selected 1249 F 4 s from 833 F 3 s, and a total of 1310 F 5 progenies were selected from 2377 F 4 progenies 

based on grain boldness, lustre and yield during the 2009 postrainy season. These included 

• 43 F 5 progenies derived from crosses of M 35-1R and M 35-1 bulk with HY B-lines (ICSBs 38, 93, 52, 

101) 

• 39 F 5 progenies derived from crosses between HY B-lines, M 35-1 bulk and postrainy varieties 

including Gidda Maldandi, 

• 399 F 5 progenies derived from HY B-lines, lustrous germplasm B-line derivatives × postrainy varieties, 

Gidda Maldandi, 

• 276 F 5 progenies derived from the crosses between M 35-1 bulk × Gidda Maldandi B-selections, 

• 316 F 5 progenies derived from Gidda Maldandi B-selections × M 35-1 bulk and 

• 33 F 5 progenies derived from Gidda Maldandi B-selections × postrainy varieties, 

• 12 F 5 progenies derived from Gidda Maldandi R × HY B-lines, 

• 192 F 5 progenies derived from M 35-1 bulk × HY B-lines and Gidda Maldandi B-lines. 

Further, 258 F 6 s (from 373 F 5 s) and 89 F 7 s (from 251 F 6 s) were test crossed and advanced with selection for 

grain evident traits like grain size, color and lustre. 

During the 2009 rainy season, from the conversion program, 3 BC 7 s (high yielding), 10 BC 6 s (8 Gidda 

Maldandi-based and 2 high yielding), 10 BC 4 s (high yielding and shoot fly tolerant) and 68 BC 2 s on A 1 

cytoplasm were selected for high grain yield and grain characteristics. In addition, from the crosses involving 

high yielding B-lines with lustrous germplasm lines, Gidda Maldandi, M 35-1 bulk, postrainy and high yielding 

varieties, 229 BC 1 s were selected from 856 TCs for high grain yield, grain size and lustre, and agronomic 

desirability (HOPE project activity 2.3.1A). 

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B-population (ms 3 gene): Ninety-two male steriles and 22 male fertiles were selected based on postrainy 

season adaptation grain characteristics – grain size and lustre in 2009 postrainy season, and mixed in 3:1 ratio to 

form C 2 bulk. It is being advanced in 2010 postrainy season. 

Belum VS Reddy 

Milestone 5A.1.1.3.2: Five new high sugar-yielding hybrid parents in diverse backgrounds developed (PSR/ 

BVSR/HDU, 2010) 

Sweet sorghum hybrids are popular with farmers due to heterosis for biomass, sugar yield and earliness. 

Diversification of hybrid parental lines (both B and R-lines) holds the key for exploiting desired levels of 

heterosis for sugar yield and allied traits. Owing to high GxE interaction and seasonal adaptation, the entries 

screened and selected in rainy season are being advanced to next generation for rainy season screening only and 

similar method is being followed for postrainy season. 

B-line development: 

From a total of 100 F 1 s of elite sweet stalk (RxB) crosses which were made in 2009 postrainy season between 

new sweet sorghum varieties, B-lines, germplasm lines with high stem girth, high Brix% and high biomass lines 

to develop improved sweet sorghum B-lines. Selections were made based on green stem pith and agronomic 

performance. Similarly, F 1 s (BxR) of 183 elite sweet stalk crosses made in 2009 postrainy season between new 

sweet sorghum varieties, B-lines, germplasm lines with high girth, high Brix% and high biomass to develop new 

sweet sorghum superior B-lines were advanced to F 2 . Sixteen entries from RxB crosses and 36 F 1 s from BxR 

crosses were advanced further. 

R-line development: 

The following progenies obtained from the crosses made involving sweet sorghum varieties and sweet sorghum 

germplasm lines were evaluated during the 2009 postrainy season along with checks RSSV 9 and SSV84 that 

include 1136 F 5 s (from 1136 F 4 s), 436 F 4 s (from 598 F 3 s), 438 F 3 s(from 234 F 2 s), 294 F 2 s (from 296 F 1 s) for 

high Brix%, green pith and biomass. 

Further, the following progenies derived from crossing of superior B-lines, R-lines, sweet sorghum lines and 

germplasm accessions were screened for stem juiciness, Brix%, high biomass and grain yield during the 2009 

postrainy season along with checks RSSV 9 and SSV84. A total of 294 F 2 s (from 296 F 1 s), 438 F 3 s (from 234 

F 2 s), 436 F 4 s (from 598 F 3 s) and1136 F 5 s (from 1136 F 4 s) were generated. Progenies derived from the crosses 

involving high yielding lines, B-lines, R-lines and sweet sorghum varieties were evaluated in 2010 rainy season 

along with checks RSSV 9 and SSV84 and a total of 1011 F 3 s, 784 F 4 s and 985 F 5 s and 163 F6s were generated. 

Also 500 F 1 s derived from crossing of superior B-lines, R-lines, improved sweet sorghum lines and germplasm 

accessions were screened. 

The following progenies were advanced based on stem juiciness, Brix%, high biomass and grain yield during 

the in 2009 postrainy season, 294 F 3 s, 822 F 4 s and 1135 F 5 s and 1947 F 6 s. In the rainy season 2010, 71 F 2 s, 

330F 4 s and 39 F 5 s and 64 F 6 s were selected for further screening. 

P Srinivasa Rao 

Milestone 5A.1.1.3.3: Five new high-yielding and large grain restorer lines in diverse backgrounds developed 

(BVSR/HDU, 2010) 

Dual-purpose R-line development 

Most of the restorer lines developed for rainy season adaptation are dual--purpose types with medium maturity. 

The postrainy season restorers are very limited and they all resemble M 35-1, and some of them do not restore 

fertility under low temperatures (

B. Postrainy season adaptation 

From the crosses made between postrainy R-lines, varieties, lustrous germplasm lines and M 35-1 tan lines, 218 

F 4 selections made for grain boldness, lustre and yield during the 2008 postrainy season and from the crosses 

made between postrainy variety, common R-lines (on all CMS systems), Gidda Maldandi, M 35-1 tan bulk, 292 

F 4 and 225 F 3 selections made for bold and lustrous grain were evaluated during the 2009 postrainy season in a 

nursery with M 35-1 as check. Also, 675 F 5 s and 584 F 6 s obtained from 2008 postrainy season were also 

evaluated similarly. Further 721 test crosses were also made in 2009 postrainy season for identifying restorers. 

Also, 381 F 1 s made in 2008 postrainy season were advanced in 2010 rainy season. A population with ms 3 gene 

is also being developed to provide source for selection of R-lines improved for postrainy season adaptation. 

Two hundred and sixty two F 2 s, 327 F 4 s, 259 F 5 s, 856 F 6 s and 586 advance progenies (F 7 s) derived from the 

crosses involving M 35-1 bulk, postrainy varieties including Gidda Maldandi; and from the crosses involving 

high yielding R-lines, postrainy varieties, high yielding varieties and dual R-lines were selected for grain yield 

and postrainy season adaptation. The selected progenies and testcrosses are being evaluated during the 2010 

postrainy season. (HOPE project Activities 2.5.1 to 2.5.3). 

R-population (ms 3 gene): Forty male sterile plants and 50 male fertile plants were selected based on postrainy 

grain characteristics – grain size and lustre in 2009 postrainy season and mixed in 3:1 ratio to form C 2 

population bulk. Postrainy season varieties were crossed on population male sterile plants to derive 18 F 1 s 

which are being grown individually during the 2010 postrainy season. 

Belum V S Reddy 

Milestone 5A.1.1.4.1: Four new male-sterile lines resistant each to shoot fly and grain mold in diverse 

backgrounds developed (BVSR/RPT/HCS, 2010) 

Grain mold and shoot fly are the major biotic constraints of rainy season sorghum affecting the yield and grain 

quality. Use of resistant cultivars along with other methods of control was found effective for managing grain 

mold and shoot fly in sorghum. 

Grain mold resistance donors in red and white grain backgrounds, and shoot fly resistance donors identified in 

the germplasm accessions were used in the crossing programs. The selected progenies with maintainer reaction 

are being converted into male-sterile lines. The selected advanced progenies with restorer reaction were 

evaluated in replicated trials for their grain mold and shoot fly resistance, and agronomic desirability. The 

advanced male sterile lines and restorers were evaluated both as lines per se or in hybrid combinations. 

A. Dual-purpose B-line development (Advanced) 

The B-lines that were completely converted into male-sterile lines were evaluated in replicated yield trials 

during the both rainy and postrainy season. Selections were made based on yield superiority over the best check 

and bold grain size. The results are as under. 

Postrainy season: 

Shoot fly hybrids and parents trial (SFHPT)-Postrainy season: We evaluated 18 sorghum shoot fly hybrids 

and their parents (18 hybrids, 5 B-lines and 6 R-lines and three controls – IS 18551 - shoot fly resistant, Swarna 

- shoot fly susceptible, and CSH 23 - high grain yield hybrid) in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD 

with 3 replications) for shoot fly resistance in shoot fly screening block and for agronomic performance in 

breeding block in 2009 postrainy season. The control hybrid – CSH 23 had 3.1 t ha -1 (trial mean: 4.31; SE+: 

0.48) grain yield in breeding block and 64% dead hearts (trial mean: 51.0; SE+: 13.54) in screening block. The 

susceptible control Swarna had 66 SFDH% and the resistant control IS 18551 had 16 SFDH%. Three test 

hybrids ICSA 29004 x ICSV 25263 (5.7 t ha -1 ; SFDH%: 25), ICSA 29002 x SPV 1411 (5.5 t ha -1 ; SFDH%: 33) 

and ICSA 29001 x S 35 (4.6 t ha -1 ; SFDH%: 33), had significantly higher grain yield (by 28 to 58%) over CSH 

23 and 34 to 50% less SFDH%. 

Shoot fly preliminary B-lines trial (SFPBT)-Postrainy season: We evaluated 15 postrainy season adapted 

preliminary B-line progenies (BC 7 s on A 1 ) and 7 BC 6 s on A 2, along with two controls (296B and IS 18551) as 

SFPBTA 1 and SFPBTA 2 for shoot fly resistance in screening block and for grain yield assessment in breeding 

block in 2010 postrainy season. 

Screening of B-lines for shoot fly resistance: New postrainy season B-lines (38) were evaluated along with 

three checks in a three-replicated RCBD during the 2009 postrainy season for shoot fly resistance. The B-lines 

were screened for shoot fly resistance using interlards fishmeal technique. The B-lines SP 27703 (21%) and SP 

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27719 (22%) were the top two resistant lines though numerically not superior to the checks (IS 18551: 7.5%; 

Swarna: 13%). The B-lines selected from RPBT and RLBT are being screened for shoot fly resistance in during 

the 2009 postrainy season (HOPE Project Activity 2.3.6). 

Rainy season: 

Grain mold hybrids and parents trial (GMHPT): We evaluated 22 sorghum grain mold hybrids and their 

parents (22 hybrids, 7 B-lines and 7 R-lines and four controls – IS 14384 - grain mold resistant, SPV 104 - grain 

mold susceptible, CSH 23 - high grain yield hybrid and 296 B - high grain yield B-line) in RCBD with 3 

replications for grain mold resistance in grain mold screening block under sprinkler irrigation and for agronomic 

performance in breeding block in 2010 rainy season. The control hybrid – CSH 23 had 3.2 t ha -1 grain yield 

(trial mean: 2.91; SE+: 0.30) in breeding block and panicle grain mold rating (PGMR) score 4.4 (trial mean: 

3.53; SE+: 0.58) taken on scale 1 to 9 where 1 = no mold and 9= >90% mold. Three test hybrids ICSA 29014 x 

SPV 1411 (5.6 t ha -1 ; PGMR score: 1.5), ICSA 29016 x SPV 1411 (5.0 t ha -1 ; PGMR score: 1.6) and ICSA 

29013 x SPV 1411 (4.1 t ha -1 ; PGMR score: 1.7), had significantly higher grain yield (by 15 to 60%) with lesser 

PGMR score (by 55 to 61%) over CSH 23. 

Grain mold advanced B-lines trial (GMABT-A 1 )-Rainy season: We evaluated 37 advanced B-line progenies 

(37 BC 8 s on A 1 ) along with four controls (296B, ICSB 101, SPV 104, IS 14384) as GMABTA 1 in RCBD with 3 

replications for grain mold resistance in grain mold screening block and for agronomic performance in breeding 

block in 2010 rainy season. The controls 296 B and ICSB 101, respectively had 2.0 and 3.3 t ha -1 (trial mean: 

2.65; SE+: 0.31) grain yield in breeding block and PGMR score 7.1 and 5.2 (trial mean: 3.87; SE+: 0.45) taken 

on scale 1 to 9 where 1 = no mold and 9= >90% mold in screening block evaluated under sprinkler irrigation. 

Twenty-four B-line progenies had significantly higher grain yield (by 16 to 57%) over 296 B ranging from 2.7 

to 3.6 t ha -1 with significantly less PGMR score 2.6 to 5.5 (by 18 to 64%) . . One B-line progeny (SP 43543-1) 

had better grain yield (3.6 t ha -1 ) and better PGMR score 3.9 than ICSB 101 (grain yield: 3.3 t ha -1 : PGMR: 5.2). 

Grain mold preliminary A 2- B-lines trial (GMPBT-A 2 )-Rainy season: We evaluated seven preliminary A 2 B- 

line progenies (5 BC 8 s A 2 , and 2 BC 7 s A 2 ) along with four controls (296B, ICSB 101, SPV 104, IS 14384) as 

GMPBTA 2 in RCBD (3 replications) for grain mold resistance in screening block and grain yield assessment in 

breeding block in 2010 rainy season. The controls 296 B and ICSB 101, respectively had 1.9 and 1.5 t ha -1 (trial 

mean: 2.49; SE+: 0.28) for grain yield in breeding block and PGMR score 6.3 and 4.3 (trial mean: 4.42; SE+: 

0.21) taken on scale 1 to 9 where 1 = no mold and 9= >90% mold in screening block evaluated under sprinkler 

irrigation. Four B-line progenies (SPs 43613-2, 43623-1, 43615-1, and SP 43619-1) had significantly higher 

grain yield (by 17 to 50%) ranging from 2.6 to 3.3 t ha -1 with significantly less (by 34 to 43%) PGMR score 3.7 

to 4.3 over 296 B. 

Shoot fly hybrids and parents trial (SFHPT)-Rainy season: We evaluated 18 sorghum shoot fly hybrids and 

their parents (18 hybrids, 5 B-lines and 6 R-lines and three controls – IS 18551 - shoot fly resistant, Swarna - 

shoot fly susceptible, and CSH 23 - high grain yield hybrid) in RCBD with 3 replications for shoot fly 

resistance in shoot fly screening block and for agronomic performance in breeding block in 2010 rainy season. 

The control hybrid – CSH 23 had 2.3 t ha -1 (trial mean: 1.65; SE+: 0.21) for grain yield in breeding block and 

SFDH% 89 (trial mean: 79.90; SE+: 7.75) in screening block. The susceptible control Swarna had 72% SFDHs 

and the resistant control IS 18551 had 50% SFDHs. Deadheart incidence in the test entries ranged from 37.0 to 

96.7%. CSB 29002, ICSB 29005, and ICSB 29006 suffered

2 had significantly 25 and 18 less SFDH% than ICSB 409 and 296 B respectively; while SP 44255-2 was on par 

with ICSB 409 and 296 B for SFDH%. 

Shoot fly preliminary A 1- B-lines trial (SFPBT-A 1 )-Rainy season: We evaluated 81 rainy season adapted A 1 

preliminary B-line progenies (BC 6 s on A 1 ) along with three controls (296B, IS 18551, Swarna) as SFPBTA 1 in 

RCBD with 3 replications for shoot fly resistance in shoot fly screening block and for agronomic performance in 

breeding block in rainy season. The control 296 B had 1.1 t ha -1 (trial mean: 1.57; SE+: 0.19) grain yield in 

breeding block and shoot fly dead hearts percentage (SFDH %) 86 (trial mean: 82.70; SE+: 6.94) in screening 

block. Deadheart incidence in the test entries ranged from 48.4 to 99.2%, and five maintainer lines suffered 

Thirty eight new B-lines with postrainy season adaptation were evaluated along with three checks in a threereplicated 

RBD design during the 2009 postrainy season in three separate trials – 1) grain yield and other 

agronomic traits, 2) charcoal rot resistance and 3) shoot fly resistance. 

a) Eight B-lines had higher grain yield ranging from 4.6 to 6.1 t ha -1 and two of them, SP 27711-1 and SP 

27697-1, were significantly superior to the popular postrainy B-line check, ICSB 52 (4.6 t ha -1 ) while 

four of them were superior to the popular rainy season B-line check, 296B (3.6 t ha -1 ). Grain luster 

score of the eight B-lines ranged from 2.0 to 3.0 (ICSB 52: 2.0; 296B: 3.0). Grain size among them 

ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 g 100 -1 grains (ICSB 52: 1.6 m; 296B: 1.3 m). The plant height of the eight B- 

lines ranged from 2.0 to 3.0 (ICSB 52: 2.0; 296B: 3.0) while they flowered in 74 to 80 days (ICSB 52: 

69 days, 296B: 74 days). 

b) The B-lines were screened for charcoal rot by artificial inoculation under field conditions and two 

promising lines (27543-1 and 27715-1) with a charcoal rot score of

Screening of sweet sorghum hybrids for shoot fly resistance: 

A total of 40 sweet sorghum advanced sweet sorghum hybrids were evaluated during the 2010 rainy season with 

IS 18551 as resistant check and Swarna as susceptible checks in RCBD. 2. A total of 35 sweet sorghum elite 

hybrids were evaluated in RCBD with IS 2205 as a resistant check and Swarna as a susceptible check. In the 

advanced hybrids, dead heart incidence varied from 9 to 98%.Three out of forty lines ICSV 700 (9%), ICSV 705 

(17%) and ICSV 93046 (18%) had 9 to 18 % less shoot fly dead heart incidence compared to susceptible check 

Swarna (37%). Dead heart incidence in the elite hybrids varied from Nil in ICSA 433 × SPV 422, ICSA 433 × 

ICSV 93046, ICSA 731 × ICSV 93046 to 28 % in SP 97030 × SPV 422 compared to 1 % in resistant check IS 

18551 and 13 % in susceptible check Swarna. 

A total of 138 sweet sorghum advanced hybrids were evaluated during the in 2009 postrainy season in RCBD 

with IS 18551 as a resistant check and Swarna as a susceptible check. Dead heart incidence in the advance 

hybrids varied from 10- 88%, forty six out of 138 advanced hybrids had 1-45 % less to shoot fly dead heart 

incidence compared to susceptible check, Swarna (75%). 

P Srinivasa Rao, Belum VS Reddy and HC Sharma 

Eighty-four QTL-derived BC 4 F4 progenies (296B x IS 18551) were evaluated for resistance to shoot fly, A. 

soccata under interlard fishmeal technique in the field, along with the resistant check, IS 18551. Data were 

recorded on leaf glossiness score, plants with eggs, and deadheart incidence at 14 and 21 days after seedling 

emergence. Leaf glossiness scores of the derived lines varied from 1.0 to 5.0 compared to 1.0 in the resistant 

check, IS 18551. There were 75.4 to 100.0% plants with deadhearts at 28 days after seedling emergence. In 

another trial, 64 entries (BC4F6 progenies from BT x 623 x IS 18551) were evaluated for shoot fly resistance. 

The leaf glossiness scores of the derived lines varied from 1 to 5 compared to 1 in the resistant check, IS 18551. 

There were 74.4 to 100.0% plants with deadhearts at 28 days after seedling emergence. 

HC Sharma, CT Hash and S Deshpande 

Screening of sweet sorghum hybrids for stem borer resistance: 

It is important to have resistance to stem borer in sweet sorghum cultivars to realize high sugar yield as the 

tunneling in the stalks and the resulting deadheart formation severely reduce Brix% and juice yield. A total of 98 

sweet sorghum advanced B-lines were evaluated during the 2010 rainy season in RCBD with IS 2205 as a 

resistant check and Swarna as a susceptible check. The dead heart formation was Nil in ICSB 475 & SP 4495. 

Nine lines recorded 5-85 % less shoot fly dead hearts (Swarna: 4%). 

P Srinivasa Rao, Belum VS Reddy and HC Sharma 

Screening of B-lines for resistance to charcoal rot: 

It is important to check the lines intended for postrainy season for tolerance to charcoal rot. New B-lines 

selected for postrainy season adaptation (38) were evaluated for charcoal rot resistance by artificial inoculation 

under field conditions along with two checks (ICSB 52 and 296B) in a three-replicated RCBD during the 2009 

postrainy season. The inoculated plants in test lines were scored for charcoal rot severity at the physiological 

maturity (25-35 days after inoculation) on a 1 to 5 scale, where:1 = one inter node invaded, but rot does not pass 

through any nodal area; and 5 = most internodes extensively invaded, leading shredding of stalk and lodging of 

plant. Two promising lines (27543-1 and 27715-1) with a charcoal rot score of

lustrous germplasm lines; 790 F 3 from crosses involving B-line parents and HYB, M 35-1 bulk, Gidda Maldandi, 

and 52 F 3 s from crosses involving brown mid rib lines and 375 F 2 s (involving B-line parents and shoot fly 

resistant germplasm lines and varieties, Gidda Maldandi, M 35-1 Tan, postrainy season varieties, bold grain 

lines from Yemen, Eritrea and Muskwari sorghums) were evaluated in the postrainy season for further selection 

and screening for resistance to shoot fly. A total of 190 F 4 progenies were generated from 323 F 3 progenies 

(crosses involving B-line parents and M 35-1 selections, SPV 1359, HYB, lustrous germplasm lines) and 995 F 4 

progenies were selected from 790 F 3 progenies (crosses involving B-line parents and HYB, M 35-1 bulk, Gidda 

Maldandi) and 64 F 4 progenies involving brown-midrib germplasm with high -yielding bold grain B-lines were 

selected based on grain yield and postrainy season adaptation during the 2009 postrainy season. 

A total of 982 F 3 progenies were selected from 375 F 2 populations (involving B-line parents and shoot fly 

resistant germplasm lines and varieties, Gidda Maldandi, M 35-1 Tan, postrainy season varieties, bold grain 

lines from Yemen, Eritrea and Muskwari sorghums) based on grain boldness, lustre and yield during the 2009 

postrainy season, and these are being evaluated in 2010 postrainy season. 

Belum VS Reddy and HC Sharma 

Milestone 5A.2.1.1.2: Forty F 6 lines developed for resistance to each of grain mold and shoot fly 

(AAK/BVSR/RPT/HCS/RS, 2011) 

Grain mold resistance donors in red and white grain backgrounds and shoot fly resistance donors identified in 

the germplasm accessions were used in the crossing programs. The selected advanced progenies with restorer 

reaction were evaluated in replicated trials for their grain mold and shoot fly resistance and agronomic 

desirability. The results were as follows: 

1. Advancing 254 F 5 s derived from the crosses between high Fe and Zn lines and adapted B and R- lines 

and un-adapted germplasm lines for grain mold tolerance in 2009 postrainy season resulted in the 

generation of 153 F 6 s based on agronomic desirability. These 153 F 6 s were evaluated with three controls 

(296 B- high yielding B-line, IS 14384 – grain mold resistant control and SPV 104 grain mold susceptible 

control) in RCBD (3 replications) for grain mold resistance in screening block under sprinkler irrigation 

in 2010 rainy season. The F 6 progenies ranged for panicle grain mold rating (PGMR) score from 2.0 to 

7.6 taken on scale 1 to 9 where 1 = no mold and 9= >90% mold. The controls 296B, IS 14384 and SPV 

104 had PGMR score 6.9, 1.0 and 7.6, respectively (trial mean: 3.6; SE+: 0.52). Eighty three F 6 s had 

PGMR score below trial mean score (3.6) and selected 118 F 7 s progenies for advancing and test crossing 

in 2010 postrainy season. 

2. Advancing 400 F 4 progenies derived from the crosses between grain mold resistant lines and high 

yielding B-lines in 2009 postrainy season resulted in the generation of 400 F 5 s. These 400 F 5 progenies 

were grown for further advancement and test crossing in 2010 rainy season in breeding block and 

selected 156 F 6 s/test crosses. These were grown in 2010 postrainy season. 

3. Advancing 403 F 3 progenies derived from the crosses between shoot fly resistant lines and high yielding 

B-lines in 2009 postrainy season resulted in the generation of 300 F 4 s. These were grown as nursery in 

breeding block for B-line development with shoot fly resistance in low fertility condition to provide 

normal shoot fly conditions in 2010 rainy season. Test crossing was also carried out and selected 30 

F 5 s/test crosses based on agronomic desirability and grown in 2010 postrainy season. 

4. Evaluation of F 1 s for shoot fly resistance (141), grain mold resistance (17) and Fe and Zn rich parents 

(34) developed separately using new sources for shoot fly resistance and for grain mold resistance from 

germplasm and high yielding B-lines resulted in the selection of 192 F 2 s (SF: 141; GM: 17 and Fe and 

Zn: 34). 

5. Parents (51) were selected and planted in 2010 postrainy season to make new F 1 crosses to develop 

shoot fly resistant B-lines. 

A Ashok Kumar, Belum VS Reddy, RP Thakur, 

Rajan Sharma and HC Sharma 

Milestone 5A.2.1.2: Two F 6 RIL population (300 lines each) developed for mapping grain mold resistance 

(CTH/BVSR/SPD/RPT/RS, 2008) 

Based on the genetic diversity studies, three pairs of resistant and susceptible parental lines with dissimilarity 

indices of >0.50 were crossed to develop RIL mapping populations for mapping genomic regions contributing to 

sorghum grain mold resistance. These segregating mapping populations based on biparental crosses segregating 

for grain mold resistance were advanced from F 5 generation to F 6 generation during the rainy season of 2010. 

Numbers of progenies advanced in the 3 population are: 346 from Bulk Y-P1 × ICSB 377-P1, 389 from SP 

206

2417-P3 × IS 41397-3-P6 and 376 from ICSB 370-2-9-P2 × IS 8219-P1. The harvested F 6 seed will be sown for 

a final seed increase during the late post rainy 2010 to constitute the RIL populations. 

CT Hash, Rajan Sharma, RP Thakur and SP Deshpande 

Activity 5A.4.1: Understanding host-pathogen-environment interaction in grain mold complex 

Milestone 5A.4.1.1: Major grain mold pathogens in sorghum growing states in India identified and their 

distribution in relation to whether factors determined (RPT/RS,2007) 

Grain mold severity scores on grain samples from Sorghum Grain Mold Virulence Nursery (SGMVN) 

conducted at five locations (Akola, Parbhani, Palem and Patancheru) for three rainy seasons 2002, 2003 and 

2004 indicated that Fusarium spp., Curvularia lunataand and Alternaria alternata are more prominent than 

other fungi associated with the grain mold. Since Tmin and Rmax during flowering to physiological maturity are 

most critical for mold development, we studied the distribution of pathogenic fungi in relation to these weather 

variables. It appears that Tmin 18-20 o C and relative humidity (Rmax) around 80% favored Curvularia at Akola 

and higher humidity (Rmax around 90%) and almost same Tmin favored Alternaria at Patancheru. High Tmin 

favors Fusarium as the fungus was predominant at Parbhani having Tmin around 22 o C. 

RP Thakur and Rajan Sharma 

Milestone 5A.4.1.2: Mycotoxim-producing isolates of Fusarium species associated with grain mold identified 

and characterized, and genetic resistance in relation to other major pathogens determined 

(RPT/BVSR/RS,2009) 

A total of 672 isolates of Fusarium were collected from naturally molded sorghum grains from five locations 

(Akola, Parbhani, Patancheru, Palem and Surat) in India during 2003-05. Sixty-three representative isolates 

were selected to study genetic relatedness/diversity through amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) 

and sequence based identification. Five EcoR1-Mse1 AFLP primer combinations (Etg + Mcag, Eaa + Mctt, Eac 

+ Mcag, Etc + Mctt and Etg + Mcag), were examined in the 63 isolates. AFLP profiles were used to construct a 

binary matrix and the data were then analyzed using Numerical Taxonomy System Version 2.2 (NTSYSpc). 

DNA sequence variation was assessed by sequencing part of α-Elongation factor (EF1) using the gene-specific 

primer pair using BigDye Terminator cycle sequencing kit on ABI3130XL (Applied Biosystems, California, 

USA). The sequences were aligned through CLUSTAL W. The dissimilarity index was calculated from the 

aligned sequences of different isolates using ‘Simple matching’ option in DARwin and a weighted neighbor 

joining tree was constructed. Sequences of the EF1-PCR fragments were searched against those in the NCBI 

database using BLAST for species identification. 

A high level of polymorphism was observed among isolates following selective amplification with 5 AFLP 

primer combinations. The dendrogram generated from the AFLP data revealed genetic diversity among the 

isolates. Five major groups were identified and the isolates of the same species clustered together. The 

sequences of EF-1α gene from each of the 63 Fusarium isolates (query) were compared to those from various 

known species of Fusarium (subject) in the NCBI database. Five species of Fusarium – F. proliferatum, F. 

thapsinum, F. equiseti, F. andiyazi and F. sacchari were identified based on sequence similarity. Neighbor 

joining tree constructed using α-Elongation factor gene sequence of test isolates clustered the isolates of the 

same species in the distinct groups. F. thapsinum was identified as predominant species in Fusarium – grain 

mold complex in India. 

Fumonisins-producing potential of 63 isolates of Fusarium was assessed through ELISA. Strains of F. 

proliferatum were identified as highly toxigenic for fumonisins production followed by F. andiyazi. Isolate F 

242 (F. proliferatum) was the highest fumonisin (B 1 ) producing strain (476539 µg kg -1 seed). Ten of the 12 F. 

proliferatum isolates produced high levels (>28000 µg kg -1 seed) of fumonisins, whereas two isolates F316 and 

F 953 produced less (100000 µg kg -1 seed) of fumonisin. Strains of F. thapsinum, F. equiseti, and F. sacchari 

were non-fumonisin producers, however, one isolate of F. thapsinum (F88) produced good amount of fumonisin. 

One isolate of F. sacchari (F 22) and two isolates of F. thapsinum (F 241 and F 329) produced about 1500 µg 

fumonisin kg -1 seed. Highly toxigenic isolates FM 22, 88, 234, 242 and 943 were selected to prove their 

pathogenicity. Panicles of Bulk Y and 296B were spray inoculated with the conidial suspension of these isolates 

and pathogenicity was confirmed by visualizing the grain colonization by the test strains of Fusarium using 

blotter test. 

Rajan Sharma and RP Thakur 

207

Milestone 5A.4.1.3: Relative contributions of host and environmental factors in mold development assessed 

(RPT/BVSR/RS,2010) 

Influence of weather variables on sorghum grain mold development. We studied the influence of weather 

variables, temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) on sorghum grain mold development. The T and RH data, 

and grain mold severity scores on grain samples of 32 sorghum lines collected from an ICAR-ICRISAT 

collaborative Sorghum Grain Mold Resistance Stability Nursery (SGMRSN) conducted at four locations 

(Coimbatore, Dharwad, Parbhani and Patancheru) for two rainy seasons 2005 and 2006 were used for this study. 

The weekly averages (across locations and seasons) of T (Tmax and Tmin) and RH (RHmax and RHmin) for a 

2-month post-flowering period (grain-filling to physiological maturity period) were correlated against the 

average grain mold severity scores. Positive and significant (P ≤ 0.05) correlations (r = 0.83-0.95) were found 

between average weekly Tmin (18.5 to 22.5 C) during the standard 37 th and 38 th week (the 1 st and 2 nd weeks 

after panicle emergence) and the average grain mold severity of sorghum lines. This two week period coincided 

with the anthesis and ovary fertilization stages of most sorghum lines during which time infection by mold 

pathogens took place. Similarly, another significant positive correlation (r = 0.89-0.97) was found between the 

average RHmax (76 to 96%) during the standard 41st and 42 nd week (the 5 th and 6 th week after panicle 

emergence) and the average grain mold severity. This period, for most sorghum lines, coincided with harddough 

to physiological maturity stages, and during this period infected grains, under high humidity conditions, 

showed rapid colonization by various mold fungi. Such infected grains developed growth of other saprophytic 

fungi as well when left in the field beyond physiological maturity. The regression analyses showed a near-linear 

relationship between Tmin and grain mold severity scores (R 2 = 0.96-0.99), and between RHmax and grain mold 

severity scores (R 2 = 0.98-0.99) (Fig. 1). Thus, the two most important weather variables, Tmin during anthesis 

to fertilization stage and RHmax during hard-dough to grain maturity stage appeared critical for infection and 

grain colonization by major mold pathogens (species of Fusarium, Curvularia, Alternaria and Phoma) in the 

sorghum grain mold complex. Detailed analysis of weather variables and grain mold severity for individual 

locations can be done to develop a prediction model to better manage the risk of grain mold in sorghum. 

37 Wk Temp Min 

42 Wk Rh Max 

23 

23 

y = -1.514x 3 + 11.88x 2 - 28.95x + 43.12 

R² = 0.998 

95 

91 

y = -1.870x 3 + 11.39x 2 - 12.85x + 78.24 

R² = 0.987 

Temp Min 

22 

22 

RH Max 

87 

83 

21 

79 

21 

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 

Grain mold rating 

75 

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 

Grain mold rating 

Fig. 1. Relationship between grain mold development, and minimum temp and maximum relative humidity (RH) 

Association of physio-morphological traits (host factor) with grain mold resistance 

Fifty morphologically diverse sorghum germplasm accessions were screened in grain mold nursery for disease 

reaction. The grain mold evaluation was carried out under natural infection with high humidity (>90%RH) 

provided by overhead sprinklers for 30 min twice a day on rain free days till physiological maturity of the grains. 

The experiment was conducted in RCBD with two replications, 1 rows of 2m length/replication. The grain mold 

severity was recorded on a progressive 1-9 scale. 

Data were recorded for agronomic traits such as days to 50% flowering and plant height (cm); and 

morphological traits such as panicle type, glumes coverage (%) and, glumes and grain color to determine 

association of these traits with grain mold resistance. The variation in qualitative morphological traits, such as 

panicle type, glumes color and grain color were assigned numerical ratings following the DUS (Distinctiveness, 

Uniformity and Stability) ratings developed by National Research Centre for Sorghum to facilitate statistical 

analysis. 

The association studies did not show high correlations between plant traits and grain mold reaction. However, 

significant negative correlations were observed for grain mold severity with grain color (r = -0.45, P

Milestone 5A.4.2.1: Insect – host genotype - natural enemy interactions and mechanisms of resistance and their 

inheritance studied in sorghum (HCS/BVSR, 2009). 

Sorghum is damaged by several insect pests, of which shoot fly - Ahterigona soccat, spotted stem borer - Chilo 

partellus, sorghum midge - Stenodiplosis sorghicola, and head bugs - Calocoris angustatus and Eurystylus oldi), 

are serious pests of grain sorghum worldwide, and host plant resistance is an important component for the 

management of these pests. Therefore, we evaluated identified sources and improved genotypes for multiple 

resistance to these pests to identify lines with resistance/tolerance to more than one insect species, and to 

understand the resistance mechanism for use in sorghum improvement. 

Identify sorghum lines with multiple resistance to insect pests 

To identify sorghum lines with multiple resistance to insect pests, and to understand the resistance mechanisms 

and diversity among the lines that have been identified earlier to be resistant to different insect pests (sorghum 

shoot fly - Atherigona soccata, spotted stem borer - Chilo partellus, sorghum midge - Stenodiplosis sorghicola, 

and head bugs - Calocoris angustatus and Eurystylus oldi), over 300 lines were evaluated for resistance to shoot 

fly, stem borer, midge, and head bugs. The lines showing high levels of resistance to different insect pests or 

having high to moderate levels of resistance to 2 to 3 insect pests and better agronomic desirability were 

selected for further testing for resistance to all the four insect species during the 2009 rainy season. The material 

was divided into three groups; early-, medium-, and long-duration. 

One hundred lines belonging to short (

In the postrainy season short-duration midge screening nursery, the midge damage scores ranged from 1.0 to 8.3, 

and 29 genotypes showed high levels of resistance (DR

spreading the aphids, suggesting that clipping the aphid infested leaf to the 5 th leaf of the plants at the boot leaf 

stage was quite effective in screening for aphid resistance 

Identification of sources of resistance 

Thirty-one sorghum lines comprising of improved breeding lines and germplasm accessions were screened for 

resistance during the 2010 rainy season. There were three replications, and observations were recorded at 

physiological maturity on aphid damage (1 = 80% leaf area damaged). The 

aphid damage scores ranged from 3.5 to 7.5, and the genotypes 61510, 61523, 61588, 61592, IS 40620, SLR 39, 

DJ 6514, and PU 10-1 exhibited a leaf damage rating of

RLBT during the 2009 postrainy season in a three-replicated RCBD along with the checks 296B, ICSB 52, M 

35-1 and SPV 1411. Compared to the best B-line check, ICSB 52, seven B-lines with the grain yield ranging 

from 5.0 to 6.0 t ha -1 were significantly superior by 32 to 58% [trial mean: 4.5 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.1]. Among 

these B-lines, the grain lustre score (taken on a 1 to 3 scale, where 1 = most lustrous and 3 = least lustrous) 

ranged from 2.0 to 2.7 (ICSB 52: 2.0, 296B: 3.0), grain size ranged from 2.3 to 3.2 g 100 -1 grains (ICSB 52: 3.3, 

296B: 2.2). These lines flowered in 70 to 75 days (ICSB 52: 71 days, 296B: 73 days) and had a plant height of 

1.3 to 1.7 m (ICSB 52: 1.7m, 296B: 1.2 m) (HOPE Project Activity 2.3.6). The above B-lines will be evaluated 

for their combining ability in hybrid combinations. 

Postrainy preliminary B-lines trial (RPBT): Thirty-eight new B-lines developed from the Gidda Maldandi × 

296B, M 35-1 Bulk × ICSB 93, HY B-lines × HY B-lines crosses were evaluated in RPBT during the 2009 

postrainy season in a three-replicated RCBD along with the checks 296B and ICSB 52. Compared to the best B- 

line check, ICSB 52 (4.6 t ha -1 ), four B-lines, SP 27711-1 (6.1 t ha -1 ), SP 27697-1 (5.9 t ha -1 ), SP 27631-1 (5.6 t 

ha -1 ) and SP 27619-1 (5.1 t ha -1 ) were significantly superior by 11 to 33% [trial mean: 3.8 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.2]. 

Among these B-lines, the grain lustre score ranged from 2.0 to 3.0 (ICSB 52: 2.0, 296B: 3.0), grain size ranged 

from 2.2 to 3.3 g 100 -1 grains (ICSB 52: 3.4, 296B: 2.5). These lines flowered in 74 to 80 days (ICSB 52: 69 

days, 296B: 74 days) and had a plant height of 1.3 to 1.9 m (ICSB 52: 1.6 m, 296B: 1.3 m) (HOPE Project 

Activity 2.3.6). The above B-lines will be evaluated for their combining ability in hybrid combinations. 

Postrainy elite R-lines and varieties trial (REVRT): Thirty-two postrainy season adapted varieties and 

restorer lines selected from REVRT, RPRT, RAVT conducted during the 2008 postrainy season were evaluated 

during the 2009 postrainy season in a three-replicated RCBD along with the checks M 35-1 and SPV 1411. 

Compared to the best check SPV 1411 (4.6 t ha -1 ), 10 varieties/R-lines were numerically superior by 2 to 28% 

[trial mean: 4.1 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.5]. Four lines had tan plant color. Among these lines, the grain lustre score 

ranged from 1.3 to 2.7 (SPV 1411: 1.7, M 35-1: 2.3), grain size (g 100 -1 grains) ranged from 2.8 to 3.7 (SPV 

1411: 3.4, M 35-1: 2.9). These lines flowered in 72 to 78 days (SPV 1411: 76 days, M 35-1: 71 days) and had a 

plant height of 1.7 to 2.5 m (SPV 1411: 2.3 m, M 35-1: 2.1m) (HOPE Project Activity 2.3.10A). 

Postrainy preliminary varietal trial-1 (RPVT-1): A total of 57 new postrainy season adapted varieties were 

evaluated in RPVT-1 during the 2009 postrainy season in a three-replicated RCBD along with the checks 296B, 

M 35-1 and SPV 1411. Twenty-three varieties with grain yield ranging from 4.4 to 6.6 t ha -1 were numerically 

superior or comparable to the best performing check M 35-1 (4.4 t ha -1 ) for grain yield. Of these, five varieties 

(6.0 to 6.6 t ha -1 ) were significantly superior by 36 to 50% [trial mean: 4.1 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.5]. These varieties 

had a lustre score of 1.3 to 2.3 (M 35-1: 2.0, SPV 1411: 1.3), grain size (g 100 -1 grains) of 3.1 to 3.4 (M 35-1: 

3.0, SPV 1411: 3.4). They flowered in 73 to 80 days (M 35-1: 73 days, SPV 1411: 76 days) and had plant 

height of 2.2 to 2.5 m (M 35-1: 2.3 m, SPV 1411: 2.4 m) (HOPE Project Activity 2.3.10A). 

Postrainy preliminary varietal trial-2 (RPVT-2): A total of 83 new postrainy season adapted varieties were 

evaluated in RPVT-2 during the 2009 postrainy season in a three-replicated RCBD along with the checks CSV 

18R, M 35-1 and SPV 1411. Forty-one varieties with grain yield ranging from 2.8 to 5.2 t ha -1 were numerically 

superior or comparable to the check M 35-1 (2.8 t ha -1 ) for grain yield [trial mean: 2.8 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.7]. Of 

these, three varieties (4.6 to 5.2 t ha -1 ) were significantly superior by 64 to 86%. These varieties had a lustre 

score of 1.0 to 2.0 (M 35-1: 2.3, SPV 1411: 1.0), grain size (g 100 -1 grains) of 3.2 to 3.6 (M 35-1: 3.2, SPV 

1411: 3.8). They flowered in 76 to 78 days (M 35-1: 75 days, SPV 1411: 77 days) and had plant height of 1.8 to 

2.4 m (M 35-1: 2.1 m, SPV 1411: 2.4 m) (HOPE Project Activity 2.3.10A). 

Postrainy Advanced Varieties Trial (RAVT): A total of eight varieties released for cultivation in postrainy 

season were evaluated in a RAVT during the 2009 postrainy season. The trial was conducted in a RCBD with 3 

replications along with the checks CSH 18R and CSH 25. Compared to the hybrid check CSH 18R (4.5 t ha -1 ), 

six varieties were numerically superior by 4 to 24% or comparable to it [trial mean: 4.7 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.1]. 

The grain size (g 100 -1 grains) of the lines varied from 3.1 to 3.7 (CSH 18R: 3.6). These lines flowered in 74 to 

80 days (CSH 18R: 81 days) and had plant height of 2.3 to 2.9m (CSH 18R: 2.6m). All the lines and the check 

had a grain luster score of 2 (HOPE Project Activity 2.3.10A). 

2. Hybrids performance 

Postrainy advanced hybrid trial (RAHT): Eight promising postrainy season adapted hybrids selected from 

advanced hybrid trial conducted during the 2008 postrainy season were evaluated in a three replicated RCBD 

during the 2009 postrainy season along with the checks, M 35-1, SPV 1411, CSH 18 and CSH 25. Two 

hybrids, ICSA 20 × ICSR 93009 (6.1 t ha -1 ) and ICSA 563 × ICSR 93030 (6.0 t ha -1 ), were and comparable to 

the best hybrid check CSH 18 (5.9 t ha -1 ) [trial mean: 2.6 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.2]. The grain size (g 100 -1 grains) in 

212

the two hybrids ranged from 3.3 to 3.4 (CSH 18: 3.7 g 100 -1 grain), grain lustre score was 2.0 (CSH 18: 2.0, M 

35-1: 2.0). They flowered in 73 days (CSH 18: 81 days) and the plant height ranged from 2.3 to 2.5 m (CSH 18: 

2.9 m) (HOPE Project Activity 2.4.6). The above parents of the two selected hybrids are the promising 

combiners. 

Postrainy preliminary hybrid trial (RPHT): Twenty-eight new postrainy season adapted hybrids were 

evaluated in a three replicated RCBD during the 2009 postrainy season along with the checks, M 35-1 and SPV 

1411. Compared to the best check SPV 1411 (4.1 t ha -1 ), six hybrids- ICSA 84 × SPV 1411 (5.9 t ha -1 ), ICSA 

88001 × M 35-1-19 (5.8 t ha -1 ), ICSA 675 × ICSV 700 (5.8 t ha -1 ), ICSA 502 × SPV 422 (5.6 t ha -1 ), ICSA 38 

× SPV 422 (5.4 t ha -1 ) and ICSA 88001 × IS 33844-5 (5.3 t ha -1 ) were significantly superior by 29 to 44% 

[trial mean: 3.2 t ha -1 , lsd (5%): 1.0]. The grain size (g 100 -1 grains) in the hybrids ranged from 3.2 to 4.0 (SPV 

1411: 3.5, M 35-1: 2.9), grain lustre score ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 (SPV 1411: 2.0, M 35-1: 2.7). They flowered 

in 69 to 75 days (SPV 1411: 75 days, M 35-1: 74 days) and the plant height ranged from 2.3 to 2.7 m (SPV 

1411: 2.3 m, M 35-1: 2.1 m) (HOPE Project Activity 2.4.6). The above parents of the six selected hybrids are 

the promising combiners. 

Belum VS Reddy 

Activity 5A.7.1: Developing dual-purpose foliar disease resistant forage/sweet sorghum hybrid parents. 

Milestone 5A.7.1.1.1: Five new dual-purpose foliar disease resistant forage/sweet sorghum hybrid parents 

developed (PSR/BVSR, 2011) 

It is important to have resistance to foliar diseases in sweet sorghum genotypes to sustain the sugar yield and 

thereby extend the feedstock supplies to the distilleries. Hence, developing disease tolerant productive cultivars 

holds key to the success of ethanol/dairy industry. 

There are a series of trials that were conducted during the reporting period and are listed below. 

1. Screening of sweet sorghum B-lines for anthracnose resistance: A total of 95 sweet sorghum advanced 

B-lines were evaluated for anthracnose disease resistance reaction during the rainy season, 2010. 

Anthracnose disease severity was recorded on a 1−9 scale (1=0 to

6. Sweet sorghum preliminary varietal trial (SSPVT-1): A total of 28 varieties selected from the sweet 

sorghum advanced progenies trial during the year of 2008 postrainy season, were evaluated in SSPVT 

during the 2009 postrainy season along with four checks, viz, CSH 22SS, SSV 84, JK Recova and Urja. 

The trial was conducted in RCBD with three replications. For sugar yield, seven varieties SP 08 16427 

(2.68 t ha -1 ), SP 08 16440 (2.5 t ha -1 ), SP 08 16447-2 (2.48 t ha -1 ), SP 08 16421-2 (2.4 t ha -1 ), SP 08 16447- 

1 (1.9 t ha -1 ), SP 08 16441 (1.76 t ha -1 ), SP 08 16439-1 (1.7 t ha -1 ) were numerically superior to the best 

performing check (SSV 84:1.39 t ha -1 ). Among the varieties, days to 50% flowering ranged from 59 to 78 

days (SSV 84: 63 days).The Brix % ranged from 8.7 to 17.8 % (SSV 84: 10.8 %), the stalk yield ranged 

from 21.7 to 42.9 t ha -1 (SSV 84: 29.49 t ha -1 ), and the grain yield ranged from 1.12 t ha -1 to 5.30 t ha -1 

(SSV 84: 3.07 t ha -1 ). 

7. Sweet sorghum preliminary varietal trial (SSPVT-2): A total of 160 varieties selected from sweet 

sorghum advanced progenies trial in postrainy 2009 were evaluated during the rainy season 2010 in RCBD 

with 3 replications along with five checks viz,CSH 22SS, Urja, SSV 84, JK Recova and RSSV 9 as checks. 

The sugar yield ranged from 0.2 to 1.9 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS and Urja: 1.0 t ha -1 ). A total of 96 entries had 

significantly superior sugar yield compared to the best performed check CSH 22SS (1.0 t ha -1 ). The highest 

sugar yield was recorded by line Ch-11 × SPV 422)-6-1-1-4 (1.9 t ha -1 ). The days to 50% flowering ranged 

from 60 to 94 days (CSH 22SS and JK Recova: 73 days) and the genotype Ch-1 × (DSV 4 × SSV 84)-1-2- 

1-1)-2-1-4-4 was the earliest to flower (60 days).Among the evaluated lines, Brix% ranged from 13.7 to 

19.0% (Urja:16.8%). 

8. Sweet sorghum preliminary hybrid nursery (SSPHN-1): A total of 540 sweet sorghum hybrids were 

evaluated during the 2009 postrainy season along with four checks viz, CSH 22SS, ICSA 38 × ICSV 700, 

SSV 84 and ICSV 93046 in augmented block design. The sugar yield ranged from 0.08 t ha -1 to 2.32 t ha -1 

(ICSV 93046: 1.3 t ha -1 ). Among all the hybrids, the days to 50% flowering ranged from 57 to 85 days 

(SSV 84: 60 days). Stalk yield ranged from 2.6 to 22.0 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS: 6.4 t ha -1 ) and the Brix% ranged 

from 7.0 to 19.3 % (ICSV 93046:18%), while grain yield ranged from 0.2 t ha -1 to 8.6 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS: 7.8 t ha -1 ). 

9. Sweet sorghum preliminary hybrid trial (SSPHT-1): A total of 17 sweet sorghum preliminary hybrids 

were selected previously, were evaluated during the 2009 postrainy season along with one check CSH 

22SS in RCBD with three replications. The sugar yield ranged from 0.37 t ha -1 to 1.54 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS: 

0.79 t ha -1 ). The hybrids, ICSA 258 × SSV 84 (1.54 t ha -1 ), ICSA 321 × GD 65025 (1.29 t ha -1 ), ICSA 309 

× NTJ 2 (1.27 t ha -1 ), ICSA 702 × RSSV 9 (1.05 t ha -1 ), ICSA 480 × GD 65085 (0.98 t ha -1 ), ICSA 669 × 

ICSV 96143 (0.94 t ha -1 ), ICSA 374 × GD 65004 (0.92 t ha -1 ), SP 97032A × RSSV9 (0.86 t ha -1 ), SP 

97038A × SPV422 (0.81 t ha -1 ) were superior to the best performing check CSH 2SS (0.79 t ha -1 ). Among 

the genotypes, days to 50% flowering ranged from 58 days to 69 days (CSH 22 SS 64 days. Among the 

genotypes, Brix % ranged from 11.6% to 16.5 % (CSH 22SS: 12.1 %) and the grain yield ranged from 0.1 t 

ha -1 to 6.9 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS: 5.6 t ha -1 ). 

10. Sweet sorghum preliminary hybrid trial (SSPHT-2): A total of 48 sweet sorghum hybrids obtained 

2009 postrainy season, were evaluated as PHT-1 in rainy season, 2010 in RCBD with 3 replications along 

with 2 checks viz, CSH 22SS and JK Recova. The hybrids had a wide range of variation for sugar yield (0.2 

to 2.0 t ha -1 ). Four hybrids, i.e., ICSA 25002 × ICSV 93046 (2.0 t ha -1 ), SP 97032A × RSSV 9 (1.9 t ha -1 ), 

ICSA SP 97030 × SPV 422 (1.9 t ha -1 ) and SP 97030 A × E 36-1 (1.9 t ha -1 ) were significantly superior to 

the best check CSH 22SS (1.8 t ha -1 ). The days to 50% flowering ranged from 62 to 81 days (CSH 22SS: 

66 days). The hybrid ICSA SP 97038 x SPV 422 was the earliest to flower (62 days). Among the hybrids 

evaluated, Brix% ranged from 10.1% to 17.0% (CSH 22SS: 17%). 

11. Sweet sorghum preliminary hybrid trial (SSPHT-3): A total of 184 sweet sorghum hybrids obtained 2009 postrainy season, 

were evaluated as PHT-2 in rainy season 2010 in RCBD with 3 replications along with 2 checks CSH 22SS and JK Recova. In 

these hybrids sugar yield ranged from 0.3 t ha -1 to 2.5 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS: 2.0 t ha -1 ). Six hybrids, i.e., ICSA 474 × Ch 7 (2.5 t ha -1 ); 

ICSA 319 × Ch 1 (2.4 t ha -1 ); ICSA 97046 × Ch 1 (2.2 t ha -1 ), ICSA 97034 × Ch 1 (2.0 t ha -1 ), ICSA 401 × Ch 7 (2.0 t ha -1 ) and 

ICSA 73 × Ch 7 (2.0 t ha -1 ) had significantly higher sugar yield compared to the best performing check CSH 22SS (2.0 t ha -1 ). 

The days to 50% flowering ranged between 58 and 82 days (JK Recova: 65 days). The hybrids ICSA 371 x Ch 7 and ICSA 514 

× Ch 11(58 days) flowered earliest. 

12. Sweet sorghum preliminary hybrid trial (SSPHT-4): A total of 120 sweet sorghum hybrids produced 

using non-Milo cytoplasmic male sterile lines (A2, A3 and A4)were evaluated in RCBD in 3 replications in 

during the rainy season, 2010 along with 2 checks CSH 22SS and JK Recova. In the hybrids sugar yield 

ranged from 0.4 to 1.5 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS: 1.2 t ha -1 ). Four hybrids i.e., ICSA 749 × SSV 84 (1.5 t ha-1); 

ICSA 716 × RSSV 9 (1.3 t ha -1 ), ICSA 731 × SP 4484-2 (1.2 t ha -1 ) and ICSA 731 × SP 4511-2 (1.2 t ha -1 ) 

had significantly higher sugar yield compared to the best performing check CSH 22SS (1.2 t ha -1 ). The days 

to 50% flowering ranged from 68 to 121 days (JK Recova: 86 days). Plant height varied from 1.6 to 3.2 m 

(JK Recova: 3.1 m), while the Brix% ranged from 10.3 to 16.0% (JK Recova: 14.0%). 

214

13. Non-milo cytoplasmic sweet sorghum hybrid trial: A trial was constituted in rainy season 2010 using 

advanced non-milo cytoplasmic hybrids in RCBD design in 2 replications with 17 test hybrids the data was 

collected in 2 stages (dough stage and maturity stage). The self fertile standard checks CSH 22SS and Urja 

were used. In these hybrids, the sugar yield at maturity ranged from 0.5 to 2.8 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS: 2.0 t ha -1 ). 

ICSA 502 × ICSV 93046 recorded the highest sugar yield 2.8 t ha -1 , while the sugar yield at dough stage 

ranged from 0.1 to 2.9 t ha -1 (CSH 22SS: 2.9 t ha -1 ). The days to 50% flowering ranged from 69 to 78 days 

(Urja: 72 days) and Brix% at maturity ranged from 15.5 to 20.0 % (Urja: 20.0%). 

14. Sweet sorghum sterile hybrid trial (SSSHT): A total of 13 sweet sorghum sterile hybrids were evaluated 

during the 2009 postrainy season along with two checks viz, SSV 84 and CSH 22SS. Six hybrids ICSA 749 

× SPV 1411 (1.8 t ha- 1 ), ICSA 749 × ICSV 93046 (1.5 t ha -1 ), ICSA 95 × AKSV 13 (1.4 t ha -1 ), ICSA 38 × 

ICSV 93046 (1.4 t ha -1 ), ICSA 502 × ICSV 93046 and ICSA 731 × ICSV 93046 (1.2 t ha -1 ) were superior 

to the best performing check (CSH 22SS: 1.1 t ha -1 ). The days to 50 % flowering ranged between 61 and 79 

days (CSH 22 SS: 64 days) and the plant height ranged from 1.7 m to 2.9 m (CSH 22SS: 2.5m). 

15. Evaluation of sorghum B-lines for leaf blight resistance: A total of 119 advanced B-lines were evaluated 

for leaf blight disease resistance reaction during the rainy season, 2010. Leaf blight disease severity was 

recorded on a 1-9 scale (1=0 to

4. Sweet sorghum multi-location trials for postrainy season adaptation : A multilocation sweet sorghum 

hybrid trial (MSSHT) consisting of 8 hybrids (ICSA 38 × ICSV 700, ICSA 675 × ICSV 700, ICSA 702 × 

SSV 74, ICSA 724 × SSV 74, ICSA 675 × SSV 74, PAC 52093, JK Recova and CSH 22SS), a multilocation 

sweet sorghum varietal trial (MSSVT) consisting of 7 varieties (SPV 422, NTJ 2, SP 4487-3, SP 4511-3, 

Urja, PA 27 and SSV 84) were evaluated in a three-replicated RCBD design at 3 stages (flowering, dough 

and maturity) in three locations (ICRISAT- Patancheru, , ANGRAU-Nandyal and TCL-Nanded) during the 

2009 postrainy season. In MSSHT for postrainy season adaptation, the pooled ANOVA revealed significant 

differences among locations for all traits, and significant genotype x location interaction for stalk yield in the 

experiment conducted during the postrainy season, 2009. At ICRISAT-Patancheru, the stalk yield decreased 

from flowering (28.64 t ha -1 ) to maturity (20.36 t ha -1 ), juice yield decreased from flowering (11.29 t ha -1 ) to 

maturity (5.96 t ha -1 ), Brix% increased from flowering (8.0 %) to maturity (17.6 %). But the sugar yield (t 

ha -1 ) [(Sugar yield = 0.75(Juice yield x Brix %/100)] was highest at flowering stage (0.96 t ha -1 ) followed by 

dough stage (0.86 t ha -1 ). The hybrid ICSA 675 × SSV 74 recorded the highest sugar yield at all the three 

stages. In MSSVT, the pooled ANOVA revealed significant differences among locations and genotypes for 

all the above traits and also revealed significant genotype × location interaction effect for stalk yield and 

grain yields in the experiment conducted during the postrainy season 2009. At ICRISAT–Patancheru, the 

stalk yield decreased from flowering (28.64 t ha -1 ) to maturity (26.39 t ha -1 ), juice yield decreased from 

flowering (12.17 t ha -1 ) to maturity (10.50 t ha -1 ), and the Brix % increased from flowering (8.7 %) to maturity 

(15.1 %). The sugar yield was highest at flowering (1.07 t ha -1 ) followed by dough stage (0.87 t ha -1 ). 

5. Sweet sorghum multi-location trials for rainy season adaptation: A multi location sweet sorghum hybrid 

trial (MSSHT) consisting of 12 hybrids (ICSA 38 × ICSV 700, ICSA 675 × ICSV 700, ICSA 702 × SSV 74, 

ICSA 724 × SSV 74, ICSA 731 × ICSV 93046, ICSA 474 × SSV 74, ICSA 675 × SSV 74, PAC 52093, JK 

Recova, JKSSH 02, JKSSH 03 and CSH 22SS), a multilocation sweet sorghum varietal trial (MSSVT) 

consisting of 12 varieties (SPV 422, NTJ 2, SP 4487-3, SP4495, SP 4484-2, SP 4511-3, Urja, PA 27, RSSV 

106, RSSV 138, RSSV 167, RSSV 9 and SSV 84) were evaluated in a three-replicated RCBD design at three 

stages (flowering, dough and maturity) in four locations (ICRISAT- Patancheru, Praj industries-Pune, 

MPKV-Rahuri and TCL-Nanded) during the 2010 rainy season. In MSSHT for rainy season adaptation, the 

pooled ANOVA revealed significant differences among hybrids and locations for all the traits (stalk yield, 

juice yield, Brix%, bagasse yield, sugar yield and grain yield) in the experiment conducted during the rainy 

season, 2010. At ICRISAT-Patancheru, the sugar yield was highest at dough stage (2.67 t ha -1 ) followed by 

maturity (2.32 t ha -1 ). The hybrid ICSA 675 × SSV 74 was the highest sugar yielding hybrid at maturity. The 

stalk yield gradually declined from flowering (72.31 t ha -1 ) to dough (67.0 t ha -1 ) and maturity (58.4 t ha -1 ), 

while the Brix% sharply increased from flowering (7.5%) to dough (12.4%) and maturity (14.3 %). In 

MSSVT, the pooled ANOVA revealed significant differences among varieties and locations for all other 

traits (stalk yield, Brix%, sugar yield and grain yield) during the rainy season 2010. The days to 50% 

flowering in the varieties ranged from 74 to 97 days (Urja: 80 days) and SP 4484-2 was the earliest to flower 

(75 days). The sugar yield was highest at dough stage (2.07 t ha -1 ) followed by maturity stage (1.7 t ha -1 ). 

PA-27 recorded consistently high sugar yield in all the three stages. 

6. Evaluation of four sweet stalk hybrids, two sweet stalk varieties along with control hybrid CSH 22SS each in 

farmers’ fields in the 2010 rainy season at Ibrahimbad cluster in Medak district, A.P, India. Evaluated four 

sweet stalk hybrids and two sweet stalk varieties along with control hybrid CSH 22 each in 3 farmers’ fields 

in the rainy season. Data were recorded on the agronomic traits and sweet stalk traits. The pathologists 

surveyed the experimental fields and recorded the foliar disease data. No foliar diseases appeared during the 

crop growth but severe grain mold incidence was observed at the time of harvesting, owing to heavy rains. 

Data analysis is under progress. 

7. Facilitating cultivation of sweet sorghum in large area (>50 acres) in farmers fields and enhancing the onfarm 

productivity. The sweet sorghum hybrid CSH 22SS was cultivated in more than 40 ha in Ibrahimbad 

village in Medak District. The use of treated seed supplied by ICRISAT and following improved crop 

production practices helped the farmers to achieve on an average of 25 t ha -1 stalk yield and 1.0 t ha -1 grain 

yield during the 2010 rainy season. 

Elite sweet sorghum cultivars were evaluated under on-farm conditions for identification of promising 

cultivars for immediate commercialization. Use of improved seed along with adaptation of recommended 

agronomic practices results in increased stalk and grain yields under on-farm conditions. MLTs help identify 

stable cultivars like ICSA 675 X ICSV 700, ICSA 675 × SSV 74 and ICSA474 x SSV74 for rainy season 

adaptation and PA-27 and ICSA 675 × SSV 74 for postrainy season adaptation. 

P Srinivasa Rao, Belum VS Reddy, 

A Ashok Kumar and Ch Ravinder Reddy 

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Milestone: 5A.7.1.2: Six new high-yielding sweet sorghum restorers identified (PSR/BVSR/HDU, 2010) 

Sweet sorghum hybrids are found to be promising for commercialization owing to the heterosis for sugar yield 

and allied traits. Hence, it is essential to develop high Brix% containing restorer lines for developing high sugar 

yielding hybrids. 

The trials were conducted for postrainy and rainy season adaptation as given below. 

Postrainy season adaptation: 

1. Sweet sorghum advanced varietal and restorer lines trial (SSAVRT): A total of 40 varieties and restorer 

lines selected from the sweet sorghum preliminary varietal and restorer lines trial during the 2008 postrainy 

season, were evaluated as sweet sorghum advanced varietal and restorer lines trial in 2009 postrainy season 

along with the four checks viz, Urja, SSV 84, CSH 22SS and JK Recova. The trial was conducted in RCBD with 

three replications. Thirty lines were superior to the best performing check Urja (1.57 t ha -1 ) for sugar yield. The 

sugar yield ranged from 0.88 t ha -1 to 2.73 t ha -1 (Urja: 1.57 t ha -1 ), days to 50% flowering from 59 to 77 days 

(Urja: 77 days) and Brix% from 7.0 to 14.0% (Urja: 11.5%). 

2. Sweet sorghum elite varietal and restorer’s trial (SSEVRT): A trial consisting of 30 elite sweet sorghum 

varieties and restorers selected previously was evaluated during the rainy season, 2010 in RCBD with 3 

replications along with 2 checks Urja and RSSV 9. In SSEVRT, sugar yield ranged from 1.2 to 2.8 t ha -1 (Urja: 

2.2 t ha -1 ). Ten entries had significantly higher sugar yield over the best performing check Urja (2.2 t ha -1 ). The 

days to 50% flowering ranged from 64 to 88 days (Urja: 68 days). Plant height ranged from 2.8 to 3.5 m (RSSV 

9: 3.3 m), grain yield in the genotypes from 0.3 to 1.0 t ha -1 (RSSV 9: 0.8 t ha -1 ) and Brix% from 11.9 to 17.9% 

(Urja: 17.9%). The top five high sugar-yielding entries were SP 08 2035-2, (2.8 t ha -1 ); SP 08 2044-3 (2.6 t ha -1 ); 

SP 08 2017-3 (2.6 t ha -1 ); SP 08 1045-1 (2.6 t ha -1 ) and SP 08 2002-2 (2.6 t ha -1 ). 

Rainy season adaptation: 

1. Sweet sorghum advanced varietal and restorer lines trial (SSAVRT): A total of 18 advanced sweet sorghum varieties and restorers 

lines selected from sweet sorghum preliminary varietal trial in 2009 rainy season, were evaluated during the rainy season, 2010 along with 

two checks, i.e., Urja and RSSV 9 in RCBD with 3 replications. In SSAVRT, sugar yield ranged from 0.4 to 1.4 t ha -1 (RSSV 9: 0.8 t ha -1 ). 

Ten lines had significantly superior sugar yield compared to the best check RSSV 9 (0.8 t ha -1 ). There was a wide range of variation for days 

to 50% flowering (57-101 days) Ch 13 with 57 days to flower was the earliest (Urja: 69 days). Plant height ranged from 3.4 to 2.2 m (Urja: 

3.2 m) while the Brix% at maturity ranged from 11.1 to 18.3% (Urja: 17.5%). 

P Srinivasa Rao and Belum VS Reddy 

Output target 5A. 8: Stay-green QTLs associated with improved fodder quality introgressed into elite 

sorghum hybrid parents and their potential utility assessed (2010) 

Activity 5A. 8.1: Mapping and introgression of stay-green QTL into elite parental lines, and assessment of 

their effects on hybrid performance 

Milestone 5B.8.1.1: Assessment of near-isogenic BC 3 F 3 and BC 4 F 3 stay-green QTL introgression lines 

completed in R16 and ISIAP Dorado backgrounds (CTH/SPD/VV/FRB, 2010) 

Staygreen has, so far, been the best characterized trait conferring drought adaptation in sorghum. However, the 

mechanisms underlying the expression of staygreen remain quite unclear. Among the different hypotheses, 

differences in rooting, or in the pattern of water use, could explain the expression of staygreen during the postflowering 

terminal drought stress. Alternatively, differences in water use efficiency in staygreen lines could 

explain a slower water use and therefore would leave water available for the late stages of plant growth, 

allowing staygreen phenotypic expression. 

Materials were tested in a lysimetric system (2.0 m long and 25 cm diameter tubes filled with alfisol) under 

terminal water stress and fully irrigated conditions (see detailed description in http://www.icrisat.org/bt-rootresearch.htm. 

Water stress was imposed by providing a last irrigation at 5 weeks after sowing (+2L at 74 days 

after sowing) and compared to a fully irrigated control. Twenty nine introgression lines (IL) developed with 

Stg1, Stg2, Stg3, Stg4, StgA, and StgB QTL in S35 background, and sixteen IL developed with Stg1, Stg3, Stg4, 

and StgB QTL in R16 background were tested. 

Differences in tillering and leaf area at anthesis, transpiration efficiency (TE), water extraction, harvest index 

(HI) and yield under both terminal drought and fully irrigated conditions were assessed Stg B increased 

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anspiration efficiency in the R16 background, whereas there was no effect in the S35 background. Stg1 

increased water extraction in the S35 background, whereas there was no effect in the R16 background. Stg1 

modified the proportion of water extracted before and after anthesis in both backgrounds, while StgB did so in 

S35 only. While tillering and leaf area at anthesis were decreased by Stg1, Stg2, and Stg3 in the S35 background, 

there was no such effect in R16. By contrast, yield data showed higher tiller grain yield in Stg1, Stg2, and Stg3 

ILs. Stay-green IL in the R16 background also had higher tiller yield than R16, except Stg3 IL, but less so than 

in S35. While yield differences were mostly explained by harvest index (HI), the substantial yield variation 

unexplained by HI was closely related to TE in the S35 background (R 2 = 0.29), and more so in the R16 

background (R 2 = 0.50), and closely related to total water extracted in S35 background (R 2 = 0.41), but not in 

the R16 background. 

Figure 7. Relationship between seed yield under terminal drought stress (DS) and the harvest index (HI) 

(a), relationship between the residual yield variations unexplained by HI (Res Yield not expl. HI) and 

transpiration efficiency (TE) (b), and relationship between the residual yield variations unexplained by 

HI and the total water extracted from the soil profile (c) in S35 (closed symbols) and R16 (open symbols) 

background. Data are the mean of 3 replicated lysimeter-grown plants per genotype 

These results indicate the potential of several stay-green QTL to affect traits related to plant water use and 

capture. It also shows very clearly that these effects depend more on the interaction between genetic background 

and QTL rather than on specific QTL. 

Output target 5A.9: Commercialization of sorghum grains and impact of improved germplasm enhanced. 

Milestone 5A.9.1.1.1: Hybrid parents (>50) and other breeding materials (>100) supplied to NARS and their 

impact assessed (BVSR/sorghum team—annual) 

Apart from developing improved hybrid parents, transferring them to the private sector seed companies and to 

the scientists in public sector organizations is of paramount importance to have the products reach the farmers 

in various countries. Towards this, we expose the materials available through field days. Also, partnering with 

national programs in project implementation leads to enhanced skills and impacts. 

Field days, seed supplies on requests and partnership trials are the major methods employed. 

A. Scientists field days 

1. Sorghum scientists field day for postrainy season was organized at ICRISAT-Patancheru on 18 January 

2010 for the first time to show the postrainy adapted material to the participating scientists. A total of 33 

scientists from public and private sectors (13 public sector, 8 private sector and 12 from ICRISAT) participated 

in the program. Main focus was on research for postrainy season adaptation. Main suggestions were: 1. 

diversifying the breeding material with germplasm lines from Ethiopia and Yemen, and Muskwari sorghums. 2. 

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postrainy season adapted dual-purpose sorghum material should be developed. 3. Postrainy season adapted 

sweet sorghum material should be developed. 

2. Sorghum scientists field day for rainy season was organized at ICRISAT-Patancheru on 6 and 7 October 

2010 to showcase the depth and variability in the sorghum material bred for various traits with rainy season 

adaptation. Thirty scientists from the public sector, 11 from the private sector and 3 international training 

participants joined the program. Main focus was on research for rainy season adaptation. 

B. Seed supplies 

A total of 3275 seed samples of hybrid seed parents/breeding lines were sent to 21 countries. India received 

2375 samples, followed by Nigeria (160 samples). Of the 2375 samples supplied in India, 888 samples were 

sent to public sector scientists, 1380 samples to private sector scientists and the remaining 107 samples to 

farmers and NGOs. Breeder seed of ICSA38 (6 kg), SSV 84 (2 kg), ICSV 93046 (12 kg) and ICSV 25274 (12 

kg) was supplied for further multiplication by NARS partners. Nucleus seed of ICSV 745 (2 kg); CSV 13 (3 kg) 

and MR 750 (2 kg) was supplied to NARS. Seed in bulk quantities (218 kg) of 12 high yielding/released 

cultivars each 2 to 30 kg was supplied to 61 farmers. A total of 438 kg (12 cultivars - 5 to 151 kg each) 

sorghum seed was supplied for watershed and on farm experiments. 

During the field days in 2009 postrainy season, 548 lines were selected by two public sector and five private 

sector scientists and in 2010 rainy season, 1189 samples were selected by seven public sector and seven private 

sector scientists. 

Fourteen sets of sweet sorghum trials consisting of 302 entries were sent to Thailand (one set), Philippines (2 

sets), and India (11 sets). 

C. Partnership trials and nurseries 

Trials and nurseries: Fourteen sets of sweet stalk trials consisting of 423 entries (each nursery ranging from 10 

-90) were sent for evaluation in India, Philippines, Israel, Mexico, Mozambique and Mali. Seed of sweet 

sorghum varieties (2) and hybrids (2) along with parental lines was multiplied and sent to Directorate of 

Sorghum Research (DSR), Hyderabad, India, for testing at the All India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement 

Project (AICSIP) locations in the 2010 rainy season. 

Biofuel research collaboration: Under the IFAD-funded Biofuels project an on-farm breeding trial (discussed 

under Milestone 5A.7.1.1) and multilocation trials of hybrids, varieties and maintainer lines (discussed under 

Milestone 5A.7.1.2) was conducted. A trial on ratoonability of sweet sorghum genotypes is being conducted in 

collaboration with Advanta Seeds Pvt Ltd to improve the harvesting window of raw material supply to 

distilleries. Nine promising sweet sorghum and grain sorghum genotypes were evaluated in a ratoonability trial 

during the 2009 rainy season. In the main crop, two sweet sorghum hybrids ICSA 731 × ICSV 93046 (1.1 t ha -1 ) 

and CSH 22SS (1.0 t ha -1 ) and a sweet sorghum variety ICSV 93046 (1.0 t ha -1 ) were significantly superior 

compared to the check (SSV 84). 

Tropical sugar beet trial: A trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of four sugar beet entries (604, 

629, 824 and Green as checks), received from Syngenta India Ltd., Pune, India, during the postrainy season, 

2009 in RCBD with three replications in two environments (alfisols and vertisols). In alfisols, the sugar beet 

yield ranged from 21.7 t ha -1 to 26.0 t ha -1 (Green: 22.91 t ha -1 ). The highest beet yield was recorded by 809 

(26.0 t ha -1 ) and the Brix% ranged from 21.6% to 23.6% (Green: 23.6 %). In vertisols, the sugar beet yield 

ranged from 32.9 t ha -1 to 41.6 t ha -1 (Green: 33.0 t ha -1 ) and the Brix% ranged from 20.7 to 22.9% (Green: 

22.9 %). The mean sugar beet yields in vertisols (36.1 t ha -1 ) was significantly higher compared to that in the 

alfisols (24.0 t ha -1 ). This is probably due to high moisture holding capacity of black cotton soils (vertisols). 

D. Impacts 

1. Case study of JKSH 22: 

The initial survey for the Case Study on JKSH 22 (Sorghum Hybrid; parent material from ICRISAT) has been 

conducted for traders and farmers group in Maharashtra during the rainy season 2010. 

• Farmers Group 

Seventeen farmers were interviewed. Ninety four percent claimed that JKSH 22 has good yield performance. 

Specific qualities shown by JKSH 22 are: non-lodging (71%), drought resistance (29%), good fodder 

quality (12%) and short duration (12%). Income earned by growing JKSH22 has been beneficial for an 

array of household activities such as family function (i.e. marriage) – 100%, agriculture-related – 94%, 

children’s education – 76%, house construction – 65%, and social/religious donations -12%. 

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• Distributor, Dealers, and Retailers Group 

One major distributor and five dealers were interviewed. The sole distributor handles about 35 tonnes of 

JKSH 22 per season and has 250 dealers in his network. He claimed that JKSH 22 will continue it’s grip in 

the market for many more years because of its good quality. The five dealers, on the other hand, have at 

least 30-35 retailers per dealer. In some cases, dealers were also retailers. The range of farmers served by 

dealer was from 1,000- 4,000 with most having 2,000. Dealers and retailers alike claimed that JKSH 22 is 

high yielding which explains its persistence in the market. 

2. HOPE project: 

The improved postrainy season adapted sorghum varieties (Parbhani Moti, Phule Vasudha, Phule Chitra and 

Phule Yasodha) were grown in an area of 2760 ha by 6900 farmers. By adoption of improved postrainy 

season production technologies, the average grain yield increased by 54% and fodder yield by 30%. 

Belum VS Reddy, A Ashok Kumar, P Srinivasa Rao, 

Ch Ravinder Reddy and Rosana Mula 

Milestone 5A.9.1.2: Ten sorghum scientists trained biannually (BVSR/sorghum team—alternate year) 

Improving the capacity or the knowledge or skills of the national breeders in crop improvement is one of the 

components that contribute to enhanced impact on the farmer’s fields. 

Both on-hand practical training in the field on various crop improvement operations along with class room 

lectures on the theory were followed and the experienced scientists were roped into provide the needed 

interaction. Also reading materials were supplied. 

A. NARS Scientists 

Mr. Yousuf from Egypt was trained on sorghum hybrid production and improvement from 13 September to 12 

November 2010. 

A training program on “Sorghum hybrid parents and hybrids development and production” was conducted at 

IAR, Abu, Zaria, Nigeria, from 16-20 August 2010. About 73 participants from six countries (Senegal, Niger, 

Mali, Nigeria, Ghana and Burkina Faso) participated in the training program which included 5 female 

participants. Most of the participants were seed production/ certification officers, sorghum breeders/scientists, 

and Associate Directors of seed production of the public sector or from private sector. The training program 

included 12 lectures, one group discussion on seed sales and marketing and updates on sorghum breeding 

approach and status in various WCA countries (by individual country breeders) and hands-on training in the 

maintenance of seed parents and varieties/restorers, breeding hybrid parental lines, hybrid production on small 

and large scales, selection criteria, and formation and setting of breeding objectives and programs. 

B. Farmers and partners in special projects 

IFAD Project: 

Training program title 

No. of 

programs 

1 On-farm : Improved crop production technologies 15 220 

2 Best bet practices 1 15 

3 On-station: Improved crop production technologies 2 50 

4 Multilocation trials 2 12 

Total 20 297 

S.No. 

No. of 

participants 

CFC Project: 

S.No. 


No. of 

No. of 

programs participants 

1 On-farm : Improved crop production technologies 47 456 

2 Best bet practices 3 85 

3 On-station: Improved crop production technologies 15 437 

4 Project activities awareness programs 3 216 

5 DCU operation and management program 2 36 

Total 70 1230 

220

NAIP Project: 

S.No. 


No. of 

programs 

No. of 

participants 

1 On-farm : Improved crop production technologies 

2 Field day :Best bet practices 1 45 

3 DCU operation and management 1 15 

4 Project activities awareness programs in new villages 6 114 

5 Soil health management; importance of micronutrients 2 56 

in crop productivity 

6 Demonstration of seed-cum fertilizer drill 3 43 

7 Demonstration of leaf stripper 1 12 

8 Projection of video film on sweet sorghum crop 2 67 

production and DCU syrup production practices 

9 Farm Implements for Mechanizing Small Farms 1 30 

Total 17 382 

HOPE project: 

Sr. No. 


No. of 

No. of 

programs participants 

1 Training on Improved crop production technologies of 30 600 

postrainy sorghum 

2 Training on Seed treatment and IPM 30 300 

3 Soil health management; importance of micronutrients 6 150 

in crop productivity (Soil sample collection) 

4 Field day :Best bet practices (INM, IPM & IDM) 6 3000 

5 Women farmers rally 2 200 

6 Demonstration of seed-cum fertilizer drill 6 180 

7 Training on good business practices 6 250 

8 Training on Sorghum Seed Production, Storage and 4 480 

marketing (farmers, KVK & SAU Staff) 

9 Training to female farmers on alternate uses of 2 50 

sorghum 

10 Training on Self seed collection of rabi Sorghum 30 1500 

Total 122 6110 

Belum VS Reddy, A Ashok Kumar, 

P Srinivasa Rao and Ch Ravinder Reddy 

II. Pearl millet 

Output target 5A.1: Genetically diverse, high-yielding and downy mildew (DM) resistant pearl millet 

parental lines of potential grain hybrids (at least 9 each of seed parents and restorer parents) developed 

annually during 2006-2011 

Activity 5A 1.1: Develop and characterize regionally adapted high-yielding and DM resistant hybrid parents 

Milestone 5A.1.1.1: Diverse range of high-yielding and DM resistant seed parents and restorer parents 

developed (SKG/KNR/RPT/RS) 

Seed parents with high grain yield potential and downy mildew resistance are developed every year for use by 

the public and private sector. In 2010, nine male sterile lines (A-lines) of diverse parentage and morphological 

traits (flowering, plant height, panicle length and 1000-grain weight) were developed. Of these, 2 A-lines were 

in A 1, 4 in A 4 , 2 in A 5 cytoplasmic background. One A- line was in both A 4 and A 5 cytoplasmic background. All 

these lines were highly resistant to at least two of the five diverse pathotypes of downy mildew (≤10% disease 

incidence) under high disease pressure in greenhouse inoculation test (> 95 % disease incidence in the 

susceptible check 7042S). ICMB 10444, 10555, 10888, 10999 were found resistant to all the five pathotypes; 

while ICMB 10222, 10666, 10777 were found resistant to any of the four pathotypes; ICMB 10111 to three 

pathotypes and ICMB 10333 was found resistant to two DM pathotypes. In addition, 367 B-lines (BC 1 to BC 10 

generation) were evaluated in different cytoplasmic backgrounds (110 A 1 , 172 A 4 and 265 A 5 cytoplasm) and 

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358 lines were selected: 81 in A 1 cytoplasm, 127 in A 4 cytoplasm and 214 in A 5 cytoplasm for further evaluation 

and conversion into A-lines. 

An equally important program of restorer line development runs parallel to the seed parents program to develop 

diverse, DM resistant and high-yielding restorer lines. Nine restorer lines (R-lines) of diverse origin with 

desirable agronomic traits (flowering, plant height, panicle length and 1000- grain weight) and resistant to at 

least two of the five DM pathotypes were developed. ICMR 10444 and ICMR 10777 showed resistant to all five 

pathotypes, while other lines were resistant to 3-4 pathotypes. Five lines were restorers of the A 1 CMS system, 

while two lines were restorers of the A 4 CMS system and 2 were restorers on both A 1 and A 4 CMS system. 

SK Gupta, KN Rai, RP Thakur and Rajan Sharma 

Milestone 5A.1.1.2: Seed parents and restorer parents adapted to arid zone developed 

For arid zone, seed/restorer parent progenies are bred with traits like early maturity, high tillering, stay-green 

with high yield potential and DM resistance. In this direction, a nursery of 89 early-maturing progenies was 

evaluated in rainy season 2010, of which 48 progenies were selected. Of these, 10 flowered in < 40 days 

(control 843B flowered in 36 days). In other nursery of early B-lines, 58 progenies were evaluated in rainy 

season 2010 of which 19 were selected, of which 14 flowered in < 45 days. Ninety one advanced progenies (S 5 -S 8 ) 

derived from ICRISAT-CAZRI-B–Composite (ICCZBC) were evaluated in 6 drought nurseries during the 2010 

summer season, of which 48 were selected, with 11 of these flowering in 14g. To generate long 

panicled progenies, 58 advanced seed parent progenies (F 8 -F 10 /S 8 ) were selected on the basis of panicle length 

and other agronomic traits from 90 progenies evaluated during the 2010 rainy season, of which, 3 progenies had 

panicle length of 41-45 cm; 9 had panicle length of 36-40 cm and 8 progenies had 31-35 cm panicle length 

(check ICMB 05888 recorded panicle length of 41cm). In other seed parent nursery of 20 advanced progenies 

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evaluated during 2010 rainy season, 9 progenies were selected for long panicles based on visual and agronomic 

score. Two of the selected progenies flowered in 46-50 days; 2 progenies flowered in 51-55 days and 5 

progenies flowered in 56-60 days. 

In restorer breeding program 354 long-panicled progenies (F 4 -F 10 / S 9 -S 10 ) involving parental lines RCB-2, 

ICMS 7704, R1B 3135-18 and Zongo were evaluated in 7 nurseries, of which, 151 were selected based on long 

panicles and visual agronomic score. Seven of these selected progenies had panicle length of more than 50 cm 

and 25 progenies had panicle length of 41-50 cm. To develop white-seeded pearl millet cultivars, we evaluated 

43 white-seeded F 5 progenies during rainy season of 2010 and selected 19 progenies based on white seed color 

and agronomic score, of which 9 flowered in < 50 days. To expand this program further, we evaluated 11 newly 

developed F 2 s during the rainy season 2010 and selected 9 F 2 s for further advancement. To identify high 

biomass lines, based on 2009 summer and 2010 rainy season evaluation, 18 accessions (procured from Genetic 

Resources Unit) were identified based on their high dry biomass yield at 80 days after sowing. 

SK Gupta, KN Rai, HD Upadhyaya, RP Thakur and Rajan Sharma 

Milestone 5A.2.1.2: Genetically diverse trait-specific (eg. large seed, large panicle size, diverse maturity and 

height) advanced breeding lines developed and disseminated (2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012) (KNR/SKG/RPT/RS) 

Keeping into consideration the trait specific requirements of different agro-regions, improved breeding lines are 

developed continuously in the hybrid breeding program. Besides grain yield potential, flowering time, DM 

resistance and overall agronomic performance are the prime criteria for selection and advancement of breeding 

material. Results of large-seeded and long-panicle trait-specific breeding lines have been reported under 

milestone 5A.2.1.1. 

Trait-Specific seed parent progenies: About 850 breeding lines were evaluated in different trait-specific 

nurseries in rainy season of 2010. For early maturity a nursery of 89 early-maturing progenies was evaluated, of 

which 48 progenies were selected. Of these, 35 flowered in < 45 days, similar to the control (843B flowered in 

36 days). In another nursery of early B-lines, 58 progenies were evaluated of which 19 were selected, of them 

14 flowered in < 45 days. A nursery comprising of 81 thick-panicled progenies (F 5 ) was evaluated and selected 

29 superior lines. Of these, 11 progenies flowered in 46-55 days, while 18 flowered in 56-65 days (ICMB 01333 

flowered in 60 days). In another nursery, 120 thick-panicled F 3 progenies were evaluated, of which 48 progenies 

were selected that flowered in 41-55 days. For stay-green trait, 26 progenies were evaluated during the 2010 

summer season in drought nursery, of which 5 progenies with stay-green trait were selected, of which 5 

flowered in 46-50 days (ICMB 89111 flowered in 43 days). In a nursery of promising stay-green breeding 

material, 114 progenies were evaluated, of which 42 progenies were selected based on overall agronomic score 

and stay-green trait. All these flowered in 41-50 days (ICMB 00999 flowered in 48 days). A nursery of 128 F 7 

bristled and dwarf progenies were evaluated, of which 52 progenies with good agronomic score and bristled 

panicle were selected. One hundred and ninety-nine advanced (F 8 ) d 2 dwarf progenies (45-80 cm) were 

evaluated and 50 progenies were selected based on agronomic score. To introduce compactness, twenty-two 

progenies with very compact panicle were selected from various nurseries evaluated during the 2010 rainy 

season, of which, 13 were found agronomically good. 

Trait-Specific restorer progenies: Seven thick-panicled progenies (S 6 /F 5 ) selected on the basis of multi-season 

data were evaluated during the 2010 rainy season, of which 5 progenies were selected based on agronomic score 

and thick panicle. In search for superior donors for panicle compactness, 17 progenies (S 5 -S 9 / F 4 -F 5 ) were 

evaluated during the 2010 rainy season, of which 11 progenies were selected based on agronomic score and 

panicle compactness. 

In addition, 282 progenies were evaluated for adaptation–specific characteristics; 131 progenies (F 5 -F 7 ) in the A 5 cytoplasmic 

background and having A 5 restorer gene(s); 52 iniari type progenies (S 8 -S 8 ); 83 population derived progenies; 122 potential R-lines 

and 216 elite restorer lines were evaluated and selections made in rainy 2010. 

To disseminate promising materials to national programs, Scientists Field Day was organized on 30th 

September-1st October, 2010 at ICRISAT, Patancheru where 16 participants from public sector and 19 

participants from Consortium Seed companies participated. 


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Milestone 5A.2.1.3: An elite B-composite and an elite R-composite with resistance to multiple pathotypes of 

downy mildew populations developed (2009) (SKG/KNR/RPT/RS) 

Eleven potential restorers highly resistant (≤10% disease incidence under high disease pressure in the 

greenhouse) to five diverse pathotypes (Banaskantha, Barmer, Jamnagar, Jodhpur and Jalna) and four potential 

restorers highly resistant to any four of these five pathotypes had undergone two cycles of random mating in 

2008. Third and final random mating in this material was done in summer season of 2009, after which selected 

plants were bulked to finally develop Multiple Downy Mildew Resistant Restorer composite (MDMRRC). The 

MDMRRC was distributed to 5 NARS partners for utilization in rainy season of 2010. 

Nineteen lines with high levels of DM resistance had undergone two cycles of intermating in 2009 to constitute 

Multiple Downy Mildew Resistant B – composite (MDMRBC). This material had undergone third cycle of 

random mating in summer of 2010 and MDMRBC was constituted. One hundred and twenty nine half-sibs were 

selected and evaluated in rainy season 2010, of which 50 were selected of which 4 S 1s flowered in < 45 days 

while rest of 46 S 1s flowered in 41-50 days. The seed of this composite is now available for distribution for 

testing in different agro-ecologies. 


Output target 5A.3: Morphological and molecular diversity of more than 150 elite inbred lines of pearl 

millet assessed and the relationship between diversity and yield heterosis demonstrated (2009) 

Activity 5A 3.1: Evaluate parental lines, advanced breeding lines and their hybrids for grain yield, and 

morphological and molecular diversity 

Milestone 5A.3.1.1: Designated seed parents and restorer lines characterized for DUS traits and molecular 

diversity (2008) (SKG/KNR/RV) 

Designated seed parents were characterized and the information has been documented in “Morphological 

Characteristics of ICRISAT-bred Pearl Millet Hybrid Seed Parents”, a 176 page book available on-line at 

(http://www.icrisat.org/what-we-do/publications/digital-publications/icrisat-publications-2010/morphological- 

Pearlmillet.pdf). 

Restorer lines have been characterized and document “Characterization of ICRISAT-bred Pollinator Parents of 

Pearl Millet” has been drafted. Pollinator lines were photographed in rainy season 2010 for documenting this 

information in 2011. 

SK Gupta and KN Rai 

Milestone 5A.3.1.2: Selected hybrid parents and advanced breeding lines characterized for morphological and 

molecular diversity, and yield heterosis (2009), (KNR/SKG/RV) 

A trial designated as SET-I, consisting of 22 hybrids developed on the basis of molecular diversity between 

designated seed and restorer parents and previously evaluated in rainy season 2008 were evaluated along with 

their parental lines in summer season of 2010 in a RCBD with three replications, with hybrids and parental lines 

planted side-by-side as the blocks in each replication. Also, other trial designated as SET-II, consisting of 29 

hybrids generated on the basis of molecular diversity between promising seed and restorer parents and 

previously evaluated in rainy season 2009 wasre-evaluated in summer season 2010 on the same basis as 

mentioned for SET-I. Data for grain and stover yield and component traits were recorded for both the sets. The 

data are under analysis. The parental lines involved in generation of hybrids for both the sets have been 

genotyped using DART markers to provide molecular diversity–index based on a larger genomic data. 


Milestone 5A.3.1.3: Two medium-maturity heterotic gene pools based on molecular marker diversity 

constituted (2012) (SKG/KNR/SC/RV) 

The results from milestone 5A.3.1.2 will determine the approach for developing the heterotic gene-pools. 


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Output target 5A.4: QTLs for downy mildew resistance in pearl millet identified, compared to those 

previously detected, and their effect on DM resistance assessed (2008) 

Activity 5A.4.1: Development of mapping populations and QTL mapping of DM resistance 

Milestone 5A.4.1.1: QTL mapping based on F 6 RILs and F 2:4 progenies from two crosses completed and results 

compared (CTH/SS/RPT/RS, 2008) 

Milestone 5A.4.1.2: Genetically diverse parents of mapping populations identified and crossed to generate F 6 

RILs (CTH/KNR/RPT/RS, 2007) 

Activity 5A.4.2: Map-directed conventional backcrossing and marker-assisted backcrossing of DM resistance 

QTLs into parental lines of hybrids 

Milestone 5A.4.2.1: Ten major QTL imparting resistance against specific DM pathtypes identified 

(CTH/RPT/RS, 2007) 

Milestone 5A.4.2.2: Near-isogenic lines containing different DM resistance genes (QTL) developed 

(RPT/RS/CTH, 2010) 

Milestone 5A.4.2.3: QTL with known effects against diverse pathotypes pyramided in 843B and other parental 

lines and their resistance levels determined (CTH/RPT/RS, 2010) 

Milestone 5A.4.2.4: Several different single-QTL introgression homozygotes available in genetic backgrounds 

of two elite seed parents (CTH/RPT/RS, 2007) 

Milestone 5A.4.2.5: Several different multiple-QTL introgression homozygotes available in genetic 

backgrounds of an elite restorer line and three diverse elite seed parents (CTH/TN/SS/RPT/RS, 2009) 

Output target 5A.5: Virulence changes in pearl millet DM pathogen populations determined (2009) 

Activity 5A.5.1: Conduct field and laboratory studies to monitor the nature of virulence change in DM 

pathogen populations 

Milestone 5A.5.1.1: Ten to fifteen DM isolates each from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh 

characterized for pathogenicity and virulence (RPT/RS/KNR/RB, 2008) 

Isolates of Sclerospora graminicola, the pearl millet downy mildew (DM) pathogen, collected from highly 

susceptible pearl millet hybrids during on-farm surveys in different states of India are characterized for 

pathogenic variation to monitor virulence change in the pathogen population. Highly virulent isolates thus 

identified from different states are used for screening germplasm and breeding lines for identifying new sources 

of resistance and developing DM-resistant hybrid parental lines and hybrids. 

Virulence diversity was studied in S. graminicola populations (70 isolates) collected from four Indian states 

(Maharashtra- 13; Rajasthan- 22; Gujarat- 14; and Uttar Pradesh-21). Pathogenic variation was studied by their 

reaction on seven host differential lines (P 7-4, P310-17, 700651, 7042R, 852B, IP 18292 and IP 18293) in the 

greenhouse. For this, pot-grown seedlings of pearl millet lines were spray-inoculated at the coleoptile stage with 

sporangial suspensions of the test isolates. The inoculated seedlings were incubated at 20ºC and >90% RH for 

20 h, and then transferred to a greenhouse bench at 25 ºC under misting (leaf wetness) for disease development. 

Downy mildew incidence was recorded 14 days after inoculation as percent infected plants. 

Significant variation was observed for downy mildew incidence among the test isolates. Pathogen populations from Uttar Pradesh were 

found most aggressive with a mean 70% DM incidence by the isolates across seven differentials followed by Gujarat 47%, Rajasthan 37% 

and Maharashtra 26%. Pathogen isolates virulent on all the seven differentials were also maximum from Uttar Pradesh (62%) followed by 

Gujarat (50%) and Rajasthan (36) and minimum from Maharashtra (8%). Isolate Sg 507 from Uttar Pradesh was most virulent (96% mean 

DM); whereas, Sg 021 from Maharashtra and Sg 468 from Rajasthan were least virulent with 5% mean DM across differentials. Based on 

virulence diversity study, Sg 492 from Aligarh and Sg 510 from Badaun in Uttar Pradesh; Sg 445 from Banaskantha in Gujarat; Sg 457 

from Jaipur in Rajasthan; and Sg 534 from Ahmednagar in Maharashtra have been selected for greenhouse screening of pearl millet 

breeding lines for these specific regions. 


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Milestone 5A.5.1.2: Spatial and temporal virulence pattern of downy mildew pathogens assessed through 

virulence nursery and on-farm survey results (RPT/RS/KNR/RB/CTH, 2009) 

Pathogenic variability in Sclerospora graminicola remains a major research focus associated with downy 

mildew management in pearl millet through host plant resistance. As a result of evolution of host-specific 

virulence, resistant genotypes lose their effective resistance within a short period, leading to the development of 

new pathotypes in the pathogen populations. Therefore, pathogen populations in the major crop growing areas 

need to be periodically monitored and characterized to identify new pathotypes in the target area. Monitoring the 

virulence shift in the pathogen population, identifying new virulent pathotypes, screening breeding lines for 

resistance against the new virulent pathotypes, and strategically using and deploying resistance genes form the 

strategy of downy mildew management in pearl millet. Through the ICAR-ICRISAT partnership project, 

virulence in the pathogen population is monitored by conducting a collaborative Pearl Millet Downy Mildew 

Virulence Nursery (PMDMVN), conducting on-farm downy mildew survey, and pathogenic characterization of 

selected isolates using host differentials. 

The PMDMVN, consisting of 25-50 pearl millet lines and a local susceptible check was established at 11 

locations in India during the rainy seasons 2006-08. The nursery was conducted using sick plot and infector-row 

systems at all the locations. Data on disease incidence were recorded at 30-day and 60-day after emergence. 

Significant differences were found in downy mildew incidence in test lines at different locations, indicating 

variability in virulence of S. graminicola populations. Mean downy mildew incidence across entries and seasons 

was highest at Anand, indicating that population of S. graminicola at Anand was more virulent than those at 

other locations. The pathogen population at Jamnagar was least virulent. P 7-4, P 310-17, 700651, 852B, 834B, 

IP 18292, IP 18293, H 77/833-2 and 843B were common entries in the PMDMVN conducted during 2006-08 

and exhibited differential reaction to S. graminicola populations across locations confirming ‘spatial pathogenic 

variation’ in the pathogen. IP 18292, once considered as a stable source of resistance, succumbed to Anand and 

Durgapura pathotypes exhibiting temporal virulence change and evolution of new virulence in S. graminicola. 

Temporal pathogenic variation in the S. graminicola populations was studied by the reaction of old and new 

isolates collected from the same area using seven host differential lines (P 7-4, P310-17, 700651, 7042R, 852B, 

IP 18292 and IP 18293) in a greenhouse screen. Results of the DM screen showed that old isolate Sg 151, 

collected during 1997 from Durgapura had only 13% mean DM incidence across differentials, whereas the new 

isolate Sg 505 collected during 2008 recorded 79% mean incidence and infected all the 7 differentials. Similarly, 

old isolate Sg 334 from Haryana had 9% mean DM incidence, whereas the new isolate Sg 519 had 66% mean 

incidence. This is also true with the pathogen populations in Maharashtra. New isolate Sg 534 collected in 2009 

from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra is more virulent (35% mean DM incidence) than the old isolate Sg 021 

collected in 1993 (5% mean DM incidence) indicating temporal virulence change in the S. graminicola 

populations and evolution of more virulent pathotypes in pearl millet growing areas in India. 


Output target 5A.6: At least two improved populations and experimental hybrids of pearl millet with 

high forage yield potential developed (2009) 

Activity 5A 6.1: Develop and evaluate improved open-pollinated varieties and hybrids for their forage yield 

potential 

Milestone 5A.6.1.1: Additional germplasm sources with high biomass yield identified (KNR/RB/HDU/MB, 

2009) 

Although a few OPVs and experimental hybrids with high forage yield have been developed, search for new 

germplasm sources with high forage yield potential continued. We had evaluated 27 accessions during the 2009 

summer season, of which 21 gave 8.1-9.8 t ha -1 of dry fodder yield (four control OPVs had 8.0-9.2 t ha -1 forage 

yield) at 80-day harvest. Thus, in 2010 rainy season, it was decided to repeat this trial. The rainy season trial 

mean (5.2 t ha -1 ) was much lower than the summer season trial mean ( 8.6 t ha -1 ). Yet, five accessions had 6.5- 

7.3 t ha -1 dry forage yield and included two of the highest-yielding accessions identified in 2009 summer season 

trial. Based on the performance across the two seasons, 10 accessions and the 4 control OPVs were sent to 

AICPMIP to constitute a forage trial that will be evaluated at 6 locations in 2011 summer season. 

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Milestone 5A.6.1.2: Improved populations and experimental hybrids with high forage yield potential 

developed (KNR/RB/ HDU/MB, 2009) 

Milestone 5A 6.1.3: Diverse seed parents with high forage yield potential developed and characterized (2012) 

(SKG/KNRMB) 

Thirteen forage-type lines earlier identified as seed parent lines with high forage potential were initiated for 

backcrossing in A 5 CMS background in summer of 2010. Eight of these were also backcrossed in A 4 CMS 

system. BC1’s were generated for these forage-type materials in rainy season of 2010. In addition, 352 forage 

type seed parent progenies (F 4 ); 12 (S 6 -S 8 ) progenies; and 92 (S 3 -S 6 ) progenies were evaluated during the 2010 

rainy season, of which 155 lines were selected. Of these, 27 progenies flowered in > 60 days while 98 flowered 

in 51-60 days (Check ICMB 03222 flowered in 52 days). 

Also, 29 seed parent progenies found promising for forage type traits were selected based on diverse parentage. 

Of these, 15 flowered in

evaluation of pearl millet forage trials at two locations in Jordan were given on-spot training. Input was 

provided for developing in-country/in-region seed production programs to accelerate the adoption of pearl millet 

populations primarily for forage production. Not much further progress could be made in popularizing pearl 

millet in Central Asia. However, the feedback from Uzbekistan shows increasing popularity of this crop due to 

the efforts of a government-funded pearl millet project in that country. 

KN Rai, CLL Gowda and Pearl Millet Team 

Milestone 5A 8.1.3: International Pearl Millet Training Course (2009) and Field Day (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012) 

conducted (KNR/CLL/pearl millet team) 

Scientists Field Day was organized on 30 September-1 October, 2010 at ICRISAT, Patancheru where 16 

participants from public sector and 19 participants from Consortium Seed companies participated. Scientists 

Field Day was organized on 30 September-1 October, 2010 at ICRISAT, Patancheru where 16 participants from 

public sector and 19 participants from Consortium Seed companies participated. The participants selected 2555 

distinct breeding lines (1206 from public sector and 1349 from private sector). Of these selections, seed of 2300 

breeding lines (92%) was provided to participating institutions in 2010. The seed of rest of about 250 breeding 

lines will be multiplied in summer season 2011 and shared with partners. 

KN Rai, CLL Gowda and Pearl millet Team 

Milestone 5A 8.1.4: Technical information and public awareness documents developed and disseminated 

(KNR/CLLG/pearl millet team, annual) 

Milestone 5A 8.1.5: Commercialization of pearl millet grains strengthened through researcher-farmer-industry 

alliances (KNR/CLLG/pearl millet team-annual) 

Output 5B: Enhanced molecular genetic and phenotyping platforms for drought and salinity screening 

and parental lines of hybrid sorghum, pearl millet and pigeonpea with improved tolerance to abiotic 

stresses, made available to partners biennially (from 2008) with associated knowledge and capacity 

building in SAT Asia. 

I. Pigeonpea 

Output Target 5A.1: About 15 high-yielding pigeonpea hybrids made available for cultivation in different 

environments (2006-2009). 

Activity 5A.1.1: Development of widely adapted high-yielding hybrids for different environments. 

Milestone 5A.1.1.1: At least 100 new hybrid combinations evaluated to identify new fertility restorers/male 

sterility maintainers (KBS/KML, 2006-09). 

A total of 154 new hybrids were evaluated in station trials at Patancheru. Of these, 11 new hybrids exhibited 

male- sterility and such plants were used in further backcrossing. In 120 hybrids all the plants were fully fertile. 

Their pollen parents were selfed to get pure seed. The remaining 23 hybrids exhibited variability (50 – 

90%) for malefertility. 

KB Saxena 

Milestone 5A.1.1.2: At least five high yielding hybrids each in early and medium maturity duration identified for 

multi-location testing (KBS/KML, 2007). 

Short-duration hybrids: Based on the multi-location performance, eight short-duration hybrids were identified 

and evaluated in two replications at Patancheru. Of these, ICPH 2433 was found to be 41% superior to well 

known national check UPAS 120. ICPH 2433 also performed well in multi-location testing in the previous year 

and it recorded 31.6 % superiority over check in 33 locations. Hence, plans were made to promote this hybrid 

for on-farm trials. 

Evaluation of white-seeded pigeonpea hybrids: To meet the specific requirements of high-yield and white 

seed color hybrids for Gujarat state, 15 white-seeded hybrids were tested in two trials at Patancheru and Gujarat. 

At Patancheru, initial growth and vigor of these hybrids were good. The hybrids identified on the basis of highyield 

and disease resistance were ICPH 4329, ICPH 4182, and ICPH 4184. The highest (65%) superiority was 

228

ecorded by ICPH 4329 with no wilt and SM incidence in the disease nursery. ICPH 4171 had large seeds. The 

trial was vitiated due to heavy rains in Gujarat. 

KB Saxena 

Milestone 5A.1.1.3: At least five pigeonpea hybrids identified for on-farm testing (KBS/KML, 2008). 

Based on multi-location data, besides ICPH 2671, the other disease resistant promising hybrids identified were 

ICPH 2740 and ICPH 3762. The hybrid ICPH 2740 was evaluated in 33 locations during 2005-2008 (Table 2) 

and overall it recorded 37.8% superiority over control Asha. This hybrid flowered in 116 - 129 days and 

matured in 172 - 186 days with 100-seed mass of 10.8 g. The other hybrid ICPH 3762 was evaluated at eight 

locations and it recorded 11.9% superiority (Table 3) over the control. This hybrid flowered in 115 - 126 days 

and matured in 171 - 184 days with 100-seed mass of 10.6 g. Both the hybrids are suitable for deep Vertisols. 

KB Saxena and Mula Guerrero Myer 

Milestone 5A.1.1.4: Elite pigeonpea hybrids evaluated for their resistance to major insects and diseases 

(HCS/SP/ KBS, 2009). 

The pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most damaging pests of pigeonpea. Chemical control of H. 

armigera is costly, and also leads to development of resistance to insecticides. There is a need to develop insect 

resistant cultivars to reduce the extent of losses due to this pest. Therefore, we evaluated the pigeonpea hybrid 

parents and hybrids for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera during the 2009 rainy season to identify cultivars 

with resistance/tolerance to this pest for use in pigeonpea improvement. Six hybrids along with two pairs of 

maintainer/male-sterile lines, 9 varieties, and nine restorer lines in the short duration group; and 10 hybrids, 

three pairs of A/B lines, and 10 restorer lines, along with four checks were evaluated for resistance under field 

conditions. There were three replications in a randomized complete block design. Data were recorded on H. 

armigera damage, recovery and overall resistance scores visually, pod damage, egg and larval numbers per 5 

inflorescences, and grain yield. Damage by H. armigera in all the hybrids in the first flush was very high, and 

therefore recovery resistance scores were recorded at maturity (Tables 35, 36). In the short-duration group, the 

recovery resistance scores ranged from 7.0 to 9.0, and the genotypes PPE 54-2, ICPL 187-1, ICPL 98008, ICPR 

2363, ICPR 2431, and ENT 11 showed moderate levels of recovery resistance, and yield potential 0.35-0.72 t 

ha -1 as compared to 0.31 t ha -1 of ICPL 87. These genotypes also had lower numbers of eggs and larvae of H. 

armigera. None of the hybrids exhibited tolerance to pod borer damage. In the medium-duration group, the 

recovery resistance scores ranged from 5.7 to 8.3, and the genotypes ICPH 2740, ICPH 3461, ICPH 3762, ICPR 

2671, ICPR 2740, and ICPL 3762 showed moderate levels of recovery resistance, and yield potential 0.7 t ha -1 

as compared to 0.77 t ha -1 of ICPL 87119. These genotypes also had lower numbers of eggs and larvae of H. 

armigera (Tables 37, 38). 

HC Sharma, KB Saxena and RK Srivastava 

A total of 719 genotypes were screened in disease nursery under high-disease inoculum condition at Patancheru. 

This material consisted of 40 A/B lines, 198 short and medium-duration hybrids, and 481 R-lines. A total of 

116 genotypes were found to have combined resistant to wilt and SM. Twenty-seven lines had resistance to wilt 

disease only, while 187 lines showed resistance to only SM disease. The remaining 387 lines were susceptible to 

both the diseases. 

H C Sharma, Suresh Pande and KB Saxena 

Output Target 5A.2: Genetically diverse pigeonpea hybrid parents (about 5-10 A lines and 10-15 R lines) 

with resistance to major biotic stresses developed (2009). 

Activity 5A.2.1: Development of high-yielding pigeonpea hybrid parents with resistance to major biotic 

stresses. 

Milestone 5A.2.1.1: At least six A 4 male-sterile and 15 fertility restorer lines with resistance to wilt and sterility 

mosaic disease developed (KBS/KML/SP, 2007). 

Based on disease resistance six resistant male-sterile lines were selected. Of these, one R-line was of shortduration 

and the remaining of medium-duration. Similarly, out of 314 R-lines, 74 lines were resistant to SM and 

wilt diseases and these were used in making hybrids. 

KB Saxena and Suresh Pande 

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Milestone 5A.2.1.2: At least six promising maintainers of A 4 cytoplasm improved for agronomic traits (seed and 

pod size and disease resistance) through backcrossing (KBS/KML, 2009). 

A total of 14 A-lines with A 4 cytoplasm were used for improving agronomic traits. The traits selected for 

improvement in different lines by back crossing were wilt and sterility mosaic resistance, seed color 

(particularly white), seed size, primary/secondary branches, and pod number. The materials used in 

backcrossing were from BC 1 to BC 5 generations. 

KB Saxena and Suresh Pande 

Output target 5A.3: Pigeonpea hybrid parents (25-30 A-lines and 50-55 R-lines) characterized for 

important agronomic traits and molecular diversity (2009). 

Activity 5A.3.1: Assessing the agronomic and molecular diversity of pigeonpea hybrid parental lines. 

Milestone 5A.3.1.1: A/B- and R- lines characterized for important agronomic traits (KBS/KML/HCS/SP, 2008). 

Maintainers: In 2009, a total of 22 medium-duration maintainer (B-) lines were evaluated in two trials in RBD 

with two replications in four-row plots. ICPB 2078, 2047, 2048, and 2092 were found to be resistant to wilt and 

SM diseases. These lines produced good yields when compared to both the checks. 

Restorers: Fifty-seven fertility restorer (R-) lines were evaluated in three trials in RBD with two replications in 

four-row plots. Of these, 42 belonged to medium-duration and the remaining 15 to the long-duration group. 

ICPR 2671, 3762, 3477, 4437, and 4013 were found to be resistant to both wilt and SM diseases. 

KB Saxena, H C Sharma and Suresh Pande 

Milestone 5A.3.1.2: Available male sterile (A/B) and fertility restorer (R) lines characterized using molecular 

markers (KBS/RKV, 2009). 

Development of mapping populations segregating for fertility restoring gene(s): Four diverse hybrids were 

selected for developing mapping populations. The parents for crossing and raising of mapping populations were 

grown under nylon net coverings to eliminate cross - pollination. The cross combinations (ICPA 2039 × ICPR 

2438, ICPA 2039 × ICPR 2447, ICPA 2043 × ICPR 2671, and ICPA 2043 × ICPR 3467) were made and the 

resultant F 1 s were raised and their F 2 seeds were collected from single F 1 plants. All the F 2 plants were selfed to 

obtain the F 2:3 mapping populations. 

Identification of molecular markers linked to fertility restorer (Fr) gene(s) of A 4 CMS system: A total of 

98 and 145 simple sequences repeat (SSR) markers showed polymorphism in cross ICPA 2039 × ICPR 2447 

and ICPA 2043 × ICPR 2671, respectively. All the identified polymorphic markers will be used for genotyping 

of 188 progenies of F 2 mapping populations. The phenotyping data obtained in combination with genotyping 

data will be analyzed to identify QTLs showing higher phenotypic variations for fertility restoration. 

Rajeev Kumar Varshney and KB Saxena 

Output Target 5A.4: Seed production technology for pigeonpea hybrids and their parents improved 

(2009). 

Activity 5A.4.1: Developing an efficient seed production technology for pigeonpea hybrids and their parents. 

Milestone 5A.4.1.1: Improved seed production technology for pigeonpea hybrids and their parents developed 

(KBS/KML, 2009). 

The seed production of hybrids (A x R) and maintainers (A x B) were taken up under different plant populations 

under June and July sowings. Two row ratios (3 female : 1 male) and (4 female : 1 male) were used. The 

results indicated that spacing of 75cm x 30 cm with 4 female: 1 male ratio was more productive under irrigated 

conditions. The highest yield (1693 kg ha -1 ) was obtained in time sowings. In July sowings, in A x B seed 

production in 120 x 40 cm with 4:1 row ratio has produced 1769 kg ha -1 . The highest in A x R yield was 2053 

kg ha -1 recorded in July sowings. 


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Milestone 5A.4.1.2: A hybrid seed production manual published (KBS, 2006). 

A hybrid pigeonpea seed production manual was published in English in 2008. The short- version of this manual 

was prepared in Marathi and Myanmari language. The Kannada version is also being prepared for the benefit of 

scientists and seed producers. 

KB Saxena 

Output Target 5A5: Efficiency of hybrid pigeonpea breeding improved through strategic research (2010). 

Activity 5A.5.1: Conduct strategic research to improve the efficiency of hybrid breeding. 

Milestone 5A.5.1.1: Cytology and genetics of A 4 CMS system and its fertility restorers investigated (KBS/VD, 2007). 

Milestone 5A.5.1.2: Genotype - environment interaction for the expression of male-sterility and fertility 

restoration assessed (KBS/VKD/KML, 2009). 

This research was also conducted under a Ph.D. program. The results were included in 2008 Archival Report 

and later published in International Journal. 

KB Saxena and Vijay Kumar Dalvi 

Milestone 5A.5.1.3: New sources of cytoplasm identified and diverse CMS systems developed (KBS/NM/KML, 

2010). 

A wild species C. reticulatus was used to breed a new CMS source. In 2008, two seeds were produced from a 

cross between C.reticulatus x ICPB 2043. From this, only one germinated and produced a plant that was 60% 

male-sterile. On this partial male-sterile plant, four elite lines were crossed to develop new A-lines. Among 

these, a cross made with ICPL 85030 produced two seeds and the plants were 100% male-sterile. A close 

perusal of flower showed that in addition to male-sterility, these plants were also heterostyly (long style and 

short stamens). Further backcrosses with ICPL 85030 were made to advance the generation. 

In continuation of the 2009 experiment to identify CMS lines with A 5 cytoplasm, 118 lines obtained as a result 

of crossing 2 lines, which had more number of 100% male-sterile plants and their fertile siblings with high 

pollen fertility were grown in the field. In 118 lines, 6 had higher number of male-sterile plants with high pollen 

fertility in their fertile siblings. Sterile plants were 100 % pollen sterile and fertility in the fertile plants ranged 

from 78 to 98 %. 

KB Saxena and Nalini Mallikarjuna 

Output target 5A.6: Trait-based breeding populations developed for selecting elite hybrid pigeonpea 

parental lines (2011). 

Activity 5A.6.1: Development of trait specific (diverse maturity, disease resistance, seed and pod size) 

breeding populations for selecting new maintainers and restorers. 

Milestone 5A.6.1.1: For each trait, about 10-12 genetically diverse lines will be identified and crossed in a 

half-diallel mating scheme to generate B and R breeding populations for selection (KBS/KML/SP, 2011). 

To broaden the genetic base of B-lines, a nuclear background diversification program was initiated. These 

crosses were made using B-lines of A 4 cytoplasm belonging to early (DT x DT = 4 crosses, NDT x DT = 6 

crosses) and medium (NDT x NDT = 9 crosses) maturity groups. In early maturity group, a total of 750 plants 

were grown, while in medium maturity 920 plants were grown. Single plant selections were done during 2009 – 

2010 for diversity in various agronomic traits such as days to flower, maturity, 100-seed weight, number of pods, 

seeds pod -1 , seed coat color etc. Continuous heavy rains led to severe plant mortality due to water-logging and 

Phytophthora blight. The selected lines were grown under a net to prevent out-crossing and for obtaining pure 

seeds of the next filial generation. 

The F 2 populations were generated from crosses made in a diallel mating design (resistant x resistant for both 

wilt and sterility mosaic diseases) using 15 elite wilt and sterility mosaic resistant lines. Of these, 60 F 3 

populations belonged to early maturity group and 36 F 3 populations belonged to the medium maturity group. 

Single plant selections were made for diversity in various agronomic traits such as days to flower, maturity, 100- 

seed weight, number of pods, seeds pod -1 , and seed coat color. 

KB Saxena and Rakesh K Srivastava 

231

Output Target 5A.7: Hybrid pigeonpea technology exchange, capacity building of partners and 

documentation (2010). 

Activity 5A.7.1: Exchange improved technologies and new knowledge with ARIs, NARS, NGOs, private 

sector, and farmers’ groups. 

Milestone 5A.7.1.1: ICRISAT partnerships with NARS and Hybrid Parents Research Consortium Partners 

strengthened (KBS/CLLG/SP, annual). 

The partnerships evolved for the development of hybrid seed production, and research and development 

activities were-Hybrid Parents Research Consortium, Public sector support companies, NARS of India, China 

and Myanmar. With this support we evaluated several hybrids. The promising hybrids identified were ICPH 

2671, ICPH 2740, ICPH 3762, and ICPH 2433. 

In China, large-scale seed production of ICPH 2671 in isolation is in progress. Farmers are liking this hybrid 

and there is a chance to increase land area under it. 

In Myanmar, a total of 61 hybrids were made by crossing four CMS lines (ICPA 2043, ICPA 2047, ICPA 2048, 

and ICPA 2092) with ICRISAT’s improved cultivars and local varieties, and these were evaluated in Myingyan, 

Sebin, Nyaungoo and Zaloke Research Farms. These hybrids will be resynthesized for evaluation in the multilocational 

trials in Myanmar. In Myingyan, seven hybrids (ICPH 3497, 2740, 2671, 3462, 3341, 3337, and 

3467) produced significantly high yield (1575 to 1890 kg ha -1 ) than the local check Monywashwedinga (1106 

kg ha -1 ). In Sebin, ICPH 3462, ICPH 2673, ICPH 3467, ICPH 2751, and ICPH 2671 exhibited high yield of 

1976 to 2396 kg ha -1 . In Zaloke, eight hybrids ICPH 3497, 2740, 2751, 3461, 3477, 2671, 2673, and 3341 

produced 2003 to 2309 kg ha -1 . In the present study significant standard heterosis was recorded in the 

multilocation trials and four hybrids (ICPH 3497, 2740, 2671, 2673,) were outstanding across the locations. 

These hybrids yielded 1846 to 1967 kg ha -1 grain with 32.1 to 40.7% superiority over the control, 

Monywashwedinga. In these trials, it was also observed that high yield recorded in the hybrids was positively 

related to the number of pods plant -1 (r = 0.67**). Hybrids ICPH 3477 and ICPH 3461 were better adapted in 

Zaloke where it produced high yield of 2217 and 2259 kg ha -1 respectively. 

KB Saxena, CL Laxmipathi Gowda and Suresh Pande 

Milestone 5A.7.1.2: Seeds of elite parental lines, and hybrids multiplied and distributed to NARS and seed 

companies (KBS, annual). 

Seed production of A-lines: Three medium-duration A-lines were multiplied in isolations. These include ICPA 

2043, ICPA 2047 and ICPA 2092. Among these ICPA 2043 was grown in two different isolations with a total 

area of 0.8 ha. The total seed obtained from these isolations was 262 kg. ICPA 2047 (A x B) was grown in 1.34 

ha in three isolations. The 665 kg seed was obtained from these isolations. ICPA 2092 was grown in 0.5 ha but 

due to severe Alternaria blight damage only 20 kg of seed was harvested. 

Seed production of R–lines: In 2009, two lines ICPR 2671 and ICPR 3762 were multiplied in isolation at 

ICRISAT and in the farmers’ field in Medak district. At ICRISAT, 600 kg seed of ICPR 2671 was obtained 

from 0.77 ha area. Also 150 kg seed of ICPR 3762 was harvested from 0.18 ha area. About 1500 kg of ICPR 

2671 seed was harvested from 2.2 ha isolated area in farmers’field at Zaheerabad, whereas 2580 kg of ICPR 

2671 seed was harvested from a 2.4 ha isolation in Kandi village of Medak district. 

Seed production of hybrids: The seed production of four hybrids was taken at ICRISAT during 2009 season. 

Of these, one was of short-duration, (ICPH 2438) and three (ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740, and ICPH 3762) of 

medium-duration. Due to severe Maruca damage only 10 kg of ICPH 2438 hybrid seed was harvested. The 

seed production of hybrid ICPH 2671 was taken up in 0.8 ha with two sowing dates (18 June and 8 July 2010) 

with variable row-to-row and plant-to-plant spacing 288 kg seed obtained from this plot. The seed production of 

second hybrid ICPH 2740 was taken up in 0.32 ha under unirrigated conditions on 8 th July, 2009. The initial 

growth of crop was good but it could not pick up its growth in the later stages due to insufficient moisture at 

podding stage and yielded 200 kg seed from 0.32 ha. ICPH 3762 was multiplied in isolation in 0.32 ha plant. 

Due to plant losses only 60 kg seed yield was obtained. 

Hybrid seed production in farmers’ fields: For the first time, we explored the possibility of hybrid seed 

production in farmers’ fields in Zaheerabad and Medak districts. In Zaheerabad, 3.1 ha were sown for seed 

production of ICPH 2671, ICPH 2740, and ICPH 3461. The appreciable seed quantity was not obtained due to 

232

low- bee activity for pollinating A-lines. Since this is a new technology, the farmer at Kandi took seed 

production of hybrid under 6 male rows with a single row of A-line. The seed obtained from three (ICPH 2671- 

50 kg; ICPH 2740- 195 kg; ICPH 3461- 30 kg) hybrids was 275 kg, which is comparatively low. 

Seed distribution: A total of 492 seed samples were supplied to NARS and international scientists, and farmers. 

A total of 17,200 kg of hybrid seed was distributed in six states and sowings were done on 3437 ha. Among 

these, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh covered more than 1000 ha under hybrid cultivation. This was 

followed by Gujarat (444 ha), Maharashtra (409 ha), and Jharkhand (230 ha). 


Milestone 5A.7.1.3: Technical information and public awareness literature developed and disseminated 

(KBS/HCS/ SP, 2007). 

Information regarding hybrid seed production technology was developed. Based on the experience gained, a 

technology on pigeonpea CMS line and hybrid seed production was developed. This technology provides the 

guidance on row ratio, spacing between and within plants and proper management practices for A,B, and R lines. 

However, this technology needs tuning based on different environmental conditions. This knowledge was 

disseminated to several farmers, seed production officers and scientists. 

KB Saxena, H C Sharma, Suresh Pande and Mula Guerrero Myer 

Milestone 5A.7.1.4: Capacity of NARS and seed sector scientists/technicians in hybrid breeding strengthened 

(KBS/KML, annual). 

In 2009, ICRISAT organized three training programs. A total of 203 persons were trained. This includes 30 

scientists, 56 seed production officers, and 117 farmers. Seed production plots in Zaheerabad and Medak district 

was closely monitored and the experiences gained were used for designing seed production plots in subsequent 

seasons. The monitoring of several on-farm trials was done by pigeonpea scientists and staff in Maharashtra, 

Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. 


Milestone 5A.7.1.5: Molecular markers and genetic maps developed and exchanged with the scientific 

community (RV/DAH/ KML/HDU/NM/KBS, 2010). 

Identification of informative SSR markers for hybrid purity assessment: Two subsets of 42 SSR markers 

for crosses ICPA 2039 × ICPR 2438 and ICPA 2043 × ICPR 2671 that gave high quality amplification were 

selected for assessing the purity of hybrid seeds. To assess the reliability of these SSR markers, 183 and 174 

individual seeds from seed lots of ICPH 2438 and ICPH 2671, respectively were obtained from ICRISAT. 

These were analyzed together with seeds of parental lines. 

Analysis of markers on DNA samples of 183 seeds from seed lot of ICPH 2438 showed hybrid purity (alleles 

from both A- and R- lines) in 96.33% of cases. Similarly, 174 seeds from seed lot of ICPH 2671 showed hybrid 

purity in 94.76% of cases. With an objective to reduce the costs and time in PCR assays for purity assessment, 

an effort was made to define marker groups based on allele sizes for undertaking multiplex assay for all the 42 

marker each for both hybrids. As a result, 35 out of 42 markers for ICPH 2671 could be grouped into 9 groups 

and appropriate groups could not be defined for remaining 7 markers. Similarly for ICPH 2438, 26 out of 42 

informative markers could be grouped in 12 marker groups. Interestingly, four (CcM0257, CcM1559, CcM1825 

and CcM1895) out of eight common informative markers for assessing purity of both the hybrids could be 

grouped together for undertaking multiplex assay. 

Rajeev Kumar Varshney and KB Saxena 

Other Reports 

Performance of Hybrids in On-farm Trials 

In 2009, a total of 112 on-farm trials of three promising hybrids ICPH 2740, ICPH 3762, and ICPH 2671 were 

conducted in farmers’ fields in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. On 

average, the hybrids showed 28% superiority over control variety. Exciting results were obtained from some of 

the farmers in the on-farm trials. Three farmers harvested record yields of over 4 tons ha -1 on their farms (Table 

4). One of the farmers in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh received ‘Best Farmer Award 2009’ for harvesting 

3300 kg ha -1 of grains from his 3.2 hectare plot (Table 5) and fetched a net profit of Rs.2,68,000. This 

information showed that the hybrid technology has a potential of breaking the barrier of stagnant yield in 

pigeonpea. 

233

Inheritance of Fertility Restoration of A 4 CMS system 

Inheritance of fertility restoration of A 4 - based cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterility system was studied using F 1 

and segregating populations (F 2 and BC 1 F 1 ) of five crosses made between male-sterile and male-fertile lines. 

One extra-early, two early, and two medium-maturing hybrids were studied to generate information on the 

genetics of fertility restoration. The results suggested that in extra-early group the pollen fertility was controlled 

by a single dominant gene; while in early and medium-maturing group the male - fertility was governed by two 

duplicate dominant genes. 

In another study, two A-lines having A 4 cytoplasm were crossed with four fertility restoring lines and two malefertility 

restoring genes segregating independently were identified. In the four male parents (ICPR 2438, ICPR 

2447, ICPR 2671, and ICPR 3467) two dominant genes were found to be involved in the expression of fertility 

restoration with duplicate dominant gene action. Studies will be conducted to establish relationship among 

various fertility restoring alleles. 

Allelic relationships of different fertility restoring genes 

To understand more clearly if the genes governing fertility restoration were the same or different in the known 

restorer lines (A 4 system), a study was initiated to carry out allelism test. A set of 27 known restorer lines were 

selected for crossing. The F 1 s of these crosses were crossed again with one A 1 (ICPA 2030) cytoplasm and four 

A 4 (ICPA 2039, ICPA 2089, ICPA 2043, and ICPA 2092) cytoplasm A- lines. The populations generated from 

these crosses were scored for fertility restoration. A total of 1080 plants from ICPA 2089 - based crosses; 1900 

for ICPA 2039; 4820 for ICPA 2043; 800 for ICPA 2092 were grown in a wilt free plot. Individual plants of 

these crosses were scored for fertility restoration during 2009 rainy season. Data analysis is in progress. 

Incorporation of Obcordate Leaf Marker in A/B Lines 

To facilitate grow-out test, a simply inherited trait designated as ‘obcordate leaf’ is being introduced in A/B 

lines. These genotypes when crossed with normal leaf cultivars produce hybrid plants with normal leaves and 

non-hybrids (sibs) will have obcordate leaves. This test is simple and can be performed early plant growth stage. 

Table 1: Important agronomic traits of 15 hybrids selected from the three MLTs, conducted in 2009 

Trial Hybrid Mean seed yield Yield gain Days to 100-seed Wilt 

(kg ha -1 ) (%) over flower mature wt (g) (%) 

hybrid/ check* check* 

MLT 1 ICPH 3491 2945/2247 (122) 31 119 153 11.6 7 0 

ICPH 3762 2737/2247 22 115 149 10.8 0 0 

ICPH 2740 2616/2247 16 115 149 11.3 0 0 

ICPH 2751 2561/2247 14 117 151 11.4 0 0 

ICPH 3359 2512/2247 12 118 151 10.8 6 18 

MLT 2 ICPH 3464 2381/1566 (120) 52 109 146 11.2 31 8 

ICPH 3341 2317/1566 48 117 150 10.8 0 14 

ICPH 2673 2261/1566 44 119 151 9.5 6 50 

ICPH 3472 2101/1566 34 112 146 10.7 7 0 

ICPH 3340 2104/1566 34 118 156 10.9 26 32 

MLT 3 ICPH 3763 2411/1715 (121) 41 122 152 10.6 6 24 

ICPH 4017 2395/1715 40 122 155 9.5 28 17 

ICPH 3759 2139/1715 25 121 152 10.7 24 0 

ICPH 4012 2136/1715 25 122 152 9.2 6 6 

ICPH 3761 2073/1715 21 121 155 10.4 24 24 

*Asha check 

( ) The data in parentheses indicate days to flowering of control cultivar Asha. 

SM 

(%) 

234

Table 2. Summary performance of hybrid ICPH 2740 and control cultivar Asha in multi-location trials (2005 to 2008) 

Trait 2005 

(n=7) 

2006 

(n=7) 

2007 

(n=12) 

2008 

(n=7) 

Mean 

(n=33) 

Yield (kg ha -1 ) 

Hybrid 3652 2407 2758 2208 2756 

Control 2215 1582 2592 1607 1999 

100-seed wt (g) 

Hybrid 10.6 10.4 11.0 11.3 10.8 

Control 11.1 10.7 10.8 11.2 10.9 

Maturity (days) 

Hybrid 186 188 180 172 182 

Control 190 190 182 171 183 

Flowering (days) 

Hybrid 129 125 122 116 123 

Control 133 130 123 116 126 

Plant height (cm) 

Hybrid 235 212 222 226 224 

Control 215 203 215 208 210 

Seeds pod -1 

Hybrid 4.0 3.8 3.8 4.0 3.9 

Control 3.6 3.6 3.8 3.9 3.7 

Wilt (%) 

Hybrid 0 0 50* 19 23 

Control 0 0 8 0 2 

SM (%) 

Hybrid 0 8 0 0 3 

Control 6 9 0 0 4 

*data estimated on only eight plants 

Table 3. Summary performance of hybrid ICPH 3762 and control cultivar Asha in 

multilocation trials from 2007 to 2008 

Trait 

2007 2008 Mean 

(n=1) (n=7) (n=8) 

Yield (kg ha -1 ) 

Hybrid 2878 1821 2350 

Control 2592 1607 2099 

100-seed wt (g) 

Hybrid 10.4 10.8 10.6 

Control 10.8 11.2 11 

Maturity (days) 

Hybrid 184 171 178 

Control 182 171 177 

Flowering (days) 

Hybrid 126 115 121 

Control 123 116 120 

Plant height (cm) 

Hybrid 272 222 247 

Control 215 208 212 

Seeds pod -1 

Hybrid 3.8 3.9 3.9 

Control 3.8 3.9 3.9 

Wilt (%) 

Hybrid 8 0 4 

Control 8 0 4 

SM (%) 

Hybrid 8 0 4 

Control 0 0 0 

235

Table 4. Record yields produced by some hybrid pigeonpea farmers in Amravati and 

Yavatmal districts of Maharashtra in 2009 

Hybrid Area Yield (kg ha -1 ) % 

Name & Village name sown (m 2 ) hybrid check Gain 

SB Kale, Salod ICPH 2671 450 3956 2044 94 

PK Satav, Nimgaon ICPH 2671 1012 3951 2469 60 

DV Chopde, Kothoda ICPH 2671 450 4667 3556 31 

YS Shrotri, Tamoli ICPH 2671 450 3889 2278 71 

RK Warekar, P’Kawada ICPH 2740 450 4148 2963 40 

VB Kadam, Tamoli ICPH 2740 338 4444 2667 67 

BK Warekar, P’Kawada ICPH 2740 338 4444 2963 50 

Mean 4214 2706 56 

Table 5: List of on-farm trials of ICPH 2671 hybrid in different locations of India, 2009 season 

Actual Hybrid Check 

Area 

State Farmer name Location 

yield yield yield 

(ac) 

(kg) (kg ha -1 ) (kg ha -1 ) 

Andhra 

Pradesh 

Janardhan, G 

Chautukur, 

Jogipet 8.0 10400 3250 750 

Shri Ranga Rao Karimnagar 0.5 700 3500 - 

Maharashtra Porwal, G R Palodi 1.0 NA 3200 2100 

Barhate, A V Manwat 1.0 NA 3000 2150 

Patil, S D Nandkheda 1.0 NA 3500 2500 

Gaikwad,B B Hingoli 1.0 NA 3700 3000 

Changde, V D Mehkar 0.25 350 3500 1000 

Shrotri ,Y K Tamoli NA NA 3889 2778 

Sachin ,V K Tamoli NA NA 4444 2963 

Vasudev T W Palodi NA NA 3704 2963 

Karnataka Kallyanappa, E W Allur, Aland NA NA 3750 1850 

Mardandappa 

Madhya 

Pradesh 

Nagappa Bennur NA NA 2500 2200 

Kasturbagram, 

KVK Indore 1.0 1100 2750 - 

I. Sorghum 

Output 5B: Enhanced molecular genetic and phenotyping platforms for drought and salinity screening 

and parental lines of hybrid sorghum, pearl millet and pigeonpea with improved tolerance to abiotic 

stresses, made available to partners biennially (from 2008) with associated knowledge and capacity 

building in SAT Asia. 

Output target 5B.1: At least five salinity-tolerant sorghum breeding lines/populations and a mapping 

population developed (2009) 

Activity 5B.1.1: Developing/identifying salinity-tolerant improved breeding lines/populations and associated 

QTL 

Milestone 5B.1.1.1.1: Two sweet sorghum breeding lines tolerant to drought stress developed /identified 

(PSR/BVSR/VV, 2010) 

Moisture stress is a key abiotic stress limiting the productivity of many crops and sweet sorghum is not an 

exception. Mid-season moisture stress during the rainy season and terminal moisture stress in postrainy season 

are common. Hence it is important to breed for both the stresses separately for season-wise adaptation. 

The following trials were conducted for postrainy season adaptation 

236

1. Evaluation of sweet sorghum genotypes for postrainy season adaptation: A total of 90 genotypes 

comprising sweet sorghum hybrid parental lines, hybrids, varieties and germplasms accessions were 

evaluated along with five checks, namely ICSV 112 (high grain yielding variety), R 16(drought susceptible 

check), B 35 (stay-green, drought tolerant check), E 36-1(both stay-green and sweet sorghum variety) and 

NTJ 2 (sweet sorghum variety) during the postrainy season 2009 in RCBD with two-replications. The 

sugar yield in the test entries ranged from 0.03 to 1.1 t ha -1 (E 36-1: 0.22 t ha -1 ). Seventy nine genotypes 

were superior to the best performing drought-tolerant check (E 36-1 0.22 t ha -1 ). Among all the genotypes, 

days to 50% flowering ranged from 74 to 86 days (E 36-: 74 days), stalk yield ranged from 2.6 to 15.6 t ha -1 

(E 36-1: 4.16 t ha -1 ) and grain yield ranged from 0.26 t ha -1 to 0.90 t ha -1 (E 36-1 1.5 t ha -1 ). In trial 2, the 

sugar yield ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 t ha -1 (E36-1: 0.39 t ha -1 ) and sixty five genotypes were superior to the 

best performing drought-tolerant check (E36-1: 0.39 t ha -1 ). The days to 50% flowering ranged from 68 to 

88 days (E36-1: 74 days); stalk yield ranged from 2.2 to 10.8 t ha -1 (E36-1: 4.1 t ha -1 ) and grain yield ranged 

from 0.1to 1.6 t ha -1 (E36-1: 0.25 t ha -1 ). 

2. Screening of sweet sorghum genotypes for terminal moisture stress: A total of 99 genotypes comprising 

sweet sorghum hybrid parental lines, hybrids, varieties and germplasms accessions were evaluated along 

with five checks namely, ICSV 112 (high grain yielding variety), R 16(drought susceptible check), B 

35(stay-green, drought tolerant check), E 36-1(both stay-green and sweet sorghum variety) and NTJ 2 

(sweet sorghum variety) during the postrainy season 2009 in RCBD with two-replications. Irrigation was 

with held at 55 days after sowing. The ANOVA for mean sum of squares showed that the genotypic 

differences were significant for sugar yield and related traits. Among these genotypes, the varieties ICSV 

25294 (2.36 t ha -1 ), ICSV 93046 (1.78 t ha -1 ), ICSV 25312 (1.71 t ha -1 ), ICSV 25298 (1.70 t ha -1 ), ICSV 

25308 (1.65 t ha -1 ), ICSV 25300 (1.64 t ha -1 ), ICSV 25316 (1.63 t ha -1 ) were highly and significantly 

superior over the best performing check E 36-1 (0.62 t ha -1 ) for sugar yield. 

The following trials were conducted for rainy season adaptation 

1. Evaluation of sweet sorghum genotypes for rainy season adaptation: This trial was constituted with 68 

improved sweet sorghum genotypes and evaluated during the rainy season 2010 in RCBD in 3 replications 

along with four checks CSH 22SS, Urja, JK Recova and RSSV9. The days to 50% flowering in the test 

entries ranged from 63 to 80 days (R16: 63 days) and the stalk yield varied ranged from 11.0 t ha -1 to 72.4 t 

ha -1 (CSH 22 SS: 39.7 t ha -1 ). Forty three genotypes were recorded higher stalk yields than the best 

performing check (CSH 22 SS: 39.7 t ha -1 ). The genotype (Ch 14 × SSV 84)-10-1-1 recorded the highest 

stalk yield which is 72.4 t ha -1 . The Brix % ranged from 11.1 to 18.0 (Urja: 18.0).The sugar yield ranged 

from 0.2 t ha -1 to 2.8 t ha -1 (Urja: 1.45 t ha -1 ) and 27 entries recorded higher sugar yield than the best 

performing check Urja. The genotype (Ch-14 x SSV 84)-10-1-1 recorded highest sugar yield with 2.28 tha -1 

followed by ICSV 25315 (1.9 t ha -1 ). 

2. Screening of sweet sorghum genotypes for mid-season moisture stress: A total of 210 genotypes 

comprising sweet sorghum hybrids, varieties and B-lines were evaluated along with five checks that include 

ICSV 112 (high grain yielding variety), R 16(drought susceptible check), B 35(stay-green, drought tolerant 

check), E 36-1(both stay-green and sweet sorghum variety) and NTJ 2 (sweet sorghum variety) in 

augmented design during the 2010 summer season for identifying genotypes with mid-season moisture 

stress tolerance. Data were recorded for the traits are vigor score, wilting score, days to 50% flowering, 

plant height (m), stalk weight (t ha -1 ), juice weight (t ha -1 ), Brix%, bagasse (t ha -1 ), sugar yield (t ha -1 ). 

P. Srinivasa Rao and Belum VS Reddy 


Output target 5B.1: At least five salinity-tolerant improved breeding lines/ populations of pearl millet 

identified and feasibility of breeding salinity tolerant hybrids assessed (VV/KNR/RB) (2009) 

Activity 5B 1.1: Develop salinity-tolerant lines and populations in pearl millet and assess their hybrid 

potential under saline conditions 

SK. 13 Milestone 5B.1.1.1: Inbred lines and populations identified as salinity-tolerant in preliminary 

evaluations re-evaluated for their salinity tolerance and yield potential (KNR/SKG/VV, 2008) 

SK 14.Milestone 5B.1.1.2: Relationship between the salinity tolerance of hybrids and their parental lines 

assessed (2010) (KNR/SKG/VV) 

237

Output target 5B.2: Putative QTLs for salinity tolerance of grain and stover yield identified in pearl 

millet (2009) 

Activity 5B.2.1: Genotyping and phenotyping of mapping populations for salinity tolerance 

Milestone 5B.2.1.1: Putative QTL for salinity tolerance based on 160 RILs from one mapping population 

identified (CTH/SS/VV, 2009) 

Salinity is a complex trait and the identification of molecular markers for tolerance to salinity would greatly help 

the breeding of that trait in popular varieties. Pearl millet is considered as mildly salinity tolerant. However, 

breeding materials that are parent of recombinant inbred line populations have been found to be contrasting for 

seed yield under salt stress. This work was undertaken to assess the seed and biomass yield (and related 

parameters) in a RIL populations having contrasting parents. 

RILs were planted in 25 cm diameter pots, filled with 10kg of Alfisol. Salt treatment consisted of an application 

of 150 mM NaCl solution in sufficient amount to saturate the soil profile. This corresponded to a 1.41 g/kg 

Alfisol. Salt treatment was applied in 3 split doses at sowing (1/3), and approximately 10 and 20 days after 

sowing. Subsequent irrigation was done with soft water. Pots were gown outside, buried in the ground, and 

plants harvested at maturity. Three trials were performed in different seasons. A segregating population of pearl 

millet comprising of 138 F7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed at ICRISAT from the cross between 

parents contrasting for salinity tolerance (ICMB 841, tolerant; 863B, sensitive) was evaluated under saline and 

non-saline conditions in summer 2007 and 2008. 

Substantial variation for salinity tolerance was found for shoot biomass ratio (shoot biomass under 

salinity/control) and grain yield. Shoot biomass (68%) was less adversely affected than yield and related 

parameters, which showed a 86% reduction. A linkage map using 77 SSR markers was constructed and 

composite interval mapping revealed QTL for grain yield, flowering time and productive tiller number on LG 3, 

5 and 1 respectively which expressed only under saline conditions with favorable allele contributed by ICMB 

841. Six genomic regions on LG 7 differing/sharing 30 cM had QTLs for plant height, panicle length (LOD 5), 

stem dry weight (LOD 4) and shoot dry weight under saline conditions with favorable allele(s) from ICMB 841. 

The QTLs mapped for control conditions were almost similar to the previous reports; a QTL with a LOD score 

above 10 was identified on LG 6 for individual grain mass under control conditions, with the favorable allele(s) 

contributed by 863B. 

Given the small effect of the QTL identified, additional QTL with a larger effect have to be identified. Other 

RIL populations are being developed for this purpose. 

Milestone 5B.2.1.2: Putative QTLs for salinity tolerance based on 35 BC6F3 contiguous segment introgression 

lines identified (CTH/SS/VV, 2010) 

Milestone 5B.2.1.3: New F6 RIL mapping populations for salinity tolerance available in pearl millet for 

phenotyping and genotyping (CTH/BVSR/KNR/VV, 2009) 

Milestone 5B.3.1.1: Publication of results from marker-assisted selection for the linkage group 2 drought 

tolerance QTL into the genetic background of two parental lines (CTH/FRB, 2008) 

Milestone 5B.3.1.2: DM resistance and terminal drought tolerance QTLs pyramided in the genetic background 

of elite pollinator H 77/833-2 and QTL introgression homozygote product lines available for testing 

(CTH/PSK/SS/VV/RPT/RS/KNR, 2007) 

Output target 5B.4: Pearl millet germplasm with superior P-acquisition identified (2009) 

Activity 5B 4.1: Development of an effective protocol and identification of germplasm with enhanced P- 

acquisition ability 

Milestone 5B.4.1.1: An effective P-acquisition protocol applicable for large-scale screening developed 

(VV/HDU, 2007) 

Milestone 5B.4.1.2: Pearl millet germplasm with superior P-acquisition from low-P sources identified (VV, 

2009) 

238

Milestone 5B.4.1.3: QTL for P acquisition from low P sources identified in pearl millet (VV / CTH, 2011) 

Output target 5B.5: At least five pearl millet breeding lines with tolerance to high air temperatures 

(>45°C) during reproductive stage developed (2009) 

Activity 5B 5.1: Evaluate a diverse range of parental lines, advanced breeding lines and populations for high 

temperature tolerance during flowering and grain- filling period; and identify major QTL associated with 

this trait. 

Milestone 5B.5.1.1: Breeding lines with >70% seedset under field conditions at high temperatures 

identified/developed and their tolerance under greenhouse conditions validated (2009) (SKG/KNR/VV) 

In summer 2010, a nursery of about 105 breeding lines including 87 inbreds, 16 germplasm lines and 2 

populations was evaluated along with standard check hybrids 9444 and 86M64 (both are known to be heat 

tolerant hybrids) at 6 locations (Ahmedabad, Dehgam and Palanpur in Gujarat; Sanchor and Bhinmal in 

Rajasthan; and Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh). This nursery included 2 B-lines and 16 germplasm lines identified as 

heat tolerant in 2009 the plants which got exposed to the temperature of >42 0 C were considered. The seed set 

varied in breeding lines; with maximum of 41 lines in 21-40% Seed Set Class (SSC) followed by 25 in 41-60% 

SSC and 7 in 61-80 SSC. Hybrid 86M64 recorded highest mean seed set of 76 %, while the other check hybrid 

9444 had 72% seed set. Amongst inbreds, 7 lines (6 B lines and 1 R line) had >60% seed set with ICMB 03555 

having highest mean seed set of 67%. Seven other inbreds (6 B-lines and 1 R-line) were found to have 60-70% 

seed set SSC. ICTP 8202 had highest overall mean of 64% seed set with wide variation at all the four locations 

(29- 96%). Three germplasm lines IP 19799, IP 19877 and IP 19843 had about 45-55% seed set. 

Based on the two year multilocational screening (2009 and 2010) two A/B pairs ICMB 92777 and ICMB 05666 

were found to have good seed set at ≥ 42 ◦ C air temperature. Five lines (4 B- and 1 R-line) were found as heat 

tolerant on the basis of 2010 screening which needs further validation in multi year and multi location testing. 

SK Gupta, KN Rai and Vincent Vadez 

Milestone 5B.5.1.2: Relationship between hybrids and their parental lines for tolerance to high temperatures 

during reproductive stage quantified (2010) (KNR/SKG/VV) 

Based on the field experiments in 2009, some heat tolerant and heat susceptible parents were identified. In rainy 

season 2010, test crosses were generated utilizing these identified parents. The test crosses along with identified 

parents will be screened in summer 2011 for high temperature during reproductive stage to investigate the 

relationship between hybrids and their parental lines for tolerance to high temperatures. 

SK Gupta, KN Rai and Vincent Vadez 

Milestone 5.1.3: QTL for high temperature tolerance from two diverse mapping populations identified 

(KNR/RB/VV, 2012) 

Output 5C: Germplasm and improved breeding lines with high and stable grain Fe and Zn density in 

sorghum and pearl millet made available to specific partners biennially (from 2008) with associated 

knowledge and capacity building. 

II. Sorghum 

Output 5C: Germplasm and improved breeding lines with high and stable grain Fe and Zn density in 

sorghum and pearl millet made available to specific partners biennially (from 2008) with associated 

knowledge and capacity building 

Output target 5C.1: Sorghum germplasm lines/breeding lines with stable and high grain Fe (40-50 ppm) 

and Zn (30-40 ppm) contents identified and their character association, and inheritance studied (2009) 

Activity 5C.1.1: Screening of germplasm and breeding lines for grain Fe and Zn and evaluating for grain 

yield and agronomic traits. 

Milestone 5C.1.1.1: At least five sorghum germplasm/breeding lines with stable and high grain Fe (>50 ppm) 

and Zn (>40 ppm) contents identified and made available for partners (AAK/BVSR/HDU, 2010) 

239

Micronutrient malnutrition (especially of Fe and Zn) is a major health problem in the developing countries. 

Biofortification is a cost effective and sustainable solution to combat micronutrient malnutrition. It complements 

well the supplementation and fortification methods currently being employed to address micronutrient 

malnutrition. Identification of high grain high Fe and Zn lines from the established B-lines and R-lines helps in 

quick development of varieties and hybrids. 

A total of 250 established sorghum B-lines, two sets of commercial sorghum cultivars (Set I: 22 and Set II: 46 

cultivars) were evaluated in RCBD trials with three replications (plot size 2 rows of 2m length) at ICRISAT- 

Patancheru to assess their grain Fe and Zn contents. We also evaluated 41 core germplasm accessions 

previously selected for high grain Fe (>50 ppm) and/or grain Zn (>35 ppm) in the 2009 postrainy season. 

Hybrid Parents 

The grain Fe and Zn contents of 250 B-lines developed at ICRISAT was validated. The mean performance of 

the 252 ICRISAT-bred sorghum B-lines evaluated in a three replicated RCBD trial for two years (2008 and 

2009 postrainy seasons) for grain Fe and Zn contents had that the lines ranged for grain Fe content from 28 to 

48 ppm with an average Fe content of 36 ppm (SE+: 2.83) and for grain Zn content from 14 to 29 ppm with an 

average Zn content of 21 ppm (SE+: 1.33). The controls – ICSB 52 and 296B had 35 and 37 ppm grain Fe and 

both had 19 ppm grain Zn. Twenty-one B-lines were significantly superior (by 3 to 19%) to the control, 296 B 

for grain Fe ranging from 42 to 48 ppm and 3 to 40% superior for grain Zn contents ranging from 21 to 29 ppm. 

ICSB 10 (Fe 48 ppm and Zn 24 ppm), ICSB 263 (Fe 47 ppm and Zn 25 ppm), ICSB 399 (Fe 47 ppm and Zn 27 

ppm), and ICSB 289 (Fe 42 ppm and Zn 29 ppm) had significantly higher for Fe (by 3 to 19%) and higher Zn 

(by 16 to 40%) contents compared to the control 296 B (Fe 37 ppm and Zn 19 ppm). 

Hybrids Set 1: 

The mean performance of the 22 commercial cultivars for two years (2008 and 2009 postrainy seasons) for grain 

Fe content ranged from 30 to 44 ppm (SE+: 2.76) and grain Zn content from 22 to 32 ppm (SE+: 2.00). The 

controls - PVK 801 and CSH 16 had 43 and 41 ppm grain Fe and 30 and 28 ppm grain Zn. Four hybrids–NSH 

703, GK 4035, Mahabeej 703 and NSH 702 were superior to the control, CSH 16 for grain Fe content that 

ranged from 43 to 44 ppm, while six genotypes had grain Zn content ranging from 29 to 33 ppm and were 

superior to the control CSH 16. Among the varieties, PVK 801 had higher grain Fe (43 ppm) and Zn contents 

(30 ppm) than the other varieties. PVK 801 is a white grained high yielding, grain mold resistant variety and 

also has high grain Fe and Zn contents. 

Hybrids Set 2: 

Evaluation of 46 commercial hybrids showed the Fe contents ranging from 22 to 39 ppm and Zn contents from 

15 to 29 ppm with an average Fe content of 32.3 ppm (SE+: 2.24) and average Zn content of 21.4 ppm (SE+: 

1.25). Twenty lines had higher grain Fe and Zn contents than the trial mean. The controls PVK 801 and CSH 16 

had Fe content 37 and 33 ppm and Zn content 21 and 23 ppm respectively. Three commercial hybrids - 

Mahabeej 706 (Fe: 39 ppm; Zn: 25 ppm), KSH 950 (Fe: 39 ppm; Zn: 24 ppm), and HTJH 6290 (Fe: 37 ppm; 

Zn: 26 ppm),) were superior for Fe (by 7 to 12%) and Zn contents (by 4 to 10%) than CSH 16. All these four 

hybrids were superior (by 6 to 47%) for grain yield also with 3.4 to 4.7 t ha -1 over CSH 16 (2.82 t ha -1 SE+: 

0.38) with similar flowering time (68 to 72 days). 

In the germplasm accessions trial, the grain samples were collected carefully from experimental plots and under 

processing for Fe and Zn estimations. 

A Ashok Kumar and Belum VS Reddy 

Milestone 5C.1.1.2: Correlations of grain Fe and Zn contents with grain yield and size and agronomic traits 

estimated (BVSR, 2008) 

A total of 22 commercial sorghum cultivars developed in India by the Indian NARS in partnership with the 

ICRISAT or the NARS alone were evaluated along with two controls (CSH 16 and PVK 801) during the 2008 

and 2009 postrainy seasons at ICRISAT-Patancheru to study their mean performance and character 

associationships. 

Highly significant positive correlation between the grain Fe and Zn content (r = 0.853; P

mechanisms were interconnected for Fe and Zn uptake/translocation in the grains. These results point to the 

potential of simultaneous genetic improvement for both the micronutrients. 


Milestone 5C.1.1.3: G×E interactions for grain Fe and Zn contents assessed (BVSR/HDU, 2008) 

A study was carried out at the ICRISAT farm in Patancheru, India to determine the effects of micronutrient 

fertilization on sorghum grain Fe and Zn contents. 

Material used in the study comprised of a set of selected 12 sorghum lines with high and low grain Fe and Zn 

contents. These lines were grown on Vertisols and Alfisols with a combination of five different levels of 

micronutrients in the 2007 postrainy season. No deficiency of Fe or Zn was observed in these soils based on the 

soil test results before experimentation. To rule out the possible confounding effect of the deficiency of other 

micronutrients such as boron (B) and sulphur (S), Fe and Zn fertilization was combined with recommended 

levels of boron and sulphur. The experiment was laid out in a strip-plot design with three replications. The data 

were collected on plant growth traits and grain yield and seed samples were analyzed for grain Fe and Zn 

contents estimation. 

The analysis of variance indicated significant genetic variability among the genotypes. Soil type did not have 

significant effect on grain Fe and Zn content. A non-significant variance due to micronutrient fertilization levels 

suggested no influence of soil micronutrient fertilization on grain Fe and Zn contents in any particular soil type. 

While no pattern was observed for grain Fe content, grain Zn content seemed to be marginally higher when 

grown on the Alfisols than in Vertisols. 

Micronutrient application with Fe and Zn fertilizers and soil type has limited effect on grain Fe and Zn contents 

when the soils are not deficient in these minerals. Hence, genetic enhancement for grain Fe and Zn-contents 

should be given priority. 


Activity 5C 1.2: Conduct inheritance studies and develop mapping populations for Fe and Zn. 

Milestone 5C.1.2.1: Genetics of grain Fe and Zn established (AAK/BVSR, 2012) 

Understanding the inheritance of the traits help in shaping the breeding programs for improving the grain Fe and 

Zn contents. 

Two crosses involving contrasting parents were made for developing various filial and backcross generations for 

studying the inheritance. Similarly three sets of crosses were using contrasting parents (in diallel fashion) for 

study the gene action and combining ability. 

1. Different generations will be developed (F 1 , F 2 , BC 1 and BC 2 ) using the contrasting parents for making 

crosses (2 crosses for Fe; 2 for Zn and 2 for Fe and Zn) to carry out inheritance studies at ICRISAT, 

Patancheru. The development of various generations (F 1 , F 2 , BC 1 and BC 2 ) is in progress for studying the 

inheritance of grain Fe and Zn contents. 

2. The per se performance and gca effects of parents and sca effects of diallel crosses for grain Fe and Zn 

contents were assessed at ICRISAT, Patancheru by evaluation of diallel crosses developed using 

contrasting parents (Three trials will be conducted: For Fe and Zn (19 F 1 s and five parents, 3 replications), 

for Fe (28 F 1 s and six parents, 3 replications), and for Zn (12 F 1 s and four parents, 3 replications). The 

grain analysis for Fe and Zn contents will be carried out in 2011. 

3. Genotype and genotype × soil micro nutrients fertilization interactions for grain Fe and Zn contents 

assessed in watershed areas at ICRISAT-Patancheru or in farmers’ fields (2010). The soil samples 

collected from two farmer’s fields from Ibrahimbad area, Medak District were analyzed and deficiencies 

for micronutrients observed. One field was high for Fe and P, medium for K and low for Zn, b and S. 

Another field was high for Fe and low for Zn, B, S, P, and K. An on-farm trial with 12 sorghum cultivars 

was planted in above two farmers’ fields in a triplicate trial with external application of Fe, Zn, B and S 

(making six possible treatment combinations- 1. No treatment, 2. Fe alone, 3. Zn alone, 4. Fe, B and S, 5. 

Zn, B and S and Fe, Zn, B and S). 


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Output target 5C.1: Magnitude of variability for grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in more than 300 inbred 

lines, 50 improved populations, 400 germplasm accessions, and 40 commercial hybrids of pearl millet 

quantified, and at least three lines and three populations with high levels of Fe (65-75 ppm) and Zn (45-55 

ppm) identified (2009) 

Activity 5C1.1: Evaluation of germplasm, breeding lines and improved populations for grain Fe and Zn 

contents 

Milestone 5C.1.1.1: Variability for Fe and Zn in designated hybrid parents, population progenies and improved 

populations developed in Asia and African region quantified (KNR/SKG/KLS, 2007) 

Earlier studies, based on the analyses of selfed grain samples, had shown large variability both for Fe and Zn 

content. A study conducted during the 2009 rainy season (see 5C.2.1.1) had shown that reduction in seed set 

under selfing can lead to variable overestimates of both Fe and Zn content, the extent of overestimate depending 

on the extent of reduction in seed set and the genotype. Thus, hybrid parents, population progenies, germplasm 

accessions, OPVs, and hybrids previously found for high Fe and/or Zn content were re-evaluated during the 

2010 and analyzed for Fe and Zn content using open–pollinated grain samples and an XRF (X-ray Fluorescence 

Spectrometer) screening technique. 

Designated seed parents 

Seventy B-lines (counterparts of the designated A-lines), which included those previously identified for high Fe 

content (based on selfed grain samples) and new B-lines were evaluated in a 2-replication trial during the 2010 

rainy season at ICRISAT and partners locations. Based on the mean performance at 5 locations, large 

variability both for Fe content (26-81ppm) and Zn content (27-44 ppm) was observed among these lines. ICMB 

06444 had the highest Fe content (81 ppm). This B-line is a direct selection from an Extra-early B-composite 

(EEBC), which flowered in 46 days. However, this line had only 36 ppm Zn content. Eighteen other lines had 

>60 ppm Fe and 36-44 ppm Zn content. 

Potential restorer lines 

Four sets of hybrids were tested in the initial hybrid trials (IHTs) during the 2010 rainy season at ICRISAT and at partners test locations 

in India. This included IHT-1 and IHT-2 tested in peninsular India; and IHT-3 and IHT-4 tested in northern India. Pollen parents of 

IHT-1 and IHT-2 were tested in 2-replication trials in hybrid parental trial-1 and those of IHT-3 and IHT-4 in hybrid parental trial-2. 

ICTP 8203 and ICMB 88004 were used as high-Fe controls in both trials. XRF analysis of grain samples of 40 parental lines produced 

at Patancheru showed a wide range both for Fe (33-94 ppm) and Zn content (24-56) in the hybrid parental trial-1. High iron controls 

ICTP 8203 and ICMB 88004 had 55 and 57 ppm Fe, respectively. Twenty-nine lines exceeded the Fe level of ICMB 88004, and 16 

of these had >70 ppm Fe (almost all these having >40 ppm Zn). In 28 lines of the hybrid parental trial-2, Fe content varied from 30 to 84 

ppm and Zn content varied from 30 to 66 ppm with ICTP 8203 having 79 ppm Fe and ICMB 88004 having 56 ppm Fe content. 

Fourteen lines in this trial exceeded the Fe level of ICMB 88004, with five of these having >70 ppm Fe, and four of these having 42-66 

ppm Zn content. 

Similar to the IHTs, four testcross trials (TXTs) were evaluated during the 2010 rainy season at ICRISAT and 

partners locations TXT-1 and TXT-2 in peninsular India, and TXT-3 and TXT-4 in northern India. Pollen 

parents of these hybrids were evaluated in 2-replication at Patancheru in the corresponding parental trials in the 

respective regions. ICTP 8203 and ICMB 88004 were used as high-Fe controls in all four trials. TXT parental 

trial-1 consisted of 58 lines. The Fe content among these lines varied from 34 to 102 ppm and Zn content from 

27 to 61 ppm. The duplicate plots of ICTP 8203 had 67 and 72 ppm Fe, while the duplicate plots of ICMB 

88004 had 48 and 50 ppm Fe. Thirty nine lines had >50 ppm Fe. Of these, 13 lines had >70 ppm Fe and all but 

one had >50 ppm Zn content. The testcross parental trial-2 had 59 entries in which the Fe content varied from 

37 to 91 ppm and Zn content varied from 29 to 66 ppm. ICTP 8203 had 74 ppm Fe and 53 ppm Zn, while 

ICMB 88004 had 45 ppm Fe and 38 ppm Zn content. Forty three lines had > 50 ppm Fe. Of these, 16 lines had 

>70 ppm Fe content, of which 11 lines had >50 ppm Zn content. Testcross parental trial-3 consisted of 50 lines. 

The Fe content in these lines varied from 30 to 112 ppm and Zn content from 28 to 68 ppm (61 ppm Fe in 

ICMB 88004 and 68 ppm Fe in ICTP 8203). Twenty one lines in this trial had >50 ppm Fe content. Of these, 8 

lines had >70 ppm Fe and 45-62 ppm Zn content (46 ppm in ICTP 8203 and 48 ppm in ICMB 88004). 

Testcross parental trial-4 consisted of 39 lines. The Fe content in these lines varied from 27 to 102 ppm and Zn 

content from 24 to 72 ppm. Twenty-five lines in this trial had >50 ppm Fe content. The two duplicate plots of 

ICTP 8203 had 62 and 73 ppm Fe, while the two duplicate plots of ICMB 88004 had 57-58 ppm Fe content. 

242

Thirteen lines had >70 ppm Fe and 44-60 ppm Zn content (45-50 ppm Zn in ICTP 8203 and 41-42 ppm Zn in 

ICMB 88004). 

Advanced breeding lines of pearl millet 

Large variability for various traits exists among advanced breeding lines that are bred for eventual use in hybrid 

parents development. These are systematically screened to identify those with high Fe and Zn content in elite 

genetic backgrounds. We selected 682 seed parents progenies from breeding blocks in 2009. These were 

evaluated during the 2010 rainy season. Based on agronomic score and open-pollinated seed set, 562 progenies 

were selected for Fe and Zn analysis. The Fe content in these progenies varied from 11 to 123 ppm. Fifty-two 

progenies had >80 ppm Fe, of which 35 progenies had >90 ppm (>50 ppm Zn in 30 progenies). Similarly, 1014 

restorer progenies were selected from breeding blocks in 2009, which were evaluated during the 2010 rainy 

season. Based on agronomic score and open-pollinated seed set, 783 progenies were selected for Fe and Zn 

analysis. The Fe content in these progenies varied from 19 to 156 ppm. Forty-six progenies had >90 ppm Fe, of 

which 30 progenies had even >100 ppm Fe (>60 ppm Zn in 26 progenies). In seed parents as well as restorer 

parents program, progenies at F 5 /F 6 stage and onwards are advanced and maintained by bulk pedigree breeding, 

and the most promising ones are grouped into various trait-specific nurseries. Thus, some of most promising 

ones with multiple traits get grouped into more than one nurseries, where they all are advanced by bulk pedigree 

method. Since these progenies were drawn from various trait-specific nurseries and from two seasons, we have 

yet to analyze their pedigree relationships. 

Population progenies 

S 1 to S 4 progenies from seven populations earlier identified for high Fe content based on selfed grain samples 

were re-evaluated for visually assessed D agronomic performance and Fe and Zn content in un-replicated 

nurseries at Patancheru during the 2010 rainy season. The late planting of these nurseries affected the seed set. 

Since seed set has been found to overestimate both Fe and Zn content, seed set of open-pollinated panicles was 

recorded lines showing below average seed set were rejected, and hence not analyzed for Fe and Zn content. 

More than 190 S 2 -S 4 progenies of ICTP 8203 (the highest-Fe OPV identified so far) were evaluated, of which 

160 were selected based on agronomic performance and seed set. Analysis of these 160 progenies identified 87 

progenies that had 60-147 ppm Fe and 46-96 ppm Zn content (73 Fe and 62 Zn in ICTP 8203; 72 Fe and 57 Zn 

in ICMB 88004). Twenty three lines had >100 ppm Fe and 59-96 ppm Zn content. Out of 97 S 1 progenies of 

ICMV 221 (another high-Fe OPV), 86 were selected based on agronomic score, and seed set. These had 31-143 

ppm Fe and 36-82 ppm Zn content (ICTP 8203 had 77-98 ppm Fe and 69-70 ppm Zn, while ICMB 88004 had 

56-87 ppm Fe and 51-53 ppm Zn). Of these, 19 progenies had >90 ppm Fe (>100 ppm in 8 progenies) and 60- 

82 ppm Zn content. In AIMP 92901 (a moderately high-Fe OPV), 104 S 1 progenies were evaluated, of which 

96 were selected based on agronomic performances and seed set. The Fe content in these progenies varied from 

40 to 104 ppm and Zn content from 41 to 79 ppm. (68-75 ppm Fe and 54-70 ppm Zn in ICTP 8203; and 72-94 

ppm Fe and 62 ppm Zn in ICMB 88004). Twenty seven progenies had >75 ppm Fe, of which 8 lines had > 90 

ppm Fe and 57-79 ppm Zn content. 

ICMR 312 is a high-yielding population pollen parent of a high-yielding top cross hybrid (ICMH 312). We 

evaluated 108 S 1 progenies from this population and all were analyzed for Fe and Zn content. The Fe content in 

these progenies varied from 34 to 96 ppm and Zn content from 35 to 69 ppm (83-85 ppm Fe and 54-64 ppm Zn 

in ICTP 8203; and 60-63 ppm Fe and 52-55 ppm Zn in ICMB 88004). Twenty two progenies had >75 ppm Fe, 

of which 8 progenies had 85-96 ppm Fe and 50-69 ppm Zn content. 

Bold-seeded early composite (BSEC) is the parental source population from which ICMV 221 was developed. 

So we explored the variability within BSEC. From an evaluation of 55 S 1 progenies of this composite, 53 

progenies were analyzed that showed 37-93 ppm Fe and 36-75 ppm Zn content (73 ppm Fe and 65 ppm Zn in 

ICTP 8203; and 65 ppm Fe and 49 ppm Zn in ICMB 88004). Nineteen progenies had >70 ppm Fe, of which 7 

progenies had >80 ppm Fe and 57-74 ppm Zn content. 

S 2 /S 3 progenies in two populations (CGP and GGP) introduced from WCA were also evaluated for withinpopulation 

variability for Fe and Zn content. We evaluated 61 progenies of CGP, of which 47 were selected and 

analyzed for Fe and Zn content. The Fe content in these progenies varied from 48 to 102 ppm and Zn content 

from 38 to 87 ppm (98 ppm Fe and 59 ppm Zn in ICTP 8203; and 83 ppm Fe and 50 Zn in ICMB 88004). 

Thirty eight progenies had >60 ppm Fe, of which 14 progenies had >80 ppm and 57-87 ppm Zn content. In 

GGP, we evaluated 49 progenies and selected 33 progenies which had 43-130 ppm and 32-92 ppm Zn content 

(101 ppm Fe and 63 Zn in ICTP 8203; and 83 ppm Fe and 50 ppm Zn in ICMB 88004). Sixteen progenies had 

>85 ppm Fe and 54-92 ppm Zn content. 

243

F 3 /F 4 progenies derived from high Fe B x B crosses 

Development of high-yielding and high-Fe hybrids depends on the availability of high-yielding and high-Fe 

parental lines, which must be bred by planned crossing program, as for any other trait. We evaluated more than 

440 F 3 progenies derived from 8 F 2 populations, and more than 320 F 4 progenies derived from six 

F 2 2populations. Based on agronomic performance during the 2010 rainy season, 155 F 3 progenies were selected 

in which the Fe content varied from 37 to 115 ppm. Of these, 23 progenies had >75 ppm Fe content, of which 

17 progenies had 55-72 ppm Zn content. In the 7 control plots of ICMB 88004 (a high-Fe designated B-line), 

the Fe content varied from 60 to 67 ppm (83 ppm in one plot) and zinc content in these 8 plots varied from 52 to 

60 ppm. In the F 4 progenies, Fe content varied from 39 to 124 ppm. Of these, 97 progenies had >75 ppm Fe 

content, of which 74 progenies had 55-96 ppm Zn content (>65 ppm Zn in 18 progenies). The Fe content in 

ICMB 88004 in this progeny block varied from 61-77 ppm and Zn content from 54 to 66 ppm. 

KN Rai, SK Gupta and KL Sahrawat 

Milestone 5C.1.1.2: Variability for Fe and Zn in iniari germplasm, core collection and commercial hybrids 

assessed (KNR/SKG/HDU/KLS,2008) 

Iniari accessions 

Earlier studies in 2009, based on the analysis of selfed grain samples of 202 iniari accessions, had shown this 

germplasm as the most promising source of Fe content. Since reduced seed set leads to variable overestimates 

of Fe and Zn content, we discarded those accessions with low Fe content and re-evaluated 193 selected 

accessions during the 2010 post rainy and rainy season in 2-replication trials at Patancheru to validate the results 

using open-pollinated grain samples. The grain samples from these trials are yet to be analyzed. However, 

based on the data from selfed grain samples in 2009, 110 high-Fe accessions had also been planted in a high-Fe 

block during the 2010 rainy season. XRF analysis of open-pollinated grain samples of 87 accessions selected on 

the basis of agronomic score and seed set from this nursery showed a wide range, both for Fe (41-141 ppm) and 

Zn content (36-87 ppm). Nineteen accessions had >100 ppm Fe and all but one of these had 63-84 ppm Zn 

content. An accession (IP 17672) that had been identified for high-Fe content in 2009 trials had 101 ppm and 

64 ppm Zn in 2010 rainy season trial as well. It was examined for within-population variability. Evaluation of 

47 S 1 progenies from this accession in 2010 rainy season showed Fe ranging from 70 to 114 ppm and Zn 

ranging from 51 to 74 ppm. 

Core Collection 

Core collection evaluation provides a systematic and cost-effective practical approach for wider search of 

germplasm to identify diverse sources of any trait. Thus, pearl millet core collection, consisting of 504 

accessions was evaluated during the 2009 post rainy season. Of these, 428 accessions flowered in time to 

permit production of selfed grain samples. These were analyzed in 2010. Results showed large variation both 

for Fe (22-185 ppm) and Zn content (19-116 ppm). Forty one accessions had >100 ppm Fe and 71-116 ppm Zn 

content. However, since these are estimated from selfed grain samples, we selected 216 accessions with >70 

ppm Fe content which will be further evaluated for Fe/Zn analysis using open-pollinated grain samples. 

KN Rai, SK Gupta, HD Upadhyaya and KL Sahrawat 

High-iron pearl millet hybrids 

Three-pronged approaches are being followed to identify/develop high-yielding and high-iron hybrids in pearl 

millet. The first approach is to identify high-iron hybrids from amongst those already under cultivation or in the 

pipeline. The second approach is to systematically screen hybrids in the advanced hybrid trials of the All India 

Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project (AICPMIP), which will have already passed two years of yield 

test in multilocational trials. The third approach is to develop high-yielding and high-iron hybrids using existing 

parental lines found to be having high iron content. Development of high-iron parental lines for high-yielding 

and high-iron hybrid development is a long-term vision of pearl millet biofortification program. 

Commercial hybrids: Ninety-two commercial and pipeline hybrids, both from public and private sector, had 

been evaluated at Patancheru during the 2009 rainy season. Based on the analysis of selfed grain samples, 38 

high-iron hybrids had been selected and re-evaluated at 16 locations. We received good grain samples only from 

6 locations. The Fe content in these hybrids for Patancheru grain sample varied from 35 to 58 Fe with the 

control hybrid KH 302 being the highest-Fe hybrid (67 ppm Fe in ICTP 8203). The corresponding ICP Fe 

values for KH 302 and ICTP 8203 were 53 ppm and 63 ppm, respectively. The Zn content in these hybrids 

varied from 31 ppm to 45 ppm (44 ppm in KH 302 and 40 ppm in ICTP 8203). Based on Patancheru results, 12 

hybrids with high Fe were analyzed for grain samples from 4 out-locations for which good grain samples had 

been received. The trial mean of these hybrids, based on XRF analysis, varied from 50 ppm Fe at Patancheru to 

244

76 ppm Fe at Paithan in Maharashtra. Based on the average performance across all the five locations, the Fe 

content among these hybrids varied from 50 to 75 ppm (63 ppm in control KH 302 and 74 ppm in ICTP 8203). 

AICPMIP’s advanced hybrid trials: While the targeted development of high-iron hybrids in high-yielding 

background based on the utilization of high-iron hybrid parents has been initiated, routine screening of hybrids 

in the advanced trials of the All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project (AICPMIP) has also been 

undertaken with the objective of (1) assessing the magnitude of variability for Fe and Zn in those hybrids, and 

(2) identification of high-Fe hybrids in high-yield background for possible release as biofortified hybrids. Thus, 

grain samples of 16 hybrids each from a medium duration trial (10 locations) and a long-duration trial (9 

locations) grown in peninsular India were produced and supplied by the AICPMIP centers. Similarly, grain 

samples of 21 hybrids each from a medium-duration trial (10 locations) and a long-duration trial (8 locations) 

grown in northern India were also produced and supplied by the AICPMIP centers. These are yet to be analyzed 

for Fe and Zn content. 

Initial hybrid trials: The first phase of producing high-yielding and high-Fe hybrids involves the use of 

available high-Fe seed parents and potential restorers to demonstrate that high-Fe hybrids can be produced 

without compromising on grain yield. Four multi-locational hybrid trials that consisted of hybrids selected on 

the basis of visually assessed multi-location performance in 2009 testcross trials and grain Fe content of their 

parental lines were re-evaluated for grain yield, agronomic performance and Fe and Zn content in multilocational 

trials (including Patancheru) during the 2010 rainy season. Open- pollinated grain samples were used 

for Fe/Zn analysis. 

Initial hybrid trial-1, consisting of 36 test hybrids and four controls (KH 302 and MRB 2210 as high-Fe hybrids, 

ICTP 8203 as high-Fe OPV, and 86M52 as high-yielding hybrid) was sent out to 10 locations in peninsular 

India. Reliable grain yield data could be generated at 5 locations. The mean grain yield of hybrids varied from 

1860 kg ha -1 to 3970 kg ha -1 . Based on the XRF analysis of grain samples from Patancheru, the Fe content in 

these hybrids varied from 38 to 82 ppm. Fourteen hybrids that were selected based on agronomic scores, mean 

grain yield and mean Fe content across the locations had 2510-3970 kg ha -1 grain yield, and 53-72 ppm Fe 

content. In comparison, 86M52 had 3790 kg ha -1 grain yield and 41 ppm Fe, while KH 302 and MRB 2210 

had respectively, 2980 kg ha -1 , 3150 kg ha -1 grain yield, and 56 ppm and 62 ppm Fe (ICTP 8203 had 2420 kg 

ha -1 grain yield and 72 ppm Fe content). This trial identified experimental hybrids that had grain yield 

comparable to 86M52 and higher Fe content. It also identified hybrids that were comparable to MRB 2210 both 

for grain yield and Fe content. Based on the analysis of all 36 hybrids in the trial, grain yield at Patancheru was 

not significantly correlated either with Fe content (r=-0.15) or Zn content (r=0.20) (note that Fe data for all 

hybrids were available only for Patancheru grain samples). 

Initial hybrid trial-2, consisting of 36 test hybrids and the same four controls as in trial-1 above, was conducted 

at Patancheru and 10 partners’ locations in peninsular India. Reliable grain yield data could be generated at 7 

locations (in addition to Patancheru). Based on the mean performance across the locations, 18 hybrids were 

identified that had 3130-5020 kg ha -1 grain yield and 49-74 ppm Fe content. 86M52 had 4880 kg ha -1 grain yield 

and 42 ppm Fe content. KH 302 and MRB 2210 had 4000-4160 kg ha -1 grain yield, and 61 ppm and 48 ppm Fe 

content, respectively (ICTP 8203 had 2820 kg ha -1 grain yield and 71 ppm Fe content). Results of this trial also 

showed that hybrids comparable to 86M52 for grain yield but with higher Fe content or comparable to KH 302 

and MRB 2210 for Fe content but with higher grain yield could be produced. Based on the analysis of all 40 

hybrids in the trial, grain yield at Patancheru was not significantly correlated either with Fe content (r=-0.04) or 

Zn content (r=-0.13) (note that Fe data for all hybrids were available only for Patancheru grain samples). 

Initial hybrid trial-3, consisting of 26 test hybrids and four controls (86M54 and 9444 as high-yield controls; and 

KH 302 and ICTP 8203 a high-Fe controls) was conducted at Patancheru and sent out to 12 locations in northern 

India. Reliable grain yield data could be generated at 6 locations. Based on the mean grain yield, agronomic 

score and Fe content, 11 hybrids were identified in which grain yield varied from 2200 to 2860 kg ha -1 and Fe 

content from 42 to 61 ppm. Hybrids 86M54 and 9444, respectively, had 2780 kg ha -1 and 3310 kg ha -1 grain 

yield, and 48 ppm and 36 ppm Fe content. KH 302 had 2420 kg ha -1 grain yield and 50 ppm Fe, while ICTP 

8203 had 2070 kg ha -1 grain yield 59 ppm Fe content. Thus, hybrids having 86% of the grain yield of the 

highest-yielding control 9444, but 44% higher Fe could be produced. However, several hybrids having Fe 

content comparable to KH 302, but 14-16% higher grain yield were also identified. Based on the analysis of all 

26 hybrids in the trial, grain yield at Patancheru was significantly and negatively correlated both with Fe content (r=-0.74 ** ) and 

Zn content (r=-60 ** ) (note that Fe data for all hybrids were available only for Patancheru grain samples). 

245

Initial hybrid trial-4, consisting of 26 test hybrids and the four controls as in trial-3, was conducted at 

Patancheru and sent out to 8 locations in northern India. Reliable grain yield data could be generated at 5 

locations. Based on the mean grain yield, agronomic score and Fe content, 13 hybrids were selected that had 

1630-4200 kg ha -1 grain yield and 38-71 ppm Fe content. Hybrids 86M54 and 9444, respectively, had 3260 kg 

ha -1 and 4510 kg ha -1 grain yield, and 42 ppm and 38 ppm Fe content, while KH 302 had 3110 kg ha -1 grain 

yield and 54 ppm Fe content (ICTP 8203 had 2480 kg ha -1 grain yield 63 ppm Fe content). A hybrid with 94% 

grain yield that of 9444 but with 20% higher Fe content was identified. Hybrids with yield comparable but 

higher Fe content, or Fe comparable but higher grain yield than KH 302 were also identified. Based on the 

analysis of all 26 hybrids in the trial, grain yield at Patancheru was not significantly correlated either with Fe 

content (r=-0.36) or Zn content (r=-0.24) (note that Fe data for all hybrids were available only for Patancheru 

grain samples). 

Testcross trials: In an effort to develop high-yielding and high-iron hybrids, production and evaluation of new 

testcrosses adapted to peninsular and northern India continued. Two testcross trials (TXT-1 and TXT-2) for 

peninsular India, and two testcross trials (TXT-3 and TXT-4) for northern India were constituted, and each was 

evaluated at Patancheru as well as at least at three locations in the target regions. All four trials were planted in 

single-row plots, replicated twice and visually evaluated for yield potential and agronomic traits. Openpollinated 

grain samples were collected for Fe/Zn analysis. 

TXT-1 consisted of 106 test hybrids of which 30 were selected based on across-location agronomic score, and 

Fe value in grain samples from Patancheru for further evaluation. The Fe content in these selected hybrids 

(based on Patancheru grain samples) varied from 42 to 76 ppm ( 48 and 55 ppm in duplicate plots of KH 302 

and 60 and 66 ppm in duplicate plots of ICTP 8203). The Zn content in these hybrids varied from 31 to 49 ppm 

(39-43 ppm in KH 302 and 42-47 ppm in ICTP 8203). TXT-2 consisted of 108 test hybrids, of which 26 were 

selected based on multi-locational performance and Fe content from Patancheru samples. The Fe content in 

these selected hybrids varied from 42 to 75 ppm (49 and 51 ppm in KH 302, and 59 and 70 ppm in ICTP 8203). 

The Zn content in these selected hybrids varied from 35 to 48 ppm (38 and 43 ppm in KH 302, and 42 and 50 

ppm in ICTP 8203). 

TXT-3 consisted of 94 test hybrids, of which 20 were selected based on multi-locational agronomic 

performance and Fe content from Patancheru grain samples. The Fe content in these selected hybrids varied 

from 44 to 76 ppm (53 and 57 ppm in KH 302, and 62 and 68 ppm in ICTP 8203). The Zn content in these 

hybrids varied from 37 to 53 ppm (44 ppm in KH 302, and 46 and 51 ppm in ICTP 8203). TXT-4 consisted of 

108 test hybrids, of which 22 were selected based on multilocation performance and Fe content in Patancheru 

grain samples. The Fe content in these selected hybrids varied from 50 to 73 ppm (47 and 61 ppm in KH 302, 

and 61 and 63 ppm in ICTP 8203). The Zn content in these hybrids varied from 38 to 54 ppm (44 and 44 ppm in 

KH 302, and 45 and 46 ppm in ICTP 8203). 


Milestone 5C.1.1.3: G×E interaction for Fe and Zn assessed and lines stable for >70 ppm Fe and >50 ppm Zn 

identified (KNR/SKG/KLS, 2009) 

Two sets of multilocational trials were conducted during the rainy season of 2006-2009 to assess G x E 

interaction and stability of lines for Fe and Zn content. Set I trial, consisting of 30 entries (mostly inbred lines), 

was conducted at 6 locations in 2006 and at 8 locations in 2009. These have been analyzed for Fe and Zn 

content. Set II trial, consisting of 20 OPVs, was conducted at 8 locations in 2008 and at 6 locations in 2009. The 

2008 grain samples have been analyzed for Fe and Zn content. The 2009 grain samples are yet to be analyzed. 


Output target 5C.2: Information on genetics and recurrent selection efficiency for grain Fe and Zn 

available (2009) 

Activity 5C2.1: Conduct genetical studies and recurrent selection for grain Fe and Zn contents and develop 

mapping populations 

Milestone 5C.2.1.1: Inheritance of Fe and Zn and relationship between the parental lines and hybrids for these 

traits determined (KNR/SKG/KLS, 2009) 

246

Genetics of Fe and Zn content in pearl millet 

An earlier diallel study had shown that both Fe and Zn content in pearl millet are predominantly under additive 

genetic control with no better-parent heterosis, implying that the breeding of high-Fe/Zn hybrid will require both 

parental line having higher Fe/Zn content. This subject has since been further pursued to develop an in-depth 

understanding of the genetics of Fe and Zn content. First set of Line x Testes trial involving hybrids between 8 

lines and 7 testers was conducted during the rainy and post rainy season of 2009 and grain samples were 

analyzed in 2010. Results showed that while the main effects due to lines as well as testers were highly 

significant in both seasons for both micronutrients, Line x Tester effect was significant for Fe only in the rainy 

season and for Zn only in the post rainy season. Further, where Line x Tester effect was significant, it 

accounted for much smaller proportion of the genetic variation as compared to the main effects due to lines and 

testers, with the predictability ratio being very high (0.77 for Fe in the rainy season, and 0.90 for Zn in the post 

rainy season). There was not a single instance of hybrids exceeding the Fe or Zn levels of their better-parents 

(i.e. no better-parent heterosis). This confirmed the earlier results based on diallel study that Fe and Zn content 

in pearl millet are predominantly under additive genetic control. A second Line x Tester study involving 

hybrids of 16 lines and 12 testers was conducted to pursue this subject further. Grain samples produced from 

this trial conducted during the 2009 rainy and 2010 post rainy season are yet to be analyzed for Fe and Zn 

content. 

Inbreeding depression 

Three diverse populations [Extra-early B-composite (EEBC), Smut-resistant B-composite (SRBC) and High 

head volume B-composite (HHVBC)] were each advanced to four generations of inbreeding using single-seed 

descent, and their selfed bulks (S 1 -S4 4 ) were produced. These were compared with their original composite 

bulks (Co) under terminal drought as well as under irrigated control during the post rainy season 2010 in 4-row 

plots, replicated three times in a split-plot design, with the composites as main plots and their different bulks as 

sub-plots. Detailed analyses of the data are yet to be carried out. There was no consistent pattern of change 

across the selfing generations in EEBC and SRBC, except for HHVBC in which the Fe content increased in all 

the selfed bulks (up to 23% in the S 2 bulk). This would tend to indicate dominance (partial?) of low-iron alleles 

over the high iron alleles, and supports the previous results from the diallel and Line x Tester studies. Results 

showed no consistent patterns with respect to drought effect. For instance, as compared to the control, the Fe 

content under drought increased from 11 to 30% in various selfed bulks of EEBC, and from 16 to 24 % in 

various selfed bulks of HHVBC, while in SRBC it increased up to 41% to two bulks and was up to 9% less in 

the other two bulks. 

Single plant selection efficiency for Fe and Zn content in pearl millet 

Single plant selection for yielding ability and other agronomic traits in segregating populations is a standard 

breeding procedure. Effectiveness of this procedure to select for grain Fe and Zn content in pearl millet has not 

been tested. We initiated a series of experiments to address this issues by comparing the Fe and Zn content of 

seed produced from individual S 0 plants and those produced from the trial of their S 1 progenies in four diverse 

OPVs (ICTP 8203, JBV 3, AIMP 92901 and ICMR 312). More than 60 random plants were selfed in each of the 

two populations (ICTP 8203 and JBV 3) during the 2008 rainy season). Based on seed set, 40 selfed panicles 

that could provide enough seed for a 2-replication trial for two seasons were harvested and threshed to produce 

S 1 seed. The S 1 progenies of both populations were planted as two separate experiments during the 2009 post 

rainy and rainy season in single row plots of 2 meter, replicated two times. Analysis of selfed seed samples from 

individual plants (So plants) and from the S 1 progenies from post rainy season trial were analyzed for Fe and Zn 

following ICP method. Results showed highly significant correlation between the So plants and S 1 progenies for 

Fe (r= 0.69 ** for ICTP 8203; and 0.54 ** for JBV 3) and for Zn content (r=0.69 ** for ICTP 8203; and 0.64 ** for 

JBV 3), indicating that low-Fe and low-Zn plants can be effectively discarded, thus saving on resources for 

progeny testing. Grain samples of these trials from the rainy season are yet to be analyzed. A similar 

experiment with two additional populations (AIMP 92901 and ICMR 312) was conducted during the rainy 

season 2009 and post rainy season 2010. The grain samples of these two trials are also yet to be analyzed. 

Dwarfing gene effect on Fe and Zn content in pearl millet 

Nine pairs of tall and d 2 dwarf near-isogenic lines were evaluated for Fe and Zn content under terminal drought 

and irrigated control during the 2010 post rainy season at Patancheru. These lines were planted in single-row 

plots of 4m, replicated three times in a split- plot design, with the 9 genetic backgrounds of lines as main plots 

and tall-dwarf pairs as sub-plots. In all but one pair the Fe content in dwarf versions was 5 to 35% less than in 

the tall versions under irrigated control, with large variation observed across the pairs: in one pair, it was 9% 

more. Under terminal drought, the Fe content in dwarf versions was 3 to 33% less than in the tall versions in 7 

pairs and 4 to 12% more in two pairs. Under drought, the Fe content was higher than the control in most of the 

247

lines (both tall and dwarf versions). This increase in the Fe content under drought could have resulted from 

reduced seed size and/or reduced seed set, which are under investigation. 

Effect of seed set on grain Fe and Zn content in pearl millet 

Genetic identity of a pearl millet genotype in its grain samples can be preserved by producing the grains either 

by selfing or by sibbing. Grain production by sibbing is a costly and time consuming operation, not practical for 

handling a large number of breeding lines. Depending on the genotype and the environment, selfing in pearl 

millet can lead to variable reduction in seed set, which may affect grain micronutrients. Thus, an experiment 

was conducted during the 2009 rainy season to address this issue. Fifteen inbred lines (8 B-lines and 7 R-lines) 

with a wide range of Fe and Zn content were planted in 2-row plots, replicated three times in an RCBD during 

the 2009 rainy season and 2010 post rainy season. About 50-60 plants in each plot were bagged with parchment 

paper bag at the panicle emergence stage. At full stigma emergence stage, the paper bags were repeatedly 

moved up and down 2-3 times to achieve about 40-50% stigma damage (and hence about 50% seed set) in 10-15 

panicles. In another 20-25 panicles, the paper bags were moved up and down 5-6 times to achieve 80-90% 

stigma damage (and hence about 20% seed set). Other bagged panicles were left untouched to achieve 

maximum seed set. At harvest, bagged panicles were classified into three categories (80-100% seed set, as good 

seed set; 40-50% seed set as average seed set; and 10-20% seed set as poor seed set). Panicles not falling into 

these three distinct seed set categories were discarded. All the panicles in a seed set class were bulk threshed and 

subjected to ICP analysis of grain Fe and Zinc contents. Results from the 2009 rainy season trial showed that Fe 

content in good seed set class varied from 52 to 103 ppm among these lines. In the average seed set class, Fe 

was overestimated in all the lines, ranging from 7 to 31%. In poor seed set class, the Fe overestimation ranged 

from 15 to 62%. Although the magnitude varied, depending on the genotype, the general trend of reduction in 

seed set leading to overestimation of micronutrients was consistent for Fe content in the rainy season and for Zn 

content in both seasons. This showed that variable reduction in seed set arising from selfing leads to variable 

overestimation of both Fe and Zn, and hence selfed grain samples cannot be used reliably for Fe and Zn 

estimation. 

Open-pollinated grain samples for Fe and Zn content analysis 

Since selfed seed cannot be reliably used for Fe and Zn analysis, and use of sibbed seed is not a practical 

proposition. Thus, two issues need to be resolved before resorting to the use of open-pollinated grains. First, 

whether pollen source from other genotypes can affect these micronutrients, and second, whether openpollinated 

grains will be prone to dust contamination. 

Pollen affect on grain Fe and Zn content: In an experiment conducted during the 2010 rainy season, we used 

two pairs each of hybrids, OPVs and inbred lines with the entries within each pair having large contrasts for Fe 

and Zn content. The experiment was planted in 4-row plots of 4m, replicated three times in a split-plot design, 

with the six pairs making the main plots and the entries within a pair making the sub-plots. In OPVs, 10-15 

panicles of each entry of a pair were sibbed as well as crossed reciprocally, while in hybrids and inbred lines 6-8 

plants in each entry of a pair were sibbed as well as crossed reciprocally. The sibbed and crossed panicles were 

harvested separately and bulk threshed. ICP analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the Fe 

values of sibbed and crossed grain samples for any entry (whether high-Fe entry was crossed with low-Fe entry 

or vice-versa). The difference between the sibbed seed and crossed seed in high-Fe entries varied from 6 to 5 

ppm, while in the low-Fe entries it varied from -1 to 7 ppm. For Zn content, the difference between the sibbed 

seed and crossed seed varied from -5 to 1 ppm in high-Zn parents, and from -2 to 3 ppm in low-Zn parents. This 

clearly showed pollen source had no effect on grain Fe and Zn content in pearl millet. This experiment will be 

repeated during the 2011 post rainy season. 

Dust contamination of open-pollinated pearl millet grains: As mentioned above, pollen source has no effect 

on Fe and Zn content in pearl millet. For effective use of open-pollinated grain samples for mineral analysis, the 

other issue requiring to be resolved is whether open-pollinated grains are prone to dust contamination. We 

evaluated 14 genotypes (4 OPVs, 6 hybrids, 4 B-lines) having 47-95 ppm Fe and 39-66 ppm Zn content to 

address this issue. Entries were planted in 4-row plots replicated three times during the 2010 rainy season at 

Patancheru. Each plot was sibbed to produce dust-free grains from 10-15 sibbed panicles. Also, in each plot, 

10-15 panicles were bagged at the time anthesis was over, which will also produce dust-free grains. About 10- 

15 open-pollinated panicles were left unbagged till maturity, which would be exposed is potential dust 

contamination. The mean Fe content of the sibbed grains was 63 ppm, while for those from the open-pollinated 

bagged panicles it was 61 ppm, and for open-pollinated unbagged panicles it was 58 ppm. The difference 

between the open-pollinated bagged treatment and open-pollinated unbagged treatment varied mostly in the 

range of -8 to 8 ppm. The difference between the sibbed and open-pollinated bagged treatment was mostly in 

the range of -8 to 8 ppm, which confirms the results of the study mentioned above that pollen source has no 

248

effect on grain Fe content in pearl millet. This trend was consistent for Zn content as well, indicating that dust 

contamination is not an issue of any practical consequence regarding use of open-pollinated grains for Fe and Zn 

analysis. 

Correlation between ICP and XRF estimates for Fe and Zn content 

Inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP) provides the most precise estimates of Fe and Zn content. The 

method, however, is slow (does about 200 samples a day), has substantial cost (US$ 15/sample), and uses 

ground materials, implying the grain samples used for analysis cannot be re-used for any purposes. The X-ray 

Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF), on the other hand, provides for rapid screening (>300 samples/day), is cost 

effective (US$ 0.98) in pearl millet. We conducted a 

comparative test on grain samples from nine trials (42-60 entries each). Very high correlations were found 

between the ICP and XRV values both for Fe (r=0.88 to 0.94 in 8 samples and 0.58 in 1 sample) and Zn content 

(r=0.88 to 0.95 in 8 samples and 0.56 in 1 sample). These results showed that XRF can be effectively used for 

large scale handling of breeding materials. 


Milestone 5C.2.1.2: Effectiveness of S 1 recurrent selection for Fe and Zn, and its effect on grain yield and other 

agronomic traits in four populations quantified (KNR/RB/KLS, 2012) 

Recurrent selection 

Even narrow-based populations (including improved OPVs) in pearl millet have been shown to have substantial 

variability for numerous traits, including grain Fe and Zn content. Research continued to test the effectiveness of 

recurrent selection to improve the Fe and Zn content in four populations. Of the four higher-Fe versions of a 

high-Fe variety (ICTP 8203) developed and tested in 2009, 2 found promising were re-evaluated along with the 

original ICTP 8203 in a multilocation trial during the 2010 rainy season. This trial also included three additional 

higher-Fe versions developed in 2010 summer season. The trial was evaluated at 10 locations in peninsular India 

for grain yield and agronomic traits. Reliable field data and grain samples were received from 5 locations. The 

mean grain yield of these populations varied from 2230 kg ha -1 to 2600 kg ha -1 in the improved versions (2230 

kg ha -1 in the original C 0 bulk). The mean Fe content in these bulks varied from 75 ppm to 82 ppm (73 ppm in 

the C 0 bulk). The highest-yielding bulk with 11% higher yield also had 8% higher Fe content. Interestingly, this 

bulk had larger seed size (1000-grain weight of 17 g) compared to 15.4 g for the Co bulk. 

We tested the recurrent selection efficiency in three additional populations (ICMV 221, AIMP 92901 and ICMR 

312) using Fe content in the selfed seed samples as a selection criterion. In ICMV 221, 220 S 1 progenies 

selected from a previous evaluation in 2009 were analyzed for Fe content using ICP protocol. The Fe content in 

these progenies varied from 75 to 174 ppm, of which 10 progenies with 108-174 ppm were selected to constitute 

the C 1 bulk. In AIMP 92901, 300 S 1 progenies had been evaluated during the 2009 rainy season in which the Fe 

content varied from 38 to 117 ppm. Thirteen progenies with 74 to 117 ppm Fe were recombined to constitute C 1 

bulk of this population. In ICMR 312 also, 300 S 1 progenies had been evaluated in 2009. The Fe content in 

these progenies varied from 42 to 100 ppm, of which 17 progenies with 72-100 ppm were recombined to 

constitute the C 1 bulk of this population. Co and C 1 bulks of these three populations were evaluated at 

Patancheru in 4-row plots replicated three times. Grain yield, agronomic traits and Fe content (in openpollinated 

grain samples) were recorded. Results showed that as compared to the Co bulk, grain yield in the C 1 

bulk of ICMV 221 was 5% less and there was no change in Fe content. In AIMP 92901, grain yield in C 1 bulk 

was 3% less and Fe content 4% more (both changes practically of no significance) as compared to the Co bulk. 

In ICMR 312, the grain yield of the C 1 bulk was 11 % less and Fe content 17% more than the Co bulk. Lack of 

response to Fe selection in ICMV 221 and AIMP 92901 is being investigated. 


Milestone 5C.2.1.3: QTL for high grain Fe and Zn identified based on F6 RIL mapping populations from two 

crosses (CTH/SS/KNR, 2010) 

249



Producing more and better food at lower cost of stable open-pollinated 

cereals and legumes (sorghum, pigeonpea, chickpea and groundnut) 

through genetic improvement in the Asian SAT 

Pooran M Gaur 


Chickpea 

• Desi chickpea breeding lines with combined resistance to fusarium wilt, ascochyta blight and 

botrytis grey mould developed. 

• Wild relatives of chickpea showed high levels of antibiosis to the pod borer, H. armigera, and 

hence, there is a good possibility on diversifying the basis of resistance to pod borer by 

introgressing the resistance genes into the cultigen through wide hybridization. 

• Based on detached leaf bioassays for 11 transgenic events of chickpea carrying different cry 

genes, seven events with superior performance have been advanced to further generations for 

subsequent evaluations. 

• Breeding lines and land races with tolerance to high temperatures (up to 35 0 C) identified. 

Some of the earlier identified drought tolerant lines showed high temperature tolerance 

indicating that it is possible to develop cultivars with combined tolerance to terminal drought 

and heat stresses. The pod number per plant and the harvest index were identified as key traits 

that can be used in selections for heat tolerance. 

• The most critical component of terminal drought tolerance in chickpea was identified to be 

strategy of conservative water use during the early days of the cropping cycle, explained 

partly by a lower canopy conductance, which resulted in more water available in the soil 

profile during reproduction. 

• An intraspecific linkage map of chickpea was developed from ICCV 2 x JG 62 RILs. A total 

of 135 markers were mapped on to eight linkage groups spanning a distance of 310.2 cM. 

QTLs were identified for 11 different surrogate traits under saline and non-saline conditions in 

each of the two environments (2005–06 and 2007–08). QTLs were identified for both late and 

early phenology groups under saline and non-saline conditions. In the late phenology group, a 

QTL was found for seed yield under salinity on LG3 in 2007–08, explaining 19% of the 

variation. One QTL for shoot dry weight under salinity was found on LG1 in 2007–08, 

explaining 13% of the variation, and one QTL for seed number under salinity was found on 

LG7 in 2007–08, explaining 25% of the variation. When the phenotyping data were used for 

QTL analysis, disregarding the groups of phenology, no QTLs for seed yield was found in any 

of the treatments for either of the two years. 

• A major QTL for root traits was introgressed in three cultivars (JG 11 and KAK 2 from India 

and Chefe from Ethiopia) using marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC). BC 3 F 3 progenies were 

available for evaluation. 

Pigeonpea 

• Twelve entries (KPBR 80-2-4, ICPL’s 20094, 20097, 20098, 20099, 20100, 20103, 20115, 

20116, 20120, 20129 and 20134) showed resistance to FW and SMD at four locations 

(Badnapur, Bharuch, Gulbarga and ICRISAT-Patancheru). 

• Genotypes (ICP 2933, ICP 5825, ICPHaRL 4985-10, ICPHaRL 4985-1, and LRG 41) showed 

stable resistance to pod borer, H. armigera and can be exploited in pigeonpea improvement 

programs. 

• Crossability studies indicated that C. acutifolius from secondary gene pool of pigeonpea and 

C. platycarpus, from tertiary gene pool, can be successfully utilized to introgress multiple pest 

and disease resistance. 

• Studies on mechanisms of resistance to Helicoverpa indicated that genotypes showing low 

oviposition and/or low larval numbers, and exhibiting low pod damage and good recovery 

resistance can be as source of resistance in pigeonpea breeding for Helicoverpa resistance. 

• The protease inhibitors (PIs) from the wild relatives showing potential as intibitors of HaGPs, 

could be considered as potential candidates for use in genetic transformation of crops for pest 

management, including H. armigera. 

250

• Based on the insect bioassays conducted with transgenic pigeonpea events in T1 and T2 

generations, 11 cry gene transgenic events of pigeonpea were identified promising and 

selected for strip trials under confined field conditions. 

• The carotenoids content was 10-25 fold higher in psyI transgenic events as compared to the 

untransformed controls. Two events with considerably higher β-carotene level (~5.5 μg/g) 

were selected and further studies on gene stability as well as biochemical profiling. 

Groundnut 

• Five groundnut varieties were released in three countries. Groundnut variety ICGV 96342 is 

released as BARI Chinabadam 9 in Bangladesh; ICGV 94301 is released as Sinpadetha 8 in 

Myanmar; and ICGV 93260 as R 2001-2, ICGV 87846 as Co 6, and ICGV 00350 in India. 

• Several events carrying PBNV N gene in antisense orientation (ASNP) showed little or no 

symptoms of the disease under the virus challenging assays in greenhouse conditions. These 

events have been advanced to further generations for subsequent phenotyping using 

mechanical as well as vector mediated transmission assays. 

• From elite trials, 12 (Spanish) and 6 (Virginia) lines for foliar disease resistance; 15 (Spanish) 

lines for medium duration; and 7 (Spanish) and 7 (Virginia) lines for drought tolerance were 

selected to include in International nursery trials 

• Through FPVS trials in India, Nepal and Vietnam nine farmer-preferred varieties (FPVs) of 

groundnut were identified which include ICGV 91114 and ICGS 76 in India; Rajarshi, 

Baideshi and B4 in Nepal; and L 14 and L 23, L26, D0401 in Vietnam 

• Several transgenic events carrying PBNVnp gene in antisense orientation (ASNP) showed 

very little or no symptoms of PBNV disease under the virus challenging assays in greenhouse 

conditions. These events have been advanced to further generations for subsequent 

phenotyping using mechanical as well as vector mediated transmission assays. 

• Ongoing work to understand the mechanisms of adaptation to water stress in groundnut shows 

that we need to go much beyond transpiration efficiency. We are starting to understand how 

certain pattern of water usage, in part related to canopy size, but may be also to canopy 

development and conductance, are explaining differences in pod yield. 

• Two transgenic events with rd29A:DREB1A consistently outperformed than the control and 

rest of the transgenic events under the imposed intermittent drought stress both under 

greenhouse and confined field conditions. These events showed better seed filling and a higher 

harvest index under intermittent drought stress conditions. 

• Transgenic groundnut events carrying phytoene synthase gene, psyI (controls the production 

of ß-carotene) from maize with the promotor from oleosin gene of Arabidopsis (for seedspecific 

expression in oil bodies) were evaluated. Level of total carotenoids was 10-25 fold 

increase in transgenic events as compared to the untransformed controls. Preliminary studies 

showed an enhanced β-carotene level (~5.5 μg/g) in two events. These events have been 

advanced further for gene stability as well as biochemical profiling. 

• Six F 3 and F 4 progenies derived from crosses between elite groundnut cultivars and new 

sources of amphidiploid groundnut (ISATGR 1212) were screened for A. flavus. All these 

progenies showed low A. flavus infection and five of these progenies produced low aflatoxin 

(0-6.7 ug/g). These results suggest that it is possible to transfer A. flavus resistance and low 

aflatoxin production from wild relatives of groundnut 

Sorghum 

• Five R-line progenies showed significantly superior grain yield (by 23 to 52%) ranging from 

2.3 to 2.9 t ha -1 over control CSV 4 and showed low PGMR score 3.2 to 3.6 indicating their 

resistance to grain mold. 

• Five hybrids (ICSA 52 × SPV 1411, ICSA 84 × E 36-1, ICSA 102 × E 36-1, ICSA 89002 × E 

36-1 and ICSA 24005 × E 36-1) appeared tolerant to charcoal rot with 1.2-1.4 inter node 

infection and ≤10% lodging. 

• Thirty R-lines were significantly (by 5 to 33%) superior to the control - RS 29 for grain Fe 

contents with grain Fe ranging from 30 to 39 ppm and significantly superior (by 6 and 62%) 

for grain Zn contents ranging from 18 to 28 ppm which can be evaluated in multilocation 

trials for assessing the stability of their performance. 

251

Output 6.1: Improved germplasm and varieties of sorghum, pigeonpea, chickpea and groundnut 

with pro-poor traits and associated advanced knowledge of selection tools and breeding methods 

made available to partners internationally 

Groundnut 

Output target 6.1.1 GN: Each year 50-60 diverse trait-specific (resistance to rust, late leaf spot 

(LLS), and other emerging diseases and pests, short- and medium-duration, dual-purpose (food 

and fodder), oil types and confectionery types), high yielding breeding populations and advanced 

breeding lines developed 

Activity 6.1.1.1 GN: Evaluate and introgress new germplasm sources (cultivated and wild Arachis 

species) of variability for yield components, resistance to rust, LLS, and other emerging diseases, 

crop duration and food and fodder quality traits 

Milestone: 10-15 new high yielding lines with resistance to diseases and quality and adaptation traits 

identified and made available to NARS. Annual 

Rationale 

The foliar fungal diseases cause 10% to over 50% pod and haulm yield losses besides adversely 

affecting their quality. Host plant resistance compliments with other control measures. Breeding for the 

traits like high/low oil and confectionary results in enhanced economic returns to SAT farmers, while 

breeding for various maturity durations is essential for local adaptation. 


One hundred new crosses (25 for foliar diseases resistance, 32 for short-duration, 23 for mediumduration 

with high oil content and 20 for confectionery traits with high protein content) were completed 

in the 2009/10 postrainy and 2010 rainy seasons to generate populations for selection. The new parents 

are: ICGV 06149, ICGV 08277, ICGV 07145, ICGV 06150, ICGV 06143, ICGV 08321, ICGV 

09141, and ICGV 02411for resistance to foliar diseases; ICGV 08234, ICGV 08237, ICGV 05155, 

ICGV 06040, ICGV 06100, ICGV 06420,ICGV 07395, EC 582663, EC 582664-1, ICGV –IS 96894-1, 

ICGV 09003, ICGV 09007, ICGV 08234, and ICGV 09141 for short-duration; ICGV 07076, ICGV 

07145, ICGV 08268, SunOleic 95R, ICGV 09121, ICGV 08268, ICGV 09141, ICGV 08006, and 

ICGV 08030 for medium-duration with high oil content and ICGV 08050, ICGV 08058, ICGV 08112, ICGV 

08081, ICGV 90320, ICGV 09190, and ICGV 09003 for confectionery traits with high protein content. 

Results and Discussion 

a. Foliar diseases: 

In 2009/10, 149 F 2 -F 11 bulks and 62 plant progenies were evaluated for agronomic traits to select 142 

bulks and 3 plant selections; of which 26 advance generation bulks were identified for inclusion in 

yield trials. Promising selections came from the two crosses, [(ICGS 44 x (ICGV 87128 x ICG 

00246)], and (ICGV 04078 x ICG 13917). During the 2010 rainy season, 116 F 2 -F 12 bulks and 16 plant 

progenies were sown in foliar diseases resistance sick field for further evaluation. From these, 118 

bulks and 220 single plants were selected. The most promising selections came from the crosses, 

(ICGV 91114 x ICGX 000036) and (ICGV 01352 x ICG 13917. 

Yield trials: 

i. 2009 rainy season 

111 advanced breeding lines (including controls) in 5 replicated trials were evaluated both for diseases 

(LLS and Rust) resistance and yield. Same set of 111 advanced breeding lines (including controls) in 5 

replicated trials were under evaluation for yield in the 2009/10 postrasiny season. The main results are 

as below- 

In an Elite Trial (Spanish), 18 out of 19 test varieties (4.4-3.0±0.22 t ha -1 ) produced significantly 

higher pod yield than the highest yielding control GPBD 4 (2.4 t ha -1 pod yield, with 66% shelling 

outturn, 28 g HSW, 57% oil content, rust score at 107 DAS = 4.0, LLS score at 107 DAS = 5.5). ICGV 

06150 produced highest pod yield (4.4 t ha -1 ; with 65% shelling outturn, 34 g HSW, 56% oil content, 

252

ust score at 107 DAS = 2.5, LLS score at 107 DAS = 5.0) followed by ICGV 06149 (4.4 t ha -1 with 

70% shelling outturn, 34 g HSW, 56% oil content, rust score at 107 DAS = 2.5, LLS score at 107 DAS = 5.0). 

In an Elite Trial (Virginia), 8 out of 12 test varieties (4.0-3.4±0.16 t ha -1 ) produced significantly higher 

pod yield than the highest yielding control ICGV 86699 (2.9 t ha -1 , with 61% shelling outturn, 41 g 

HSW, 51% oil content, rust score at 107 DAS = 3.0, LLS score at 107 DAS = 5.0). ICGV 06183 

produced highest pod yield (4.0 t ha -1 ; with 68% shelling outturn, 43 g HSW, 54% oil content, rust 

score at 107 DAS = 3.0, LLS score at 107 DAS = 5.0) followed by ICGV 06175 (3.9 t ha -1 with 60% 

shelling outturn, 34 g HSW, 55% oil content, rust score at 107 DAS = 3.0, LLS score at 107 DAS = 5.5). 

In an Advanced Trial (Spanish), 7 out of 9 test varieties (3.6-2.7±0.21 t ha -1 ) produced significantly 

higher pod yield than the highest yielding control ICGV 98373 (1.5 t ha -1 , with 70% shelling outturn, 

48 g HSW, 46% oil content, rust score at 107 DAS = 2.0, LLS score at 107 DAS = 8.0). ICGV 07130 

produced highest pod yield (3.6 t ha -1 ; with 60% shelling outturn, 51 g HSW, 53% oil content, rust 

score at 107 DAS = 3.0, LLS score 107 DAS = 5.0 ) followed by ICGV 07142 (3.4 t ha -1 with 67% 

shelling outturn, 42 g HSW, 57% oil content, rust score at 107 DAS = 3.5, LLS score at 107 DAS = 5.5). 

In Preliminary Trial (Spanish), 15 test varieties (3.6-2.4±0.18 t ha -1 ) produced significantly higher pod 

yield than the highest yielding control ICGV 86590 (1.8 t ha -1 , with 67% shelling outturn, 38 g HSW, 

rust score at 107 DAS = 2.0, and LLS score at 107 DAS = 7.5). ICGV 08305 produced highest pod 

yield (3.6 t ha -1 ; with 58% shelling outturn, 44 g HSW, rust score at 107 DAS = 3.5, LLS score 107 

DAS = 5.5 ) followed by ICGV 08306 (3.5 t ha -1 with 62% shelling outturn, 41 g HSW, rust score at 

107 DAS = 4.0, LLS score at 107 DAS = 5.0). 

ii. 2009/10 postrainy season: 

In an Elite (Spanish) Trial, ICGV 07123 (4.9±0.43 t ha -1 , 70% shelling outturn, 60 g HSW, 24% 

protein content) produced significantly higher pod yield than the highest yielding control ICGV 86590 

(3.3 t ha -1 pod yield, 67% shelling outturn, 44 g HSW, 21% protein content). 

In Preliminary (Spanish) Trial, twenty varieties (5.2-3.5±0.20 t ha -1 pod yield) produced significantly 

higher pod yield than the highest yielding control GPBD 4 (2.8 t ha -1 pod yield, 75% shelling outturn, 

44 g HSW). ICGV 08287 gave the highest pod yield (5.2 t ha -1 pod yield, 69% shelling outturn, 70 g 

HSW) followed by ICGV 08305 (4.9 t ha -1 pod yield, 70% shelling outturn, 64 g HSW). 

In Preliminary (Virginia) Trial, three varieties (4.9-4.6±0.22 t ha -1 pod yield) produced significantly 

higher pod yield than the highest yielding control ICGV 98373 (3.7 t ha -1 pod yield, 72% shelling 

outturn, 63 g HSW). ICGV 08321 gave the highest pod yield (4.9 t ha -1 pod yield, 73% shelling outturn, 

56 g HSW) followed by ICGV 08320 (4.8 t ha -1 pod yield, 73% shelling outturn, 57 g HSW). 

iii. 2010 rainy season: 

Seventy six advanced breeding lines (including controls) in five replicated trials were evaluated both 

for diseases (LLS and Rust) resistance and yield. At 50 days after sowing (DAS), plots were inoculated 

with LLS and rust by spraying the infected and test rows with a mixed conidial suspension of 

Phaesariopsis personata conidia and Puccinia arachidis urediniospores for optimum disease 

development. Disease symptoms for LLS and rust were rated on a 1 - 9 disease severity scale at 75, 90 

and 105 DAS. 

In an Elite Trial (Spanish), all 5 test varieties (3.2-2.2±0.23 t ha -1 ) produced significantly higher pod 

yield than the highest yielding control ICGV 98373 (1.2 t ha -1 pod yield, with 65% shelling outturn, 41 

g HSW, rust score at 105 DAS = 3.0, LLS score at 105 DAS = 7.0). ICGV 07130 produced highest pod 

yield (3.2 t ha -1 ; with 60% shelling outturn, 40 g HSW, rust score at 105 DAS = 4.5, LLS score at 105 

DAS = 7.0) followed by ICGV 07143 (3.1 t ha -1 with 67% shelling outturn, 36 g HSW, rust score at 

105 DAS = 5.5, LLS score at 105 DAS = 8.0). 

In Preliminary Trial (Spanish), five test varieties (3.6-2.3±0.21 t ha -1 ) produced significantly higher pod 

yield than the highest yielding susceptible control JL 24 (1.6 t ha -1 , with 58% shelling outturn, 31 g 

HSW, rust score at 105 DAS = 7.0, and LLS score at 105 DAS = 8.5), and resistant cultivar ICGV 

86590 (1.4 t ha -1 , with 58% shelling outturn, 29 g HSW, rust score at 105 DAS = 2.5, and LLS score at 

105 DAS = 8.0). ICGV 10179 produced highest pod yield (3.6 t ha -1 ; with 60% shelling outturn, 41 g 

253

HSW, rust score at 105 DAS = 3.0, LLS score 105 DAS = 7.0 ) followed by ICGV 10178 (3.0 t ha -1 

with 62% shelling outturn, 41 g HSW, rust score at 105 DAS = 2.5, LLS score at 105 DAS = 7.0). 

In Preliminary Trial (Virginia), five test varieties (3.2-2.4±0.17 t ha -1 ) produced significantly higher 

pod yield than the highest yielding resistant cultivar ICGV 86699 (2.1 t ha -1 , with 60% shelling outturn, 

31 g HSW, rust score at 105 DAS = 2.5, and LLS score at 105 DAS = 7.0). ICGV 10191 produced 

highest pod yield (3.2 t ha -1 ; with 63% shelling outturn, 28 g HSW, rust score at 105 DAS = 5.5, LLS 

score 105 DAS = 7.5 ) followed by ICGV 10193 (3.2 t ha -1 with 60% shelling outturn, 40 g HSW, rust 

score at 105 DAS = 3.0, LLS score at 105 DAS = 8.0). 

b. Short duration: 

From 215 bulk populations and 340 single plant progenies grown in the 2009/10 postrainy season, 387 

F 2 -F 11 bulks and 379 single plant selections, based on agronomic traits, were made. Of these, 21 bulk 

selections in advanced generations were identified for inclusion in replicated yield trials. In 358 bulk 

populations and 374 single plant progenies grown in the 2010 rainy season, 429 F 2 -F 14 bulks and 758 

single plant selections, based on agronomic traits, were made. The most promising selections came 

from (ICGV 93437 x ICGV 00308), (ICGV 00309 x ICGV 03178), a0nd (ICGV 02022 x ICGV 

97045) crosses. 

Yield trials: 

i. 2009 rainy season: 

In an Advanced Trial at 90 DAS harvest two entries outyielded (3.7± 0.29 t ha -1 each) the highest 

yielding early-maturing control TAG 24 (2.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 61 % shelling outturn, 39 g HSW). EC 

582670 gave the highest pod yield (3.7 t ha -1 , 50 % shelling outturn and 39 g HSW) followed by L 24 

(3.7 t ha -1 , 52 % shelling outturn and 40 g HSW). 

ii. 2009/10 postrainy season 

In Preliminary (Spanish) Trial, four varieties (3.4-3.0±0.24 t ha -1 pod yield) produced significantly 

higher pod yield than the highest yielding control JL 24 (2.2 t ha -1 pod yield, 54% shelling outturn, 34 g 

HSW). ICGV 09008 gave the highest pod yield (3.4 t ha -1 pod yield, 63% shelling outturn, 41 g HSW) 

followed by ICGV 09011 (3.2 t ha -1 pod yield, 66% shelling outturn, 55 g HSW). 

iii. 2009 rainy season: 

In an Advanced Trial at 90 DAS harvest three entries out-yielded (2.2± 0.25 t ha -1 each) the highest 

yielding early-maturing control JL 24 (1.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 63 % shelling outturn, 23 g HSW). ICGV 

09014 gave the highest pod yield (2.2 t ha -1 , 76 % shelling outturn and 28 g HSW) followed by ICGV 

09009 (1.9 t ha -1 , 59 % shelling outturn and 23 g HSW). 

In Preliminary Trial at 90 DAS harvest two entries outyielded (2.5± 0.27 t ha -1 each) the highest 

yielding early-maturing control DH 86 (1.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 67 % shelling outturn, 25 g HSW). ICGV 

10004 gave the highest pod yield (2.5 t ha -1 , 61 % shelling outturn and 26 g HSW) followed by ICGV 

10018 (2.5 t ha -1 , 62 % shelling outturn and 28 g HSW). 

c. Medium duration: 

In the 2009/10 postrainy season, 184 bulk populations and 53 plant progenies were sown for 

evaluation. From these, 204 F 2 -F 11 bulks and 55 single plant selections were made. Of these, 74 bulk 

selections in advanced generations were identified for inclusion in replicated yield trials The most 

promising selections came from (ICGV 99159 x ICGV 95042) and (ICGV 01274 x ICGV 04124) 

crosses. Similarly in the 2010 rainy season, 140 bulk populations and 55 plant progenies were sown for 

evaluation. From these, 188 F 2 -F 11 bulks and 290 single plant selections were made. The most 

promising selections came from (ICGV 99159 x ICGV 93155), (ICGV 95017 x ICGV 00002), and 

(ICGV 97069 x ICGV 99159) crosses. 

Yield trials: 

During the 2009 rainy and in the 2009/10 postrainy seasons ninety eight advanced breeding lines 

including controls in six replicated yield trials were under evaluation. An elite trial (Spanish) was 

evaluated under rain-fed conditions also. The results of the two season are given bellowi. 

2009 rainy season: 

254

In an Elite Trial (Spanish) under irrigation conditions, seven test varieties (4.4-4.0±0.14 t ha -1 pod 

yield) significantly outperformed the highest yielding control GPBD 4 (3.5 t ha -1 pod yield, 64% 

shelling outturn, 28 g HSW, and 56% oil content). ICGV 07047 ranked first in pod yield (4.4 t ha -1 pod 

yield, 60% shelling outturn, 44 g HSW, and 54% oil content) followed by ICGV 07057 (4.4 t ha -1 pod 

yield, 60% shelling outturn, 41 g HSW, and 52% oil content). Under rain-fed conditions, eleven 

(including these seven) test lines (4.0-2.9±0.10 t ha -1 pod significantly outperformed the highest 

yielding control GPBD 4 (2.5 t ha -1 pod yield, 58% shelling outturn, 22 g HSW, and 54% oil content). 

ICGV 07047 produced pod yield (4.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 62% shelling outturn, 43 g HSW, and 51% oil 

content) ranked first in both irrigated and rain-fed conditions. 

In an Advanced Trial (Spanish), eleven test varieties (4.5-3.5±0.22 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly 

outperformed the highest yielding control GPBD 4 (2.8 t ha -1 pod yield, 52% shelling outturn, 24 g 

HSW, and 55% oil content). ICGV 08234 ranked first in pod yield (4.5 t ha -1 pod yield, 71% shelling 

outturn, 44 g HSW, and 57% oil content) followed by ICGV 08239 (4.3 t ha -1 pod yield, 60% shelling 

outturn, 50 g HSW, and 50% oil content). 

In Preliminary Trial (Spanish), only one line ICGV 09121 (4.3±0.27 t ha -1 pod yield, 65% shelling 

outturn, and 40 g HSW) significantly outperformed the highest yielding control GPBD 4 (3.3 t ha -1 pod 

yield, 63% shelling outturn, and 29 g HSW). 


None of test lines significantly out yielded the best control cultivar ICGV 95070 in Spanish group and 

ICGS 76 in Virginia group. However in an Advanced Trial, ICGV 08234 (4.5 t ha -1 pod yield, 73% 

shelling outturn and 47 g HSW) shown 10% yield advantage over best yielding control cultivar ICGV 

95070 (4.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 73% shelling outturn and 55 g HSW). 


One hundred and thirty one advanced breeding lines including controls in six replicated trials were evaluated. 

In an Elite Trial (Spanish) three test varieties (4.8±0.15 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly outperformed the 

highest yielding control GPBD 4 (2.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 51% shelling outturn, 22 g HSW). ICGV 08234 

ranked first in pod yield (4.8 t ha -1 pod yield, 71% shelling outturn, 36 g HSW) followed by ICGV 

08237 (3.7 t ha -1 pod yield, 60% shelling outturn, 35 g HSW). 

In an Advanced Trial (Spanish), two test varieties (3.8±0.14 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly outperformed 

the highest yielding control GPBD 4 (2.3 t ha -1 pod yield, 57% shelling outturn, 28 g HSW). ICGV 

09119 ranked first in pod yield (3.8 t ha -1 pod yield, 55% shelling outturn, 77 g HSW) followed by 

ICGV 09121 (3.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 65% shelling outturn, 34 g HSW). 

In an Advanced Trial (Virginia), three test varieties (2.5±0.20 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly 

outperformed the highest yielding control ICGV 97115 (1.5 t ha -1 pod yield, 60% shelling outturn, 43g 

HSW). ICGV 09137 ranked first in pod yield (2.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 64% shelling outturn, 42 g HSW) 


In Preliminary Trial (Spanish), Out of 48 test lines 38 lines (4.3-2.5±0.30 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly 

outperformed the highest yielding control GPBD 4 (2.1 t ha -1 pod yield, 52% shelling outturn, and 21 g 

HSW). ICGV 10148 ranked first in pod yield (4.3 t ha -1 pod yield, 66% shelling outturn, 36 g HSW) 


In Preliminary Trial (Virginia), three test lines (3.8±0.19 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly outperformed 

the highest yielding control ICGV 97115 (2.5 t ha -1 pod yield, 65% shelling outturn, and 29 g HSW). 

ICGV 10159 ranked first in pod yield (3.8 t ha -1 pod yield, 67% shelling outturn, 49 g HSW) followed 

by ICGV 10165 (3.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 65% shelling outturn, 39 g HSW). 

d. High/low oil content: 

A set of 150 advanced breeding lines and 10 checks belonging to either high oil (>55% oil) or low oil 

(

Yield Trials: 


During the 2009 rainy season at ICRISAT location out of 150 test entries, 69 were recorded high oil 

(60% - 55%) content and for pod yield 6 (4.9-4.4±0.41 t ha -1 pod yield) test entries significantly 

outperformed the highest yielding control ICGV 00350 (3.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 67% shelling outturn, 32 g 

HSW, and 55% oil content). ICGV 07108 ranked first in pod yield (4.9 t ha -1 pod yield, 56% shelling 

outturn, 36 g HSW, and 53% oil content) followed by ICGV 06139 (4.7 t ha -1 pod yield, 60% shelling 

outturn, 31 g HSW, and 56% oil content). The top five entries of high oil yield and five entries of low 

oil yield varieties performance is given in Table 6.1. 

Table 6.1: Performance of groundnut breeding lines for various traits 

IDENTITY 

Pod 

yield 

kg/ha Rank 

Seed 

Yield 

kg/ha Rank 

Oil yield 

kg/ha Rank SH% OIL% 

ICGV 06423 4270 9 2989 4 1734 1 70 58 

ICGV 06018 4355 7 3092 1 1732 2 71 56 

ICGV 02411 4486 3 3050 2 1708 3 68 56 

ICGV 06149 4407 6 3041 3 1703 4 69 56 

ICGV 06139 4723 2 2834 5 1587 5 60 56 

ICGV 86564 1571 156 927 156 445 155 59 48 

ICGV 07359 1678 153 1057 148 444 156 63 42 

ICGV 07368 1679 152 1058 147 134 157 63 41 

ICGV 00451 1493 157 836 158 418 158 56 50 

ICGV 05182 2000 139 880 157 396 160 44 45 

Controls 

TMV 2 1343 159 792 160 412 159 59 52 

M 335 1709 151 1025 152 151 154 60 44 

ICGS 76 2014 135 1249 137 562 142 62 45 

TAG 24 1840 144 1196 142 646 133 65 54 

JL 24 1963 142 1217 140 657 129 62 54 

Dh 86 2057 133 1255 135 665 128 61 53 

ICR 48 2092 132 1360 126 666 126 65 49 

ICGV 91114 2004 138 1343 131 712 118 67 53 

GPBD 4 2575 104 1545 102 896 88 60 58 

ICGV 00350 3557 39 2383 29 1311 30 67 55 

SE 412.6 1.141 

Grand mean 2911 52.9 

CV% 14.17 2.158 

LSD 814.9 2.254 


At ICRISAT location, out of 150 test lines only two lines gave high oil % ICGV 06420 (56% oil, 1.8 t 

ha -1 oil yield, 4.3 t ha -1 pod yield, 72% shelling outturn, 44 g HSW, and 22% protein content) and 

ICGV 07014 (55% oil, 1.9 t ha -1 oil yield, 4.3 t ha -1 pod yield, 76% shelling outturn, 44 g HSW, and 

26% protein content) and seven lines gave low oil % (44-42%). 

256

For pod yield four test lines (5.0-4.8±0.47 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly outperformed the highest 

yielding control ICGV 00350 (4.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 74% shelling outturn, 46 g HSW, 53% oil and 25% 

protein content). ICGV 04093 ranked first in pod yield (5.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 70% shelling outturn, 48 g 

HSW, 51% oil and 27% protein content) followed by ICGV 07368 (4.9 t ha -1 pod yield, 76% shelling 

outturn, 100 g HSW, 42% oil and 26% protein content). Other locations trial data are being analyzed. 

iii. 2010 rainy season: Oil and proteine analysisi is under process. 

e. High/low protein content: 

Similarly a set comprising of 52 advanced breeding lines and 8 checks for either high (>25% protein) 

or low (

Conclusions The varieties released over the years are the products of this activity. During the period 

under report five groundnut varieties, ICGV 96342, ICGV 94301 and ICFV 87846 were released in 

three countries. 

SN Nigam and Venu Prasad 

Milestone: 6-8 high yielding dual-purpose groundnut varieties in a range of maturity groups with 

resistance to chronic biotic constraints available for release and commercialization 2009 

Rationale 

Crop-livestock is the predominant production system in SAT regions hence development of dualpurpose 

groundnut varieties gives an additional advantage of supporting the livestock. 


Fodder quality testing and multi-location testing of promising dual purpose groundnut genotypes 


One hundred and fifty two groundnut haulm samples each from Kadiri, Junagadh, Shirgaon 

(Ratnagiri), Maharashtra, and samples of IVT-II trial from Jalgaon center (Maharashtra), were received 

and handed over to ILRI for fodder quality analysis. The results of fodder quality analysis are awaited 

from ILRI. 

Conclusions 

A dual purpose variety, ICGV 91114 was released in Karnataka for cultivation in drought-prone areas 

of the state. 


Milestone: 8-10 selected advanced breeding lines in each partner country evaluated for local 

adaptation and farmer-preferred traits in SAT Asia 2009 

Rationale 

Evaluation of selected breeding lines for local adaptation and farmer-preferred traits is important to 

identify and promote the lines best suited for different/varied locations of SAT Asia 


A total of 11 International Trials were conducted to evaluate selected breeding lines of groundnut. 


Seeds of 34 sets of international trials sets and 123 advanced breeding lines were provided to 

cooperators in 14 countries 

International trials 

(a) An existing series of six international trials were multiplied in 2010 rainy season for distribution to 

collaborators at ICRISAT centre, Patancheru, India as indicated below: 

1. Twelfth International Short-duration Groundnut Varietal Trial (XII ISGVT) 

2. Twelfth International Medium-duration Groundnut Varietal Trial (SB) [XII IMGVT(SB)] 

3. Twelfth International Medium-duration Groundnut Varietal Trial (VB) [XII IMGVT(VB)] 

4. Twelfth International Foliar Diseases Resistant Groundnut Varietal Trial (XII IFDRGVT) 

5. Twelfth International Confectionery Groundnut Varietal Trial (XII ICGVT) 

6. Eighth International Drought Resistant Groundnut Varietal Trial (VIII IDRGVT) 

(b) Five new series of international trials were constituted and multiplied in 2010 rainy season for 

distribution to collaborators at ICRISAT centre, Patancheru, India as indicated below: 

1 Thirteenth International Medium-duration Groundnut Varietal Trial (SB) [XIII IMGVT(SB)] 

2 Thirteenth International Medium-duration Groundnut Varietal Trial (VB) [XIII IMGVT(VB)] 

3 Thirteenth International Foliar Diseases Resistant Groundnut Varietal Trial (XIII IFDRGVT) 

4 Ninth International Drought Resistant Groundnut Varietal Trial (IX IDRGVT) 

5 Fourth International Aflatoxin Resistant Groundnut Varietal Trial (IV IAFRGVT) 

258

Conclusions 

From elite trials, 12 (Spanish) and 6 (Virginia) lines for foliar disease resistance; 15 (Spanish) lines for 

medium duration; and 7 (Spanish) and 7 (Virginia) lines for drought tolerance were selected to include 

in International nursery trials 


Milestone: Farmer-preferred variety(ies) in each partner country identified 2010 

Rationale 

Participatory farmer’s selection of varieties plays an important role in identification of elite groundnut 

genotypes suitable for local conditions/preferences with a significant bearing on subsequent adoption 

by farmers. 


Participatory farmer’s selection of varieties is done by conducting on-farm trials. 


The following farmer-preferred varieties of groundnut have been identified in partner countries. 

India: ICGV 91114 in AP, Orissa and Jharkhand and ICGS 76 in Chhattisgarh 

Nepal: Rajarshi, B4 and Baidehi 

Vietnam: L 14 and L 23, L26, D0401 

Conclusions 

Farmer’s preferred varieties have been successfully identified through on-farm trials in partner 

countries, India, Nepal and Vietnam. 

Milestone: Five interspecific derivatives of groundnut evaluated for TSV and peanut bud necrosis virus 

(PBNV) diseases and promising lines identified 2010 

Rationale 

Wild relatives of groundnut (Arachis species) have multiple disease resistance. Painstaking work of 

using these diploid species in the crossing program has already been done at ICRISAT. Tetraploid and 

stable generation is already available. Since PBND is an important disease of groundnut, causing yield 

losses in the disease prone areas, some of the interspecific derivatives were tested for PBND resistance 

in its hotspot locations. 


The material was first tested under glasshouse conditions at ICRISAT in 2007 and the results were promising. Based on 

these results multilocation and testing in disease hotspot was undertaken in 2009-10. 


More than 300 interspecific derivatives of groundnut were screened in 2007 for PBND under 

glasshouse conditions at ICRISAT. Many of the derivatives did not show any infection visually and 

through ELISA. Sixteen interspecific derivative lines were screened in 2010 at PBND hotspot 

locations at Raichur and Ananthapur. The results of the screening experiment are presented in Table 

6.2. All the 16 lines showed low disease incidence at Ananthapur compared to the local check, 

whereas only 7 lines out of 16 showed low disease incidence at Raichur. Resistant lines (in bold) will 

be checked again for PBND incidence at the hotspot location/s to confirm resistance. 

Figure 6.1: PBND screening at Ananthapur Figure 6.2: PBND screening at Raichur 

259

Conclusions 

The screening experiment in both the hotspot locations show that it is possible to introgress PBND 

resistance from Arachis species and the activity on the development and screening of interspecific 

population should be expanded using all the available interspecific derivatives. 

Nalini Mallikarjuna, Harikrishna Sudini, 

Gururaj Sunkad (RARS, Raichur), 

and R Radhika (RARS, Ananthapur, India) 

Table 6.2. PBND disease screening data at hotspot locations at Raichur and Ananthapur 

PBND incidence at 

S.No. 

% PBND 

incidence at 

Ananthapur 

% PBND incidence 

at Raichur 


(2007 glasshouse 

data) 

1 4.3 11.90 0.0 

2 3.30 13.16 0.0 

3 4.25 34.62 - 

4 4.57 28.57 - 

5 3.35 16.67 - 

6 2.03 12.66 0.0 

7 1.77 23.53 - 

8 4.63 20.63 - 

9 2.44 39.29 - 

10 9.09 8.47 - 

11 6.93 17.95 - 

12 8.33 13.16 0.0 

13 7.23 17.44 - 

14 8.69 12.36 - 

15 7.18 25.81 - 

16 9.85 3.45 - 

Local check - 43.75 

Local check >30 % - 

ICRISAT check JL 24 90 % 

Milestone: Five stable interspecific derivatives with resistance to LLS and TSV/bud necrosis tested on 

farmers’ fields. 2011 

To be done during 2011 

Activity 6.1.1.2 GN: Develop a better understanding of inheritance of components of resistance to 

late leaf spot (LLS) and confectionery traits 

Milestone: Knowledge of inheritance of confectionery traits in two crosses gained and appropriate 

breeding strategy devised, 2010 

Rationale 

Knowledge of inheritance helps in designing an appropriate breeding program leading to better/desired 

results. 


Generation mean analysis using the data of Parents, F1, BC1(backcross to parent 1), BC2 (backcross 

to parent 2) and F2 


Generation mean analysis to elucidate inheritance pattern of confectionery traits is completed and paper 

communicated for publication. 

Conclusions 

Inheritance studies have been completed and communicated for publication. 


260

Milestone: Three mapping populations for LLS, and two for confectionery traits developed 2011 


Four populations of Rcombinant Inbred Lines were developed followings single seed decent method 

from the crosses, JL 24X ICG 11337, and L 24 x ICG 1391 for LLS resistance; and ICGV 01393 x 

Chico and ICGV 02251 x Chico for confectionary traits. 


154 F8 RILs of the cross JL 24X ICG 11337 cross and 114 F8 RILs of JL 24 x ICG 13919 planted in 

rainy 2010 were screened for LLS. 

The mapping populations developed during 2009 rainy season which includes 561 F 8 RILs of JL 24 x 

ICG 11337 cross and 861 F 8 RILs of JL 24 x ICG 13919 cross and those developed for confectionary 

trait 678 and 781 F 6 RILs in ICGV 01393 x Chico and ICGV 02251 x Chico crosses, respectively were 

preserved in cold storage for future use in mapping studies. 

Conclusions 

Four mapping populations have been developed and made available to partners for further studies. 


Output target 6.1.2 GN: Promising transgenic events of groundnut for resistance to TSV and 

PBNV available for commercialization and introgression in locally adapted germplasm 

Activity 6.1.2.1 GN: Develop transgenic events of groundnut for resistance to TSV and evaluate their 

performance under contained greenhouse and field conditions 

Milestone: Two transgenic events with resistance to TSV used for introgression into locally adapted 

groundnut genotypes 2011 

Rationale 

To develop and evaluate transgenic groundnut for resistance to TSV for which there is no available 

resistance in the existing germplasm. 


Vector mediated transmission studies undertaken for event selection in greenhouse and strip trial under 

confined field conditions. 


The transgenic events (18; including the ones showing delayed symptoms) that showed promise in 

virus challenging assays are being advanced to subsequent generations (T3) in the containment 

greenhouse for seed multiplication and to study the inheritance pattern and further evaluations. The 

selected transgenic groundnut events were confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR before subjecting for virus 

challenging. Vector-mediated virus challenging was carried out for subsequent evaluation of the 

previously selected transgenic events reducing the chance of varying viral loads in the inoculum, an 

important factor in standardization of virus challenging experiment. A comprehensive evaluation of 

these events was carried out using thrips-mediated transmission of virus under greenhouse conditions 

using cellulose butyrate cages having ventilators of 40 mesh.. Field grown parthenium plants infected 

with TSV were identified using ELISA. Pollen was collected from these plants for use as TSV source. 

The transgenic plants were grown in small pots and were kept under cellulose butyrate cage having 

ventilators of 40 mesh. Eight day old test plants were sprinkled with TSV infected parthenium pollen 

and 10 thrips/plant were released in these cages. Thrips were allowed to feed for 48 hours after which 

dimethoate @ 2 ml/L was sprayed to kill thrips. Plants were observed for symptom development for 15 

days. Both the symptomatic as well as symptomless plants were tested by ELISA for the presence of 

virus. The selected plants which did not show any symptoms of the disease were allowed to complete 

their life cycle and seeds were harvested for further evaluations.. A strip trial was conducted in a 

nethouse under confined field conditions for event selection during the rainy season of 2010. The 

selected transgenic events were advanced to further generations. Additionally, over 50 marker-free 

transgenic events carrying the TSVcp gene have been developed and characterized at the molecular 

level using routine procedures. Preliminary biosafety data pertaining to protein heat stability, and 

pepsin digestibility assays as prerequisites for conducting contained field evaluations of these 

261

transgenic events has been generated. TSV coat protein got digested completely within a minute in the 

SGF (simulated grastric fluid) and it is confirmed by subjecting the digested protein samples to SDS- 

PAGE and western blot. 

Conclusions 

Eight selected events in T3 generations selected for advancement of generations for further 

phenotyping under confined field conditions. 

KK Sharma, Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur and 

Harikrishna Sudini 

Activity 6.1.2.2 GN: Develop transgenic events of groundnut for resistance to PBNV and evaluate 

their performance under contained greenhouse and field conditions 

Milestone: At least 10 promising transgenic events identified and resistance to PBNV characterized 

under greenhouse conditions 2010 

Rationale 

To develop and evaluate transgenic groundnut for resistance to PBNV for which there is no available 

resistance in the existing germplasm. 


The T 2 progenies from virus challenged (promising transgenic events) events were selected through 

molecular and phenotypic characterization and have been progressed to T6 generation. Since, earlier 

attempts to control PBNV were focused mainly on harnessing host plant resistance by cross protection 

or transgenic approaches to obtain coat protein mediated resistance, we hypothesize that apparent lack 

of resistance to PBNV in transgenic plants could be attributable to the presence of RNA silencing 

suppressor gene (NSs) in the PBNV genome, which could be rendering PBNVnp gene ineffective. 

Hence, strategies were developed for antisense or hairpin RNA mediated gene silencing in groundnut 

for resistance to PBNV. 


The PBNVnp gene in an antisense orientation driven by the double 35S CaMV promoter in a markerfree 

plasmid (pZPP200) was used for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of groundnut. Among 

52 T 0 events, 22 were screened positive based on PCR, RT-PCR and western analysis and advanced to 

T 1 generation for seed multiplication. Besides, a variant of above construct that harbors genes encoding 

schaffold attached region protein (SARp) flanking the PBNV insert in the pPZP200 was designed and 

used for transformation. 11 primary transformants were produced and characterized at molecular level. 

Besides, T2 progenies of 10 transgenic events carrying PBNV N gene in antisense orientation (ASNP) 

were evaluated under greenhouse conditions using mechanical inoculation of PBNV. Interestingly, 6 

events didn’t show any symptoms of the disease. The selected events were advanced to further 

generations. 

Simultaneous strategies are being developed for hairpin RNA mediated gene silencing. Since the 

virulence factor and vital genes of PBNV are not known so far, many genes can be targeted and the 

silencing effects of individual gene can be studied. Coding regions of PBNV genome were identified 

for genes such as NP (nucleoprotein), NSm (movement protein) and NSs (Silencing suppressor protein) 

and gene-specific primers were designed for amplification of the desired gene fragments. Virusinfected 

groundnut leaf samples were collected and partial Ng and NSs genes were amplified using 

gene specific primers, cloned and confirmed by sequencing. Simultaneous targeting of multiple genes 

(Ng and NSs) using a chimeric hairpin RNA cassettes has been planned by generating chimeric RNAs 

using overlap extension PCR (OE-PCR) using two flanking and two bridge primers. A chimeric RNA 

construct was amplified successfully using this method where the targeting sequences of nucleoprotein 

(Ng) and silencing suppressor (NSs) genes was cloned and confirmed by sequencing. The constructs 

carrying single gene (Ng) and chimeric genes (Ng + NSs) in both sense and antisense orientation were 

cloned into pHANNIBAL vector and are currently being subcloned into binary vectors for use in 

transformation studies in tobacco and groundnut. 

Conclusions 

Several events carrying PBNVnp gene in antisense orientation (ASNP) showed very little or no 

symptoms of the disease under the virus challenging assays in greenhouse conditions. These events 

262

have been advanced to further generations for subsequent phenotyping using mechanical as well as 

vector mediated transmission assays. 

KK Sharma, Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur and 

Harikrishna Sudini 

Chickpea 

Output target 6.1.1 CP: 50-100 chickpea breeding lines with high yield, improved seed traits and 

resistance to one or more biotic stresses [Fusarium wilt (FW), Ascochyta blight (AB), Botrytis 

gray mold (BGM) and Helicoverpa pod borer] developed and disseminated to NARS 

Activity 6.1.1.1 CP: Develop chickpea breeding lines (desi and kabuli) with enhanced resistance to 

AB, BGM and FW 

Milestone: 15-20 new high yielding FW resistant desi and kabuli chickpea breeding lines made 

available to NARS Annual 

Rationale 

Fusarium wilt (FW) is the most important root disease of chickpea in the SAT regions. All breeding 

materials developed for the SAT regions must have high resistance to FW. 

(A) International Nurseries: 


International Chickpea Screening Nurseries (ICSNs) for desi and kabuli consisting of 18 advanced 

breeding lines each along with one common check and one local check were evaluated by partners. The 

ICSN-Desi was supplied to 25 locations (Allahabad, Badnapur, Banswara, Berhampore, Berthin, 

Dharwad, Dholi, Durgapur, Gulbarga, Hiriyur, Hisar, Jabalpur, Junagadh, IIPR-Kanpur, CSAU A&T- 

Kanpur, Ludhiana, Nandyal, New Delhi, Pantnagar, Rahuri, Raipur, Ranchi, Samba, Sehore and 

Shillongani), while ICSN-Kabuli was also supplied to 25 locations (Habak and all locations of ICSN- 

Desi, except Raipur). 


The data on evaluation was received from 25 locations for ICSN-Desi and 23 locations for ICSN- 

Kabuli . Based on overall mean of grain yield, seven entries in ICSN-Desi (ICCV 09102, ICCV 09103, 

ICCV 09104, ICCV 09106, ICCV 09107, ICCV 09112 and ICCV 09115) were found superior (at least 

5 % higher yield) to the common check JG 11. There was no kabuli entry that outperformed the 

common check KAK 2. But, 15 entries recorded larger seed (100-seed weight 39.3 to 44.3g as 

compared to 36.8g of KAK 2). The top five kabuli lines based on 100-seed weight are: ICCV 09304, 

ICCV 09311, ICCV 09312, ICCV 09313 and ICCV 09315. 

Conclusions 

Promising lines were identified and will be evaluated by partners in the station trials. 

PM Gaur, Shailesh Tripati, CLL Gowda and NARS partners 

(B) Station Trials: 


In total, 82 chickpea breeding lines (32 desi & 50 kabuli) along with 2-3 checks were evaluated in RBD 

design to identify high yielding and FW resistant lines. 


Selected 18 superior performing lines each in desi and kabuli types based on yield and FW resistance 

data as compared to checks (JG 11 in desi type and KAK 2 in kabuli type). The top five desi lines with 

high yield and good tolerance levels to FW are ICCX-030053-F4-P1-BP-BP, ICCX-03003-F4-P14BP- 

BP, ICCX-030038-F4-P6-BP-BP, ICCX-030038-F4-P28-BP-BP and ICCX-030042-F4-P9-BP-BP. 

The average increase in yield in the selected desi lines was 10-12% over the check. The top five kabuli 

lines selected are ICCX-030163-F4-P13-BP-BP, ICCX-030163-F4-P16-BP-BP, ICCX-030185-F4- 

P12-BP-BP, ICCX-030141-F4-P9-BP-BP and ICCX-030188-F4-P3-BP-BP. The overall increase in 

yield of the best performing kabuli lines was 10-15% (over the check). Kabuli large seeded lines were 

263

selected based on their 100 seed weight and FW resistance in relation to the check KAK 2. The top five 

lines are ICCX-030208-F4-P8-BP-BP, ICCX-030208-F4-P7-BP-BP, ICCX-030208-F4-P6-BP-BP, 

ICCX-030199-F4-P22-BP-BP and ICCX-030178-F4-P9-BP-BP. Percentage increase in seed weight of 

the superior performing lines over the check was ~ 30%. 

Conclusions 

18 lines each in desi and kabuli types along with 11 lines in kabuli large type were selected and made 

available to the NARS partners in form of ICSNs. 

PM Gaur, Shailesh Tripathi, CLL Gowda, 

Suresh Pande and Mamta Sharma 

(C) Identification of sources of FW resistance: 


Fifty advanced, 90 further advanced chickpea lines and in collaboration with NARS partners (AICRP- 

Chickpea), 236 entries [IVT –desi (27), AVT 1-late sown (6), IVT-late sown (24), IVT-rainfed (24), 

AVT 1-kabuli (16), AVT 1-extra large kabuli (8), IVT-kabuli (16), IVT 1-extra large kabuli (8), 

National Nursery - NNW lines (73), Differential lines (12), wilt resistance lines –W (22)] belonging to 

different national trials were evaluated for wilt and root rot resistance in multiple disease sick plot and 

for fusarium wilt (FW) resistance in wilt sick plot under artificial epiphytotic conditions following 

standard field evaluation technique at ICRISAT-Patancheru. 


Among the 50 advanced lines, 38 lines were found resistant (

Milestone: 20-30 sources of resistance to FW, BGM, and AB tested for stability across locations and 

pathotypes in Asia Annual 

Rationale 

(1) To identify stable and broad based resistance to Fusarium wilt (FW), ascochyta blight (AB) and 

botrytis grey mold (BGM), chickpea lines having resistance to FW, AB and BGM identified at 

ICRISAT-Patancheru for multilocational evaluation, and (2) to find out virulent pathotype for 

laboratory and greenhouse studies. 


Evaluation of Chickpea Nurseries for resistance to FW, Ascochyta Blight (AB) and Botrytis Gray Mold 

(BGM):The chickpea wilt and root rot nursery (CWRRN) at 13 locations, International Ascochyta 

Blight Nursery (IABN) at three locations and International Botrytis Gray Mold Nursery (IBGMN) at 

three locations were evaluated for FW, AB and BGM resistance in India during 2009-10 season. Each 

nursery, consisted of 30 entries, of which 28 were resistant/ moderately resistant to FW/AB/BGM +2 

susceptible cultivars for each disease. Data on wilt was recorded thrice at seedling, flowering and at 

maturity stages of the crop. At ICRISAT- Patancheru the wilt nursery material was evaluated in wilt 

sick plot and for AB and BGM nursery was evaluated under controlled environment conditions 

following standardized whole plant screening technique. 

Collection, purification and maintenance of pathotypes: The isolates of different pathogens (Fusarium 

oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, Ascochyta rabiei, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizoctonia bataticola) were collected 

from infected chickpea roots and foliar parts from different locations of India. The chickpea infected 

plant parts (stem and root) from each location were surface sterilized with 1% NaOCl for 2 min and 

plated on different selective medium. 


Evaluation of Chickpea Nurseries for resistance to FW, AB and BGM: Out of 13 CWRRN locations, 

one entry ICCV 05529 was found resistant (


One thousand sixty six F5-F7 progenies and 114 advanced breeding lines from COGGO project were 

evaluated for FW in wilt sick plot under artificial epiphytotic conditions and for AB and BGM under 

controlled environment conditions at ICRISAT, Patancheru. 


Out of 1066, F5-F7 populations, 99 showed asymptomatic (0% incidence), 57 showed resistant 

reaction (0.1-10% incidence) and 73 showed moderate resistant reaction (10.1-20% incidence) to FW. 

Four entries (ICCX-040123-F3-P5, ICCX-040123-F3-P13, ICCX-040123-F3-P23 and ICCX-040168- 

F4-P23-BP) showed resistant reaction (0.1-10% incidence) and 293 showed moderate resistant reaction 

(10.1-20% incidence) to AB. High levels of resistance to BGM were not found in F5-F7 populations. 

However, 141 entries showed moderate resistant reaction (10.1- 20% incidence) to BGM. Out of 114 

advanced AB resistant lines, four (ICCV 05527, ICCV 05528, ICCV 05533 and ICCV 05534) showed 

resistant reaction (0.1-10% incidence) and five (ICCV 05507, ICCV 05526, ICCV 08312, ICCV 97207 

and ICCV 98504) moderate resistant reaction (10.1-20% incidence) to wilt. 

Combined resistance: 

• Thirty three entries showed combined resistance to FW (

ICC 13524, ICC 15762, and ICC 16903 suffered lower H. armigera damage and plant mortality due to 

seedling diseases, and also exhibited high yield potential under unprotected conditions. 

In the medium-duration nursery, pod borer infestation was very high and the leaf damage ratings at the 

vegetative stage (30 days after seedling emergence) varied from 6.0 – 9.0 (7.0 in ICC 3137). At 

maturity, the overall resistance score ranged from 4.5 – 8.5 (7.0 in ICC 3137). There were 0.0 to 6.0 

larvae per 5 plants at the vegetative stage and 2.0 – 26.5 larvae at the flowering stage (compared to 4.5 

and 26.5 larvae in ICC 3137 at the vegetative and flowering stages, respectively). Twenty-two lines 

showed a yield potential of 1.16 to 1.73 tonnes ha -1 under unprotected conditions compared to 1.95 

tonnes ha -1 of ICCV 10 and 0.62 tonnes ha -1 of KAK 2. Four lines showed a yield potential of 1.0 - 1.6 

tonnes ha -1 under unprotected conditions compared to 0.5 tonnes ha -1 of KAK 2. Fourteen lines suffered 

09118 suffered moderate levels of pod damage, 1.52 tonnes ha -1 (compared to 1.6 tonnes ha -1 in JG 11). 

Evaluation of advanced breeding lines for resistance to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera: 

Rationale 

The pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most damaging pests of chickpea. Therefore, there 

is a need to develop insect resistant cultivars to reduce the extent of losses due to this pest. Therefore, 

we evaluated the chickpea nurseries for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera during the 2009/10 

postrainy season to identify high yielding lines with resistance/tolerance to this pest. 


Advanced breeding/germplasm lines with potential for adaptation across Asia and Africa (142) were 

evaluated for resistance to H. armigera under field conditions. There were two replications in a 

randomized complete block design. Data were recorded on agronomic traits, H. armigera damage at 

the vegetative and maturity stages visually on a damage rating scale of 1 - 9, H. armigera eggs and 

larvae per 5 plants at the vegetative and flowering stages, wilt (%), and grain yield. 


The genotypes D001 (ICCV 10 x ICC 4522), D002 (ICCV 10 x ICC 4522), D017 (ICCV 10 x ICC 

4874), D027 (ICCV 10 x ICC 6924), D029 (ICCV 10 x ICC 12451), D049 (ICCV 93954 x ICC 4522), 

D063 (ICCV 93954 x ICC 4874), ICCV 07104, ICCV 08106, ICCV 0810, K034, ICCV 08311, and JG 

130 exhibited moderate levels of resistance to pod borer, less susceptibility to diseases, and high yield 

potential. The results suggested that a number of breeding lines had good levels of recovery resistance 

despite suffering heavy pod borer damage during the vegetative stage. In another experiment, a set of 

30 lines was evaluated for resistance to H. armigera under field and laboratory conditions. The 

genotypes D039, D050, ICCV 09311, ICCV 95334, and K010 exhibited moderate levels of resistance 

to pod borer, and had yield potential of >10 q ha -1 under natural infestation. 

Conclusions 

The results suggested that a number of selected germplasm/breeding lines had good levels of recovery 

resistance despite suffering heavy pod borer damage during the vegetative stage. 

HC Sharma, PM Gaur and CLL Gowda 

International chickpea Helicoverpa resistance screening nursery 

Rationale 

The pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most damaging pests of chickpea. Therefore, there 


we evaluated the chickpea nurseries for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera during the 2009/10 

postrainy season to identify high yielding lines with resistance/tolerance to this pest. 


The international Helicoverpa resistance screening nursery (30 lines) was evaluated for resistance to H. 

armigera under field conditions, and also distributed to several NARS for evaluation. There were three 

replications in a randomized complete block design. Observations were recorded on H. armigera 

damage on a 1 to 9 scale (1 = 80% leaf area/pods 

damaged), larval density, and grain yield. 


At ICRISAT – Patancheru, the genotypes ICC 5383, ICC 10393, ICC 1356, ICC 637, ICC 14402, ICC 

14831, ICCV 07113, ICCV 07106, ICCV 07104, ICCV 07105, ICCVX 960183-4, ICCVX 960183-28, 

ICCVX 960183-72, and ICCV 10 had low H. armigera incidence, and suffered low damage during the 

vegetative and/or flowering stage. Of these, ICCV 07106, ICCV 07104, ICCV 07105, and ICCV 10 

showed a yield potential of >1.5 tonnes ha -1 compared to 0.5 tonnes ha -1 of ICC 3137 under 

unprotected conditions. 

At ARS, Gulbarga, the genotypes ICC 867, ICC 4533, ICC 14402, EC 583311, EC 583318, ICCV 

07104, ICC 506EB, and ICC 4973 had low H. armigera incidence, and suffered low damage during the 

vegetative and/or flowering stage. Some of these varieties exhibited high yield potential under 

268

unprotected conditions. At ARS, Tandur, the genotypes EC 583260, EC 583264, ICC 1356, ICC 4958, 

ICC 5383, ICCV07106, ICCV 07104, ICCVX 960183-69, ICCX 960183-28, ICCX 960183-72, and 

ICCX 960186-1 had low H. armigera incidence, and suffered low damage during the vegetative and/or 

flowering stage, and also good yield potential under unprotected conditions. 

Conclusions 

High yielding lines with resistance/tolerance to pod borer can be used in chickpea improvement 

programs by the NARS. 

HC Sharma, JB Gopali, CLL Gowda and PM Gaur 

Milestone: 5-10 lines with resistance to both FW and Helicoverpa identified (CLLG/HCS/SP) 2011 

Rationale 

Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is the major pest causing damage to chickpea at all stages of growth. 

Damage is severe when pest attacks the crop during flowering and pod formation. As part of the 

resistance breeding program, we have identified a few germplasm and breeding lines that are less 

susceptible to Helicoverpa damage. 


We made 70 crosses involving less susceptible lines and agronomically superior varieties/lines. This 

included 21 desi x desi type crosses, 15 kabuli x kabuli crosses, 11 crosses involving advanced 

breeding lines and 23 four-way crosses (F 1 xF 1 ). 


Out of 61 F 2 populations grown, we harvested 27 bulks that survived wilt incidence. There were no 

wilt resistant plants in the remaining F 2 populations. From among the 56 F 3 populations grown, we 

selected 485 single plants for resistance to Helicoverpa damage. We also selected 1003 single plants 

from the 119 F 4 bulks grown during this season. 

We evaluated 15 progenies in Advanced Yield Trial (AYT) and 24 progenies in Preliminary Yield 

Trial (PYT), in replicated trials (3 replications). From these trials, we selected 8 lines from AYT and 12 

lines from PYT for further evaluation. 

Conclusions 

Single plants resistant to Helicoverpa were selected and also selected lines from AYTs and PYTs for 

further evaluation. 

CLL Gowda and PM Gaur 

Milestone: Physico-chemical mechanisms of resistance to Helicoverpa identified and nature of 

inheritance studied 2011 

Rationale 

Resistance to pod borer, H. armigera is conditioned by acid exudates in the leaves and pods. The 

present studies were undertaken to study the variation in organic acid profiles at different stages of 

plant growth in relation to expression of resistance to the pod borer, H. armigera. 


HPLC profiles of four chickpea genotypes (ICC 506EB, ICCV 10, C 235, and L 550), which had 

shown different levels of resistance to the pod borer, H. armigera, were studied in relation to 

expression of resistance to this insect. Analysis was carried out by using Atlantis dC-18 column (4.6 x 

250 mm, 5 μm). Chromatographic separation was done using mobile phase (potassium phosphate 

buffer, pH 2.5) with a flow rate 0.8 ml min -1 , and the injected volume was 20 μl with 20 min run time 

per sample. The amounts of the organic acids were estimated from the standard curves prepared with 

the standards. Expression of resistance to H. armigera was measured by using detached leaf assay. 


Highest numbers of peaks (11) were observed in C 235 at the podding stage, and lowest (6) numbers of 

peaks were observed in ICC 506, ICCV 10, and L 550 at the vegetative stage, and L 550 at the podding 

stage. At vegetative and flowering stages ICC 506 had the highest amount of oxalic acid on dry weight 

and leaf area basis. At the podding stage, ICCV 10 had the highest amount of oxalic acid on dry weight 

269

asis, whereas on leaf area basis, ICC 506 had the highest amount. On dry weight basis, ICCV 10 had 

the highest amount of malic acid at the vegetative, flowering, and podding stages. On leaf area basis, 

ICCV 10 had the highest amount of malic acid at the vegetative stage, whereas C 235 had the highest 

amount of malic acid at the flowering and podding stages. Fumaric and citric acids were recorded at the 

podding stage only. The genotype C 235 had highest amounts of fumaric and citric acids. There was no 

citric acid in ICC 506. Leaf feeding and larval weights were lowest on ICC 506EB, followed by ICCV 

10, C 235, and L 550. 

Conclusions 

Variation in expression of resistance to pod borer, H. armigera is influenced by the profiles of organic 

acids in the leaf/pod exudates. 

HC Sharma 

Output target 6.1.2 CP: Molecular markers for AB, BGM, and Helicoverpa resistance identified 

in chickpea 

Activity 6.1.2.1 CP: Mapping and marker-assisted breeding for diseases and insect resistance in 

chickpea 

Milestone: QTLs for Helicoverpa resistance identified from C. arietinum x C. reticulatum RIL 

population 2011 

Rationale 

Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) is a highly devastating insect pest of chickpea worldwide. 

Development of insect resistance cultivars will improve the chickpea productivity and livelihoods of 

farmers. Marker-assisted selection would improve precession and efficiency of breeding for 

Helicoverpa resistance. 

(A) Identification of QTL for Helicoverpa resistance from a RIL population derived from C. 

arietinum x C. reticulatum cross 


The genotyping data of 1589 mapped markers (generated at ICRISAT and data procured from 

collaborators) on mapping population ICC 4958 × PI 489777 was used together with phenotyping data 

collected for two years (2007-2008 and 2008-2009) for identification of QTLs for insect resistance. 


QTL analysis has provided several QTLs based on the phenotypic data obtained during 2007-08. 

Details about these QTLs are provided in Table 6.3. Detailed analysis of these QTL results is in 

progress. 

Table 6.3: Summary on identification of Helicoverpa resistance QTLs during 2007-08 and 2008- 

09 based on phenotyping using detached leaf assay and field evaluation 

Trait 

QTL 2007 2008 Common 

Name 

No. 

of 

QTLs 

Phenotypic 

variance 

(%) 

No. of 

QTLs 

Phenotypic 

variance 

(%) 

QTLs 

Detached leaf assay 

Leaf Damage rating (vegetative) LDV 1 11.5 - - 

Leaf Damage rating (flowering) LDF 3 8-17.9 4 5.03-5.18 3 (8-11.5) 

Unit larval vegetative wt (mg) ULV 2 6.3-9.5 4 5.01-6.38 2 (5-9.5) 

Unit larval flowering wt (mg) ULF 4 9.1-13.7 3 5-8.7 3 (5-13) 

Damage rate DR - - 2 11-14.3 

Larval Survival (%) LS - - 2 14-23 

Unit Larval Weight ULW - - 4 9-20.4 

Field evaluation 

270

Damage rating vegetative DRV 4 7-14.1 3 5-10.8 - 

Helicoverpa larvae/10 plants HLP 4 8-17.7 4 5.0-54.2 3 (5-9.5) 

Days to First flower DfF - - 2 10.8-14 

Days to 50% flower DFF - - 2 11-15.5 

No of larvae vegetative NLV - - 2 8-43 

No of larvae flowering NLF - - 2 5.1-5.3 

Damaging rating at vegetative DRV - - 3 5.1-10.4 

Damaged pods (%) DP - - 5 5.0-5.8 

Conclusions 

Although several QTLs were identified, it was not possible to identify the major effect and consistent 

QTLs that can be used in molecular breeding. 

Rajeev Varshney, HC Sharma, PM Gaur and Mahendar Thudi 

(2) Evaluation of intraspecific mapping population (ICC 506EB x Vijay) for resistance to pod 

borer, Helicoverpa armigera 


Intraspecific mapping population derivatives derived from ICC 506EB x Vijay (200 lines) along with 

resistant and susceptible checks, and the two parents were evaluated for resistance to pod borer, H. 

armigera under natural infestation in the field. Data were recorded on agronomic traits, leaf and pod 

damage visually on a 1 to 9 scale, egg and larval numbers per 5 plants, pod damage, wilt incidence, and 

grain yield. 


The RIL numbers 6, 19, 20, 24, 26, 28, 30, 39, 44, 48, 49, 51, 53, 56, 71, 76, 83, 84, 101, 104, 113, 

131, 140, 145, 150, 161, 166, 170, 178, 183, 184, 185, 192, and 196 had damage ratings at the 

vegetative and maturity stages comparable to or lower than the resistant check, ICC, 506EB, and /or 

exhibited high yield potential. These lines also had lower egg and/or larval population than on the 

susceptible check, ICC 3137. 

(3) Evaluation of interspecific (C. arietinum x C. reticulatum) derivatives for resistance to pod 

borer, Helicoverpa armigera 

Rationale 

The levels of resistance to the pod borer, H. armigera in the cultivated germplasm are low to moderate, 

and therefore, we evaluated the interspecific derivatives derived from ICC 4958 (Cicer arietinum) x PI 

489777 (Cicer reticulatum) (128 lines for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera identify lines with high 

levels of resistance/tolerance to this pest. 


Interspecific derivatives derived from ICC 4958 (Cicer arietinum) x PI 489777 (Cicer reticulatum) 

(128 lines along with resistant – ICC 506EB, susceptible - ICC 3137, commercial – ICCC 37, local – 

Annigeri, and Kabuli – L 550 checks, along with the two parents) were evaluated for resistance to pod 

borer, H. armigera under natural infestation in the field. Data were recorded on agronomic traits, leaf 

and pod damage visually on a 1 to 9 scale, egg and larval numbers per 5 plants, pod damage, wilt 

incidence, and grain yield. 


Among the early-duration lines, EC 583250, EC 583255, EC 583260, EC 583265, EC 583267, EC 

583271, EC 583285, EC 583313, EC 583316, EC 583331, EC 583356, and EC 593337 had damage 

ratings at the vegetative and maturity stages comparable to or lower than the resistant check, ICC 506. 

These lines also had lower egg and/or larval population than on the susceptible check, ICC 3137. 

Among the medium-duration lines, EC 583249, EC 583266, EC 583304, EC 583318, EC 583321, EC 

583339, EC 583347, EC 583348, EC 583350, EC 583353, and EC 593354 had damage ratings at the 

vegetative and maturity stages comparable to or lower than the resistant check, ICC 506. These lines 

also had lower egg and/or larval population than on the susceptible check, ICC 3137. Among the long- 

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duration progenies, EC 583253, EC 583282, EC 583304, EC 583298, EC 583309, EC 583319, EC 

583325, EC 583327, EC 583350, EC 583353, and EC 593376 had damage ratings at the vegetative and 

maturity stages comparable to or lower than the resistant check, ICC 506, and had lower egg and/or 

larval population than on the susceptible check, ICC 3137. 

Conclusions 

Interspecific derivatives with resistance levels comparable to the resistance check, ICC 506, good grain characteristics, and 

high yield potential will be useful for chickpea improvement in the national program. 

HC Sharma and PM Gaur 

Output target 6.1.3 CP: Interspecific derivatives with resistance to AB, BGM and Helicoverpa 

developed 

Activity 6.1.3.1 CP: Inter-specific derivatives with resistance to Helicoverpa and BGM generated 

using wild Cicer from different gene pools 

Milestone: Wild relatives with diverse mechanisms of resistance to Helicoverpa identified 2009 

Evaluation of wild relatives of chickpea for resistance to Helicoverpa armigera 

Rationale 


and therefore, we evaluated the wild relatives of chickpea for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera 

identify accessions with high levels, and diverse mechanisms of resistance to this pest. 


Sixteen wild relatives of chickpea were evaluated for resistance to H. armigera along with resistant 

(ICC 506) and susceptible (ICCC 37, ICC 3137, and L 550) checks under field conditions. There were 

three replications in a completely randomized design. 


The accessions IG 69979, IG 70006, IG 7018, PI 51063, and PI569217 had low incidence of H. 

armigera, and also suffered low leaf and pod damage. In the detached leaf assay, the lines IG 69979, 

IG 7012, IG 72933, PI 568217, and PI 599066 exhibited high levels of antibiosis to pod borer, H. 

armigera. 

Fifteen accessions of perennial wild relatives of chickpea were also evaluated for resistance to H. 

armigera using detached leaf assay at the Regional Research Station, Himachal Agricultural 

University, Kukumseri, Himachal Pradesh, India. Data were recorded on leaf feeding, larval survival 

after five days, and the larval weights. Leaf damage rating, larval survival were lower on PI 599087, PI 

599083, and PI 599085 as compared to the insects fed on the leaves of PI 599089. 

Conclusions 

Wild relatives of chickpea showed high levels of antibiosis to the pod borer, H. armigera, and hence, 

there is a good possibility on diversifying the basis of resistance to pod borer by introgressing the 

resistance genes into the cultigen through wide hybridization. 

HC Sharma and Sanjay Sharma 

Milestone: Interspecific derivatives (10) with enhanced resistance to AB, BGM, and Helicoverpa 

identified and made available to partners 2010 

Rationale 

Chickpea is prone to pod borer attach with low levels of resistance in cultivated germplasm. Wild 

relatives of chickpea are known to have multiple disease and pest resistance. 


Interspecific derivatives derived from C. reticulatum, after selecting for pod borer resistance at 

ICRISAT farm were screening at different chickpea growing sites in India. 

272


Advance generation derivatives derived from C. reticulatum were screened for H. armigera at five 

different locations including ICRISAT farm. In Akola and Tandur damage due to the insect was low 

compared to the damage ratings at Dharwad and Jabalpur. Nevertheless some lines showed low 

damage. Amongst these, 20 lines were screened for ascochyta blight under ICRISAT glasshouse 

conditions and one line showed resistance to the disease. 

Conclusions 

Moderate levels of resistance to pod borers can be transferred from Cicer species. Since all the lines 

were not screened for AB and none to BGM, screening for these two diseases should be taken in their 

hotspot locations. 

Nalini Mallikarjuna, HC Sharma, PM Gaur, S Pande 

Output target 6.1.4 CP: Promising transgenic events of chickpea with proven resistance to 

Helicoverpa available for introgression in locally adapted germplasm 

Activity 6.1.4.1 CP: Develop transgenic events of chickpea for resistance to Helicoverpa armigera 

and evaluate their performance under contained greenhouse and field conditions 

Milestone: One or two transgenic events of chickpea identified and used for introgression into locally 

adapted genotypes and the progeny characterized and evaluated 2011 

Rationale 

Despite the efforts made over the past four decades to breed for resistance to Helicoverpa armigera in 

chickpea, the progress has been less than satisfactory in many cases. The resistance to Helicoverpa in 

chickpea germplasm has been so far found to be low to moderate, and therefore it is important to 

evaluate the use of biotechnology to provide alternative, and hopefully higher, levels of resistance. An 

important strategy for improving the resistance of chickpea to Helicoverpa can be the use of genetic 

transformation to introduce the insecticidal protein genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) 

and other heterologous sources. 


A focused approach was been initiated to engineer resistance to H. armigera by using cry1Ac, Cry2Aa 

and Cry1Aabc genes through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of chickpea. 

For efficient expression of cry genes, six different gene constructs with different promoters were used. 


A total of 200 primary transgenic events were produced in chickpea by using the cry2Aa (64 events) 

and the cry2A (95 events) and the cryAbc (22 events) genes through Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated 

genetic transformation of a popular chickpea cultivar, C 235. Molecular characterization 

using PCR was performed for all the plants carrying the cry2A and cry2Aa genes to confirm their 

presence. Out of 159 independent putative transgenic events tested, 90 events showed the integration of 

the Bt gene. ELISA was also carried out for PCR confirmed transgenic events carrying the cry2Aa and 

cry2A genes for confirmation of protein expression where 14 transgenic events (8 with cry2A and 6 

with cry2Aa) showed positive expression in ELISA analysis. Plants carrying the cry1Abc are being 

screened using PCR analysis to confirm the gene of interest and ELISA will be carried out to check the 

expression of inserted genes. The selected transgenic events that previously showed some level of 

resistance to Helicoverpa in previous insect bioassays results were advanced to further generations for 

further phenotypic evaluations. 

Conclusions 

Based on detached leaf bioassays for 11 events of chickpea carrying different cry genes,7 events with 

superior performance have been advanced to further generations for subsequent evaluations. 

KK Sharma, Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur, HC Sharma 

273

Non-hyrbid Pigeonpea 

Output target 6.1.1 PP: About 5-6 pigeonpea varieties with stable resistance to Fusarium wilt, 

sterility mosaic and Helicoverpa made available to NARS 

Activity 6.1.1.1 PP: About 15 new genetically diverse germplasm sources/breeding lines resistant to 

wilt and sterility mosaic diseases identified 

Milestones 6.1.1.1.1 25-30 pigeonpea lines tested multilocationally for their stability to wilt and 

sterility mosaic resistance in India - Annual 

Rationale 

To identify stable and broad based resistance to fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic disease 

(SMD), pigeonpea lines having resistance to FW and SMD identified at ICRISAT-Patancheru were 

evaluated for resistance to both the diseases at different locations. 


Pigeonpea wilt and sterility mosaic disease nursery (PWSMDN) material was evaluated at different 

locations. It consisted of 30 entries, 28 entries were resistant to both wilt and SMD and the other two 

were wilt susceptible (ICP 2376) and SMD susceptible (ICP 8863) checks. Additionally, two local 

susceptible checks, one for wilt and the other for SMD were also included from the participating 

location. In most of the locations the nursery was planted in wilt sick plot for wilt and for SMD, 

standard leaf staple technique was followed for SMD development. 


Of the 28 entries, five entries (ICPL’s 20094, 20110, 20116, 20120 and 20134) were found 

asymptomatic/ resistant (

• Resistant genetic stock for wilt: Three entries (BSMR 853, IPA 16F and IPA 204) were found 

combined resistance (>10%) to FW and SMD. Two entries were found asymptomatic and 

resistant to FW. Four entries were found asymptomatic and two entries resistant to SMD. 

• Multilocational evaluation of promising entries for wilt: Combined resistance (10%) to 

both FW and SMD. Two entries showed resistant reaction to FW and 5 entries showed resistant 

reaction (


a. Collection and purification of isolates of Phytophthora drechsleri f. sp. cajani (Pdc): 

Pathogenicity test and Koch’s postulates were proved using a susceptible cultivar ICP 7119 

following soil drench inoculation technique under greenhouse conditions at ICRISAT- 

Patancheru. Single sporangial cultures were obtained following standardized mycological 

techniques and maintained in V8 juice agar slants at 4 o C in refrigerator for further studies. 

b. Morphological characters: The isolates varied in their cultural and morphological 

characters. The colony color varied from creamy white to light pink. The chlamydospores and 

sporangia were produced at 12-15 days after inoculation. 

c. Virulence of P. drechsleri f. sp. cajani: Two inoculation methods (spray inoculation and soil 

drench) were followed for this study. The soil drench inoculation method at 25 o C showed 

highest percent disease incidence (>80%) within 8-10 days after inoculation. However, spray 

inoculation method showed blight symptoms on leaves at 15 o C. 


(D) Variety Re-constitution Program 

Rationale 

To reconstitute pureline of at least 5 varieties of pigeonpea. 


In 2010, the following lines were selected to reconstitute pureline varieties: Asha (ICPL 87119), Maruti 

(ICP 8863), Lakshmi (ICPL 85063), VL Arhar-1 (ICPL 88039), and Kamica (ICP 7035). 


Plants were evaluated for disease resistance under field and glasshouse conditions. Single plant 

progenies of these selected plants were evaluated during 2010 rainy season (Asha - 2 progenies with 50 

entries; Maruti - 2 progenies with 30 entries; Lakshmi - 6 progenies; VL Arhar 1 - 15 progenies with 45 

entries; and Kamica - 3 progenies with 11 entries. 

KB Saxena, RK Srivastava, MG Mula 

Activity 6.1.1.2 PP: Genetically diverse germplasm / breeding lines with resistance to Helicoverpa 

identified 

Milestone: At least 10 germplasm/breeding lines with resistance to Helicoverpa identified and made 

available to partners 2009 

Evaluation of pigeonpea germplasm for resistance to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera: 

Rationale 

The pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most damaging pests of pigeonpea. Chemical 

control of H. armigera is costly, and also leads to development of resistance to insecticides. There is a 

need to develop insect resistant cultivars to reduce the extent of losses due to this pest. Therefore, we 

evaluated the pigeonpea reference collection (305 lines) for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera during 

the 2009/10 postrainy season to identify sources of resistance to this pest for use in pigeonpea 

improvement. 

Material and Methods: 

We evaluated 146 pigeonpea germplasm accessions for resistance to H. armigera along with resistant 

and susceptible checks under field conditions. There were three replications in a randomized complete 

block design. Data were recorded on pod borer damage on a 1 to 9 rating scale (1 = 80% pods damaged and pods 

present only on a few branches), and grain yield. 


The ICP numbers 995, 1071, 1279, 1356, 4307, 4515, 4903, 5142, 6845, 6859, 6929, 7076, 7507, 

8012, 8227, 8700, 8757, 8793, 8949, 9045, 9691, 10094, 10228, 10559, 11320, 11321, 11690, 11823, 

12298, 12515, 13167, 134131, 13579, 13662, 13884, 14094, 14120, 14545, and 14722 exhibited 

moderate levels of resistance to pod borer, H. armigera. Although the H. armigera damage to the first 

flush was very high (DR 6 – 9), these lines also showed good yield potential (>10 q ha -1 ) under 

276

unprotected conditions, and can be used for developing pigeonpea varieties with less susceptibility to 

H. armigera. 

Three sets of 12, 50, and 31 lines belonging to short-, medium-, and long-duration maturity groups, 

respectively, were also evaluated for resistance to H. armigera under natural infestation in the field. 

There were three replications in a randomized complete block design. Data were recorded on 

agronomic traits, recovery resistance score on a 1 to 9 damage rating scale (1 = 80% pods damaged and pods present 

only on a few branches), wilt incidence, and grain yield. 

The pod borer damage (both H. armigera and M. vitrata) in the early-maturity group was very high 

(DR 7 – 9). The genotypes ICP 7203-1, ICPL 187-1, and ENT 11 yielded more (5.0 – 7.9 q ha -1 ) than 

the commercial check, UPAS 120 (3.2 q ha -1 ). Among the medium duration lines ICP 2933, ICP 5825, 

ICP7337-2, ICPB 2407B, ICPR 2899, ICPR 2913, ICPHaRL 4985-10, ICPHaRL 4985-1, LRG 41, and 

eight selections from the interspecific derivatives exhibited moderate levels of resistance to pod borers, 

and also had yield potential comparable to ICPL 332WR and/or ICPL 87119. In the long-duration 

group, the genotypes ICP 3616, ICP 5390, ICP 8102, ICP 81027-E3-6EB, ICP 8595-E1-EB, ICP 

12510, ICP 12510-1, ICPB 2030, ICPR 2925, and NP (WR)-15 exhibited recovery resistance and yield 

levels better than the resistant, ICPL 332WR and commercial checks, ICPL 87119. 

Conclusions 

Genotypes (ICP 2933, ICP 5825, ICPHaRL 4985-10, ICPHaRL 4985-1, and LRG 41) showing stable 

resistance to pod borer, H. armigera can be used in pigeonpea improvement programs. 


Relative susceptibility of pigeonpea hybrids and their parents to Helicoverpa armigera 

Rationale 

The pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most damaging pests of pigeonpea. Therefore, there 


we evaluated the hybrid parents for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera during the 2009/10 postrainy 

season to identify high yielding lines with resistance/tolerance to this pest. 


Six hybrids along with two pairs of maintainer/male-sterile lines, 9 varieties, and nine restorer lines in 

the short duration group; and 10 hybrids, three pairs of A/B lines, and 10 restorer lines, along with four 

checks were evaluated for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera under field conditions. There were three 

replications in a randomized complete block design. Data were recorded on H. armigera damage, 

recovery and overall resistance scores visually, pod damage, egg and larval numbers per 5 

inflorescences, and grain yield. 


Damage by H. armigera in all the hybrids in the first flush was very high, and therefore recovery 

resistance scores were recorded at maturity. In the short-duration group, the recovery resistance scores 

ranged from 7.0 to 9.0, and the genotypes PPE 54-2, ICPL 187-1, ICPL 98008, ICPR 2363, ICPR 

2431, and ENT 11 showed moderate levels of recovery resistance, and yield potential 3.5 – 7.2 q ha -1 as 

compared to 3.1 ha -1 of ICPL 87. These genotypes also had lower numbers of eggs and larvae of H. 

armigera. None of the hybrids exhibited tolerance to pod borer damage. In the medium-duration group, 

the recovery resistance scores ranged from 5.7 to 8.3, and the genotypes ICPH 2740, ICPH 3461, ICPH 

3762, ICPR 2671, ICPR 2740, and ICPL 3762 showed moderate levels of recovery resistance, and 

yield potential > 7.0 q ha -1 as compared to 7.7 q ha -1 of ICPL 87119. These genotypes also had lower 

numbers of eggs and larvae of H. armigera. 

HC Sharma, KB Saxena and RK Srivastava 

International pigeonpea Helicoverpa armigera resistance screening nursery 

Twenty-five genotypes, including the resistant and susceptible checks, were evaluated for resistance to 

pod borer, H. armigera under field conditions. There were three replications in a randomized complete 

block design. Data were recorded on agronomic traits, H. armigera damage, and recovery resistance, 

pod damage, egg and larval numbers per 5 inflorescences, and grain yield. At ICRISAT, Patancheru, 

277

damage by H. armigera in the first flush was very high, and therefore, recovery resistance scores were 

recorded at maturity. 

The recovery resistance scores ranged from 4.7 to 9.0, and the genotypes ICP 10531, ICP 13198, ICP 

13212, ICPHaRL 4985-10, ICPHaRL 4989-7, ICPL 20062, ENT 11, and ICPL 332WR showed 

moderate levels of recovery resistance, and yield potential 5.5 – 5.9 q ha -1 as compared to 10.3 q ha -1 of 

ICPL 87119. These genotypes also had lower numbers of eggs and larvae of H. armigera. 

At ARS, Gulbarga, pod borer resistance scores ranged from 3.0 to 6.0 and pod damage from 26.49 – 

51.14%, and the genotypes ICP 10531, ICPHaRL 4979-2, ICPHaRL 49785-4, ICPHaRL 4985-10, 

ICPHaRL 4989-7, ICPL 85063,ICPL 20062, ICPL 97253, Maruti, and ICPL 332WR showed moderate 

levels of resistance, and yield potential >300 g per plant. Some of these genotypes also had lower 

numbers of eggs and larvae of H. armigera. At ARS, Tandur, pod damage ranged from 2.52 – 22.26%, 

and the genotypes ENT 11, ICPHaRL 4978-5, ICPHaRL 49785-1, ICPHaRL 4989-7, ICP 13918, ICPL 

909, ICPL 97253, LRG 41, and Nallakandi showed moderate levels of resistance, and yield potential 

>60 g per plant. Some of these genotypes also had lower numbers of eggs and larvae of H. armigera. 

HC Sharma and GP Gopali 

Evaluation of wilt-resistant lines for resistance to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera 

Rationale 

The pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most damaging pests of pigeonpea. Therefore, there 


we evaluated the hybrid parents for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera during the 2009/10 postrainy 

season to identify high yielding lines with resistance/tolerance to this pest. 


Two sets of wilt-resistant lines (30 medium-duration and 32 long duration) were evaluated for 

resistance to H. armigera along with resistant, ICPL 332WR and susceptible, ICPL 871119 checks 

under field conditions. There were three replications in a randomized complete block design. Data were 

recorded on agronomic traits, recovery resistance score on a 1 to 9 damage rating scale (1 = 80% pods damaged and pods 

present only on a few branches), wilt incidence, and grain yield. 


The genotypes ICPL 20094, ICPL 20097, ICPL 20099, ICPL 20110, and ICPL 20120 exhibited 

moderate level of recovery resistance (DR 6) and the yield potential comparable to the resistant (ICPL 

332WR) and/or commercial check, ICPL 87119. Among the long-duration lines, ICPL 20124, ICPL 

20127, ICPL 20136, ICPL 20137, ICPL 94068, ICPL 99044, ICP 6997, ICP 8087, ICP 10957, ICP 

11299, ICP 14280, ICP 14290, ICP 14469, and ICP 14514) exhibited moderate level of recovery 

resistance (DR 5 - 6) and the yield potential comparable to the resistant (ICPL 332 WR) and/or the 

commercial check, ICPL 87119. 

HC Sharma and S Pande 

Milestone: Mechanisms of resistance to Helicoverpa in diverse germplasm characterized 2011 

Rationale 

The levels of resistance to pod borer, H. armigera are low to moderate, and hence, it is important to 

identify lines with different mechanisms of resistance to this pest 


Twenty-five genotypes, including the resistant and susceptible checks, were evaluated for resistance to 

pod borer, H. armigera under field conditions. There were three replications in a randomized complete 

block design. Data were recorded on agronomic traits, H. armigera damage, and recovery resistance, 

pod damage, egg and larval numbers per 5 inflorescences, and grain yield. At ICRISAT, Patancheru, 

damage by H. armigera in the first flush was very high, and therefore, recovery resistance scores were 

recorded at maturity. 

278


The recovery resistance scores ranged from 4.7 to 9.0, and the genotypes ICP 10531, ICP 13198, ICP 

13212, ICPHaRL 4985-10, ICPHaRL 4989-7, ICPL 20062, ENT 11, and ICPL 332WR showed 

moderate levels of recovery resistance, and yield potential 5.5 – 5.9 q ha -1 as compared to 10.3 q ha -1 of 

ICPL 87119. These genotypes also had lower numbers of eggs and larvae of H. armigera. 

Conclusions 

Genotypes showing low oviposition and/or low larval numbers, and exhibiting low pod damage and 

good recovery resistance can be used for pigeonpea improvement. 

HC Sharma 

Activities 6.1.1.3 PP: Advanced generation interspecific derivatives with resistance to Helicoverpa 

and SMD using wild species from different gene pools developed 

Milestone: Physico-chemical mechanisms of resistance to Helicoverpa in wild relatives of pigeonpea 

identified for use in crop improvement 2009 

Rationale 

The levels of resistance to pod borer, H. armigera in the cultivated germplasm are low to moderate, and hence, it is important 

to identify wild relatives of pigeonpea with diverse mechanisms of resistance to this pest. 


We evaluated 29 accessions belonging to 13 species (Cajanus scarabaeoides, C. cajanifolius, C. 

sericeus , C. albicans, C. acutifolius, C. lineatus, C. platycarpus, Rhynchosia bracteata, R. aurea, 

Dunbaria ferruginea, Flemingia bracteata, F. stricta, Paracalyx scariosa) of wild relatives of 

pigeonpea for their proteinase inhibitory activities H. armigera, along with two genotypes of cultivated 

pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan (ICPL 87-susceptible check, and ICPL 332 – resistant check), under in vivo 

and in vitro inhibitions. 


Accession belonging to Cajanus albicans, C. cajanifolius, C. sericeus, F. bracteata, and R. bracteata 

showed complete inhibition of HaGPs. Some of the C. scarabaeoides accessions (ICPW 116, 152, 278, 

280) exhibited partial inhibition at low concentrations of PIs. All accessions of wild relatives of 

pigeonpea showed high to moderate level of inhibition of at pH 7.8, except in ICPL 87 (42%). 

Cultivated pigeonpea exhibited monomorphism in terms of TI and CTI isoforms, contrary to the 

diverse inhibitory profiles of wild pigeonpeas. Cajanus albicans, C. platycarpus, C. scarabaeoides, and 

R. bracteata showed more number of TI and CTI bands. Some of the wild relatives exhubited both TI 

and CTI activities. Protease inhibitor isoforms of wild relatives of pigeonpea showed significant 

variation in number, band pattern, and protein specificities towards trypsin, chymotrypsin, and HaGPs 

as compared to the cultivated pigeonpea. 

Conclusions 

The PIs from the wild relatives showing potential as intibitors of HaGPs, could be considered as 

potential candidates for use in genetic transformation of crops for pest management, including H. 

armigera. 

HC Sharma and Vonod Prade 

Milestone: Ten interspecific derivatives from different Cajanus species belonging to different gene 

pools with resistance to Helicoverpa identified for use in pigeonpea improvement 2011 

Evaluation of interspecific derivatives of pigeonpea for resistance to Helicoverpa armigera 

Rationale 


and therefore, we evaluated the interspecific derivatives for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera to 

identify lines with high levels of resistance/tolerance to this pest. 

Material and Methods: 

Thirty-one bi-parental progenies of ICPW 94 x ICP 28 were evaluated for resistance to pod borer, H. 

armigera. Data were recorded on agronomic traits, recovery resistance as explained above, wilt 

incidence, and grain yield. 

279


All the lines were very heavily damaged by M. vitrata and H. armigera, but the progeny nos. 4, 12, 13, 

28, and 29 showed moderate yield potential (6.1 – 8.3 q ha -1 compared to 11.9 q ha -1 of ICPL 332 WR). 

In another trial 27 selections of the interspecific derivatives from wild relatives of pigeonpea (Cajanus 

cajan, ICP 28 x Cajanus scarabaeoides, ICPW 94) along with ICPL 87119 and ICPL 332WR were 

evaluated for resistance to pod borer, H. armigera under field conditions. There were three replications 

in a RCBD. Data were recorded on agronomic traits, recovery resistance (as the first flush was 

completely damaged by Maruca vitrata and H. armigera), wilt, and grain yield. Recovery resistance 

scores ranged from 6.0 to 9.0, and the entry nos 5 and 10 showed moderate levels of recovery 

resistance, and a yield potential >11.5 q ha -1 . Another set of 10 interspecific derivatives along with 

resistant and susceptible checks were also evaluated for pod borer resistance in a replicated trial. The 

lines 19-12-17-10, 40-26-6-15-1, and 12-21-3-3-11 exhibited high yield potential and/or low pod borer 

damage under un-protected conditions. 

Conclusions 

The lines 19-12-17-10, 40-26-6-15-1, and 12-21-3-3-11 exhibiting high yield potential and/or low pod 

borer damage, will be tested further to confirm their reaction to pod borer. 


Milestone: New sources of SMD resistance generated through the utilization of wild Cajanus 2010 

Rationale 

Wild relatives of pigeonpea have multiple disease resistance, which pigeonpea will benefit from. 


Cajanus acutifolius belonging to secondary gene pool and C. platycarpus belonging to tertiary gene 

pool, were used in the crossing program to introgress multiple disease resistance and other traits of 

interest 


Advance generation stable derivatives derived from C. platycarpus after four backcrosses and selfing 

them a number of times, were screened for a range of insect pests and diseases. The results of the 

screening initiative are summarized in Table 6.4. 18 lines selected were resistant to pod borer, pod fly 

and bruchids under field conditions. These lines were screened for SMD and FW. Two lines showed 

resistance to both FW and SMD. Two lines showed resistance to FW but not to SMD. 13 lines 

showed resistance to SMD but not to FW. It can be concluded that it is possible to transfer multiple 

pest and disease resistance from C. platycarpus. The lines were screened using DArT markers for the 

presence of C. platycarpus genome after four backcrosses and allowing the genomes to recombine after 

selfing them a number of times. The results of the study showed the presence of C. platycarpus 

genome ranging from 2.0 to 4.8 %. The presence of non-parental alleles presumably due to 

recombination ranged from 2.6 to 10.4 %. 

Table 6.4: Interspecific derivatives derived from C. platycarpus (tertiary gene pool species) with 

multiple disease and pest resistance (including H. armigera). 

Line 

no. (%) damage (%) damage (%) damage 

(%) 

damage 

(%) damage 

Pod damage 

Helicoverpa Pod fly Bruchid SMD* FW* Resistant to 

1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 60 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

2 0.50 0.00 0.00 12 12 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

3 0.00 0.00 0.00 31 8 HA, PF, Br, FW 

4 0.00 0.73 0.00 30 10 HA, PF, Br, FW 

5 0.40 0.00 0.00 0 27 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

6 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 25 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

7 0.00 0.00 0.00 5 16 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

8 0.00 0.00 0.00 7 27 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

9 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 25 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

10 0.00 0.00 0.00 13 60 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

280

11 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 33 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 73 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

13 0.00 0.00 0.00 6 29 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

14 2.10 0.00 0.00 28 39 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

15 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 18 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

16 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 81 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

17 1.00 0.00 0.00 0 42 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

18 1.00 0.00 0.00 0 7 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

HA: H. armigera; PF: pod fly; Br: bruchids; SMD: sterility mosaic disease; FW: fusarium wilt 

• Percent damage less than 15% were catagorised as resistant 

Twenty three advance generation stable derivatives derived from C. acutifolius with multiple insect 

resistance including H. armigera, were screened for SMD (Patancheru isolate) and FW (Patancheru 

isolate) under field conditions. Amongst these 15 lines were found to be resistant to both SMD and 

FW. Four lines were resistant to SMD only and only four lines did not have disease resistance (Table 

6.5). This shows that C. acutifolius from the secondary gene pool can be successfully utilized to 

introgress multiple disease and pest resistance. 

Table 6.5: Interspecific derivatives derived from C. acutifolius (secondary gene pool species) with 

multiple disease and pest resistance (including H. armigera) 

Line 

no 

% damage 

Helicoverpa 

% damage 

Pod fly 

% damage 

Bruchid 

% damage 

SMD* 

% damage 

FW* 

Resistant to 

1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

2 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 24 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

3 0.50 0.00 0.00 0 11 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

4 0.50 0.00 0.00 0 89 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

5 1.43 1.43 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

6 0.00 0.67 0.33 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

7 0.00 1.00 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

8 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

9 0.50 0.00 0.00 25 25 HA, PF, Br 

10 1.20 0.00 0.60 60 17 HA, PF, Br 

11 0.40 0.00 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

12 0.57 0.00 0.00 0 17 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

13 0.00 2.58 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 10 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

15 1.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

16 1.00 0.00 0.00 33 67 HA, PF, Br 

17 2.17 0.00 0.00 60 66 HA, PF, Br 

18 0.00 0.76 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

19 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 20 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

21 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 67 HA, PF, Br, SMD 

22 0.00 22.20 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

23 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 HA, PF, Br, SMD, FW 

Conclusions 

C. acutifolius from secondary gene pool of pigeonpea and C. platycarpus, from tertiary gene pool, can 

be successfully utilized to introgress multiple pest and disease resistance. 

Nalini Mallikarjuna, KB Saxena, S Senthilvel, HC Sharma and S Pande 

Milestones: 15 new sources of resistance to wilt and sterility mosaic virus identified and made 

available to partners 

Rationale 

To identify resistance sources of pigeonpea lines to FW and SMD. 

281


Seventy (32 further advanced and 38 advanced breeding lines from breeders material 2007-08), 35 (27 

promising lines from ICRISAT-2008 and eight promising lines from AICRP-Pigeonpea) lines, 48 lines 

from Warangal and 136 (including susceptible checks) from All India Coordinated Research Project 

(AICRP)- Pigeonpea were evaluated for resistance to FW and SMD under artificial epiphytotic 

conditions in pigeonpea wilt and sterility mosaic disease sick plot. 


Of the 32 further advanced selections, 26 lines showed combined resistance (>10% incidence) to FW 

and SMD. However, 26 lines showed resistant reaction (

Newer constructs with swapped domains are being designed for enhanced expression of the transgenes. 

For effective insect resistance, a second generation construct with two different cry genes (cry1Ac and 

cry2Aa) is being constructed. Efforts are also being made to add a 300 bp fragment from the native Bt 

gene to the synthetic cry1Ac gene for the stable expression. Work is underway to standardize the Q- 

PCR for the early screening of the transgenic events for the copy number and zygosity. 

Conclusions 

Based on the insect bioassays conducted with transgenic pigeonpea events in T1 and T2 generations, 11 

transgenic events of pigeonpea have been selected for strip trials under confined field conditions. 

KK Sharma, Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur, HC Sharma 

Output Target 6.1.3 PP: Twenty medium-long duration vegetable type pigeonpea 

germplasm/breeding lines made available 

Activity 6.1.3.1 PP: Evaluation and selection of large podded medium – long duration germplasm 

and breeding lines for use as vegetable 

Milestone: Genetically diverse large seeded vegetable type 10-15 breeding populations for further 

selection developed 2011 

No report during 2010 

Sorghum 

Output target 6.1.1 SO: High yielding grain, forage, and sweet sorghum lines with resistance to 

insect pests and diseases developed 

Activity 6.1.1.1 SO: Selecting high biomass forage and sweet sorghum lines with resistance to shoot 

pests and foliar diseases, and grain sorghum with tolerance to grain mold 

Milestone: Sweet sorghum lines (5) with high grain yield and shoot fly resistance developed for 

postrainy season adaptation 2010 

Rationale 

It is important to have resistance to shoot fly in sweet sorghum genotypes to enable periodic plantings 

in the post rainy season to extend the feedstock supplies to the distilleries. 


A total of 48 sweet sorghum advanced varieties and restorers were evaluated during in 2009 post rainy 

season in RCBD with IS18551 as a resistant check and Swarna as a susceptible check. 2. A total of 27 

sweet sorghum multi-location trial genotypes were evaluated during in 2009 post rainy season in 

RCBD with IS 18551 as a resistant check and Swarna as a susceptible check. 


In sweet sorghum advanced varieties and restorers trail, dead heart incidence in this trial varied from 

17.3 to 97.9 %, Nine out of forty eight advanced verities/restorers shown 17-37 % less shoot fly dead 

hearts incidence compared to the susceptible check, Swarna (75.5%). 2. In the multilocation entries 

trail (MLT), dead heart incidence varied from 23.3 to 95.2%. Four out of twenty seven multi-location 

genotypes i.e., RSSV 167 (23.3 %), RSSV 138 (27.2 %), ICSB 479 %), SP 4511-3 (40.42 %) shown 

23-50% less dead heart incidence compared to the susceptible check, Swarna (80.7 %). 

Conclusions 

The selected entries from both the trails will be further evaluated for confirmation of resistance to shoot 

fly and also for other agronomic traits. 

P Srinivasa Rao, BVS Reddy and HC Sharma 

283

Milestone: Ten sweet-sorghum lines with high biomass and resistance to shoot pests and foliar 

diseases developed 2011 

Rationale 

It is important to have resistance to shoot fly in sweet sorghum genotypes to enable periodic plantings 

in the rainy season to extend the feedstock supplies to the distilleries. Resistance to foliar diseases like 

anthracnose and leaf blight are important for photosynthates accumulation there by for the ultimate 

sugars in the stalks. 

Series of trails were conducted for resistance to shoot fly and stem borer as advanced varieties/restorer 

trials and multilocation trials during the 2010 rainy season in RCBD with 3 replications using IS 18551 

as check for shoot fly resistance screening and IS 2205 for stem borer resistance screening and using 

Swarna as susceptible check both for shoot fly and stem borer. Similarly one trial each (RCBD with 3 

replications) was conducted for screening the sweet sorghum genotypes for anthracnose resistance and 

leaf blight resistance during in rainy season, 2010. 

Anthracnose disease severity was recorded on a 1−9 scale (1=0 to

Activity 6.1.1.2 SO: Developing QTL mapping populations for economic yield components of 

sweet sorghum productivity 

Milestone: Four F6 sorghum RIL mapping populations (>350 lines each) available for marker 

genotyping and multilocational phenotyping for biomass yield, sugar content, and sugar extraction 

characteristics 2009 

Report yet to be received from CTH 

Milestone 6A 1.1.2 SO: Ten high yielding grain mold tolerant sorghum lines developed for rainy 

season adaptation 2011 

Rationale 

Grain mold is a major biotic constraint of rainy season sorghum affecting the yield and grain quality. It 

is a complex disease with more than 30 fungal spp involved in causing the disease. Use of resistant 

cultivars along with other methods of control was found effective for managing grain mold in sorghum. 


Grain mold resistance donors in red and white grain backgrounds and identified in the germplasm 

accessions were used in the crossing programs. The selected advanced progenies with restorer reaction 

were evaluated in replicated trials for their grain mold resistance and agronomic desirability. 


1. Evaluating 43 advanced R-line progenies in RCBD (3 reps) for grain mold resistance in screening 

block and for grain yield assessment in breeding block. 

Evaluated 24 advanced R-line progenies in RCBD (3 reps) along with four controls (RS 29, CSV 4, 

SPV 104, IS 14384) as GMRLT in RCBD (3 reps) for grain mold resistance in screening block and for 

grain yield assessment in breeding block in rainy season. The control high grain yielding B- line – RS 

29 and CSV 4 respectively showed 2.7 and 1.8 t ha -1 (Trial mean: 2.23; SE+: 0.15) for grain yield in 

breeding block and panicle grain mold rating (PGMR) score 2.8 and 3.8 (Trial mean: 3.98; SE+: 0.27) 

taken on scale 1 to 9 where 1 = 0 to 75% mold in screening block evaluated under 

sprinkler irrigation. Five R-line progenies (SPs 44509-1, 43663-1, 44661-1, 44509-2, and 44511-1) 

showed significantly superior grain yield (by 23 to 52%) over CSV 4 ranging from 2.3 to 2.9 t ha -1 with 

PGMR score 3.2 to 3.6. 

2. Development of F 1 s using new sources (10) for grain mold resistance from germplasm and high 

yielding B-lines. 

Diverse parents (69) were selected and planted in postrainy season to make new F 1 crosses to develop 

grain mold resistant B-lines. 

Conclusions 

Five R-line progenies (SPs 44509-1, 43663-1, 44661-1, 44509-2, and 44511-1) with significantly 

superior grain yield (by 23 to 52%) over CSV 4 ranging from 2.3 to 2.9 t ha -1 with PGMR score 3.2 to 

3.6 identified. 

A Ashok Kumar, Belum VS Reddy and Rajan Sharma 

Activity 6.1.1.3 SO: Developing high yielding sorghum lines with grain mold resistance for rainy 

season, and hoot fly resistance for postrainy season 

Milestone: Genetically diverse sorghum breeding lines (10) for high yield and large grain size with 

resistance to grain mold made available to partners 2010 

Rationale 

Grain mold is a major biotic constraint of rainy season sorghum affecting the yield and grain quality. 

Use of resistant cultivars along with other methods of control was found effective for managing grain 

mold. 


Resistant donors in red and white grain backgrounds identified in the germplasm accessions were used 

in the crossing programs. The selected 24 advanced R-line progenies were evaluated in RCBD (3 reps) 

285

along with four controls (RS 29, CSV 4, SPV 104, IS 14384) as GMRLT in RCBD (3 reps) for grain 

mold resistance in screening block and for grain yield assessment in breeding block in rainy season. . 

The data on panicle grain mold rating (PGMR) was collected on 1 to 9 scale where 1 =0 to 75% mold in screening block evaluated under sprinkler irrigation. 


The control (high grain yielding) R-line – RS 29 and CSV 4 respectively showed 2.7 and 1.8 t ha -1 

(Trial mean: 2.23; SE+: 0.15) for grain yield in breeding block and panicle grain mold rating (PGMR) 

score 2.8 and 3.8 (Trial mean: 3.98; SE+: 0.27) taken on. Five R-line progenies (SPs 44509-1, 43663-1, 

44661-1, 44509-2, and 44511-1) showed significantly superior grain yield (by 23 to 52%) over CSV 4 

ranging from 2.3 to 2.9 t ha -1 with PGMR score 3.2 to 3.6. 

Conclusions Five R-line progenies showed significantly superior grain yield (by 23 to 52%) ranging 

from 2.3 to 2.9 t ha -1 over control CSV 4 and showed low PGMR score 3.2 to 3.6 indicating their 

resistance to grain mold. 

A Ashok Kumar, Belum VS Reddy, RP Thakur and Rajan Sharma 

Milestone 6.1.1.3: Sorghum lines (5) with large grain and high grain yield and less susceptible to 

shoot fly with postrainy season adaptation developed 2010 

Rationale 

Sorghum is cultivated in post rainy season over 4.5 M ha in India. The grain fetches premium price and 

all most all the harvest is consumed as food. The stalks as fodder are also in great demand as it is of 

good quality. Tolerance to drought during terminal growth stage and cold tolerance during vegetative 

and grain development growth stages and photo period sensitivity are important. Also, apart from these 

adaptation features, if the grain is bold and lustrous fetches higher price. In early stages, tolerance to 

shoot fly is also important. 


There are different types of materials under evaluation and selection for the above traits. These are: 

Varieties: (1) A total of 57 varieties and two shoot fly susceptible checks (296B, Swarna) were 

evaluated in RPVT-1 during 2009 postrainy season for shoot fly resistance. (2) A total of 34 postrainy 

elite varieties/R-lines were screened in RPVT 2 for shoot fly resistance in a three-replicated RCBD at 

ICRISAT during 2009 postrainy season along with two checks (IS 18551, a shoot fly resistant check; 

Swarna, a shoot fly susceptible check). 

Hybrids: During 2009 postrainy season, 28 postrainy hybrids along with two checks (IS 18551: shoot 

fly resistant check, Swarna: Shoot fly susceptible check) were screened for shoot fly resistance in a 

three-replicated RCBD at ICRISAT. 


Varieties: (1) Twelve varieties with shoot fly dead hearts ranging from 9 to 20% were numerically 

superior for shoot fly resistance compared to the resistant check IS 18551 (SFDH: 21%). (2) Seventeen 

varieties from RPVT 2 with SFDH% ranging from 6 to 22% were comparable to the resistant check, IS 

18551 (SFDH%: 7.3, lsd: 15.49) (HOPE Project Activity 2.3.11 A). All selected lines have bold grain, 

similar to M 35-1. 

Hybrids: The hybrids, ICSA 88001 × M 35-1-19 (SFDH: 16%), ICSA 52 x SPV 1411 (SFDH: 24%) 

and ICSA 84 × SPV 1411 (SFDH: 30%) were comparable to the check IS 18551 (SFDH: 8%) though 

not numerically superior to it and significantly superior to the susceptible check, Swarna (SFDH: 82%) 

(HOPE Project Activity 2.4.7). 

Conclusions 

The selected entries from RPVT-1 and RPVT-2 are being screened in AVT for shoot fly resistance 

during 2010 postrainy season. A total of 324 preliminary hybrids produced at ICRISAT and at MPKV, 

Rahuri are being evaluated along with checks in two trials (PHT-1 and PHT-2) at ICRISAT for grain 

yield, agronomic traits and for shoot fly resistance in 2010 postrainy season 

Belum VS Reddy, A Ashok Kumar and HC Sharma. 

286

Milestone 6.1.1.3.1: Sorghum lines (5) with large grain and high grain yield and less susceptible to 

aphids with postrainy season adaptation developed 2010 

Rationale 

In the recent years, during the dry seasons, rainy and post rainy seasons, aphids incidence and severity 

of the pest damage appears to be high. Hence it is important to identify lines with resistance to aphids 

in high yielding back ground. 


Thirty one sorghum lines comprising of improved breeding lines and germplasm accessions were 

multiplied and screened for resistance to sugarcane aphid, M. sacchari during the 2009 postrainy 

season (score on 1 to 9 where 1 = no aphids damage and 9 = >90% leaf area damaged). The aphid 

damage scores ranged from 1.67 to 5.33, 


1. Plot No’s. 61510 (ICSP-B-98R Sel-17-2-5-1-1-1), 61523 ((ICSB 508 x ICSB 79)-2-2-1-1-1-2-1-1-2), 61582 ([(((Indian 

Synthetic 89-1 x Rs/R 20-682)-5-1-3) x IS 18757) x (((BT~623 x UChV 2) x B lines bulk)-3-1-4-3)]-8- 

4-1-1-1-2), 61592 ([((Indian Synthetic 89-2 x Rs/R 20-682)-5-4-2) x PS 30715-1]-1-4-1), IS 40615 

(WM 322), and IS 40616 (F6YQ 336), exhibited a leaf damage rating of

Activity 6A.1.3: Selecting for high grain yield and large grain sorghum lines with resistance to 

shoot fly and adaptation to post-rainy season 

Milestone 6A 1.3.1: Sorghum lines (5) with large grain and high grain yield and less susceptible to 

shoot fly with postrainy season adaptation developed 2010 

Rationale 

Postrainy season sorghum is grown on 4.5 m ha in India. Shoot fly is a major biotic constraint affecting 

the crop particularly in the early stages of crop growth. Use of resistant cultivars along with other 

methods of control was found effective for managing shoot fly in sorghum. 


Shoot fly resistance donors identified in the R-lines were crossed with the high yielding R-lines. The 

selected advanced progenies were evaluated for shoot fly resistance and agronomic desirability and 

were test crossed. 


1. Evaluation of restores in various stages-from new crosses and existing advanced progenies (250) in 

replicated trials for agronomic traits, grain traits, seed setting and charcoal rot tolerance and shoot 

fly resistance and their seed multiplication. 

From RxR crosses, 323 F 5 progenies were evaluated during 2009 postrainy season and based on bold 

and lustrous grain apart from grain yield, 414 F 6 progenies were selected and these were 

simultaneously testcrossed. 

2. Developments of 50 F 1 s using new sources (10) for shoot fly resistance from germplasm and high 

yielding B-lines in the postrainy season. 

Diverse parents (51) were selected and planted in postrainy season to make new F 1 crosses to develop 

shoot fly resistant B-lines. 

Conclusions 

A total of 414 F 6 progenies were selected (from RxR crosses) based on agronomic desirability and low 

shoot fly dead hearts and were test crossed to confirm their restorer reaction. 

A Ashok Kumar, Belum VS Reddy and HC Sharma 

Activity 6A.1.4: Selecting for high grain yield and grain mold tolerant sorghum lines 

Milestone: 6A.1.4.1: Genetically diverse sorghum breeding lines (10) for high yield and large grain 

size with resistance grain mold made available to partners. 2011 

Rationale 

Grain mold is a major biotic constraint of rainy season sorghum affecting the yield and grain quality. 

Use of resistant cultivars along with other methods of control was found effective for managing grain 

mold in sorghum. 


Grain mold resistance donors in red and white grain backgrounds identified in the germplasm 

accessions were used in the crossing programs. The selected advanced progenies with restorer reaction 

were seed multiplied for evaluating them in replicated trials for grain mold and shoot fly resistance and 

agronomic desirability. 


Screening of the 30 progenies from overall GM and other breeding programs with R- reaction in 

screening block in RCBD (3 reps) for developing varieties with resistance to grain mold: Fifty-one R- 

line progenies developed in GM/H + programs were seed multiplied for evaluation in a triplicate trial. 

Conclusions 

Fifty-one R-line progenies developed in GM/H + programs were seed multiplied for evaluating them in 

replicated trials for grain mold and shoot fly resistance and agronomic desirability. 

A Ashok Kumar, Belum VS Reddy and Rajan Sharma 

288

Output C: Annually knowledge of the improvements of the biotechnological and conventional 

tools designed to facilitate biofortification and bio-detoxification, breeding improved germplasm 

and management strategies (against mycotoxin contamination) of mandate crops and associated 

capacity building made available to partners internationally 

Output target 6C.1: High yielding and micronutrient dense hybrids/improved 

populations/varieties of sorghum and promising transgenic events of groundnut and pigeon pea 

with high beta-carotene content available for testing in national trials 

Activity 6C.1.3: Selecting sorghum lines for high grain Fe and Zn contents 

Milestone 6C 1.3.1: Three varieties with high grain Fe (>40ppm) and Zn (>30 ppm) contents identified 

2011 

Rationale 

Micronutrient malnutrition (especially of Fe and Zn) is a major health problem in the developing 

countries. Biofortification is a cost effective and sustainable solution to combat micronutrient 

malnutrition. It complements well with the supplementation and chemical fortification methods 

currently being employed to address micronutrient malnutrition. Identification of high grain high Fe 

and Zn lines from the established R-lines helps in quick development of varieties and hybrids. 


A total of 52 established sorghum R-lines were evaluated in triplicate trials over two years for 

assessing the grain Fe/Zn contents. 


Identification of promising varieties by assessing grain Fe and Zn contents in 50 ICRISAT-bred R- 

lines: The mean performance of the 52 ICRISAT-bred sorghum R-lines for two years (2008 and 2009 

postrainy seasons) showed that for grain Fe the lines ranged from 25 to 39 ppm with an average of 31 

ppm (SE+: 2.23) and grain Zn content from 16 to 28 ppm with an average of 21 ppm (SE+: 1.26). The 

controls – PVK 801 and RS 29 respectively had 33 and 27 ppm grain Fe and 21 and 16 ppm grain Zn. 

Two R-lines ICSR 113 and ICSR 89035 were significantly superior (by 7% and 9%) to the control - 

PVK 801 for grain Fe contents with grain Fe 38 and 39 ppm and significantly superior (by 25% and 

16%) for grain Zn contents with grain Zn 28 and 26 ppm. Thirty R-lines were significantly 5 to 33% 

superior to the control - RS 29 for grain Fe contents with grain Fe ranging from 30 to 39 ppm and 

significantly superior (by 6 and 62%) for grain Zn contents ranging from 18 to 28 ppm. Among the R- 

lines ICSR 89035 (Fe 39 ppm and Zn 26 ppm), ICSR 113 (Fe 38 ppm and Zn 28 ppm) and ICSR 

89039 (Fe 36 ppm and Zn 23 ppm) showed significantly higher Fe (by 2 to 10%) and Zn (by 2 to 25%) 

contents compared to the check PVK 801 (Fe 33 ppm and Zn 21 ppm). 

Advancing 85 BC 3 s from the crosses between grain micronutrients (Fe and Zn)-dense germplasm lines 

and high yielding breeding lines for R-line/variety development: Advancing the 84 BC 3 s obtained from 

the crosses between grain micronutrients (Fe and Zn)-dense germplasm lines and high yielding 

breeding lines for R-line/variety development in 2009 postrainy season resulted in the selection of 87 

BC 3 s. These were further evaluated for B and R reaction in 2010 rainy season and identified 21 

progenies with R-line reaction and are in seed multiplication in 2010 postrainy season for further 

evaluation. 

Conclusions 

Thirty R-lines significantly 5 to 33% superior to the control - RS 29 for grain Fe contents and 

significantly superior for grain Zn contents (by 6 and 62%) identified. 


Output targets 6C.5: Effective and eco-friendly IPM technologies designed, evaluated, and 

shared for the management of insect pests 

Milestone: Compatibility of transgenic crops and insecticides for pest management and their impact on 

species diversity assessed 2012 

289

Spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus and shoot fly, Atherigona soccata management in sweet 

sorghums 

Rationale 

Sorghum shoot fly, Ahterigona soccata and spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus are important pests of 

sorghum, and host plant resistance is one of the important components for the management of these 

pests under subsistence farming conditions. Therefore, we evaluated sorghum cultivars with different 

levels of resistance to these pests along with insecticides with systemic and contact mode of action for 

the management of these pests during the rainy and postrainy seasons. 


One hybrid (ICSA 479 x SSV 84), and three varieties (ICSV 700, ICSV 93046, and SP 4511-1), along 

with one shoot fly/stem borer susceptible, but midge-resistant high yielding variety (ICSV 745) were 

tested under insecticide treated and untreated conditions. The insecticide treatments included seed 

treatment with imidachloprid (4.8 g ai kg -1 seed), Thiamethoxam (3.5 g ai kg -1 seed), fipronil (0.3 g ai 

kg -1 seed) granular application of carbofuran granules in the plant whorl (5 to 7 granules per plant at 7 

days after seedling emergence for shoot fly, and 3 days after artificial infestation with neonate larvae of 

stem borer), and foliar sprays of deltamethrin (12 g ai ha -1 ), methomyl (500 g ai ha 1 ), and endosulfan 

(700 g ai ha -1 ). Untreated plots served as a control. 

Results: 

Carbofuran granules applied in plant whorls were effective in controlling shoot fly, A. soccata damage 

on ICSV 700 (12.16% deadhearts) and ICSV 93046 (27.99% deadhearts), and moderately effective on 

CSH 22SS, and ICSV 745 (34.14 to 40.43% deadhearts). Under moderate shoot fly infestation during 

the 2009/10 postrainy season, seed treatments with thiamethoxam, imidachloprid, fipronil, and sprays 

of methomyl, deltamethrin, and endosulfan were as effective as carbofuran granular application in the 

plant whorls for shoot fly control on the shoot fly-resistant genotypes ICSV 700 ICSV 93046 and SP 

4511-2, but not on the susceptible cultivar, SSV 84. 

Granular application of carbofuran granules in the plant whorls three days after artificial infestation, 

and foliar sprays of deltamethrin, endosulfan, and methomyl (0.0 to 3.87%, 0.0 to 5.01%, 0.00 to 

1.91%, and 0.00% plants with deadhearts, respectively, compared to 3.78 to 9.17% plants with 

deadhearts in the untreated control, except in SSV 84, which had 55.29% plants with deadhearts) were 

highly effective for controlling the damage by the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus. Seed treatment 

with imidachloprid, thiamethoxam, and fipronil were effective for stem borer control in combination 

with ICSV 700, ICSV 93046, and SP 4511-2 having inherent resistance to stem borer. Stalk yield was 

>450 q ha -1 in plots of CSH 22SS and ICSV 700 treated with imidachloprid, SSV 84 treated with 

carbofuran granules, ICSV 700 treated with deltamethrin sprays, ICSV 93046 plots sprayed with 

methomyl, and CSH 22SS and ICSV 93046 sprayed with endosulfan. In untreated control plots, 

deadheart incidence was lower in CSH 22SS (7.81%), ICSV 700 (3.78%), ICSV 93046 (4.73%) and SP 

4511-2 (9.17%) as compared to 55.29% deadhearts in SSV 84. 

Conclusions 

Carbofuran granules applied in plant whorls, and sprays of methomyl and deltamethrin, in combination 

with cultivars with moderate levels of resistance to shoot fly and stem borer 9ICSV 700 and ICSV 

93046), were effective for pest management in sweet sorghums. 

HC Sharma 

Assessment of the effect of Helicoverpa-resistant cultivars on ETLs 

Rationale 

Pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the important pests of pigeonpea, and host plant resistance 

is an important component for the management of this pest under subsistence farming conditions. 

Therefore, we evaluated insecticides with systemic and contact mode of action for the management of 

this pest on pigeonpea cultivars ICPL 332WR resistant, and ICP 8863 – susceptible for managing the 

pod borer, H. armigera. 


Economic thresholds were determined for the resistant (ICPL 332WR) and susceptible (ICP 8863) 

varieties of pigeonpea to quantify the contribution of host plant resistance in Helicoverpa management. 

290

The plots were sprayed at the 10% flowering, 75% flowering, 50% podding, and dough stages in 

different combinations. There were three replications in a randomized complete block design for each 

variety. Each plot consisted of 4 rows, 2 m long. The outer two rows were considered as guard rows. 

Untreated plots served as a control. 


In the plots treated with methomyl + quinalphos + fubendiamide + dimethoate, pod damage by H. 

armigera was 4.02 and 3.50% in ICP 8863 compared to 11.21 and 11.13% in ICPL 332WR; while in 

the plots treated with Bt + methomyl + spinosad and DDVP + dimethoate, the pod damage was 5.70 

and 7.38% in ICP 8863 and 2.10 and 9.70% in ICPL 332WR in tagged branches and randomly selected 

plants, respectively. However, grain yield was 24.65 versus 28.91, and 22.11 versus 28.04 q ha -1 , in the 

above two treatment schedules, respectively in ICP 8863 and ICPL 332WR. Plots sprayed with NSKE 

+ HaNPV + Bt + novaluron suffered heavy damage by the pod borer (16.75 – 41.70% pod damage) and 

other insects, and the yields were quite low. The results did provide an indication of the usefulness of 

combining resistant varieties with insecticides for management of H. armigera. 

Conclusions 

Sprays of methomyl + quinalphos + fubendiamide + dimethoate applied on the pod borer resistant 

cultivar, ICPL 332WR were effective for pod borer control. 

HC Sharma 

On-farm evaluation of pigeonpea cultivars with resistance to pod borer on farmers’ fields 

Rationale 

Pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the important pests of chickpea and pigeonpea, and host 

plant resistance is an important component for the management of this pest. Several lines with low to 

moderate levels of resistance to this pest have been developed at ICRISAT, which can be exploited for 

the management of this pest. Therefore, we evaluated the identified lines on farmers fields for their 

performance and adaptation to the major pigeonpea and chickpea growing areas in Andhra Pradesh and 

Karnataka. 


Seeds of two pigeonpea cultivars (ICPL 332WR - moderately resistant to H. armigera and ICPL 87119 

(Asha) -with some degree of recovery resistance were multiplied on a large scale for testing in on-farm 

trials. Seeds of four chickpea varieties ICCV 10 (moderately resistant to Helicoverpa), KAK 2 (high 

yielding kabuli variety) and ICCC 37 (Kranthi) and JG 11 (high yielding commercial cultivars) were 

produced in large amounts for distribution to farmers. 


In Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, The H. armigera resistant variety ICPL 332WR yielded 500 

to 1875 kg ha -1 compared to 550 to 1870 kg ha -1 of Asha – the commercial variety. Grain yield of the 

improved Helicoverpa - tolerant varieties ICPHaRL 4985-4, ICPHaRL 4978-4, ICPHaRL 4987-7, PPE 

45-2, and ICPL 332WR was 600 – 1250, 650 – 1000, 750 – 1200, 850 – 1350, and 800 – 1400 kg ha -1 , 

respectively. 

In Gulbarga district, Karnataka, pod damage in ICPL 332WR was 15.1% compared to 21.0% in Asha; 

while grain yield was 10.2 q ha -1 in ICPL 332WR as compared to 13.4 q ha -1 in Asha. Most of the 

farmers reported a better control and lower insecticide use in ICPL 332WR than on Asha. Improved 

pigeonpea varieties ICPHaRL 4987-7 and PPE 45-2 suffered less pod damage than Asha. The grain 

yield of the improved Helicoverpa - tolerant varieties was lower than Asha, but the differences were 

non-significant. 

Conclusions 

The pod borer resistant/tolerant varieties exhibited grain yield potential comparable to the commercial 

cultivars, and provided better control of the pod borer in combination with insecticides. 

HC Sharma 

291

Output 6.2. Annually knowledge of the improvements of the biotechnological and conventional 

tools designed to facilitate drought, heat and salinity tolerance breeding and germplasm of 

mandate crops and associated capacity building made available to partners internationally. 

Groundnut 

Output target 6.2.1 GN: Groundnut varieties with tolerance to drought and salinity developed 

using conventional and biotechnological approaches 

Activity 6.2.1.1 GN: Identify high yielding groundnut varieties tolerant to drought 

Milestone: 6-8 dual purpose groundnut varieties with high biomass and improved haulm digestibility 

identified and promoted for drought prone areas in Asia 2009 

Rationale 

Dual purpose groundnut-varieties support the crop-livestock productions systems of SAT regions. 


One hundred and fifty two groundnut haulm samples each from Kadiri, Junagadh, Shirgaon 

(Ratnagiri), Maharashtra, and samples of IVT-II trial from Jalgaon center (Maharashtra), were received 

and handed over to ILRI for fodder quality analysis. The results of fodder quality analysis are awaited 

from ILRI. 

Conclusions 

A dual purpose variety ICGV 91114 was released in Karnataka for cultivation in drought-prone areas 

of the state. 


Milestone: 8 – 10 new advanced lines with resistance to drought tested in South Asian countries 2009 

Rationale 

Drought is the predominant production limiting constraint of groundnut in SAT, hence breeding for 

drought tolerance can alleviate the burden to a large extent. 


During 2009/10 postrainy and 2010 rainy seasons, 25 new crosses were made to generate populations 

for selection for resistance for drought along with high pod yield in agronomically desirable 

backgrounds. ICR 37, ICG 1236, ICGV 07165, ICGV 07173, ICGV 07193, ICGV 07286, ICGV 

08141, ICGV 07210, and ICGV 06142, ICR 3, ICR 48 , ICGV 07398, ICGV 08189, ICGV 07395, 

ICGV 07193, ICGV 07408, and ICGV 08268 were the drought and A. flavus tolerant breeding lines 

used in hybridization program. 


Breeding populations: During the 2009/10 postrainy season, 217 bulks and 168 single plants were 

selected from 276 F 2 -F11 bulks and 86 plant progenies evaluated under imposed mid-season stress 

condition. Of these, 93 in advanced generations were included in replicated yield trials. During the 

2010 rainy season, 192 bulks and 205 single plants were selected from 124 F 2 - F 13 bulks and 169 plant 

progenies that were evaluated under rain-fed conditions. 

Yield Trials: 

2009 rainy season: 

During the 2009 rainy season 127 advanced breeding lines were evaluated for yield and other 

agronomic traits in six replicated trials. Elite and Advanced trial were grown under Irrigated and rainfed 

conditions. 

In an Elite Trial (Virginia) grown under irrigation conditions, ICGV 07404 (4.8±0.29 t ha -1 pod yield, 

67% shelling outturn, 36 g HSW, 53% oil content and 21% protein content) significantly outyielded the 

highest yielding drought resistance control ICGV 87846 (3.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 65% shelling outturn, 42 

g HSW, 52% oil content and 21% protein content). 

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In an Elite Trial (Spanish) grown under rain-fed conditions, four lines (4.0-3.6±0.22 t ha -1 pod yield) 

gave significantly higher pod yield than the highest yielding drought resistance control ICGV 02266 

(2.9 t ha -1 pod yield, 64% shelling outturn, 38 g HSW). The best entry in the trial was ICGV 07395. 

In an Advanced Trial (Virginia) grown under rainfed conditions, three lines (3.9-3.8±0.19 t ha -1 pod 

yield) gave significantly higher pod yield than the highest yielding drought resistance control ICGV 

87846, and the best entry was ICGV 08200. 

2009/10 postrainy season: 

Same set of 127 lines in six replicated trials were evaluated under full irrigation conditions. Elite and 

Advanced trial were sown under imposed stress conditions to compare the performance under both 

situations irrigated and imposed stress conditions. 

In an Elite Trial (Virginia) grown under stress conditions, two test lines (2.8-2.7±0.18 t ha -1 pod yield) 

gave significantly higher pod yield than the highest yielding control ICGV 86325. The best entry in 

the trial was ICGV 07405 (2.8 t ha -1 pod yield, 69% shelling outturn, 52 g HSW). The same variety 

ICGV 07405 (4.5 t ha -1 pod yield, 72% shelling outturn, 60 g HSW, 52% oil content and 20% protein 

content) grown under full irrigation conditions significantly out yielded than the highest yielding 

control ICGS 76. 

2010 rainy season: 

One hundred and fifty nine advanced breeding lines including controls were evaluated for yield and 

other agronomic traits in six replicated trials. Elite and Advanced trials were grown under irrigated and 

rain-fed conditions. Due to continues and excess rainfall there was no difference in between irrigated 

and rain-fed crop growing conditions. 

In an Elite Trial (Spanish) grown under irrigation conditions, ICGV 08146 (3.6±0.31 t ha -1 pod yield, 

68% shelling outturn, 32 g HSWt) significantly outyielded the highest yielding drought resistance 

control ICGV 00350 (2.7 t ha -1 pod yield, 64% shelling outturn, 26 g HSW). 

In an Elite Trial (Virginia) grown under rain-fed conditions, two lines (4.1-3.2±0.37 t ha -1 pod yield) 

gave significantly higher pod yield than the highest yielding drought resistance control ICGV 87846. 

Conclusions 

A good number of lines for drought tolerance have been developed, evaluated and released for 

cultivation in South Asian countries. 


Milestone: Performance of 3-4 dual-purpose varieties validated on-farm in drought prone areas 2009 

Additional report for 2010 

Rationale 

Crop-livestock system is the predominant production system in SAT regions hence development of 

dual-purpose groundnut varieties gives and additional advantage of supporting livestock. 


Multilocation testing of promising dual purpose varieties evaluation of their performance under drought 

stress 



of the state. 

Conclusions 


of the state 


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Milestone: Farmer-preferred drought tolerant varieties identified in partner countries 2010 

Rationale 

Farmer-preferred drought tolerant groundnut varieties can alleviate the losses caused by drought stress 

as it is a predominant production limiting constraints of groundnut in SAT. 


On-farm trails of superior groundnut varieties are conducted to identify farmer-preferred varieties. 


Drought tolerant varieties ICR 48, ICGV 91114, ICGV 00350 and ICGV 87846 were released in India 

Conclusions 

Drought tolerant varieties ICR 48, ICGV 91114, ICGV 00350 and ICGV 87846 were released in India 

SN Nigam, Venu Prasad and Vincent Vadez 

Milestone: Knowledge of inheritance of traits associated with drought tolerance in three crosses 

gained and appropriate breeding strategy devised 2010 

Rationale 

Understating the inheritance mechanism of drought enable to design an appropriate breeding strategy to 

breed drought tolerant groundnut varieties. 


Recombinant inbred mapping populations are development from the crosses ICGS 76 x CSMG 84-1, 

ICGS 44 x CSMG 84-1, ICGS 44 x ICGS 76 and TAG 24 X ICGV 86031 and made available for 

genotyping and phenotyping. 


Parent and different filial generations are now available for the experiment under normal and imposed 

drought conditions in the 2010/11 postrainy season. 

The mapping populations developed during the 2009 rainy season, 862 F 8 RILs of 3 crosses (ICGS 76 

x CSMG 84-1, 272 RILs; ICGS 44 x CSMG 84-1, 134 RILs; ICGS 44 x ICGS 76, 456 RILs) were 

preserved in cold storage for further studies. During 2010 rainy TAG 24 X ICGV 86031 was supplied 

for conducting drought mapping studies. 

Conclusions 

Drought mapping studies during post rainy 2010/11 under progress 

SN Nigam, Venu Prasad and Vincent Vadez 

Milestone: Range of variation for key physiological traits assessed in breeding materials and varieties 

from the breeding program 2010 

Rationale 

Breeding for drought tolerance in groundnut is a critical target. Efforts of the past 25 years of research 

have concentrated on transpiration efficiency as the most critical trait to contribute to improved 

intermittent drought tolerance in groundnut. However, transpiration efficiency has, in most cases, been 

evaluated with surrogate traits that may not bear a robust relationship to TE. Therefore, a critical 

assessment of traits related to a better adaptation to intermittent drought is needed. 


We have used a lysimetric system, which allows to assess all three components of the Passioura 

equation (1977, Y = T x TE x HI) on same plants. We have used 80 genotypes contrasting for seed 

yield under drought in the field and have tested them in the lysimeters under differing water regimes. 

We are currently continuing this work using a refined list of 60 entries (tolerant/sensitive), this time 

based on multiple trials across years and locations. 

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What is reported here is only the beginning of an exhaustive assessment of possible traits that are 

involved in a better adaptation to intermittent stress in groundnut. Here we have found large genotypic 

variation in the quantity of water that can be extracted from the soil profile (several liters). However, 

what appeared to be more closely related to pod yield under stress was the amount of water taken 

between 45-79 days after stress imposition, a period that corresponds to the pod filling period. There 

was a negative significant correlation between pod yield and the water uptake at initial stage (0- 28) 

days after stress imposition under three intermittent stresses. These results appear to fully confirmed 

our preliminary results with a smaller range of genotypes. The relationship between total water uptake 

and root length density (RLD) under water stress, although significant, was a weak relationship, 

indicating that, as in the case of chickpea, measuring root morphological attribute has likely little value. 

It was also found that under medium and severe stress, pod yield was significantly and negatively 

related to the leaf area of plants. This suggests that under an intermittent stress, i.e. a regime of 

consecutive cycles of drying and re-wetting, genotypes having a lower leaf area and then using 

relatively less water likely suffer less the imposition of the stress than genotypes having larger leaf 

area. Under a mild stress, this relationship between pod yield under leaf area was not significant. 

Conclusions 

Ongoing work to understand the mechanisms of adaptation to water stress in groundnut shows that we 

need to go much beyond transpiration efficiency. We are starting to understand how certain pattern of 

water usage, in part related to canopy size, but may be also to canopy development and conductance, 

are explaining differences in pod yield. 

Pasala Ratnakumar and Vincent Vadez 

Activity 6.2.1.3 GN: Develop groundnut transgenic events for enhanced tolerance to drought 

Milestone: 1 – 2 transgenic DREB events of groundnut available for introgression into locally adapted 

germplasm in India 2010 

Rationale 

In our efforts to improve drought tolerance in groundnut, transgenic events carrying transcription 

factor, DREB1A from Arabidopsis thaliana driven by the stress inducible rd29A promoter from A. 

thaliana were evaluated for component traits of yield under intermittent drought conditions in a series 

of greenhouse experiments as well as event selection trials under confined field condition. 


Over 50 transgenic events were previously generated via Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic 

transformation with the rd29A:DREB1A carrying binary vector and characterized using PCR, RT-PCR 

and Southern blotting techniques. Six transgenic events were selected based on differences in their 

transpiration (T) and transpiration efficiency (TE) and yield response in several dry-down experiments 

in pot and lysimeteric systems (long and large PVC tubes filled with soil and mimicking a real soil 

profile) under greenhouse conditions. 


The events were advanced further till T8 generation. These events were comprehensively evaluated 

under intermittent stress conditions in separate greenhouse experiments. Our approach was to 

thoroughly assess whether transgenic DREB1A event derived from wild type variety JL24, which is 

known for its relative drought sensitivity, would have increased values in traits putatively related to a 

better yield under stress conditions, prior to assess a yield response per se. Transpiration efficiency 

assessment across several experiments indicated consistently higher TE in several events than 

untransformed control JL24,. Moreover, these transgenic events showed significantly higher yield 

(>60%) than the untransformed controls in greenhouse evaluation under intermittent drought stress. 

Two strip trials aimed at event selection under intermittent drought conditions under field conditions 

were carried out during the post-rainy season of 2009 and 2010 to reassess and confirm the previous 

greenhouse observations we had for the traits related to transpiration and roots and the yield differences 

under intermittent DS conditions. Results of 2009 experiment indicated significantly higher pod 

biomass and a higher seed numbers in RD19 and RD11 events than both WT JL24 and Null plants. In 

addition, RD19 event had a higher seed biomass than WT parent and Null. Though no HI differences 

were seen in any of genotypes in WW treatment; events RD19, RD11 and RD2 had a significantly 

superior HI than JL24 and Null under drought stress conditions. Following year, another confined field 

295

strip trial was carried out during rabi 2010 with all six transgenic events, RD2, RD11, RD12, RD19, 

RD20 and RD33 along with JL24, Null and ICGV86031 in lysimeters in the netted facility at RCW17A 

field. Consistent with the previous findings, RD11 and RD 33 again showed better seed filling than the 

control and rest of the transgenic events under the imposed intermittent DS, reconfirming the previous 

results. During the current year, permission was obtained from RCGM to conduct a strip trial under insoil 

drought conditions in a confined field during Rabi 2011 to further confirm our observations under 

more realistic field drought conditions. 

Conclusions 

Two transgenic events consistently outperformed than the control and rest of the transgenic events 

under the imposed intermittent DS both under greenhouse and confined field conditions. These events 

showed better seed filling and a higher harvest index under intermittent drought stress conditions. 

KK Sharma, Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur and Vincent Vadez 

Milestone: 15-20 introgressed transgenic lines of groundnut with improved tolerance to water-limiting 

conditions evaluated 2011 

Rationale 

Transgenic groundnut event RD2 carrying the transgene rd291A: DREB1A, have been consistent in 

showing high TE and better HI under water limiting conditions, hence chosen for the introgression in 

drought tolerant elite groundnut genotype ICGV 86031- with inherent multiple disease resistance 

attributes for studying the affect on the transgene response on changing the genotypic background. 


Common breeding practice of hybridization was used for introgression of the transgene using RD2 as 

donor parent and ICGV 86031as the recurrent parent. F1 progeny was screened for the presence of 

transgene using PCR techniques. Resultant PCR positive F1 plants were tested for the expression of the 

transgene through RT-PCR. The above steps were repeated for all the successive backcrosses carried 

out between the PCR positive introgressed progeny with the transgene and the recurrent parent, 

ICGV86031 till BC3. 


The transgene, DREB1A was introgressed into ICGV 86031, an elite breeding variety of groundnut 

through successive back-crossings to study the effect of the genomic background on DREB1A 

expression and its possible effect on drought tolerance. The BC3 populations generated so far are being 

advanced to further generations for subsequent phenotyping under strip trials. The expression studies 

are underway for DREB1A protein for generating the preliminary biosafety data for conducting the 

BRL 1 trials in the near future. 

Conclusions 

Phenotying involving the introgressed progeny with the transgene is to be initiated from the BC3F1 

progeny 

KK Sharma, Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur and SN Nigam 

Activity 6.2.1.4 GN: Marker-assisted breeding for salinity tolerance in groundnut 

Milestone: QTLs for salinity tolerance identified 2011 

Rationale 

Soil salinity is an emerging problem in the areas, where groundnut is a major crop and preferred by the 

farmers due to its importance as fodder, thus development of salinity tolerant groundnut varieties is an 

important research priority to support crop-livestock systems of SAT. 


The crosses, ICGV 86156 X ICGV 92196; ICGV 86156 X JL 24; ICGS 76 X ICGV 86699; and ICGS 

76 X ICG 4746 were completed in 2009-10 post rainy season 


The crossed seed of the four crosses are raised in 2010 rainy season and subsequently the F 2 ’s are 

raised in 2010-11 post rainy season (now in the field). 

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Conclusions 

The crosses ICGV 86156 X JL 24; ICGS 76 X ICGV 86699 will be advanced to develop RILs. 

Venu Prasad, SN Nigam and Vincent Vadez 

Rationale 

Salinity is a problem in some zones where groundnut is cultivated. 


Experimental set up to screen for salinity tolerance consists in pots that are buried in the ground, filled 

with Alfisol, and then treated with a 0.94 g NaCl per kg of soil, applied in two installments, i.e. half at 

sowing and half about 2 weeks later. 


The objective of the study was to better understand the characteristics of tolerant genotypes of 

groundnut to salinity, which was previously identified as those having a higher pod yield under saline 

conditions. A total of 275 accessions of groundnut were screened across two different seasons for their 

response to yield under saline condition. Salinity appeared to affect less the number of pods, which 

decreased only about 20-40% under salinity, than the pod weight which decreased more than 50%. This 

suggested that salinity affected seed development relatively more than pod formation, in agreement 

with a lower maturity index and a delay in the days to flower under saline stress. The number of days to 

flower had a significant although weak relationship with pod weight under salinity (R 2 = 0.20 and 0.33 

in 2006 and 2006-07 respectively), showing that genotype duration had little influence on plant 

tolerance to salinity stress. Shoot dry weight was negatively correlated with the total shoot Na + %, but 

there was no relationship between pod dry weight and shoot Na + %. A number of crosses were 

developed between genotypes that were highly contrasting for salinity tolerance and also showing high 

level of polymorphism at the DNA level. 

Conclusions 

Similar effect of salinity to those in chickpea was found in groundnut. There also, the reproductive 

stages are the most sensitive process to the saline treatment. 

Vincent Vadez, Namita Srivastava, SN Nigam and Venu Prasad 

Chickpea 

Output target 6.2.1 CP: Biotechnological strategies developed for improving drought avoidance 

root traits and salinity tolerance in chickpea 

Activity 6.2.1.1 CP: Marker-assisted breeding for drought tolerance in chickpea 

Milestone: Assessment of water uptake and related kinetics in contrasting genotypes for root traits 

studied using a lysimetric system 2009 

Rationale 

Root traits have been targeted as the major trait contributing to terminal drought tolerance in chickpea 

for over three decades. However, the relationship between water extraction and rooting traits is still 

understudied and controversial. Taking advantage of the lysimetric system, the top most contrasting 

twenty genotypes of chickpea for terminal drought tolerance (based on three years of weather data) 

were tested in the lysimeters to assess the relationship between root traits and water extraction and 

between these traits and seed yield. 


Lysimeters (1.2 m long, 20 cm diameter) were used. Two treatments (fully irrigated conditions and 

terminal water stress applied by stopping irrigation at 23 days after sowing) were used with 20 

genotypes and 5 replications. Design was a randomized full block design with water regime as main 

factor and genotypes as sub-factor. 


Twenty chickpea genotypes having similar plant phenology but contrasting for a terminal drought 

tolerance index based on yield were used. The pattern of water extraction clearly discriminated tolerant 

and sensitive genotypes. Tolerant genotypes had lower water uptake and lower index of stomatal 

conductance at vegetative stage than sensitive, while tolerant extracted more water than sensitive 

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genotypes after flowering. The magnitude of the variation in root growth components (depth, length 

density, RLD, dry weight, RDW), measured at 5 weeks after stress imposition, did not distinguish 

tolerant from sensitive genotypes. The seed yield was not significantly correlated with the root length 

density (RLD) in any soil layers. By contrast, this parameter was both negatively related to water 

uptake between 23-38 DAS, and positively related to water uptake between 48-61 DAS. Seed yield 

decrease under terminal drought was related to reproductive failure rather than defect in seed filling. 

Conclusions 

In these conditions of terminal drought, the most critical component of terminal drought tolerance in 

chickpea was a conservative water use during the early days of the cropping cycle, explained partly by 

a lower canopy conductance, which resulted in more water available in the soil profile during 

reproduction. 

Mainassara Zaman and Vincent Vadez 

Milestone: QTLs for drought avoidance root traits validated 2010 

This milestone was fully achieved in 2009 

Milestone: MABC derived drought tolerant lines available from 2-3 locally adapted cultivars 2011 

Rationale 

Analysis of phenotypic and genotypic data of the ICC 4958 × ICC 1882 population led to the 

identification of a ‘hotspot’, which harboured several QTLs for root-related traits and contributed about 

30% of phenotypic variation. These results indicated the occurrence of several QTLs for droughtrelated 

traits in this region. This genomic region is therefore being introgressed into elite chickpea 

cultivars. 


Three cultivars (a) ICCV 92318 (kabuli type), released as Chefe in Ethiopia and as Hawata in Sudan 

and performing well in Kenya and Tanzania; (b) ICCV 92311 (kabuli type), released as KAK 2 in India 

and performing well in Kenya and Tanzania; and (c) ICCV 93954 (desi type), released as JG 11 in 

India and expected to perform well in SSA were selected for introgression of drought avoidance root 

traits through marker assisted backcrossing (MABC). 


With an aim of introgressing root traits for drought tolerance in farmer preferred cultivars through 

MABC, two genotypes ICC 8261 and ICC 4958 were chosen as donor parents based on their high 

performance for root length density and drought tolerance. Three genotypes (ICCV 92318, ICCV 

92311 and ICCV 93954) have been chosen as recurrent parents, and following three crosses (ICCV 

92318 × ICC 8261; ICCV 92311 × ICC 8261; ICCV 93954 × ICC 4958) were made during crop season 

2006/07. F1s from these crosses were grown in greenhouse during the off-season in 2007 and were 

backcrossed to the recurrent parent: (a) ICCV 92318 × (ICCV 92318 × ICC 8261), (b) ICCV 92311 × 

(ICCV 92311 × ICC 8261); (c) ICCV 93954 × (ICCV 93954 × ICC 4958). For initiating foreground 

selection, root trait phenotyping data and SSR genotyping data obtained from intraspecific mapping 

population ICC 4958 × ICC 1882, a hotspot harboring several root trait QTLs with about 30% 

phenotypic variation have been identified on LG 5, with flanking markers TAA 170 and ICCM 0249. 

Genomic region bracketed by SSR markers (TAA 170 and ICCM 0249) has been used to select 

heterozygote plants carrying drought resistance gene for foreground selection, while 8 AFLP primer 

combinations were used to select the plants with higher genome recovery of the recurrent parent for 

background selection. After completing three cycles of MABC (BC 1 F 1 , BC 2 F 1 and BC 3 F 1 ) in 2008 and 

2009 and two cycles of selfing (BC 3 F 2 and BC 3 F 3 ) in 2010, at present BC 3 F 3 progenies are being raised 

in the field for seed multiplication as well as agronomic performance at ICRISAT, India. BC 3 F 4 seed 

will be sent to NARS partners (Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania) to test their agronomic performance 

under multi environments. 

Conclusions 

MABC has provided BC 3 F 3 progenies for three crosses are being raised for seed multiplication and 

testing their agronomic performance at ICRISAT, India. 

PM Gaur, RK Varshney, SK Chamarthi, 

S Tripathi, V Vadez and L Krishnamurthy 

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Activity 6.2.1.2 CP: Mapping and marker-assisted breeding for salinity tolerance in chickpea 

Milestone: Contrasting materials (varieties, breeding lines, germplasm) for salinity tolerance assessed 

under field conditions 2010 

Rationale 

Since chickpea is pushed more and more to marginal area for cultivation, salinity has become an 

important problem to maintain its productivity in areas where either dryland salinity is a problem, or 

where brackish water is the only option for irrigation. Identification of tolerant germplasm has been 

done in the past and testing of most contrasting entries in the field is the next step. 


In Bhatinda, two treatments (non saline field and a salt-affected soil with poor quality irrigation water) 

and 3 replicates were used. At CCHAU, the trial was carried out in a naturally saline field. 


These trials were carried out in two locations (PAU – Bathinda and CCHAU, Hisar). At CCHAU, 

Hisar the plant population showed a constant decline with advance in age of the plants and drastically 

so after mid-Feb and the final counts were reduced by more than 70% in all the genotypes. Yields 

under salinity of the tolerant genotypes ICC 15868 (175 kg ha -1 ) and ICC 7819 (238 kg ha -1 ) were 

comparable to that of the CSG 8962 (201 kg ha -1 ). However a local check HC3 outperformed all these 

tolerant genotypes ((502 kg ha -1 ). There were large variations among replications indicating variation in 

salinity levels of the plots. 

The field trial at Bhatinda station with 20 genotypes was successful. Variation in salinity tolerance was 

confirmed. As examples, for parents of RILs: (i) ICC1431 had only a 26% decrease in yield, whereas 

ICC6263 suffered a 58% yield decrease, (ii) JG11 was reduced only 11% whereas ICCV10 was 

reduced 33%. These data from North India confirm the differences in tolerance as identified in the 

different climate at ICRISAT in South India, and demonstrate field performance of the lines. The 

contrast in seed yield under salinity between the parents of the mapping populations of this project 

confirmed that ICC1431 were more tolerant than ICC6263, which opens the possibility to screen the 

mapping population in this site. 

Conclusions 

A number of the most promising germplasm previously identified at ICRISAT also turned out to be 

tolerant in the Bhatinda trial. 

Vincent Vadez, L Krishnamurthy, Pooran Gaur, 

colleagues from PAU (Dr Jagmeet Kaur) and 

at Hisar (Dr Raj Panu) 

Milestone: QTLs for salinity tolerance identified 2011 

Rationale 

Salinity is a complex abiotic stress and understanding the physiological and genetic basis of salinity 

tolerance is a prerequisite for improving existing crop cultivars. Assessing the range of variation for 

seed yield and its components under saline and non-saline conditions, and mapping QTLs for salinity 

tolerance will aid in chickpea crop improvement. 


The 126 F12 RILs from the cross between ICCV 2 and JG 62 were grown under saline and non-saline 

conditions during 2005-06 and 2007-08, along with parental lines. Genotyping of data for 216 markers 

was used to construct the genetic map and composite interval mapping (CIM) with 1000 permutations 

was done using QTL Cartographer for mapping QTLs. 


Of the 216 markers tested, 135 markers were mapped on to eight linkage groups spanning a distance of 

310.2 cM, although 81 markers remained unmapped. Linkage groups were assigned to chromosomes 

based on known location of legacy SSR markers (Winter et al., 2000, Nayak et al., 2010). The number 

of markers per linkage group ranged from 7 (LG8) to 45 (LG6). The length of each linkage group 

varied from 5.1 cM (LG2) to 129.9 cM (LG3). Overall inter marker distance was 2.3 cM (Figure 6.3). 

299

QTLs identified for 11 different surrogate traits under saline and non-saline conditions in both 

environments are also shown on the map (Figure 6.3). QTLs were identified for both late and early 

phenology groups under saline and non-saline conditions. In the late phenology group, a QTL was 

found for seed yield under salinity on LG3 in 2007–08, explaining 19% of the variation. In the late 

group, one QTL was also found on the same linkage group under non-saline control conditions, 

although in a different genomic region, for shoot dry weight in 2007-08 and for yield in 2005–06 and 

2007–08. However, in case of early phenology group no QTL was found for seed yield under salinity 

in either year or treatments. Nevertheless, of the possible components of seed yield in that group, one 

QTL for shoot dry weight under salinity was found on LG1 in 2007–08, explaining 13% of the 

variation, and one QTL for seed number under salinity was found on LG7 in 2007–08, explaining 25% 

of the variation. When the phenotyping data were used for QTL analysis, disregarding the groups of 

phenology, no QTLs for seed yield was found in any of the treatments for either of the two years. 

Nevertheless, a genomic region containing QTLs for seed number and 100-seed weight under saline 

conditions in both 2005–06 and 2007–08 was found on LG6. 

Figure 6.3: Genetic linkage map of chickpea (ICCV2 × JG62) with 135 marker loci on eight linkage groups. Kosambi map 

distances are on left hand side, genomic regions harboring QTLs (black bars) and QTLs for salinity-related-traits 

(colored squares), as listed in Table 2, on right hand side of linkage group for early phenology group (E), late phenology 

group (L), under both saline (S) and non-saline (C) conditions and two environments 2005–06 (05) and 2007–08 (07). 

Vincent Vadez, Pooran Gaur, Mahendar Thudi and Rajeev Varshney 

Milestone: Introgression of QTLs for salinity tolerance initiated in farmer-preferred varieties 2011 

This activity was differed as QTL identified for salinity tolerance explained limited variation and 

needed to be validated in other population. 

Pooran Gaur 

Activity 6.2.1.3 CP: Develop and evaluate chickpea transgenic events for enhanced tolerance to 

drought stress 

Milestone: Transgenic DREB/P5CSF events transgenic events available for introgression into locally 

adapted genotypes 2010 

Rationale 

DREB1A has been shown to alter transpiration efficiency, the capacity to extract water from the soil 

profile, and seed yield under intermittent drought in groundnut. The question we addressed here is 

whether DREB1A could have similar types of contribution on traits if inserted in chickpea. 


A number of transgenic events were generated using C235 as a wild type recipient of DREB1A::rd29 

from Arabidopsis thaliana. Four events were selected from a larger screening for transpiration 

efficiency and were tested in lysimeters filled with Vertisol (1.20 m long and 20 cm diameter). There, 

two water regimes were used: either a fully irrigated control or a terminal water stress applied at 30 

days after sowing. 


The trial was performed also to assess the seed yield and its relationships with the pattern of water 

extraction, the number and flowers, pods and seeds, and the pod and seed weight. Water uptake was 

300

assessed every week and flowers were tagged weekly to relate flower, and seed number, pod and seed 

weight to transpiration. Results indicated that while the cumulative water extraction pattern in few 

transgenic events was similar to the untransformed parent, the water extraction was less during the preflowering 

phase, but was more during the post-flowering phase in at least two transgenic events. The 

water extracted in week 5 after stress imposition was significantly related to the seed number and 

weight. A higher pod biomass accumulation was observed in two transgenic events under water stress 

conditions. Two transgenic events had significantly higher yield (pod weight, seed number and seed 

weight) than the untransformed control. Interestingly, most of the transgenic events had lower flower 

abortions as compared to their wild type countertypes. 

Conclusions 

Although differences were not significant in this trial, it appears that DREB1A tends to increase the 

capacity of plant to extract water from the soil profile, in a way that parallel earlier results in DREB1A 

groundnut. 

Krithika Anbazhagan, Mainassara Zaman, Pooja Bhatnagar, 

Kiran Sharma and Vincent Vadez 

Activity 6.2.1.4 CP (New): Develop chickpea breeding lines with heat tolerance and study 

mechanisms and genetics of heat tolerance 

Milestone: Sources of heat tolerance identified from the existing germplasm/breeding lines 2010. 

Rationale 

Heat stress has emerged as a major constraint to chickpea production in the SAT regions because of 

increasing area under late sown conditions due to intensification of the cropping system; shift in 

chickpea area from cooler, long-season environments to warmer, short season environments; and 

frequent raise in temperatures due to climate change. Assessing genetic variability for heat tolerance in 

the germplasm/breeding materials and identifying sources of tolerance is must for initiating breeding 

for heat tolerance in chickpea. 

(A) Screening of reference set of chickpea for heat tolerance 


The reference collection of chickpea germplasm (280 lines) was screened for high temperature 

tolerance at two locations (Patancheru and Kanpur) by delayed sowing and synchronizing the 

reproductive phase of the crop with higher temperatures (≥35°C). 


Many heat tolerant lines were identified and some of these lines showed no reduction in yield under 

heat stress conditions. The reference set showed significant variations for heat tolerance index (HTI), 

phenology, yield and yield components at both the locations. A cluster analysis of the HTI of the two 

locations yielded five cluster groups: (i) stable tolerant [18 genotypes] (ii) tolerant only at Patancheru 

[34] (iii) tolerant only at Kanpur [23] (iv) moderately tolerant [120] and (v) stable sensitive [82]. 

Among the eighteen stable and heat tolerant genotypes identified, six genotypes (ICC 637, ICC 1205, 

ICC 3362, ICC 14402, ICC 14815 and ICC 15618) yielded higher under stress conditions and also had 

higher HTI values. Some of the genotypes (e.g. ICC 14778 and ICC 4958) identified as heat tolerant in 

this study were earlier identified as drought tolerant. 

Conclusions 

This suggests that it is possible to develop cultivars with combined tolerance to terminal drought and 

heat stresses. The pod number per plant and the harvest index were identified as key traits that can be 

used in selections for heat tolerance. 

L Krishnamurthy, PM Gaur, PS Basu, SK Chaturvedi, 

S Tripathi, V Vadez, A Rathore, RK Varshney and CLL Gowda 

(A) Mulilocation evaluation of genotypes for heat tolerance 


A set of 60 germplasm/breeding lines, including both desi and kabuli types, was evaluated at four 

locations (Patancheru, Kanpur, Jabalpur and Nandyal) under normal and late-sown conditions to identify 

301

stable heat tolerant genotypes. The experimental design used was randomized block design with two replications. 

Observations were recorded on phenological characters, yield components and yield. 


Based on grain yield under heat stress conditions, several heat tolerant genotypes were identified. The 

top ten heat tolerant genotypes included 8 breeding lines/released varieties [ICCV 2, ICCV 06302, 

ICCV 07118, ICCV 07109, ICCV 96970 (JG 16), ICCV 93952 (JAKI 9218), ICCV 92311 (KAK 2) 

and ICCV 87207 (Vishal)] and two germplasm lines (ICC 8474, ICC 9942). 

Conclusions 

Several breeding lines with heat tolerance at multilocations were identified 

PM Gaur, K Suresh, Shailesh Tripathi, CLL Gowda, 

V Jayalakshmi (Nandyal), Anita Babbar (Jabalpur) 

and SK Chaturvedi (Kanpur) 

Milestones: Mechanisms of reproductive stage heat tolerance identified, 2011 

Rationale 

A better understanding of the mechanisms of heat tolerance will help in developing effective breeding 

strategies for heat tolerance. 

(A) Experiment conducted at ICRISAT-Patancheru 


Two controlled environment experiments were conducted with one heat tolerant (ICCV 92944) and one 

heat sensitive (ICC 5912) genotypes. The two genotypes were grown in five replications under stress 

and non-stress conditions. 


The one day exposure of flower buds to high temperature influenced pollen viability inside the anthers. 

In ICC5912, the pollen grains inside the anthers were fertile up to 34/19ºC. At 35/20ºC, all pollen 

grains inside the anther became sterile. In addition, there was no pod set in ICC5912 at 35/20ºC. In 

ICCV92944, the high temperature of 35/20ºC did not influence pollen fertility and the pollen grains 

were fertile. At 40/25ºC, the pollen grains inside the anther were partially sterile in ICCV92944. 

Therefore, the critical temperature for pod set in ICC5912 was 35/20ºC. Pollen germination and pollen 

tube growth was found in ICCV92944 at 35/20ºC. ICC5912 at 35/20º C had no pollen germination on 

the stigma and it had reduced pod set (P

100C, night) and heat stress conditions (38/25 0 C). Interestingly, the tolerant genotype, ICCV 92944 

had higher values and also performed almost identically at the normal and high temperature conditions. 

Further, yield parameters (biomass, pod number, filled pods, seed weight and harvest index) invariably 

decreased under stress conditions, but, the two heat tolerant genotypes were characterized by less 

reduction in yield parameters coupled with less membrane damage and better membrane injury index 

compared to the sensitive genotypes at ≥38 0 C. ICCV 92944 (tolerant) maintained higher chlorophyll 

content and lower cellular respiration at higher temperatures compared to the remaining three 

genotypes. The analysis of photosynthesis and fluorescence parameters indicates 20-35 0 C to be the best 

temperature range for photosynthesis in chickpea. Sucrose synthase levels (controls seed size) were 

higher in the two tolerant chickpea genotypes (ICCV 92944/ICCV 07110) in leaves; and ICCV 07110 

had higher in its seed compared to the sensitive genotypes at >350C. Three genotypes (tolerant- ICCV 

07110/92944; sensitive- ICC 14183) had large seeds, higher sucrose synthase and invertase activity. 

Conclusions 

Different parameters measured in both resistant and susceptible types could be used as indicators for 

heat tolerance, most preferably in combination rather than individually. 

Harsh Nayyar, PS Basu, PM Gaur, 

SK Chaturvedi and Nalini Mallikarjuna 

Milestone: Genetics of heat tolerance worked out 2012 

Rationale 

Understanding the genetics of heat tolerance is important for developing breeding strategies for heat tolerance. 


Ten crosses involving four tolerant (ICC 1205, ICC 8950, ICC 1356, ICC 15614) and two sensitive 

(ICC 4567, ICC 10685) lines were made. 


The crosses were made between: (i) Susceptible x Susceptible; (ii) Tolerant x Tolerant and; (iii) 

Susceptible x Tolerant genotypes. The F1 seeds were harvested. The genetics of heat tolerance would 

be studied in F 2 and one or two crosses would be advanced using SSD for development of RILs 

PM Gaur, K Suresh and CLL Gowda 

Pigeonpea 

Output target 6.2.1 PP: Improved pigeonpea for salinity tolerance using biotechnology 

Activity 6.2.1.1 PP: Identify superior pigeonpea genotypes for salinity tolerance 

Milestone: A set of pigeonpea genotypes suitable to breed for breeding salinity tolerance identified 

2009 

No activity due to lack of financial support. 

Activity 6.2.1.2 PP: Develop intra- and inter-specific mapping population of pigeonpea between 

contrasting materials for salinity tolerance 

Milestone: At least two mapping populations developed to map QTLs for salinity tolerance in pigeonpea 2010 

No activity due to lack of financial support. 

Sorghum 

Output target 6.2.1 SO: Improved sorghum for abiotic tolerance 

Activity 6.2.1.2 SO: Selecting for sorghum lines for abiotic stress tolerance. 

Milestone 6.2.1: Five sorghum varieties for salinity tolerance developed 2010 

Rationale 

Soils are saline in many parts of the world especially the coast line of Saudi countries. Further, the 

water they apply to crop lands is also saline. A project with funding support from OPEC countries is 

being implemented to select sorghum cultivars for saline soil conditions. 

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A total of 80 F 7 progenies (from 91 F 6 progenies) and 73 F 8 progenies (from 153 F 7 progenies) were 

selected for B-line development program and 16 F 7 progenies (from 17 F 6 progenies) and 53 F 8 

progenies (from 94 F 7 progenies) were selected for R-line development program at ICRISAT, 

Patancheru in the 2009 postrainy season. These were test crossed and selected further among the 

progenies. The test crosses along with the progenies were evaluated during rainy season, 2010. 


Twenty nine BC 1 s on A 1 cytoplasm were selected based on maintainer reaction for further advancing 

and 39 R-lines were selected among the progenies which showed restorer reaction. 

Conclusions 

The above (twenty nine BC 1 s and 39 R-lines) are being evaluated in a nursery along with high yielding 

R-lines in post rainy season, 2010. Also, the seed of the promising varieties (16) and hybrids (10) each 

2.5 kg that were earlier selected in salinity tolerant trials conducted at Agricultural Research Station, 

Gangavathi, during late rainy season, 2008 is also being increased. 

P Srinivas Rao and Belum VS Reddy. 

Output 6.3: Annually knowledge of the improvements of the biotechnological and conventional 

tools designed to facilitate biofortification and biodetoxification, breeding improved germplasm 

and management strategies (against mycotoxin contamination) of mandate crops and associated 

capacity building made available to partners internationally 

Output target 6.3.1 FORT: High yielding and micronutrient dense hybrids/improved 

populations/varieties of sorghum and promising transgenic events of groundnut and pigeonpea 

with high beta-carotene content available for testing in national trials 

Activity 6.3.1.1 FORT: Develop groundnut transgenic events for enhanced production of betacarotene 

Milestone: One or two transgenic events of groundnut with high beta-carotene content used for 

introgression into locally adapted genotypes and the progeny characterized and evaluated 2011 

Rationale 

While groundnut is an excellent sources of nutrition in terms of carbohydrates, proteins, oils and 

various minerals including iron and zinc, it lacks ß-carotene or provitamin A. Moreover, there is no 

genetic variability available in the existing germplasm for this important trait. Hence this study aims to 

enhance the levels of ß-carotene in groundnut by using genetic engineering approaches. 


A PCR based cloning of the phytoene synthase gene (psyI from maize), that control the production of 

ß-carotene was carried out and fused with the CaMV 35S promoter (for constitutive expression) or with 

the promotor from oleosin gene of Arabidopsis (for seed-specific expression in oil bodies) and used for 

development of over 90 primary transgenic events of groundnut (var. JL 24) through Agrobacteriummediated 

gene transfer. Seventy two events out of 90 primary transgenic events carrying oleo: psy 

genes that were previously developed have been advanced to next generation. 


Molecular analysis of the transgenic events using PCR with gene-specific primers revealed the 

integration and presence of the transgene. Transgene expression in the developing pods of groundnut 

was observed by RT- PCR analysis. The inheritance pattern was studied in the transgenic events which 

confirmed Mendelian segregation in most of the transgenic events. Southern analysis was carried out 

with selected events and copy number ranged from one to three copies of the transgene. Molecular and 

biochemical data showed the stability of gene in advanced generations. The level of total carotenoids 

was 10 to 12-fold higher in transgenic events as compared to the untransformed controls. On the basis 

of total carotenoids and HPLC data, 7 events were selected and advanced to T 2 generation. Beta 

carotene levels in these transgenic events ranged from 0.01-0.32 ug /gm in T1 seeds which is a 10 fold 

increase than the control plants. In T 2 seeds beta carotene range was 0.04-1.54 μg/gm. However, other 

associated carotenoids such as Lutein, ß- Cryptoxanthin have been found to be increased by 10- 15 fold 

in transgenics as compared to control. (ß-Cryptoxanthin ranged between 0.22-9.65 μg/gm). 

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An intriguing observation was that the transgenics had much higher lutein content amongst the 

individual carotenoids. Since, ß-lycopene cyclase (BLYC) is the key enzyme involved in ß-carotene 

biosynthetic pathway (where lutein to γ carotene and γ-carotene to ß-carotene conversions take place), 

we assume that over expression of BLYC may result in much higher accumulation of ß-carotene. The 

TaBLYC gene was sub cloned in to binary vector Pzp200.oleo.psy and have been using for pyramiding 

of these two genes to meet the target levels of provitamin A. Over 55 marker free putative transgenic 

groundnut (JL24) plants harboring maize psy1 and tomato ß-LYC genes were produced and were 

characterized at molecular level to confirm stable integration and expression of transgene. Biochemical 

analysis of the confirmed transgenic plants through HPLC showed an accumulation 1.2 to 5.4 µg/gm of 

β-Carotene which corresponds to multi fold increase in the levels of β-Carotene when compared to 

untransformed control. The selected events with higher levels of β-carotene were advanced to next 

generation. Almost all transgenic events showed inheritance pertaining to Mendelian segregation 

patterns. Biochemical analysis of the T1 progenies of the selected transgenic events showed a decrease 

in the levels total carotenoids and β-Carotene when compared to the T0 generation. Furthermore, 3 

different Groundnut Genotypes viz., CS39, ICGV05155, ICGV06040 developed at ICRISAT which are 

rich in Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) were transformed with maize psy1 and tomato ß-LYC genes and 120 marker 

free PZP200.Oleo:PSY::35S:BLYC putative transgenic Groundnut plants were developed. Molecular 

characterization of the above putative transgenic plant is being performed which will be followed by 

biochemical analysis to estimate the levels of carotenoid accumulation in confirmed transgenic 

groundnut plants. 

Besides, a new RNAi strategy has been initiated to down regulate the Epsilon cyclase (ε-Cyc) and ß- 

Hydroxylase (BCH) genes. The hypothesis of this study is that these genes in the carotenoid pathway 

might be responsible for decreased accumulation of β-Carotene either due to diverging carotenoid 

biosynthetic pathway towards higher α- Carotene accumulation (ε-Cyc) or due to conversion β- 

Carotene into Zeaxanthin (β-Hydroxylase). These genes has been isolated from groundnut and cloned 

into pGEMT-Easy vector and sequenced. 

Conclusions 

Level of total carotenoids was 10-25 fold increase in transgenic events as compared to the 

untransformed controls. Preliminary studies showed an enhanced β-carotene level (~5.5 μg/g) in two 

events. These events have been advanced further for gene stability as well as biochemical profiling. 

KK Sharma, Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur and SN Nigam 

Activity 6.3.1.2 FORT: Develop pigeonpea transgenic events for enhanced production to betacarotenes. 

Milestone: 5-7 introgressed transgenic lines of pigeonpea with enhanced beta-carotene content 

evaluated and development of commercialization package initiated 2011 

Rationale 

Pigeonpea seed contains on average approximately 21% protein and reasonable amounts of essential 

amino acids. Considering the state of Vitamin A malnutrition in most developing and under-developed 

countries and the role pigeonpea can play in subsistence farming, the nutritional improvement of 

pigeonpea with high-level of ß-carotene can play a very important role. Hence this study aims at 

engineering the pro-vitamin A (ß-carotene) biosynthetic pathway in pigeonpea seeds. 


Over 140 primary pigeonpea transgenic events of pigeonpea carrying the maize psy1 gene were 

developed and established in the containment greenhouse for seed development and further 

characterization. Seeds of T1 generation of pigeonpea transgenics were collected from 90 events with 

the maize psy1 gene to study transgene inheritance, segregation and expression in their progeny. 

Extraction and quantification of total carotenoids and ß-carotene in primary transgenic pigeonpea seeds 

was carried out for the selection of best events 


Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation was previously carried out using the binary vectors 

containing maize psy1 gene driven by oleosin promoter for generating pigeonpea transgenic events 

with enhanced level of ß-carotene. Over 140 putative transgenic plants with maize psy1 were 

transferred to the containment greenhouse and characterized at molecular level for the integration and 

305

expression of the transgenes. Total carotenoids in the primary T 0 putative pigeonpea plants were 

estimated spectrophotometrically and 11 events selected for further analysis. The selected events 

showed 2 to 3-fold increase in ß-carotene levels evidenced using HPLC analysis. 

Over 60 transgenic events were advanced to T1 generation and subjected to molecular analysis. Seeds 

were collected from T 1 generation plants and subjected to HPLC analyses for ß-carotene content of 

seed samples. Studies indicate that the transgenics had much higher lutein content over the controls 

amongst the individual carotenoids. Since, ß-lycopene cyclase (BLYC) is the key enzyme involved in ß- 

carotene synthesis pathway, we assume that gene pyramiding with psy1 and BLYC may result in much 

higher accumulation of ß-carotene. Development of newer marker free pigeonpea transgenic plants 

carrying both maize psy1 and tomato ßlyc genes was initiated by using binary vector 

pZP200.Ole:PSY::35S:BLYC, to meet the target levels of provitamin A. 

Conclusions 

Total carotenoids were estimated spectrophotometrically and the transgenic events showed almost two 

fold increase in the total carotenoids. Based on this, 11 events were selected for further analysis for ß- 

carotene estimations using HPLC. Where, a few selected events showed up to 2 to 3 fold increase in ß- 

carotene levels. 

KK Sharma, Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur and KB Saxena 

Activity 6.3.1.3 FORT: Selecting sorghum lines for high grain Fe and Zn contents 

Milestone: Three varieties with high grain Fe (>40ppm) and Zn (>30 ppm) contents identified 2010 

Rationale 

Micronutrient malnutrition (especially of Fe and Zn) is a major health problem in the developing 

countries. Biofortification is a cost effective and sustainable solution to combat micronutrient 

malnutrition. It complements well with the supplementation and chemical fortification methods 

currently being employed to address micronutrient malnutrition. Identification of high grain high Fe 

and Zn lines from the established varieties/R-lines helps in quick development of varieties and hybrids. 


ICRISAT developed more than 1000 R-lines for various traits of global interest. A total of 52 

ICRISAT-bred sorghum R-lines were evaluated for two years (2008 and 2009 postrainy seasons) for 

assessing the grain Fe and Zn contents 


The mean performance of the 52 ICRISAT-bred sorghum R-lines for two years (2008 and 2009 

postrainy seasons) showed that for grain Fe the lines ranged from 25 to 39 ppm with an average of 31 

ppm (SE+: 2.23) and grain Zn content from 16 to 28 ppm with an average of 21 ppm (SE+: 1.26). The 

controls – PVK 801 and RS 29 respectively had 33 and 27 ppm grain Fe and 21 and 16 ppm grain Zn. 

Two R-lines ICSR 113 and ICSR 89035 were significantly superior (by 7% and 9%) to the control - 

PVK 801 for grain Fe contents with grain Fe 38 and 39 ppm and significantly superior (by 25% and 

16%) for grain Zn contents with grain Zn 28 and 26 ppm. Thirty R-lines were significantly 5 to 33% 

superior to the control - RS 29 for grain Fe contents with grain Fe ranging from 30 to 39 ppm and 

significantly superior (by 6 and 62%) for grain Zn contents ranging from 18 to 28 ppm 

Conclusions 

The results showed that thirty R-lines were significantly (by 5 to 33%) superior to the control - RS 29 

for grain Fe contents with grain Fe ranging from 30 to 39 ppm and significantly superior (by 6 and 

62%) for grain Zn contents ranging from 18 to 28 ppm which can be evaluated in multilocation trials 

for assessing the stability of their performance. 


Output target 6.3.2 DTOX: Transgenic groundnut with enhanced resistance to Aspergillus flavus 

and aflatoxin production identified and available for introgression into regionally adapted 

germplasm 

Activity 6.3.2.1 DTOX: Develop and evaluate groundnut transgenic for enhanced resistance to 

Aspergillus flavus 

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Milestone: Five promising transgenic events of groundnut with PNLOX13S gene identified for 

introgression 2010 

Rationale 

Aspergillus flavus infection and subsequent aflatoxin contamination of peanut presents a serious 

agricultural, economical, and health hazard worldwide, especially in developing countries. Since the 

traditional approaches have not worked fully, it is critical that to identify novel solutions to this 

problem. A transgenic approach using seed lipid metabolizing lipoxygenases (LOX) based on available 

evidences of Aspergillus sp. activating the seed lipid pools for sporulation and mycotoxin development 

by overexpressing Pn13LOX gene has been carried out for possible inhibition of aflatoxin biosynthesis. 


Molecular characterization of 20 previously developed transgenic events carrying 35S: PN LOX13S 

has been carried out. Some of these transgenic events have been advanced to T2 generation for seed 

multiplication and inheritance studies. The phenotypic evaluation of these events is being planned 

under contained greenhouse conditions in near future. 

Since, elongation of these plants was a major bottleneck; efforts were made to isolate the novel seedspecific 

promoters from groundnut (GSSP) and chickpea (CPLP) to target the expression of the 

lipoxynase gene in a seed-specific manner, since seed is the ultimate target for A. flavus infection. The 

efficiency of both the promoters has been confirmed through promoter binding studies using electro 

mobility shift assay (EMSA) and by histochemical GUS expression in Arabidopsis. Constructs were 

made using both these promoters to drive the peanut lipoxygenase gene (PnLOX3) in groundnut and 

tobacco. 

KK Sharma and Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur 

Milestone (New): Transgenic events carrying the rice chitinase gene (RChit) characterized and 

screened for A. flavus resistance 2010 


Molecular characterization of four transgenic events carrying the rice chitinase gene (RChit) that had 

previously shown higher chitinase activity were advanced to subsequent generations and their fungal 

bioassays were carried out under lab/greenhouse conditions by using groundnut varieties JL 24 and J11 

as controls. Nine selected transgenic lines in T7 generation which consistently showed 0-10% A. flavus 

infection in vitro were further screened under micro-sick plots. The transgenic events had chitinase 

activity ranging from 2-9 folds in groundnut transgenics compare to untransformed controls. 

Micro-sick plots were designed and developed in the field for contained field evaluation of these 

transgenic events according to the biosafety considerations. A strip trial for event selection under 

natural infection was carried out during the Kharif 2010 (rainy season) with 9 selected transgenic 

events (T6 progenies) under contained field conditions on ICRISAT campus. Each micro-sick plot (2m 

x 3m x 1m) was filled with sand: compost (90:1) with a provision of pipeline system for root-zone 

watering, maintaining the pod zone dry. Inoculum (organic-matrix) for these experiments was prepared 

by growing A. flavus on autoclaved sorghum seeds at 28 o C for 5 days for use in the experiments. A 

total of five inoculations were done viz., before planting, third week of planting, fifth week of planting, 

seventh week of planting and after ninth week of planting. In each inoculation, 50-60 g of organicmatrix 

treatments (A. flavus sporulated sorghum seed) was applied and raked into the soil surface 

within 10 cm of the either side of the planting row. Post inoculation, at 65-70 days of planting 

thermocouples were installed to a depth of 5 cm for recording soil temperature. A water stress in pod 

zone was imposed at this stage while controlled irrigation was supplied in the root zone until 

harvesting. At the time of harvest, the sampling of pods was done for a comprehensive evaluation of 

pre-harvest infection, and aflatoxin content in the seeds using the ELISA based detection system 

developed at ICRISAT. The A. flavus group population densities were measured in the soil at different 

stages of viz., planting, at flowering and at harvest. 

Results indicated that all transgenic events showed significantly lower A. flavus infection ranging from 

(5-24%), and aflatoxin content (4-228 ppb) than the susceptible control JL 24 which showed highest A. 

flavus infection (37.3%) and aflatoxin content (386 pp). Transgenic event 24 and 12 showed 

significantly lower A. flavus infection (5 and 14.4% respectively) compared to other transgenic events 

307

and JL 24. Event # 12, 23, 27, 29, 31, 44, and J11 showed low aflatoxin content (4-94 µg/kg) compared 

to other transgenic events and JL 24. 

KK Sharma and Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur 

Output target 6.3.3 DTOX: Simple and cost-effect test for the estimation of mycotoxins 

(Aflatoxins, Fumonisins and Ochratoxin-A) in crops and commodities, and aflatoxin-adducts in 

human serum developed and validated 

Activity 6.3.3.1 DTOX: Develop simple and cost-effective assays for the detection of mycotoxins in 

crops and commodities 

No milestone for 2010 or subsequent years 

Output target 6.3.4 DTOX: Aflatoxin resistant/tolerant groundnut genotypes identified 

Activity 6.3.4.1 DTOX: Evaluate groundnut varieties for resistance to Aspergillus flavus and 

aflatoxin production by in vitro inoculation studies and on-station testing in sick fields 

Milestone: Preliminary, advanced and elite foliar disease resistant breeding lines evaluated for 

resistance A. flavus and aflatoxin production under artificial inoculation conditions in the field 2009 

Rationale 

Aflatoxin contamination affects both human and livestock health and restricts the international trade of 

the commodity. Growing tolerant varieties compliments with pre and post harvest management to 

minimize Aflatoxin contamination. 


New breeding lines, ICGV 08050, ICGV 08058, ICGV 07165, ICGV 08006, ICGV 08030, ICGV 

08043, ICGV 08268, and ICGV 08234 were used as sources of resistance to aflatoxin in hybridization 

program. Multilocation testing of promising lines 


One set of international aflatoxin resistant groundnut varietal trial seed to India (Gujarat) and 

Bangladesh, and 7 segregating populations were made available to Vietnam. 

New crosses: Ten new crosses were completed in the 2009/10 postrainy and 2010 rainy seasons to 

develop aflatoxin tolerant breeding lines. 

Breeding populations: In the 2009/10 postrainy season, 249 F 2 -F 11 bulks and 95 plant progenies were 

sown for further selection. From these, 355 bulk and 119 single plant selections were made. Of these, 

77 advance generation bulks were identified for inclusion in replicated yield trials. Similarly in the 

2010 rainy season, 207 F 2 -F 12 bulks and 119 plant progenies were sown for further selections. From 

these, 238 bulks and 423 single plant selections were made. The promising selections for agronomic 

traits came from the crosses, (55-437 x UF-71-513-1), (TMV 2 x PI 337409), and (ICGV 91114 x 

ICGV 07152). 

Yield Trials: 

During the 2009 rainy season and in 2009/10 postriany season one hundred and twenty three advanced 

breeding lines including controls were evaluated for yield and other agronomic traits in three replicated 

trials. Same set of trials were also planted in Aflatoxin sick field for screening in the 2009/10 postrainy 

season. The main results are as below- 


In an Advanced Trial, two test lines ICGV 08041(3.2±0.24 t ha -1 pod yield, 73% shelling outturn, 42 g 

HSW) and ICGV 08038 (3.1 t ha -1 pod yield, 66% shelling outturn, 31 g HSW) gave significantly 

higher pod yield than the highest yielding control JL 24 (2.3 t ha -1 pod yield, 60% shelling outturn, 31 g 

HSW). 

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In Preliminary Trial-1, only one line ICGV 09065 (4.4±0.42 t ha -1 pod yield, 61% shelling outturn, and 

29 g HSW) significantly outperformed the highest yielding control ICGV 88145 (2.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 

65% shelling outturn, and 39 g HSW). 

In Preliminary Trial-2, six lines (3.8-2.8±0.29 t ha -1 pod yield) gave significantly higher pod yield than 

the highest yielding control ICGV 88145 (2.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 58% shelling outturn, 37 g HSW). The 

best entry in the trial was ICGV 09087 (3.8 t ha -1 pod yield, 66% shelling outturn, 36 g HSW) followed 

by ICGV 09081 (3.7 t ha -1 pod yield, 63% shelling outturn, 42 g HSW) 


In an Advanced Trial, four lines (4.1-3.4±0.22 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly outyielded the highest 

yielding resistant control ICGV 88145 (2.7 t ha -1 pod yield, 68% shelling outturn, 44 g HSW, 0.0% 

A.flavus infection, and 0.0 µg/kg Aflatoxin contamination). ICGV 08038 ranked first in pod yield (4.1 t 

ha -1 pod yield, 75% shelling outturn, 40 g HSW, 3.5% A.flavus infection, and 209.5 µg/kg Aflatoxin 

contamination). In addition, six other lines showed resistance (0.0 µg/kg) to Aflatoxin contamination 

with pod yield range of 3.2-2.5 t ha -1 . 

In Preliminary Trial-1, three lines (4.3-3.9±0.22 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly outyielded the highest 

yielding control JL 24 (3.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 72% shelling outturn, 38 g HSW, 2.0% A.flavus infection, 

and 1.25 µg/kg Aflatoxin contamination). ICGV 09054 ranked first in pod yield (4.3 t ha -1 pod yield, 

71% shelling outturn, 50 g HSW, 0.0% A.flavus infection, and 10.5 µg/kg Aflatoxin contamination), 

ICGV 09058 ranked second (4.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 71% shelling outturn, 45 g HSW, 0.0% A.flavus 

infection, and 10.7 µg/kg Aflatoxin contamination), and ICGV 09051 ranked third (3.9 t ha -1 pod yield, 

71% shelling outturn, 47 g HSW, 4.0% A.flavus infection, and 3.6 µg/kg Aflatoxin contamination). 

In Preliminary Trial-2, 13 lines (4.0-3.4±0.25 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly outyielded the highest 

yielding resistant control J 11 (2.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 68% shelling outturn, 35 g HSW, 0.0% A.flavus 

infection, and 3.35 µg/kg Aflatoxin contamination). ICGV 09083 ranked fourth in pod yield (3.7 t ha -1 

pod yield, 72% shelling outturn, 54 g HSW, 0.0% A.flavus infection, and 0.0 µg/kg Aflatoxin 

contamination), ICGV 09087 ranked seventh (3.6 t ha -1 pod yield, 78% shelling outturn, 46g HSW, 

1.0% A.flavus infection, and 1.3 µg/kg Aflatoxin contamination), and ICGV 09100 ranked tenth (3.6 t 

ha -1 pod yield, 76% shelling outturn, 36 g HSW, 6.0% A.flavus infection, and 1.15 µg/kg Aflatoxin 

contamination). 


One hundred and forty eight advanced breeding lines including controls were evaluated for yield and 

other agronomic traits in four replicated trials. 

In an Elite Trial, ICGV 08040(1.7±0.22 t ha -1 pod yield, 67% shelling outturn, 34 g HSW) gave 

significantly higher pod yield than the highest yielding control J 11 (1.2 t ha -1 pod yield, 65% shelling 

outturn, 25 g HSW). 

In an Advanced Trial, eleven lines (3.0±0.21 t ha -1 pod yield) gave significantly higher pod yield than 

the highest yielding control ICGV 88145 (1.4 t ha -1 pod yield, 61% shelling outturn, 30 g HSW). ICGV 

09084 produced highest pod yield (3.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 68% shelling outturn, 35 g HSW) followed by 

ICGV 09081 (2.9 t ha -1 pod yield, 68% shelling outturn, 33 g HSW) 

In Preliminary Trial-1, nine lines (3.0±0.21 t ha -1 pod yield) significantly outperformed the highest 

yielding control ICGV 88145 (1.2 t ha -1 pod yield, 61% shelling outturn, and 28 g HSW). The highest 

yielding cultivar in the trial was ICGV 10040 (3.0 t ha -1 pod yield, 68% shelling outturn, 51 g HSW) 

followed by ICGV 10038 (2.7 t ha -1 pod yield, 71% shelling outturn, 39 g HSW) 

In Preliminary Trial-2, two lines (2.1±0.14 t ha -1 pod yield) gave significantly higher pod yield than the 

highest yielding control J 11(1.4 t ha -1 pod yield, 66% shelling outturn, 21 g HSW). The best entry in 

the trial was ICGV 10067 (2.1 t ha -1 pod yield, 66% shelling outturn, 25 g HSW). 


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Milestone: Ten interspecific derivatives of groundnut evaluated for A. flavus and aflatoxin resistance 

and promising lines identified (HKS/NM) 2011 

Rationale 

Wild relatives of crop plants in general and Arachis species in particular are known to have multiple 

disease resistance. With the published report on the transfer of A. flavus-aflatoxin resistance from 

Arachis species, work was initiated at ICRISAT on the introgression of A. flavus-aflatoxin resistance 

from Arachis species. 


Advance generation and stable interspecific derivatives, new sources of tetraploid groundnut 

synthesized at ICRISAT and hybrids lines between cultivated x new sources of tetraploid groundnut 

were screened in ICRISAT sick plot for A. flavus-aflatoxin resistance. 


Hundred and forty lines of advanced generation interspecific derivatives of groundnut, with some of 

the lines repeated from first year’s experiment were screened for Aspergillus flavus infection and 

aflatoxin production. From these lines 36 lines with low A. flavus infection and aflatoxin production 

were identified for further evaluation. Based on first year’s data four promising lines were crossed 

with elite groundnut cultivars and the F3 progeny were screened for A. flavus infection and aflatoxin 

production. All the lines registered low A. flavus damage and aflatoxin production. 

Crosses between elite groundnut cultivars and new sources of amphidiploid groundnut (ISATGR 1212) 

were carried out and high degree of recombination was observed between the two (Table 1). Six F 3 

progeny lines and one F 4 progeny line were screened for A. flavus infection and aflatoxin production. 

It was interesting to note that all the lines showed low A. flavus infection. With respect to aflatoxin 

production except for two lines which produced higher aflatoxin (235-833ug/g), rest of the five lines 

produced low aflatoxin (0-6.7 ug/g). 

Nine Bolivian landrace lines were included in the study to test for A. flavus infection and aflatoxin 

production. Eight lines showed low A. flavus infection (0-3%) and all the nine lines 9including the one 

with higher A. flavus infection (34 %) produced low aflatoxin (0-6.0 ug/g). 

The results show that all the three approaches of utilizing advanced generation interspecific derivatives 

derived from Arachis species, Bolivian landraces, as well as utilizing synthetic groundnut are good 

sources to transfer resistance to A. flavus infection and aflatoxin production. 

Table 6.6: Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin production in cultivated x ISATGR 1212 

lines 

Conclusions 

It is possible to transfer A. flavus resistance and low aflatoxin production from wild relatives of 

groundnut 

Hari Krishan Sudini and Nalini Mallikarjuna 

310

Activity 6.3.4.2 DTOX: Evaluate various soil amendments and biocontrol agents for reducing preharvest 

A. flavus/ aflatoxin contamination in groundnut 

No milestones for 2010 and subsequent years 

Output target 6.3.5. IPM: Effective and eco- friendly IPM technologies designed, evaluated and 

shared with the NARS/NGOs 

Activity 6.3.5.1 IPM: Develop and validate effective IPM technologies for crop production 

Milestone: IPM options tested and validated on-station and on-farm, and disseminated to the farmers 

through NARS and NGOs 2011 

Rationale 

Eco-friendly, effective and economically feasible plant protections options have greater role to play in 

developing IPM technologies. Among various options naturally occurring insect pathogens were found 

very specific to target pests. Developing a bio-agent with high persistence to suit easy application is of 

high importance. 


Two locally available inert dusts were selected and the required virus quantity has been inoculated. The 

virulence of the virus in different formulations was bio-assayed at monthly intervals and compared with 

fresh control. 


Two talc based powder formulations of Helicoverpa NPV have been developed and their bio-efficacy 

has been evaluated under laboratory conditions. These powder formulations after sixteen months of 

storage under laboratory conditions resulted in similar larval mortality compared with fresh virus 

(94%). Field efficacy trials are underway in chickpea during 2010-11 season. 

Conclusions 

NPV powder formulation was found effective in suppression of Helicoverpa on par with conventional 

chemical, Monocrotophos. This can be a better tool in IPM where application of the bio-agent as spray 

is a constraint. 

GV Ranga Rao 

Milestone: Insect pest and disease diagnostic tools and pest population dynamics models in relation to 

climatic changes developed (GVRR/HCS/HKS/SP/RS) 2011 

Rationale 

One of the problems in addressing pest management is inadequate knowledge about the factors 

influencing pest population dynamics. To understand pest dynamics several researchers collect pest 

surveillance data and related agricultural operations and other weather parameters. Correlations 

between some of these factors and pest incidence based on statistical models have been developed. 

However, a functionally viable model for pest forecast is still needed by farmers for efficient and 

effective pest management. 


Pest surveillance data collected at ICRISAT on key pests of chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut crops 

was correlated with daily weather in the farm. 


Pest surveillance data generated from 1991 to 2008 at ICRISAT on key pests of groundnut, chickpea 

and pigeonpea crops has been summarized according to standard week for detailed analysis. The data 

will be subjected to climate variability over years in order to make appropriate conclusions about the 

influence of climate variability on insect pest populations. The data need to be looked critically in 

collaboration with agro-climatologist to draw appropriate conclusions. This would be the prime activity 

for the coming years. 

GV Ranga Rao 

311

Output targets 6.3.6. CAP: Capacity of NARS/NGOs enhanced, and products/information on 

improved cultivars and crop production technologies disseminated in Asia 

Activity 6.3.6.1 CAP: Capacity building and dissemination of information on improved 

cultivars/technologies to NARS/NGOs/farmers in Asia 

Milestone: Nearly 20 students, scientists, apprentices, and technicians trained in various aspects of 

crop improvement, biotechnology, and crop management 2010 

Rationale 

Capacity building has been recognized as a priority item for enhanced use of technologies/capacities by 

researchers to develop and deploy products that meet the crop productivity demands. 

Capacity building Activities during 2010 

One PhD student (Srinivasan) from University of Western Australia worked on physiology, genetics 

and mapping of salt tolerance trait in chickpea graduated successfully during November 2010. Another 

student (Viola) from University of Sydney is presently working on heat tolerance in chickpea. She has 

finished field screening for heat tolerance and controlled environment experiments on reproductive 

biology of selected heat tolerant and sensitive lines. 

PM Gaur, Nalini Mallikarjuna, Rajeev Varshney, 

L Krishnamurthy and Vincent Vadez 

Two groundnut researchers from DAR (Ms Phyu Phyu Moe and Ms Sein Leai Mon) have attended a 

three month training course at ICRISAT in groundnut breeding. One pigeonpea researcher (Ms Khin 

Lay Kyu) and one chickpea researcher (Ms Mar Mar Win) had training at ICRISAT leading to M.Sc 

and Ph.D degrees respectively. Ms Thi Thi Aung from the DAR rhizobium group continued her Ph.D 

program at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Thailand. (ACIAR-ICRISAT project). 

GV Ranga Rao, SN Nigam, PM Gaur and KB Saxena 

• Seven visiting fellows, including scientists and technicians from four countries of SAT Asia have 

undergone training on various aspects of “Groundnut Breeding Methodologies” 

• Three students have undergone training 

• Eleven entrepreneurs were trained on aspects of groundnut seed production and business 


• Imparted training to three apprentices (Ashoka Chakravarthy B, Ramesh Krishnan R, and Madhavi 

L) on “Pathological and Molecular characterization of Rhizoctonia bataticola causing dry root rot 

of chickpea and Phytophthora drechsleri f. sp. cajani causal agent of pigeonpea blight”. 

• Imparted training to 20 participants on high throughput phenotyping of chickpea diseases under “Training course on 

Modern Breeding Methodologies for Chickpea Improvement” at ICRISAT- Patancheru. 

• Imparted training to 5 participants from Seed Companies (Maharashtra) under Groundnut and 

Chickpea field day for “Groundnut and Chickpea Varietal Development Research Consortium 

(GCVDRC) on Fusarium wilt resistance screening at ICRISAT- Patancheru. 

• Imparted training to 6 participants from JNKVV- Jabalpur on “Chickpea and Pigeonpea diseases” 

at ICRISAT- Patancheru. 

• Imparted training to 21 participants on Screening techniques for host resistance in chickpea: 

retrospective and perspective and controlled environment resistance screening for foliar diseases of 

chickpea under “Chickpea Pathology- Training course for newly appointed Plant Pathologist and 

refreshing courses for Senior Pathologist working in the AICRP on Chickpea” at IIPR Kanpur. 

• Imparted training to Dr Dibendu Datta, Principal Scientist from IIPR- Kanpur on “Pigeonpea wilt 

and SM diseases, field screening, identification and selection” at ICRISAT- Patancheru. 


312

Milestone: Nucleus/Breeder seed production of ICRISAT-bred advanced breeding lines released in 

partner countries undertaken on request from NARS Annual 

Rationale 

To provide support for strengthening formal and informal seed systems 

Chickpea: A total 1.79 t breeder seed was produced for nine varieties, which included ICCC 37 (1900 

kg), ICCV 10 (990 kg), KAK 2 (1250 kg), JG 11 (3400 kg), JGK 1 (250 kg), JAKI 9218 (7000 kg), JG 

130 (500 kg), Vihar (1000 kg) and JG 14 (1650 kg) 

PM Gaur, Shailesh Tripathi and CLL Gowda 

Pigeonpea: In 2010, a total of 1682 kg breeder seeds of 13 pure-line varieties (ICPL 87119, ICP 8863, 

ICPL 88039, ICP 7035, ICPL 87051, ICPL 96053, ICPL 85063, ICPL 20092, ICP 13092, ICPL 87091, 

ICPL 151, ICPL 161, and MN8) were distributed to various NARS partners from the Philippines, 

Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, Kenya, and India. Likewise, 1447 seed samples of 7 released varieties 

(ICPL 87119, ICP 8863, ICPL 88039, ICP 7035, ICPL 87051, ICPL 96053, and ICPL 85063) were 

shared with Brazil, India, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, and USA. 

RK Srivastava, KB Saxena and MG Mula 

Groundnut: 2009/10 postrainy season: A total 34.27 t breeder seed of six groundnut varieties were 

produced of which 28.89 t was distributed to various public and private seed producing agencies for 

next stage seed multiplication. Small seed samples of these varieties, each of 2-3 kg was also 

distributed to 89 farmers on request. 

Table 4: Groundnut breeder seed produced and distributed during 2009/10. 

Variety Area(ha) 

Production 

(kg) 

Distribution 

(kg) 

ICGV 91114 18.0 22900 19200 

ICGS 44 2.0 2310 2250 

ICGS 76 1.0 1230 1120 

DRG 12 0.8 1140 1000 

ICGV 00350 2.6 5850 4570 

ICGV 87846 1.0 840 750 

Total 25.4 34270 28890 

2010 rainy season: 1.6 t of Nucleus/Breeder seed of ICGV 91114 and ICGV 87846 was produced for 

further seed production purpose in the 2010/11 postrainy season. 

In addition to the above, seeds of different varieties was provided to various partners as per below: 

• Seeds of 34 sets of international trials sets and 123 advanced breeding lines were provided to 

cooperators in 14 countries. 

• Under IFAD project seeds of three varieties were supplied to three collaborators. ICGV 91114 

(3000 kg), ICGS 44 (60 kg) and ICGS 76 (60 kg) was provided to OTELP; ICGV 91114 (600 

kg) to JTDC and ICGV 91114 (2000 kg) to RDT. 

• As part of TL II project seeds of varieties ICGV 87846 (2050 kg) and ICGV 00351 (500 kg) 

were provided to TNAU; and ICGV 00350 (3200 kg) to UAS collaborators. The seed of these 

varieties was produced and supplied to the collaborators for conduct of on-farm trials and 

further evaluation. 

Also supplied two sets each of XII ISGVT, XII IMGVT(SB), XII IMGVT(VB), XII 

IFDRGVT, XII ICGVT and VII IDRGVT to TNAU and three sets each of XII ISGVT, XII 

IMGVT(SB), XII IFDRGVT, XII ICGVT and VII IDRGVT to UAS for evaluation. 

• Two seed companies (Krishidhan Seeds Limited, Jalna and Nimbkar Seeds Private Limited, 

Phaltan) have renewed their membership to Seed Consortium for the year 2010. 


Milestone: Farmers’ field days, as and when needed, organized at special project locations (All 

scientists) Annual 

Rationale 

Imparting training to the farmers enables adoption of new varieties and technologies by the farmers that 

can be realized as increased production and quality of the crop produce. 

313

Seven field days were conducted in different villages in Kurnool district of AP by our partners. 1538 

men and 405 women participated in these fields’ days. Another three farmers’ days (at Uppugundur, 

Bollavarappadu and Kongapadu) were conducted in Prakasam district of AP. 98 men and 5 women 

attended these fields’ days. Eleven field days were conducted in Dharwad district of Karnataka during 

2010. Totally 1605 people (1305 men and 300 women) participated in the field days. 

PM Gaur, CLL Gowda and NARS partners 

(VJayalakshmi, Y Satish, PM Salimath, DM Mannur) 

Six field days for farmers were organized in India and Nepal to showcase to the farmers the new 

improved varieties and technologies of groundnut. 


Four chickpea field days involving 326 farmers; three pigeonpea field days with 191 farmers; and three 

groundnut field days with 83 farmers were organized in Myanmar under ACIAR-ICRISAT project. 


Field days for pigeonpea were organized to more than 1346 farmers, extension officials and village 

level workers from Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Gulbarga. The 

participants were trained in seed production technology, ICM, IPM and post harvest technologies. 


Milestone: Farmer-friendly literature on crop management and seed production technology published 

and distributed to NARS Annual 

Rationale 

To provide comprehensive information on improved cultivars and production technologies to the 

farmers. 

A chickpea seed production manual was published in English and Telugu. 

PM Gaur, S Tripathi, CLL Gowda, GV Ranga Rao, 

HC Sharma, S Pande, M Sharma and NARS partners 

Farmer-friendly literature on groundnut crop management and its seed production manual are published 

in English and vernacular languages (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Nepali and Vietnamese) and 

made available to partners and other stakeholders. 

SN Nigam 

Extension material on pigeonpea, groundnut and chickpea production technologies and varieties have 

been developed by ICRISAT-DAR/MAS and shared with all the partners in the project area. 


A total of nine farmer friendly literature on pigeonpea cultivation and seed production technology, 

processing, storage, integrated crop management (ICM) technologies, and dal milling were produced in 

leaflet, brochure and in booklet forms in association with PDKV Akola, ANGRAU Hyderabad, Dept. 

of Agriculture-Uttrakhand. Of these, two bulletins are in Marathi, three in Telugu and three in Hindi. 

Details of these publications can be obtained from special project reports. 


Milestone: NARS scientists’ field days in sorghum, pigeonpea, groundnut, and chickpea organized 

Biannual 

Rationale 

To facilitate interactions between ICRISAT and NARS scientists and to provide opportunity to NARS 

partners for selection of breeding materials and germplasms of their interests. 

Chickpea: One field day was organized during January 2010 for the partners of Groundnut and 

Chickpea Varietal Development Research Consortium (GCVRDC). The partners selected breeding 

lines of their interests. 

PM Gaur and CLL Gowda 

314

Groundnut: NARS scientist’s field day was organized to showcase the improved lines and breeding 

populations for various important traits. This enabled the partner breeders to choose the materials as per 

their local requirements. 


Pigeonpea: A total of 7 NARS scientist field days/training programs/exposure visits were conducted in 

India (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka).Scientists were trained in seed 

production technology, post harvest technology to include processing and storage. Structured programs 

conducted in integrated disease and pest management (IPM) practices, and agronomy. Under various 

special projects, training was also imparted at ICRISAT Center, Patancheru for scientists of Andhra 

Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Details of these activities can be found in special project 

reports. 

RK Srivastava and KB Saxena 

Milestone: Farmer-participatory varietal selection trials conducted on legumes to enhance adoption of 

improved cultivars Annual 

Rationale 

Involvement of farmers enables selection of varieties suitable for local preferences and their subsequent 

adoption of that variety in that area. 

Chickpea: FPVS trials were conducted on improved chickpea cultivars/elite lines in Andhra Pradesh 

and Karnataka states of India under Tropical Legumes II project. Taking into account farmer and 

market preferred traits, eight improved cultivars/breeding lines (4 desi + 4 kabuli) were selected for 

FPVS trials at each of the four project locations (Kurnool and Prakasam districts in Andhra Pradesh 

and Dharwad and Gulbarga districts in Karnataka). Twenty mother trials and 217 baby trials were 

conducted in 23 villages (5 to 8 villages in each district) to expose farmers to improved cultivars and 

allow them to select cultivars of their preference. A total of 1181 farmers (1052 male + 129 female) 

were involved in ranking of varieties in FPVS trials. The desi chickpea cultivars JG 11 and JAKI 9218 

were preferred in all four districts. In addition to these, desi chickpea cultivar JG 130 was preferred in 

both the districts of Andhra Pradesh, while desi chickpea cultivar BGD 103 was preferred in both the 

districts of Karnataka. Farmers in Prakasham district of Andhra Pradesh also preferred kabuli chickpea 

cultivar KAK 2. The traits for which these cultivars were preferred included, profuse podding, high 

productivity, early maturity, resistance to fusarium wilt, and market-preferred seed traits (e.g. medium 

seed size in desi type and large seed size in kabuli type). 

PM Gaur, CLL Gowda and NARS partners 

(VJayalakshmi, Y satish, PM Salimath, DM Mannur) 

Groundnut: Farmer-preferred varieties (FPVs) of groundnut were identified through FPVS trials in 

India, Nepal and Vietnam which include ICGV 91114 and ICGS 76 in India; Rajarshi, Baideshi and B4 

in Nepal; and L 14 and L 23, L26, D0401 in Vietnam. Varieties selected through farmers participatory 

research enabled both quick adoption of such a variety and the trial seed given to the farmer helped in 

its dissemination. 


Pigeonpea: In these trials scientists along with farmers selected varieties of their preference. In Orissa, 

India, a total of 6 ha were planted with ICPL 87119 and ICP 7035 intercrop with ragi and maize by 58 

farmers in 35 villages covering four districts. In Nepal, FPVs include ICP 7035, ICPL 86005, ICPL 

88039, and Rampur Rahar 1 were provided to 477 farmers covering 18 ha in the districts of Surkhet, 

Dailekh, Dang, Doti and Bajura. Details of these activities can be found in special project reports. 

RK Srivastava and KB Saxena 

Legumes in Myanmar: Potential cultivars have been evaluated and shared with farming communities 

in Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing divisions of Myanmar following participatory approach under 

ACIAR-ICRISAT collaborative project in Myanmar. Seed production of selected legume varieties in 

the concept of ‘village seed systems’ was established for the first time in Myanmar. In groundnut 

Sinpadatha 7 and 8; pigeonpea ICPL 96061 and Monywashwedinga and chickpea Yezin-4 and Yezin-8 

seed production was established in Laezin, Kyathaeaye, Sar-tine-kan and Shauk-kone villages covering 

2 ha each. A total of 3 tons of pigeonpea seed was produced under village seed banks and distributed to 

315

farmers to cover about 300 ha under these selected varieties in 2010-11 season. Similarly 4 tons of 

chickpea variety Yezin-8 in Sagaing and Yezin-4 were produced in Mandalay division. Twenty nine 

tons of groundnut preferred varieties, Sinpadtha-7 and Sinpadtha-8 were produced in these three 

divisions. 

GV Ranga Rao, SN Nigam, KB Saxena and NARS partners 

Milestone: Insect pest and disease diagnostic tools and pest population dynamics models in relation to 

climatic changes developed 2011 

Rationale 

One of the problems in addressing pest management is inadequate knowledge about the factors 

influencing pest population dynamics. To understand pest dynamics several researchers collect pest 

surveillance data and related agricultural operations and other weather parameters. Correlations 

between some of these factors and pest incidence based on statistical models have been developed. 

However, a functionally viable model for pest forecast is still needed by farmers for efficient and 

effective pest management. 

Materials and Method 

Pest surveillance data collected at ICRISAT on key pests of chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut crops 

was correlated with daily weather in the farm. 


Pest surveillance data generated from 1991 to 2008 at ICRISAT on key pests of groundnut, chickpea 

and pigeonpea crops has been summarized according to standard week for detailed analysis. The data 

will be subjected to climate variability over years in order to make appropriate conclusions about the 

influence of climate variability on insect pest populations. The data need to be looked critically in 

collaboration with agro-climatologist to draw appropriate conclusions. This would be the prime activity 

for the coming years. 

GV Ranga Rao 

316



Reducing Rural Poverty through Agricultural Diversification and Emerging 

Opportunities for High-Value Commodities and Products 

SP Wani 

Output 7.1: African Market Garden technology strategy and knowledge database, developed, tested and 

promulgated with associated capacity development regionally in the SAT of the Sahel in collaboration with 

AVRDC and ICRAF and assessed in comparison with existing and new potential dryland alternatives 

Activity 7.1.1. Comparison between four water delivery methods for irrigation in Niger 

For market gardening in Africa, four common approaches for water lifting to irrigate viz. hand 

lifting, treadle pumps, motor pumps and solar pumps were assessed. The water lifting technologies 

were supposed to lift water from a depth of 5 m to irrigate a hectare in Niger over a period of 200 

days/year. 

The annual amortization of the solar pumping system is lower than lifting water by hand, or using motor pumps 

(Table 1). The treadle pump is the most economic alternative at current cost levels but it is not sustainable in 

West Africa due to frequent breakdowns that are not repaired. The costs of solar pumping systems are expected 

to decrease even more. At a cost of 2800 US$ for the solar pumping system it becomes more economic than the 

treadle pump (at labor cost of 2 US$ per day). 

Table 1. Economic comparison of different water supply alternatives used in Niger for irrigation at two 

labor costs: US$2 and 1 US$ per man day 

Hand lifting Treadle pump Motor pump Solar pump 

apptechdesign.org/ 

qty 

unit 

cost total amortz qty 

unit 


unit 


unit 

cost total amortz 

$ $ $/year $ $ $/year $ $ $/year $ $ $/year 

Equipment 3 10 30 15 1 70 70 18 1 400 400 80 1 3,800 3,800 380 

Well 3 30 90 23 1 100 100 10 1 200 200 20 1 200 200 20 

Water distr. network 0 0 1 75 75 8 1 100 100 10 1 100 100 10 

Maintenance 3 11 40 10 

Fuel 0 0 480 0 

Labor@2 $/manday 556 2 1,111 139 2 278 20 5 

Labor@1 $/manday 556 1 556 139 1 139 10 3 

Total 1,152 324 660 428 

@Labor 2$/day 

Total 596 185 640 423 

@Labor 1$/day 

General assumptions 

Water need: 80 m 3 /day/hectare for 200 days/year equals 4,000 m 3 /year 

Site characteristics: assume >40 m 3 /hr well recharge, water table at 5m depth 

Well types: Hand dug well at 30US$ lifetime 4 years; Washboard well 50 US$; Tube well at 200 US$ lifetime 10 years 

Water distribution network: Underground pvc pipe system from pump to multiple field outlets used to irrigate 800 m 2 area 

Hand Lifting: at 5m depth Q= 0.25 L/s= 7.2 m 3 /day/person. Hand dug well. Require 3 water lifting points. 

Treadle pump: Q= 1 L/s= 28.8 m 3 /day/person. Washboard well. Requires 1 water lifting point. 

Motor pump: 3 hp uses 0.12 Liter of fuel to move 1m 3 water. Fuel cost 1 US$/liter. Tube well. Labor 1h/day 

Solar pump: Tubewell. Installation cost 3800US$ incl import, transport and installation. Labor 0.25h/day 

Lifetime Hand lifting 2, Treadle pump 4, Motor pump 5 and Solar pump 10 years 

1 US$= 500 CFA 


Niger 

317 

L Woltering and D Pasternak

Activity 7.1.2. Low head drip irrigation for farmers in Niger: a technical evaluation 

Various companies, notably Chapin of the US that produces thin drip tapes with inserted drip emitters and the 

US NGO called IDE (International Development Enterprise) that use micro-tubes to replace drip emitters are 

advocating “affordable” small scale drip systems. ICRISAT on the other hand promotes highest quality drip line 

to guarantee long term sustainability and water distribution reliability. These are produced by the Naandan-Jain 

company. A comparison of the hydraulic performance of the three systems was carried out. Drip laterals of the 

three types were connected to 200 litres water barrel with adjustable height to give a range of water pressures. 

Drip discharge was measured for each of the three options at 0.3 m intervals. Lateral length was increased 

stepwise every 5 meters after a set of measurements were taken. 

Drip discharge for the 3 systems at four rates of water pressure and at various lateral length are Given in Figure 

1. The hydraulic performance of the IDE system was totally unsatisfactory. The very high drip discharge 

actually negates the main advantages of low pressure drip that is a relatively low rate of discharge. High rates of 

discharge results in leaching of soluble nutrients below the root level. Furthermore the drip discharge of the IDE 

system varied considerable with distance from the water source undermining a very important principle of drip 

irrigation that is water distribution uniformity. The hydraulic performance of both the Chapin and the Naandan 

Jain systems was very satisfactory. The Chapin system however is based on thin walled tubes that disintegrate 

within two years of installation whereas the Naandan Jain system has a life span of more than 10 years. 

6 

5 

4 

(a) H=2m 

Jain 

Dtape 

IDE 

6 

5 

4 

(b) H=1.5m 

Jain 

Dtape 

IDE 

q (L/hr) 

3 

2 

q (L/hr) 

3 

2 

1 

1 

0 

5 10 15 20 25 30 

Lateral Length (m) 

0 

5 10 15 20 25 30 


(c) H=1m 

(d) H=0.5m 

6 

5 

4 

Jain 

Dtape 

IDE 

6 

5 

4 

Jain 

D Tape 

IDE 

q (L/hr) 

3 

2 

q (L/hr) 

3 

2 

1 

1 

0 

5 10 15 20 25 30 


0 

5 10 15 20 


Figure 1. Water discharge from three drip systems as a function of distance from the water source and 

water pressure 


Niger 

L Woltering, Ibrahim Ali and D Pasternak 

318

Activity 7.1.3. The economic performance of the AMG compared with farmers’ practice (FM) and 

improved management (IM) 

Low-pressure drip irrigation is promoted in Sub Saharan Africa as an alternative to traditional methods of small 

scale irrigation of vegetables. The African Market Garden (AMG) is a horticultural production system for small 

holders based on low-pressure drip irrigation combined with an improved crop management package. An 

experiment was conducted on-station in Niger on three adjacent 500 m 2 plots in a sandy acid soil. Crop 

productivity was greatly improved when traditional practices were substituted by improved management 

practices. The AMG gave the highest crop yields for okra and eggplant. The AMG gave in all cases higher 

returns to investment than the treatments irrigated with watering cans. Labor accounts for up to 45% of the 

production cost in vegetable gardens irrigated by hand, where 75% of the producer time is spent on irrigation. 

The total labor requirement for the drip irrigated AMG was on an average 1.4 person hours per day against 5.3 

person hours per day for the farmer practice on a 500 m² garden. Return to labor is at least double for the AMG 

against the other treatments. The returns to land from eggplant were found to be US$ 1.7, 0.8 and 0.1 per m 2 for 

the AMG, IM and FP respectively. The return to water is around US$ 2 per cubic meter. In the FP, returns to 

water are marginal for okra and eggplant. 


Niger 

L Woltering, D Pasternak and Ibrahim Ali 

Activity 7.1.4. Trainings on micro irrigation, improved vegetable and seed production 

Research has demonstrated that by improving the management of vegetables crops even while using the 

watering-can technology one can double vegetables yields. In an effort for scaling up, training in IM was 

imparted to a total of 3,200 producers by the end of 2010 which later on was followed up for project technicians. 

A high level course on low and high pressure drip irrigation was given to engineers from 4 countries in West 

Africa. 

Following 9 years of research and development the AMG is now ready for up-scaling. Indeed during the coming 

two years we are expecting to see the installation of about 450 hectares of AMG in Senegal, Benin and Niger. 

This should directly affect the livelihood of about 70,000 people. The AMG is now being disseminated in many 

Sahelian countries without the intervention of ICRISAT. 

Table 2. Training events on Vegetables production management and on drip irrigation during 2010. 

Training Courses 

Event, Topic, Date/Scientist 

March 

Septem 

ber 

Regional training on drip 

irrigation 

D Pasternak/L Woltering 

Training on onion seeds 

production 

S Kumar, I Houseini, D 

Pasternak 

Venue Participant Participating 

centers/Institutes 

ISC 25 ADESCA, IAMGOLD 

IER/CRRA, IER, PCD 

Direction Nationale de 

l’Agriculture, Mali, 

ACH, MANOMA SA, 

Mission Internationale 

la Vie, ICRISAT 

ISC 12 SNV, FRUPOAM 

Resources & 

Collaborative 

Support 

ICRISAT, 

IPALAC 

Farmers training on improved 

vegetables production. 

Dov Pasternak/ 

Navid/technicians 

Farmers training on improved 

vegetables production. 

Dov Pasternak/ 

Navid/technicians 

Field 

training 

Field 

training 

1,600 ARZIKI, ICRISAT USAID through 

CLUSA 

1,600 ARZIKI, ICRISAT USAID through 

CLUSA 

D Pasternak, L Woltering, S Kumar, Houseini, Navid and technicians 

319

Activity 7.1.5. The Sahelian Eco-Farm (SEF) 

The Objective of the SEF was to develop a rainfed production system with higher profitability than the existing 

cereal-legume production systems. Two models were tested over a period of seven years, 

Model 1- This model is based on planting of Pomme du Sahel trees in demilunes connected by soil trenches. The 

trees are intercropped with cowpeas and with watermelons. 

Model 2 - This model is based on hedges of Acacia colei spaced at 20X4 m interval. The trees are intercropped with 

millet, cowpeas and Roselle on a rotation basis. An economic analysis of the two models was carried out using data 

collected over a period of 5 years. 

The net present value of model 2 was similar that of the traditional grain/legume system of the Sahel. However 

income in model 1 was significantly higher than income from a traditional system. 

Figure 2. Net present values over different time horizons 


Sahel region 

D Pasternak 

Activity 7.1.6. Vegetables research 

Most vegetable varieties used in the Sahel are imported from Europe. Most are not adapted to the local climate, soils 

and cultivation methods. Over a period of 9 years, ICRISAT, later joined by AVRDC has been selecting, purifying 

and breeding new vegetable varieties for the Sahel with an objective of replacing/stopping import of seeds from 

Europe. 

Table 3 gives the names and traits of 14 varieties/lines selected, purified and bred by ICRISAT/AVRDC. These 

varieties are being disseminated by small vegetables seeds producers trained by ICRISAT/AVRDC while foundation 

seeds are being produced at ICRISAT-Niger. 

320

Table 3. Vegetable varieties selected and improved by ICRISAT/AVRDC 

Species Varieties Origin Traits Popularity 

Tomatoes 

Lettuce 

Okra 

Melons 

Cucumbers 

Hot Pepper 

Sweet 

Pepper 

Sweet Corn 

Carrots 

Watermelons 

Moringa 

Onions 

Icrixina Xina variety Rainy season variety, very 

high yields 

Sadore 

Hazera 

germplasm 

Maya Dr. Dov 

Globerson 

Konni Selection from 

local land race 

Very firm fruit, long shelf 

life, very high quality 

Bolting tolerant, year round, 

high yield, high quality 

Very early, short bush, high 

yielding, good quality 

Ein Dor Israel Very heat tolerant, very 

tasty, high yield 

Bet Alpha Israel High yield, heat tolerant, 

tasty, short shelf life 

Safi Senegal Very high yields, long 

production season, very 

Diffa Selection from 

local land race 

pungent 

Lamuyo type, tolerant to 

poor growing conditions, 

used for drying 

Main rainy season tomato 

in Niger 

To be released in 2011 

Spreading fast in Niger 

Spreading fast in Niger, 

good for rain-fed 

production 



Spreading 

Fast in Niger 

Released in 2010 

True Gold USA High yield, heat tolerant Gaining in popularity for 

rainy season 

Uberlandia Brazil Produces seeds in the Sahel To be released in 2011, 

Malali Israel Very tasty, high yield, Limited spread 

drought tolerant 

PKM 1 Selection from Very high yield, vary tasty Spreading very fast in 

Two lines of 

Violet de Galmi 

Indian variety 

Selection from 

among 50 lines 

Line 28 with long storage 

life, line 13 with high yields 

Niger 

To be released in 2011 


Niger 

S Kumar and D Pasternak 

Activity 7.1.7. Fruit trees research- Dissemination of Pomme du Sahel 

Pomme du Sahel is the name given by ICRISAT to the domesticated Ziziphus mauritiana called Ber in India. 

Dissemination of Pomme du Sahel through the production of grafted trees at the nursery level and second through 

grafting of mature wild Ziziphus trees with Pomme du Sahel scions is evaluated. The latter technology is preferable 

because there is no need to care for young plants until they bear fruit four years late. Grafted mature wild Ziziphus 

give fruit six months after grafting. The income from a mature grafted tree is $20/year. Pomme du Sahel has spread 

very fast in Niger. Hundreds of thousands trees were planted with a period of seven years and its fruit is now sold in 

all major markets of Niger 


Niger 

321

Activity 7.1.8. Research on Gum Arabic production with Acacia senegal 

Acacia senegal a drought tolerant and commonly planted in many countries on degraded lands produces the gum 

arabic, which is an international trade product. Experiment on tapping intensity was conducted in a plantation 

established in 1993 and data on gum yield collected over five years from 2004 to 2008 on 123 trees. A repeated 

measurement analysis was used compare individual trees based on gum yield. 

Gum yield is very variable among trees during the same year and between years. The highest average gum yield 

recorded over the five years is 814 g. Grouping of trees in yield classes indicates that over a period of five years 

18% of the trees produced 500 to 899 g gum yr -1 tree -1 . Two percent of the trees did not produce any gum, while 

27% of the trees produced

especially where technical backstopping is provided. Respondents in both locations regard the education of their 

children as a priority concern. 

It is not surprising for women-respondents to have significant role in agricultural activities while attending to their 

domestic role. Planting, weeding, spraying, and harvesting are operations regarded as extremely difficult in 

Kothapally while land preparation, planting and harvesting in Urella. 

Most were aware of the check dams (51%), vermicomposting (49%) and the provision of seeds and planting 

materials (34%). However, in terms of the importance of these to their immediate households and community, 

responses varied. For instance, more than one half of those who were aware of the check dams regarded this as ‘not 

important’ directly for their household but ‘extremely important’ for the community. The over-all assessment 

whether the interventions had contributed in elevating women-respondents’ quality of life revealed viewpoints of 

positive impact (51%) where agricultural productivity improved to a large extent (31%). Mean income of womenrespondents 

from primary source was significant at 10% level of significance among those with ages of

Table 4. Effect of tillage and crop residue additions on maize yield in two cropping systems during Kharif 

2010. 

Crop residue 

Maize - Chickpea Maize/pigeonpea 

(t ha -1 ) 

Minimum tillage Residues added 5.6 6.1 

No residues added 6.8 5.3 

Mean 6.2 5.7 

Normal tillage Residues added 6.2 5.1 

No residues added 6.2 5.7 

Mean 6.2 5.4 

Mean - residue added 5.9 5.6 

Mean - no residue added 6.5 5.5 

LSD ( 5%) for tillage = 0.46 t ha -1 , residue = 0.46 t ha -1 , Cropping systems = 0.34 t ha -1 , Tiilage x residue 

= 0.66 t ha -1 and tillage, residue x cropping systems = 0.81 t ha -1 


India 


CRIDA 


Sehgal Foundation and Ministry of Agriculture, GOI 

Piara Singh, SP Wani, P Pathak, Ram A Jat, Girish Chander, 

L Mohan Reddy, Kiara Winans and Uttam Kumar 

Activity 7.2.3. Enhance water use efficiency (WUE) of supplemental irrigation in the rainfed production 

systems. 

Water scarcity and low water productivity of production systems are the major problems limiting crop 

production in rainfed systems. A long-term experiment was initiated in BW 5 watershed at ICRISAT, 

Patancheru to enhance the water use efficiency of rainfall and supplemental irrigation of cropping systems with 

adoption of appropriate land, crop and water management practices on the Vertisols. The BW5 watershed 

experiment comprise of two land forms (flat and BBF), two methods of irrigation (flood and drip) and two levels 

of crop management (farmers’ level of soil fertility and optimum level of soil fertility management). The 

cropping system being evaluated is maize (rainy season)-chickpea (post-rainy season)-vegetables (summer 

season). 

During 2009, landforms did not affect yield of maize and chickpea. Improved soil fertility increased yield of 

maize by 20% and of chickpea by 12% (Table 5). Land management x fertility management interaction for 

chickpea yield was significant. During summer season of 2010, drip irrigation increased the yield of okra by 

36% and BBF system by 17% over the flat landform. Drip irrigation was more effective on BBF than on flat 

landform and increased the yield by 32%. There was no difference between BBF and flat under flood irrigation. 

Farmers’ practice of soil fertility management (application of FYM) gave about 14% higher okra yield than the 

improved practice (balanced nutrition with chemical fertilizers). During 2010 (high rainfall year), BBF increased 

the yield of maize by 26% over the flat landform. Improved soil fertility management increased the maize yield 

by 9%. Maize yields were 42% higher in plots where drip irrigation was given in the summer season to okra. 

These results indicate that BBF system, improved soil fertility management and summer cropping are 

contributing towards increasing water use and water use efficiency. These results showed that BBF system along 

with integrated nutrient management and drip irrigation enhanced the productivity and water use efficiency of 

the production systems being evaluated. These results are to be further confirmed in the following seasons. 

324

Table 5. Yield of crops in BW5 watershed during 2009-10 and 2010-11 cropping seasons. 

Maize 

yield 

(t ha -1 ) 

Chickpea 

(t ha -1 ) 

Season : 2009-10 

Maize + chickpea 

MEY 

(t ha -1 ) 

Okra 

yield 

(t ha -1 ) 

Season : 2010- 

11 

Maize yield 

(t ha -1 ) 

Irrigation Land Mgmt 

Improved management 

Drip BBF 4.5 1.4 7.9 2.2 5.2 

Flat 5.0 1.5 8.6 1.8 3.6 

Flood BBF 4.3 1.2 7.2 1.4 3.1 

Flat 4.3 1.3 7.5 1.5 3.5 

Mean 4.5 1.4 7.8 1.7 3.8 

Framers management 

Drip BBF 4.1 1.3 7.3 2.6 5.6 

Flat 4.2 1.2 7.1 1.8 3.0 

Flood BBF 3.8 1.2 6.7 1.7 2.7 

Flat 2.9 1.2 5.8 1.6 3.0 

Mean 3.8 1.2 6.7 1.9 3.5 

LSD (0.05) 1.79 0.25 1.77 0.60 1.91 


India 


Sustainable Agriculture Initiative 


Jain Irrigation, Jalgaon, India 

Piara Singh, S P Wani, P Pathak, Gajanan L Sawargaonkar, 

Girish Chander and L Mohan Reddy 

Activity 7.2.4. Assessing long-term impacts of SWNM options on crop productivity for sustainable 

management of Vertic Inceptisols watersheds. 

Vertic Inceptisols occupy about 72 million hectares of land in India. Land degradation, waterlogging, runoff and soil 

erosion, nutrient mining are the major constraints limiting the productivity of the soybean-based production systems 

to 1.0 t ha -1 . Since 2004-05, two cropping systems (soybean/pigeonpea intercrop and maize-chickpea sequential 

systems) are being evaluated with improved (BBF + crop residues +20 kg P ha -1 ) and traditional (sowing on flat + 

20 kg P ha -1 ) management. Overall, with improved management, the yields of soybean/ pigeonpea intercrop systems 

increased by 7-15% and that of maize-chickpea sequential system by 6-23%, indicating that the benefits of improved 

management are more for the non-legume system. Also the yield benefits were on the shallow soil than on the 

medium-deep soil. During 2009-10 (drought year), the soybean crop failed, whereas the maize and safflower grain 

yields averaged 1420 kg ha -1 and 820 kg ha -1 , respectively. Improved management gave 5 to 10% increase in system 

productivity over the traditional management. These studies have shown that the productivity of soybean and maizebased 

systems can be at least doubled with efficient use of resources on these soils. 


India 


CRIDA 


Sehgal Foundation 

Piara Singh, S P Wani, P Pathak, L Mohan Reddy and KL Sahrawat 

325

Activity 7.2.5. Benefits and tradeoffs of agricultural water interventions at the watershed and catchment scale 

This study analyzed the impact of in-situ and ex-situ agricultural water management on water resources availability, 

soil loss and crop yields at upstream location and consequent impacts on downstream locations. The impacts of 

various soil and water management interventions in the watershed were compared to non-intervention state during a 

30-year simulation period by application of the calibrated and validated ARCSWAT 2005 modelling tool. 

Methodology is first tested at Kothapally watershed (3 km 2 ) and same approach is implemented for Osman Sagar 

catchment area (736 km 2 ). 

Watershed management programmes including in-situ water harvesting and ex-situ harvesting in check-dams 

significantly changed water resources availability in watersheds. Check-dams helped in storing water for 

groundwater recharge, which can be used for irrigation, as well for minimizing soil loss. In-situ water management 

practices improved infiltration capacity and water holding capacity of the soil, which resulted in increased water 

availability and better crop yields. Water outflows from the developed watershed was more than halved as compared 

to no-intervention stage, indicating portion of runoff retention in the watershed, reduced soil loss, reducing potential 

threat of flooding downstream areas while upgrading rain-fed agriculture, improving productivity and livelihood of 

farmers in upland areas and also addressing the issues of poverty, equity and gender in watersheds. Watershed 

interventions in agriculture in the forms of in-situ and ex-situ water harvesting systems are important for 

strengthening the resilience to drought in tropical agriculture in uplands which are the hot spots of poverty, water 

scarcity and land degradation. Reduced water flows to the downstream areas could be affected with large scale 

development of watersheds in the upstream areas. There is need to study the tradeoffs between the goal of poverty 

reduction in upland areas and water flows for downstream areas further. 


India 


Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm, Sweden 

KK. Garg and SP Wani 

Activity 7.2.6. Biological nitrification inhibition in sorghum rhizosphere soil 

Sorghum (including sweet sorghum) has the ability to release chemical substances from their roots that can suppress 

the nitrifer activity and soil nitrification, and this phenomenon is termed as biological nitrification inhibition (BNI). 

We need to obtain evidence of the existence of BNI function under field conditions and clarify how soil properties 

affect the BNI. 

Sorghum cultivars (PVK801, NTJ-2, CSH-16, HTJH3201 and CSH22SS) were cultivated in the kharif season in 

three experimental fields with different soils (2 Alfisols and 1 Vertisols). Soil around the roots was collected 

periodically and nitrification activities in the soil samples were measured by a soil incubation method. 

The nitrification activity in the rhizosphere soil of NTJ 2 was significantly lower than the bare soil (+N) in Alfisol 1 

at 3rd sampling (Table 6). The nitrification activity in the rhizosphere soil of CSH22SS was significantly lower than 

the bare soil (+N) in Alfisol 2 at 3rd sampling. Although the nitrification activities in the other samples were not 

significantly different, the nitrification activities in the rhizosphere soils of the 4 grain sorghums and 1 sweet 

sorghum were tended to be lower than those in the bare soil (–N and +N) in Alfisols 1 and 2 at 3rd sampling. The 

nitrification activities were not significantly different among the samples in Alfisols 1 and 2 at 1st and 2nd 

samplings. In Vertisol 1, the nitrification activities were not significantly different among the samples for all the 3 

samplings. The nitrification activity and soil pH (H 2 O) showed positive correlation (P

Table 6. Nitrification activities of the soil samples (unit: mg N/ kg dry soil/ day) 

Alfisol 1 Alfisol 2 Vertisol 1 

Initial 1st § 2nd § 3rd Initial 1st § 2nd § 3rd Initial 1st § 2nd § 3rd § 

Bare soil − N 5.5 9.3 6.9 6.1ab 5.1 9.6 8.5 6.3abc 13.1 10.9 0.8 10.4 

+ N 8.8 6.1 6.6a 9.6 8.2 6.6ab 18.7 9.0 12.0 

CSH22SS 10.6 8.1 3.7ab 10.3 6.8 2.7c 

29.6 5.5 11.5 

CSH16 9.3 7.4 4.3ab 12.2 7.8 4.3bc 19.1 3.9 13.4 

Soil 

PVK801 11.6 7.9 4.5ab 14.8 10.8 6.2abc 18.5 0.4 10.8 

around 

NTJ2 8.6 7.1 3.3b 

9.7 9.6 4.2bc 14.0 4.7 13.2 

the roots 

HTJH3201 9.0 8.6 5.0ab 13.1 9.6 4.8abc 18.9 5.2 11.5 

86M64 10.4 6.8 5.9ab no-data 9.2 8.2a 24.1 5.5 11.1 

CSH22SS 10.4 8.2 5.4ab 10.4 7.7 5.8abc 18.6 1.3 10.7 

CSH16 10.4 8.0 4.5ab 11.4 8.8 6.3abc 30.9 3.6 11.1 

PVK801 13.1 9.1 5.5ab 10.2 8.8 6.5ab 19.7 4.0 11.5 

Bulk soil 

NTJ2 10.8 7.8 4.9ab 9.6 10.7 6.9ab 22.8 10.5 13.2 

HTJH3201 11.5 8.9 5.6ab 10.4 9.5 5.1abc 26.5 5.9 9.4 

86M64 11.1 9.0 5.7ab no-data 10.0 7.3ab 12.6 2.9 12.3 

:V alues in a colum n follow ed by he sam e letter are not significantly different using a Tukey's m ultiple com parison 

(P

Figure. 4. Nitrous oxide emissions from alfisols cultivated with sweet sorghum. The vertical bars show the 

range of flux in triplicate measurements. 

High N 2 O emissions were noticed after the application of nitrogen fertilizer for two weeks. The emissions of N 2 O 

after the application of nitrogen fertilizer suggests that nitrification of the applied nitrogen fertilizer had taken place. 

Based on this preliminary result alone it is difficult to conclude that there is no BNI activity in sweet sorghum. 

Factors such as soil pH, temperature, physiological stage etc., may be influencing BNI activity and which needs to 

be looked upon. 


India 

K Ramu, T Watanabe, H Uchino, 

SP Wani, O Ito and KL Sahrawat 

Activity 7.2.8. Monitoring occurrence of various pesticide residues in high value crops and ecosystem. 

High value crops cover only in 10% of the area, but consume more than 75% of the total pesticides. This 

injudicious use created the problem of residues in food chain. The information on the occurrence of the toxic 

residues in various natural resources (soil and water) and crops is of high value to develop management 

strategies. 

To address the above issue an on-farm study was taken up leading to Ph.D program under ANGRAU. Among the 

food crops and cotton analyzed for presence of insecticide residues (monocrotophos, chlorpyriphos, alpha 

endosulfan, beta endosulfan and cypermethrin), one rice grain sample out of 5 samples collected from Kothapally 

(IPM village) was contaminated and among the soil samples, residues were detected from maize and rice fields 

of Enkepally (Non-contact village). 

Out of the total 45 tomato fruit samples from Kothapally analyzed for insecticide residues over a period of five 

seasons (2008-10), 11 samples (24%) were found to contain residues. In Enkepally village, the residues were 

observed in 50% of samples (15 out of 30 samples) during this period. However, none of the samples from 

Kothapally and 7% of contaminated samples from Enkepally had residues above MRLs. 

Among the 40 brinjal samples analyzed, 17 (17%) samples from Kothapally and 29 (73%) samples from the 

Enkepally contained insecticide residues. The overall residue levels in brinjal during the study period indicated 

7% of samples in Enkepally above MRLs. 

None of the water samples collected from Kothapally (food crops, cotton and vegetable crops) was contaminated 

with residues. 

328

The adoption of IPM in Kothapally for a decade resulted in rectifying their contaminated soils and water from 

pesticides. All the water from open and bore wells and soil samples from various fields were found free from 

pesticide residues. 


India 


ANGRAU 

G V Ranga Rao, K L Sahrawat and Suhas P Wani 

Activity 7.2.9. Balanced nutrient management involving sulphur, boron and zinc evaluated and developed 

The emerging widespread deficiencies of S, B and Zn in the rainfed SAT are apparently holding back the realization 

of existing productivity potential and resulting inefficient utilization of existing available water resources leading to 

low rain water use efficiency (RWUE). Present scenario so demands attention to evaluate and develop fertilization 

practice involving S, B and Zn to boost productivity and crops ability to enhanced productive transpiration. Keeping 

this in view, a long term experiment was started since 2007 to evaluate the frequency (Once in a year, once in 2 

years, once in 3 years) and dose (Full and 50%) of S, B and Zn with soybean-sorghum and maize-chickpea cropping 

systems. The effects of different practices were recorded on soybean and maize productivity during rainy season 

2010. Full dose of S + B + Zn comprised 200 kg gypsum (30 kg S) + 5 kg borax (0.5 kg B) + 50 kg ZnSO 4 (10 kg 

Zn). The secondary and micronutrients were applied to rainy season crop as per the treatment. 

The findings of the study proved without doubt the role of S, B and Zn application in crop productivity improvement 

in soybean and maize crops. The applied S, B and Zn increased soybean grain productivity over the only application 

of recommended N and P by 24-37% in application once in a year, 18-24% in application once in 2 years and 7% in 

application once in 3 years. The maximum grain and straw productivity was observed with 50% SBZn applied every 

year which seems the best S, B and Zn application strategy. Regular annual additions of lower dose of limiting 

secondary and micronutrients regulated optimum nutrition for realizing best productivity. As regards application of 

SBZn once in 2 or 3 years, the full dose recorded the best productivity. The next best alternative of SBZn 

application, from productivity and % increase over only NP application, seems their application once in 2 years 

rather than once in 3 years. The SBZn application once in 2 years recorded 24% increase over only NP while SBZN 

application once in 3 years recorded only 7% increase over only NP application. Similar results were recorded in 

maize crop. 


India 

Girish Chander, Suhas P Wani and KL Sahrawat 

Activity 7.2.10. Integrated nutrient management (INM) involving deoiled Jatropha cake evaluated and developed 

In context of present scenario, biofuel is considered as a strategy to mitigate the impacts of global warming driven 

climate change through carbon sequestration. Jatropha as a biofuel plant is a good candidate as it is drought tolerant, 

its seeds have > 30% oil, the plants are not browsed by cattle and goats, and hence recommended for the 

rehabilitation of open degraded lands. The by-product deoiled cake (after oil extraction) being non-edible, but rich in 

nutrients finds its use in INM options for crop production. Therefore studies were conducted during rainy season 

2010 with soybean and maize crops to evaluate the deoiled cake as a source of nutrients on basis of replacing 50 or 

100% of basal N requirement. The other recommended nutrients were also adjusted taking into account the addition 

through the cake. The recommended N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O for maize were 120:60:40 kg ha -1 and for soybean 30:60:40 kg ha - 

1 . Fifty per cent of recommended N in maize and full recommended N in soybean was added as basal application. 

The results clearly documented the benefits in integrated nutrient management involving chemical fertilizers and 

organic deoiled Jatropha cake. In soybean crop, addition of cake on basis of replacing 50% of basal N through cake 

proved the best practice. Probably this practice fits well in meeting the twin objectives of meeting N requirement in 

soybean in initial stages in immediately available form and increasing fertilizer use efficiency due to use of organics. 

The addition of 50% of basal N through cake in soybean recorded 27% increase in grain yield over sole use of 

329

chemical fertilizers. On the contrary, in maize crop, replacing whole of the basal N requirement through Jatropha 

cake proved the best practice. Replacement of basal N through cake recorded an increase in grain yield by 8% over 

basal N through sole use of chemical fertilizers. 


India 


IFAD and D1 plantation 

Girish Chander, Suhas P Wani, KL Sahrawat 

Activity 7.2.11. Farmer participatory evaluation of site specific nutrient management (SSNM) involving 

secondary and micronutrients in Andhra Pradesh 

Site specific nutrient management involves the most efficient use of nutrient inputs in bringing in the best possible 

economic productivity improvement. Therefore, during rainy season 2010, the trials were conducted with farmers 

who were issued soil health cards in 8 target districts. The fertilizer recommendations were adjusted as per the soil 

analysis results of the selected farmers’ fields. 

The site specific nutrient management increased ground nut pod yield by 25%, greengram yield by 14%, cotton 

yield by 41% and sorghum yield by 22% over the farmers practice indicating the superiority and rationale of 

adopting SSNM (Table 7). 

Table 7. Effect of SSNM on crop yields in rainfed districts of Andhra Pradesh, India rainy season, 2010 

Pod/Grain Yield (kg/ha) 

District 

Crop 

FP 

BN 

% Increase 

Nalgonda Groundnut 1404 1749 25 

Rangareddy Greengram 1467 1673 14 

Warangal Cotton 1729 2432 41 

Adilabad Sorghum 2273 2773 22 


India 


CRIDA, KVK (Adilabad, Nalgonda), WASSAN, MARI, BIRD, CWS, AAKRUTI 


NAIP, ICAR 

Suhas P Wani, Girish Chander and KL Sahrawat 

Activity 7.2.12. Farmer participatory soil test based nutrient management evaluated and demonstrated 

A range of trials were conducted in rainfed semi arid regions of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states in India 

(Table 8). The focus was to demonstrate and evaluate the nutrient management strategies – balanced nutrition (BN) 

including deficient secondary and micro nutrients; Integrated nutrient management (INM) involving secondary and 

micro nutrients plus vermicompost; Residual effects of secondary and micronutrients; BN in rainy fallows with 

common land form management; effect of slow release B fertilizer-Boromag. In addition the best bet practice (BN 

plus improved cultivar) was scaled up in farmers fields. Two land form management technologies were evaluated 

for double cropping in rainy fallow regions. 

330

Table 8. Detail of participatory nutrient management trials demonstrated and evaluated in Madhya Pradesh 

and Rajasthan, India 

S. 

No. 

Trial type State Crops Total trials 

conducted 

Trials in 

which 

data 

1 Balanced nutrient management 

involving secondary and micro 

nutrients 

2 INM involving secondary and 

micro nutrients plus 

vermicompost 

3 Residual effects of secondary 

and micro nutrients 

4 Evaluation of boromag 

fertilizer 

5 Balanced nutrition in rainy 

fallows with common 

landform management 

6 Scaling up the best bet 

practices 

7 Landform management in 

rainy fallows 

collected 

M.P. Soybean, paddy, groundnut, 429 357 

blackgram, maize 

Rajasthan Maize, soybean, blackgram, 279 279 

pearl millet 

M.P. Soybean 103 81 

Rajasthan Maize, soybean, groundnut, 72 72 

pearl millet, blackgram 


Rajasthan Maize, groundnut, pearl millet, 29 29 

blackgram 


Rajasthan Maize, Pearl millet 23 23 



Rajasthan Maize, soybean, sorghum, 

pearl millet, groundnut, 

blackgram 

579 553 


Farmer participatory evaluation of balanced nutrient management involving secondary and micronutrients: 

The emerging widespread deficiencies of S, B and Zn in the rainfed SAT are apparently holding back the realization 

of existing productivity potential and resulting inefficient utilization of existing available water resources leading to 

low rain water use efficiency (RWUE). Depletion of the resource base is diminishing the capabilities of poor 

farmers to earn more and making them vulnerable to drought and other climate related disasters. In order to reverse 

the deteriorating state of production systems and increase their resilience, farmer participatory approach was adopted 

to evaluate and demonstrate the soil test based balanced nutrition in different parts of Madhya Pradesh and 

Rajasthan in India. 

The two seventy eight trials conducted with soybean in eight districts in Madhya Pradesh, revealed significant 

increase in grain yield by 10 to 40 per cent over farmers practice through adoption of soil test based fertilizer 

applications (Table 9). 

Similarly, seventy nine trials in Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh increased yields on an average by 41% increase in 

paddy, 57% in groundnut, 11% in blackgram and 85% in maize. The mean yields under balanced nutrition were 

2910 kg ha -1 in paddy, 1710 kg ha -1 in groundnut, 630 kg ha -1 in blackgram and 12150 kg cob ha -1 in maize. 

Suhas P Wani, Girish Chander, KL Sahrawat, 

DK Pal, TP Mathur and P Pathak 

Table 9. Effect of soil test based application of S, B and Zn on rainfed soybean in Madhya Pradesh, India, 

rainy season, 2010 

District Grain yield (kg ha -1 ) % Increase 

FP 

BN 

Raisen 1280 1490 16 

Sagar 1500 1740 16 

Shajapur 1990 2200 11 

Indore 1550 1710 10 

Guna 1280 1500 17 

331

Anandpur 1390 1530 12 

Vidisha 1060 1480 40 

Jhabua 1460 1660 14 

In Rajasthan, 150 trials conducted with maize in Banswara and Bhilwara districts recorded 21-24% increase due to 

adoption of soil test based balanced nutrition including deficient S, B and Zn. The average maize grain yield realized 

under balanced nutrition was 2450 kg ha -1 in Banswara and 3590 kg ha -1 in Bhilwara district. In other 75 trials 

involving balanced nutrition, soybean crop recorded average 1890 kg ha -1 grain yield under balanced nutrition 

having a 10% increase in productivity over farmers practice. Similar results were recorded for blackgram, maize, 

pearlmillet and groundnut crops in Tonk and Sawai Madhopur districts. 

Farmer participatory evaluation of integrated nutrient management involving micronutrients and 

vermicompost: Farmer participatory trials were also conducted to evaluate, against the farmers practices and soil 

test based balanced nutrition, the inclusion of locally prepared vermicompost on the basis of meeting 50% of N 

requirement in cereals and 50% of P requirement in legumes and cutting cost on 50% of chemical fertilizers. 

The 30 trials with maize conducted in Bhilwara and Banswara in Rajasthan, recorded 19-23% increase with soil test 

based balanced nutrition including deficient S, B and Zn over farmers practice (Table 10). But, inclusion of 

vermicompost on the basis of meeting 50% of N requirement further increased grain yield over balanced nutrition 

involving sole chemical fertilizers by 2-7%. The INM involving vermicompost prepared from local materials thus 

not only results higher yields in contrast to pure chemical fertilizers, but also saved 50% cost on chemical fertilizers. 

In other trials with soybean in Jhalawar, the INM involving vermicompost on the basis of meeting 50% P, similarly 

recorded 12% higher grain yield over the sole use of chemical fertilizers. Similar results were observed in 

groundnut, pearlmillet, blackgram and maize crops in Tonk and Sawai Madhopur districts. 

Table 10. Effect of soil test based integrated nutrient management on rainfed soybean in Rajasthan, India, 

rainy season 2010 

District Crop Grain yield (kg ha -1 ) 

FP BN 50% BN+VC 

Banswara Maize 2850 3390 3620 

Bhilwara Maize 4410 5420 5520 

Jhalawar Soybean 1700 1810 2020 

Similarly, in >80 trials conducted with soybean as test crop in Raisen, Shajapur, Indore, Guna, Anandpur, Vidisha 

and Jhabua districts in Madhya Pradesh, the INM practice involving vermicompost, in general proved better in terms 

of increasing crop productivity as well as saving 50% cost on chemical fertilizers. 

Farmer participatory evaluation of residual effects of secondary and micronutrients: Farmer participatory 

trials conducted to evaluate the residual effects of S, B and Zn in Guna, Raisen, Indore, Sehore, Anandpur, Barwani 

and vidisha, revealed 6-37% increase in soybean grain yield over farmers practice treatment. Similar results of 

residuals benefits were observed with maize, groundnut, pearl millet and blackgram crops in Banswara, Bhilwara, 

Bundi, Tonk and Sawai Madhopur districts in Rajasthan state. 

Farmer participatory evaluation of slow release B ferlilizer, boromag: The problem with the boron is that due to 

its non ionic nature it is leached fairly rapidly from the soil resulting its deficiency. The slow release B fertilizer 

which ensures regulated supply of the element may prove best in this context to manage the B nutrition for realizing 

best possible productivity. Therefore, boromag a slow release B fertilizer (12% B, 12.5% CaO and 8.9% MgO) was 

evaluated in 38 farmers’ fields with soybean, maize and pearl millet in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states of 

India. Boromag was added at the rate of 5 kg ha -1 . 

The results of rainy season 2010 trials clearly suggested the benefit in productivity enhancement due to boromag 

application. The productivity increased by 5-13% in test crops with inclusion of boromag in fertilization practices in 

comparison to control farmers practice (Table 11). 

332

Table 11. Effect of boromag application on grain yield of crops in semi arid regions of India, rainy season 


State 

Grain yield (kg ha -1 ) % Increase 

District 

Crop 

Control Boromag 

Madhya Pradesh Guna Soybean 1550 1750 13 

Rajasthan Bundi Maize 2810 3040 8 

Rajasthan Sawai Madhopur Pearl millet 1830 1920 5 

Balanced nutrition in rainy fallows with common landform management: In rainy fallow regions, trials were 

implemented on BBF landform management to evaluate the effect of balanced nutrition as against farmers practice. 

The soil test based balanced nutrition resulted a 3 to 15% increase in grain production over the farmers practice 

(Table 12). A similar increase up to 24% was observed in straw biomass. The findings clearly suggested that the 

landform management along with balanced nutrition is the key to bring in rainy season fallows under profitable 

cropping. 

Table 12. Effect of soil test based application of S, B and Zn (With common BBF) on rainfed soybean in rainy 

season fallow regions in Madhya Pradesh, India, rainy season, 2010 

District Grain yield (kg ha -1 ) % increase 

FP 

BN 

Raisen 

1310 1400 7 

Sagar 

1360 1400 3 

Indore 

1430 1590 11 

Sehore 

2410 2760 15 

Anandpur 1340 1480 10 

Scaling up of best bet practices in SAT regions of central India: The scaling up of the best bet practice (Soil test 

based balanced nutrition including deficient S, B and Zn plus improved cultivar) were done with 625 farmers in 

Guna, Raisen, Sagar, Shajapur, Indore, Sehore, Anandpur, Vidisha, Barwani and Jhabua districts in Madhya 

Pradesh. The best bet recorded 12-31% increase over traditional farmers practice (Table 13). 

Table 13. Scaling up of soil test based balanced nutrition in rainfed districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, rainy 

season 2010 

District Crop No. of trials Grain yield 

(kg ha -1 ) 

% increase over 

FP 

Guna Soybean 62 1320 29 

Raisen Soybean 78 1470 29 

Sagar Soybean 20 1840 27 

Shajapur Soybean 75 2250 29 

Indore Soybean 150 1880 12 

Sehore Soybean 106 1620 30 

Anandpur Soybean 20 1730 20 

Vidisha Soybean 36 1560 31 

Barwani Soybean 75 2160 29 

Jhabua Soybean 3 1740 13 

In similar scaling up trials with maize crop in Banswara, Bhilwara, Jhalawar and Bundi districts in Rajasthan, the 

best bet recorded 10-33% increase in grain yield over farmers practice (Table 14). In trials with soybean in Bundi 

district, the productivity improved by 13% as compared to farmers practice. Similarly scaling up of best bet was 

done in Alwar, Tonk, and Sawai Madhopur districts and recorded an increase in crop production varying from 7 to 

56% as compared to farmers practice. 

333

Table 14. Scaling up of soil test based balanced nutrition in rainfed districts of Rajasthan, India, rainy season 


District Crop No. of trials Grain yield 

(kg ha -1 ) 

% increase over 

FP 

Banswara Maize 116 2980 19 

Bhilwara Maize 150 2890 19 

Jhalawar Maize 108 1240 10 

Bundi Maize 14 4110 33 

Soybean 37 1250 13 

Alwar Sorghum (Fodder) 62 3780 Not available 

Pearl millet 26 1930 Not available 

Tonk Groundnut 3 910 19 

Maize 12 3260 56 

Pearl millet 3 2000 13 

Blackgram 2 330 7 

S. Madhopur Blackgram 3 670 13 

Pearl millet 9 1910 18 

Maize 8 2750 41 

Farmer participatory evaluation of landform management in rainy fallow regions of central India: 

More than 70 farmer participatory trials were conducted in rainy season fallow areas to evaluate the effect of 

landform management on soybean productivity. Soil test based balanced nutrition and improved cultivars were 

common in both the treatments. The landform management involving broadbed and furrow proved superior over 

conservation furrow in terms of 1-33% more productivity (Table 15). The adoption of proper landform management 

along with balanced nutrition and improved cultivar thus is the technology to harness good yields from traditional 

rainy fallow regions. 

Table 15. Effect of landform management (along with balanced nutrition and improved cultivar) on the 

soybean yield in rainy fallow regions in Madhya Pradesh, India, rainy season 2010 

District 

Grain yield 

% Increase 

(kg ha -1 ) 

CF 

BBF 

Guna 1345 1450 8 

Raisen 1270 1360 7 

Shajapur 2320 2460 6 

Indore 1600 1700 6 

Sehore 2710 2730 1 

Anandpur 1430 1900 33 


India 


BAIF, BYPASS, CARD, FES, GVT, DEEP, 


Sir Dorabji Tata Trust; Sir Ratan Tata Trust 

Output 7.3: Environmental impacts of livestock intensification reduced during droughts and the dry season 

by developing and promoting alternative feed and fodder strategies in crop-livestock systems with associated 

capacity building 

Moved to Project- 9 

334

Output 7.4: Opportunities for the market exploitation of biodiesel tree products by the poor promoted with 

associated capacity building 

Activity 7.4.1. Jatropha curcas as Biofuel 

Multi-site screening trials were set up in Samanko (Mali) and Sadore (Niger) with 16 Jatropha accessions to evaluate 

their performance in growth and seed yield under two rainfall conditions. A total of 120 Jatropha curcas accessions 

originating from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mexico, Malaysia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were collected and planted at 

Sadore (Niger), Samanko, Sikasso and Cinzana (all 3 sites in Mali) in August 2010. These 4 sites cover a rainfall 

gradient ranging from 500 to 1000 mm. 

Older experiments planted in 2008 to compare performances of 16 accessions in low rainfall site (500 mm) and 

higher rainfall site (800 mm) indicates that there are significant differences between sites in seed yield. Performance 

of trees in the Sahelian zone is very poor with an average yield of 2.3 g tree -1 compared to an average yield of 670 g 

tree -1 in the Sudanian zone the first year. 

The results in the low rainfall (500 mm) and poor soil sandy soil conditions of Sadore indicate significant 

differences between accessions in growth traits such as height and collar diameter. One of the two Mexican 

accessions showed the highest growth performances (Height and collar diameter) compared with the other 

accessions. The log transformation of survival rate did not show any significant difference between the accessions. 

Other measured parameters such as number of branches, number of inflorescence and number of infructescence 

showed significant differences as well. It is hoped that selection under the low rainfall and poor sandy soil 

conditions of Sadore will lead to identification of draught tolerant clones. 


Mali, Niger 


University of Copenhagen, ICRAF, the national agricultural research institute of Mali and NGOs 


IFAD 

A Nikiema and Dov Pasternak 

Activity 7.4.2. Studies on water requirement of Jatropha 

AVR Kesava Rao and Suhas P Wani 

Jatropha curcas (ICJC-06114) seedlings were planted in November 2004 at a spacing of 3 x 2 m in the BL-3 field of 

ICRISAT, Patancheru. Daily reference crop evapotranspiration (ET o ) was computed following the FAO Penman- 

Monteith method. Evapotranspiration of Jatropha curcas under non-water limiting conditions (ET c Jatropha curcas) 

was computed based on ET o and crop coefficients depending on the phonological stage. Soil moisture in the 

Jatropha plantation was monitored from November 2005 using the neutron probe (Troxler model 4302) and 

gravimetric method. ET actual Jatropha under actual field conditions was estimated from the neutron probe soil 

moisture measurements using simplified water balance approach. 

Table 16. Evapotranspiration demands of Jatropha curcas at ICRISAT, Patancheru 

Element 

Year 

2006 2007 2008 2009 

Rainfall (mm) 875 712 1102 998 

ET o Jatropha (mm) Reference crop evapotranspiration 1624 1631 1659 1760 

ET c Jatropha (mm) under non-water limiting conditions 1410 1432 1442 1538 

ET actual Jatropha (mm) under actual field conditions 798 614 751 930 

ET demand under no moisture stress varied from 1410–1538 mm per year (Table 1) during 2006-2009. Under field 

conditions actual ET of Jatropha varied from 614-930 mm depending on the atmospheric evaporative demand, 

rainfall and crop phenophase. Patterns of soil water depletion indicated that with growing plant age from two to five 

335

years, depth of soil water extraction increased from 100 cm to 150 cm by the fifth year (Fig. 5). Monthly water use 

of Jatropha varied from 10-20 mm (leaf shedding period) to 140 mm depending on water availability and 

environmental demand. This study indicated that Jatropha curcas has a good drought tolerance mechanism; 

however under favourable soil moisture conditions it could use large amounts of water for luxurious growth and 

high yield. These findings highlight the need to carefully assess the implications of large Jatropha plantations on 

water availability and use under different agroecosystems, particularly so in water scarce regions such as semi-arid 

and arid regions in the tropics. 

Two-year young plants 

Five-year young plants 

Figure 5. Distribution of volumetric soil moisture content in Jatropha curcas Distribution of volumetric soil 

moisture content in Jatropha curcas 


India 

Activity 7.4.3. Assessing sowing date × genotypes effect on productivity of sweet sorghum during the rabi 

season 

During Rabi 2009-10, we studied the effect of early sowing on productivity of sweet sorghum. Improved 

cultivars (CSH 22 SS, SSV 84 and ICSA5 x SPV 1411) were sown on May 21 and June 10. Early sowing 

increased both the stalk and juice yield of sweet sorghum. May sowing had a fresh stalk yield of 53.8 t ha -1 and 

juice yield of 21.3 t ha -1 ; whereas June sowing had a fresh stalk yield of 51.2 t ha -1 and juice yield of 18.6 t ha -1 . 

CSH 22 SS was the highest yielder. Whereas, juice yield was the highest with ICSA 52 x SPV 1411. 

Participating Countries: 

India 

Participating Partners: 

NRCS, IICT and NGOs 


NAIP, GoI, GOJ-JIRCAS, IFAD 

Gajanan L Sawargaonkar, SP Wani, Piara Singh and Belum VS Reddy 

Activity 7.4.4. Assessing response of sweet sorghum genotypes to nitrogen management 

In Kharif 2010, we studied the response of three improved genoptypes (ICSA 52 X SPV 1411; CSH 22 SS and 

ICSV 93046) to N application rated ranging from 0 to 150 kg ha -1 . Cultivar CSH 22 SS (medium duration) was 

more responsive in terms of TDM yields (17 to 32 t ha -1 ) and brix (17 to 20%) to increased rate of N application 

up to 120 kg ha -1 , whereas, ICSV 93046 (late duration) was poor (5 to 9 t ha -1 TDM and 12 to 14% brix). Onfarm 

participatory sweet sorghum yield maximization trials in Ibrahimabad, Andhra Pradesh showed that 

improved management practices (improved variety, sowing with tropicultor, BBF system and balanced nutrition 

with micronutrients) increased fresh biomass yield to 52 t ha -1 as compared to 25 t ha -1 harvested by farmers with 

their management. 

Participating Countries: 

India 

336


NRCS, IICT and NGOs 


GoI, GoJ-JIRCAS, IFAD, NAIP, D1 oil fuel crops 

Gajanan L Sawargaonkar, SP Wani, Piara Singh and Belum VS Reddy 

337



Poverty alleviation and sustainable management of land, water, livestock and 

forest resources through sustainable agro-ecological intensification in low-and 

high-potential environments in the semi-arid tropics of Africa and Asia 

Peter Craufurd 

Milestone: New tools and methods for management of multiple use landscapes with a focus on sustainable 

productivity enhancement, developed and promoted with associated capacity-building in collaboration with 

NARES partners in Africa and Asia 


India and USA 


University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. 

Special Project Funding: USAID Linkage project 

Climate change is expected to adversely impact the productivity and production of rainfed crops like groundnut 

in the semi-arid areas of India. Quantification of this impact in different agroclimatic regions of India where 

groundnut is grown is needed to develop suitable coping strategies (genetic and management). We used 

CROPGRO model for groundnut along with historical weather data and projected changes in climate as per the 

A1B SRES scenario for the Indian region. Spatial and temporal impact of climate change on productivity of 

groundnut was assessed for the 24 sites. Increase in temperature from 0.9˚C to 2.9 ˚C (2020 to 2080 time scale) 

hastened crop maturity at cooler sites and delayed at warmer sites. Increase in CO 2 or rainfall did not affect 

progress towards maturity. Across sites, pod yield was more sensitive to the increase in temperature than 

biomass yield. Decrease in pod yield with increase in temperature ranged from -4% to -13% by 2020 (+0.9 ˚C), 

-6 to -29% by 2050 (+1.9 ˚C) and -9% to -46% by 2080 (+2.9 ˚C). In spite of the beneficial effect of increase in 

CO 2 and rainfall, the detrimental effect of temperature increase, even by +0.9 ˚C, on pod yield were still 

recorded for some sites. By 2050, pod yields decreased by -1% to -16% with the increase in both temperature 

(+1.9 o C) and CO 2 (532 ppm) at warmer and low rainfall sites, while at other sites the pod yields increased up to 

18% above the yields simulated with current climate. The net effect of increase in temperature, CO 2 and rainfall 

on pod yields at the three time scales was still negative at warmers sites, indicating that the increase in CO 2 and 

seasonal rainfall will not completely negate the detrimental impacts of temperature at some sites. Across sites, 

the current seasonal mean temperature and effective rainfall were the major determinants of changes in pod 

yield for different climate change scenarios. Harvest index (HI) of groundnut decreased with all climate change 

scenarios. For sustainable increase in groundnut productivity in future, re-adjustments in the duration of 

groundnut to the water availability periods at different sites will be needed. For warmers sites, we will need 

high temperature tolerant and drought resistant cultivars for higher productivity and higher HI. For relatively 

cooler sites, we will need cultivars with greater partitioning to pods to take advantage of climate change. 

Enhancing effectiveness of rainfall through improved soil and crop management would further minimize the 

adverse impacts of climate change on groundnut productivity. 

Piara Singh, K Srinivas, KJ Boote, SP Wani and AVR Kesava Rao 

Milestone: Capacity of national agricultural and regional institutions to understand risks of climate change 

understood 


Kenya 


Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya Agricultural Research Institute 

(KARI) and Ministry of Agriculture, Gove of Kenya (MoA) 

Growing understanding of interactions between the atmosphere, sea and land surfaces, advances in modeling the 

global climate system, and increased investment in monitoring the tropical oceans have led to improved 

predictability of climate fluctuations months in advance in many parts of the world. Predictability of seasonal 

climatic conditions was found to be especially good for East Africa, where the inter-annual climate variability is 

strongly associated with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions. KMD and other regional and global 

organizations such as IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) and International Research 

Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) regularly develop and disseminate seasonal climate forecasts for both 

338

short and long rain seasons in Kenya at least one month before the start of the season. Considering the potential 

of these forecasts in reducing risk and capitalise on opportunities created by variable climatic conditions, 

ICRISAT in collaboration with KMD, UoN, KAR and MoA initiated a study to evaluate the value of forecast 

based decisions in reducing risk and improving profitability. This involved interpretation of probabilistic 

forecasts issued by KMD and presenting the same in the form of “Weather based agro-advisories” which can 

easily be understood by the end users. 

The development of advisories is based on inputs provided by KMD and KARI and extension workers of MoA 

from the target locations during a meeting convened to discuss the agricultural implications of the forecast. The 

final advisory includes consensus recommendations from the group and is structured to provide a brief review of 

the performance of previous season forecast, prediction for the current season and agricultural implications of 

the current forecast. The advisories were pilot tested for their usefulness at six locations in Ukambani region of 

Eastern Kenya viz., Kitui, Mwingi, Mutomo, Mwala, Katumani and Makindu, involving a total of 195 farmers 

over a period of six seasons starting from 2007-2008 short rain season. In August/September 2010 a survey was 

conducted at three locations, where the advisories were pilot tested, to assess how the recipients of the 

advisories used and benefitted by the information provided. In general, farmers found the advisory very useful 

and showed keen interest in receiving the same. The survey results indicate that most farmers considered 

advisories extremely useful in planning farm operations (Table 1), an observation well supported by the 

willingness of 87% of the farmers interviewed to pay for the service if required. 

Table 1: Farmer assessment of usefulness of advisories in planning farm operations and their willingness 

to pay for the service 

Location 

Usefulness (%) 

Total farmers 

Willingness to 

(No) Extremely Somewhat Not very 

pay 

useful useful useful 

Kitui 27 59% 33% 0% 81% 

Mwingi 39 77% 29% 3% 85% 

Mutomo 26 69% 22% 3% 96% 

The final component of this activity is to work towards institutionalization of this approach by putting in place a 

system to develop and disseminate the advisories regularly. A formal meeting with the senior level managers 

from KARI, KMD and Ministry of Agriculture to discuss and chalk out a way forward is scheduled for March 

2011. With their support, we are planning to develop an automated system for generating the location advisories 

and making them available to end users through local extension agencies. 


“Managing Risk, Reducing Vulnerability and Enhancing Agricultural Productivity under a Changing Climate” 

funded by IDRC/DFID-CCAA program. 

“Making the best of climate: Adapting agriculture to climate variability” funded by ASARECA 

KPC Rao, Peter Cooper and John Dimes 

Milestone: A report on opportunities for adapting agriculture to climate variability and change in ECA 

published 


ASARECA member countries, 


National agricultural research organizations and meteorological departments, Reading University, ICRAF, ILRI 

and CIAT 


The opportunities available for adapting agriculture to climate variability and change in sub-Saharan Africa 

were compiled and published as a special edition of the Journal of Experimental Agriculture (Cambridge 

University Press) entitled ‘Assessing and addressing climate-induced risk in Sub-Saharan rainfed Agriculture’. 

A brief summary of the articles published in this special edition is given below. 

339

Supporting agricultural innovation in Uganda to climate risk: linking climate change and variability with 

farmer perceptions (Osbahr, H., Dorward, P, Stern, R.D. and Cooper, S.J.): This paper investigates farmers’ 

perceptions of climate change and variability in south west Uganda where farmers felt that temperature had 

increased and seasonality and variability had changed, with the first rainy season between March and May 

becoming more variable. From the analyses of the weather data at hand, there is a clear signal that temperature 

has been increasing in the climate data and, to a lesser extent. However, rainfall measurements do not show a 

downward trend in rainfall amount. The paper reflects on the methodological approach and considers the 

implications for communicating information about risk to users in order to support agricultural innovation. 

Adding value to field-based agronomic research through climate risk assessment: a case study of maize 

production in Kitale, Kenya (Dixit, P.N., Cooper, P.J.M., Rao, K.P.and Dimes, J.): This study demonstrates the 

value of tools such as weather generators and crop simulation models by assessing the value of the outputs in the 

context of a high potential maize production area in Kenya where grain yields can exceed 10 t ha -1 . MarkSim 

generated weather data is shown to provide a satisfactory approximation of recorded weather data, and the 

output of 50 years of APSIM simulations demonstrate maize yield responses to plant population, weed control 

and N-fertilizer that correspond well with reported results. Weather-induced risk is shown to have important 

effects on the rates of return ($ per $ invested) to N-fertilizer which, across seasons and rates of N-application, 

ranged from 1.1 to 6.2. 

Dealing with climate related risks: some pioneering ideas for enhanced pastoral risk management in Africa 

(Ouma, R, Mude, A and van de Steeg, J): This paper makes the case for innovative risk management 

approaches in pastoral settings, which may include adjustments to the traditionally practiced approaches that 

have become progressively less effective. Recent data from studies in Kenya and southern Ethiopia was used to 

confirm that traditional pastoral risk management approaches are increasingly futile against increasing external 

pressures, seasonal rainfall variability and future climate change. Some pioneering approaches and ideas, with 

potentially wider application to African pastoral settings, appear to offer greater hope; these include (i) indexbased 

risk transfer products in pastoral systems, (ii) improvements in the management of food insecurity 

response for pastoralists and (iii) recasting of development interventions as risk management. 

Assessing the risk of root rots in common beans in east africa using simulated, estimated and observed daily 

rainfall (Farrow, A., Musoni, D, Cook, S and Buruchara, R): This paper specifically attempts to improve 

disease potential maps of root rots in common beans, based on a combination of inherent susceptibility and the 

risk of exposure to critical weather events. The paper also assess the utility of remotely sensed daily rainfall 

estimates in near real time for the purposes of updating the risks of these events over large areas and for 

providing warnings of potential disease outbreaks. 

Climate variability and change: farmers perceptions and understanding of intra-seasonal variability in 

rainfall and associated risk in semi-arid Kenya (Rao, K.P.C., Ndegwa, W.G., Kizito, K. and Oyoo, A.): This 

study examines farmers’ perceptions of short and long term variability in climate, their ability to discern trends 

in climate and how the perceived trends converge with actual weather observations in five districts of Eastern 

Province in Kenya where the climate is semi-arid with high intra and inter-annual variability in rainfall. The 

main implication of the findings is the need to be aware of and account for climate-induced risk during the 

development and promotion of technologies involving significant investments by smallholder farmers and 

exercise caution in interpreting farmer’s perceptions about long-term climate variability and change. Such 

perceptions need to be understood and overcome through a parallel and more objective analysis of recorded 

climatic data from nearby stations before utilizing such farmer-based assessments of climate change as the sole 

basis for future research and development action. 

Assessing climate risk and climate change using rainfall data: a case study from Zambia (Stern, R.D and 

Cooper, P.J.M.): Eighty-nine years of daily rainfall data from a site in Southern Zambia are analysed. The 

analyses illustrate approaches to assess the extent of possible trends in rainfall patterns and the calculation of 

weather-induced risk associated with the inter- and intra-seasonal variability of the rainfall amounts. Trend 

analyses used monthly rainfall totals and the number of rain days in each month. No simple trends were found. 

Climate and land use-induced risks to watershed services in the Nyando river basin, Kenya (Gathenya, M., 

Mwangi, H, Coe,R, and Sang, J): Climate change and land use change are two forces influencing the hydrology 

of watersheds and their ability to provide ecosystem services such as clean and well regulated stream flow. 

Using the physically based distributed watershed models, this study finds that land use change could have 

impacts of similar or greater magnitude to the impacts of climate change and land management practices aimed 

at enhancing infiltration could offset the impacts of climate change. A 10% increase in rainfall, when 

340

accompanied by improved soil management resulted in sediment yields that are in fact lower than today. Thus 

improvements in land surface condition that result in higher infiltration are an effective adaptation strategy. 

Review of seasonal climate forecasting for agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (James W. Hansen, Simon J. 

Mason, Liqiang Sun, and Arame Tall): This paper reviews the use and value of seasonal climate forecasting for 

agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with a view to understanding and exploiting opportunities to realize 

more of its potential benefits. Evidence from a combination of understanding of how climatic uncertainty 

impacts agriculture, model-based ex-ante analyses, subjective expressions of demand or value, and the few welldocumented 

evaluations of actual use and resulting benefit suggests that seasonal forecast may have 

considerable potential to improve agricultural management and rural livelihoods. It concludes with a discussion 

of institutional and policy changes that will greatly enhance the benefits of seasonal forecasting to agriculture in 

SSA. 

Assessing and addressing climate-induced risk in sub-Saharan rainfed agriculture: lessons learned (Coe, R. 

and Stern, R.D): A defining characteristic of many tropical agricultural systems is their vulnerability to climate 

variability. There is now increased attention paid to climate-agriculture links, now that the world is focused on 

climate change. This has shown the need for increased understanding of current and future climate and the links 

to agricultural investment decisions, particularly farmers’ decisions. With the justified current interest in climate 

and agriculture, all stakeholders including researchers, data providers, policy developers and extension workers 

will need to work together to ensure that interventions are based on a correct interpretation of a valid analysis of 

relevant data. 


“Managing Uncertainty: Innovation Systems for Coping with Climate Variability and Change” funded by AfDB 

through ASARECA. 

Peter Cooper, KPC Rao and John Dimes 

Milestone: Impacts of global climate change projections on SAT agriculture evaluated in at least two countries 

in ECA 


Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan 


Kenya Meteorological Department, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture Kenya, 

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, National Meteorological Agency, Sudan Meteorological Agency- 

Sudan, Agricultural Research Corporation-Sudan, Sokoine University of Agriculture-Tanzania, and Tanzania 

Meteorology Agency 

Crop simulation models like APSIM and DSSAT are extremely useful in conducting what if scenario analyses 

that will improve our understanding about the impacts of changes in temperature and rainfall on crop 

production. However, such an assessment requires validation of model results for the range of conditions that 

the simulations are performed. Experiments were conducted at two locations in Kenya to evaluate the 

performance of three maize varieties with differing maturity times. The two sites selected are similar in rainfall 

distribution but have different temperature regimes. The sites are Katumani in Machakos district and Kambi Ya 

Mawe in Makueni district. During the season in which the experiment was conducted, the average temperature 

recorded at Katumani was 20.3 0 C and at Kambi Ya Mawe 25.3 0 C. At both locations the amount of rainfall 

received during the season was low. Rainfall during the main growing season October to December was 177 

mm at Katumani and 179 mm at Kambi Ya Mawe. All varieties grew faster and reached physiological maturity 

stage earlier under warmer condition at Kambi Ya Mawe compared to cooler condition at Katumani (Table 2). 

The grain yields are low mainly due to low rainfall received during the season at both locations. These results 

were used to validate APSIM and conduct an ex-ante assessment of the impacts of temperature increase up to 

3 0 C on performance of maize at these locations. 

341

15 DAE 30 

Table 2: Performance of maize varieties with differing maturity times at Katumani and Kambi Ya Mawe 

Biomass yields 

Grain Days to Days to 

Variety 

DAE 1 anthesis 

(kg/ha) anthesis maturity 

1 

50% 

yield 50% physiological 

Harvest 

Katumani 

DH 04 55 414 1328 2087 244 65 97 

DK 8031 80 414 1173 2136 217 68 105 

H 513 69 404 1353 2381 235 72 109 

Kambi Ya Mawe 

DH 04 70 561 1586 2449 325 59 89 

DK 8031 92 651 1561 2831 441 59 98 

H 513 86 645 1876 3273 561 62 101 

Figure 1. Distribution of semi-arid areas with projected changes in climate by 2020, 2050 and 2080 

We have also tried to map the changes in the extent and distribution of semi-arid areas due to climate change, 

our primary target area for risk management, using current and projected climate conditions for 2020, 2050, and 

2080 (Figure 2). For the current situation we used data from CRU-TS 3.0 Climate Database. The climate change 

scenario is based on HADCM3 output for A2a scenario which is widely considered as the business as usual 

scenario. The semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas were delineated using “Aridity Index” which is calculated as 

the ratio of average precipitation to reference evapotranspiration. The areas with an aridity index between 0.20 

and 0.50 were classified as semi-arid and those with an aridity index between 0.50 and 0.65 as dry sub-humid 

(Figure 1). In general, the analysis indicates that there will be an increase in semi-arid area in Kenya, Tanzania 

and Ethiopia. In Kenya some of the arid areas are expected to turn semi-arid due to an increase in rainfall. In 

case of Tanzania, some of the humid environments in southern Tanzania may become semi-arid or dry subhumid 

due to a reduction in rainfall and increase in temperature. 

342



supported by IDRC/DFID-CCAA program. 


Milestone: A synthesis report on “Tools and methodologies to assess climate vulnerabilities and support 

informed decision making for improved management of agricultural systems in ECA” published 


Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan 





Meteorology Agency 

The overall aim of this activity is to identify and/or develop a set of user friendly tools that assist in assessing 

climate variability and its impacts on agricultural systems and provide hands on training to a core group of 

researchers from the countries involved in using the same. Initially, a study was conducted to assess methods 

and tools currently used by the team members from the four countries involved in analyzing climate data and in 

assessing the impacts of climate on performance of crops and cropping systems. The study has identified four 

key areas where improved tools and methods can be of great help. These include: 

1. Climate data analysis: Tools to analyze the trends in long term climate data 

2. Generating climate data: Models that produce synthetic time series of weather data for a given 

location based on the statistical characteristics of observed weather at that location. 

3. Systems analysis: Crop models and other tools that help understand the interactions and inter 

relationships between climate and agricultural systems 

4. Risk and return analysis: Tools to evaluate the benefits and risks associated with various agricultural 

investments 

After a careful consideration of the data and skill requirement of various available tools, we have identified 

INSTAT – A statistical package for climate data analysis, MarkSim – A stochastic weather generator to generate 

long-term weather data, and APSIM–A systems simulation model for assessing the productivity and 

sustainability of crops and cropping systems under variable climatic conditions as the most appropriate options. 

In addition, we have also developed a suit of simple spreadsheet based tools to evaluate risk and return profiles 

of various indigenous and improved technologies based on the locally relevant input costs and output prices. 

The partner institutions were trained in the use of identified tools and feedback received was used to improve 

the tools. A publication summarizing the essential features of these tools with example applications, mainly 

focusing on risk management, is under preparation. 



funded by IDRC/DFID-CCAA program. 


KPC Rao 

Milestone: An institutional innovation system for managing climate variability and change will be established in 

ECA which will greatly enhance the awareness, competency and collaborative ability of key institutions 

including NARS, NMS, ASARECA Programs and other key change agents to jointly address climate risk 

concerns 


ASARECA members 


National Meteorological services in ASARECA 

Considering the potential contribution NMS could make to the sort of activities envisaged in climate projects, 

efforts were made to link the met institutions with agricultural research institutions. One of the interventions 

343

tried is to train the NMS staff to acquire skills to process the historical climatic data in ways that would be of 

value for activities concerned with agricultural research and development and enable them to join teams because 

of their skills, and process the raw climatic data themselves. They hence add value to their own data, rather than 

merely provide it for others. Based on the experiences gained through a set of Proof of Concept projects, a set of 

Good Practice guidelines were developed for the management and collaborative analyses of climate information 

in consultation with NMS and NARS of ECA. During a meeting in December 2009, involving NMS and 

agricultural research staff, the following points were agreed to enhance the links between them: 

1. All were agreed of the importance of helping the NMS move into “centre stage” for such agricultural 

climate risk research activities. ASARECA was clear that it supported this approach 

2. This will mean that any future ASARECA project in which such collaboration is deemed important will 

have to prepare the Met Services and the Research Institutes to work in partnership. 

3. ASARECA was of the view that it would need to be proactive to foster this collaboration in the future. 

Currently its point of contact is only with the National Agricultural Research Institution in each country. 

4. Within the current project, Uganda had developed a model that had supported collaboration between its Met 

Service and NARO. The group felt that key elements of this model could be adapted for collaboration with 

other services. The key elements in Uganda included the following: 

• Initial capacity building in decentralised data entry. (In the current support this was largely with 

funding in parallel, from the Met Office UK to the Uganda Met Service) 

• Availability of computers and software for decentralised data entry and applications. (Also provided 

through Met Office UK). 

• Capacity-building in applications for selected staff. This was through e-SIAC and f-SIAC, funded 

through this project. 

• A later initiative had been a within-country e-SIAC, for 30+ staff from the Met Service, some of which 

are based at the NARO (i.e. agricultural research) stations. This later initiative was again funded 

largely by the Met Office UK. 

• Support from the project for (daily) temperature data to be added to the central database. 

5. The work in this project (and in a similar project in Malawi) has shown that one key activity for some NMS 

is for their (daily) database to be enhanced, so they can contribute to work that uses crop simulation models 

and other types of climate risk analyses. 

6. There are many existing ASARECA projects where a climate risk/adaptation aspect could usefully be 

added. This was the intention for the existing project, but was not possible, partly because of the substantial 

re-organisation by ASARECA at the start of this project. 

7. The existing project had shown that substantial support might be needed for Met Services to be able to 

move to centre stage in agricultural research. It is hoped that this might be possible, perhaps partly through 

funding a second phase of the existing project. 

8. One advantage that Met Services have over other organisations is that they work well together, i.e. with the 

service in neighbouring countries. An example is their regular collaboration in producing the seasonal 

climate forecast for ECA. Hence an activity that encourages collaboration between the different Met 

Services as well as with the NARS could be useful. 


“Managing Uncertainty: Innovation Systems for Coping with Climate Variability and Change” funded by AfDB 

through ASARECA. 

Peter Cooper, KPC Rao and Roger Stern 

Milestone: Ex-ante assessment of climate change on SAT agriculture published. 


Kenya and Ethiopia 


Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD); Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI); University of 

Nairobi (UoN) and Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) 


For rainfed farmers in the semiarid tropics as well as researchers, the key challenge is managing risk associated 

with low and variable rainfall. There is a widespread belief that high uncertainty and risk associated with the 

investments made on productivity enhancing technologies is one of the major constraints limiting the adoption 

of such technologies by small holder farmers in Africa. This ex-ante analysis seeks to examine this issue in 

detail by analyzing the potential impact of recommended technologies on risk, productivity and profitability of 

344

the systems in Kitui, Mutomo an Mwingi districts of Eastern Province in Kenya. This analysis involves the 

following specific objectives: 

1. Estimate the potential long-term impacts of selected technologies on the productivity and profitability of 

smallholder farms in the target areas 

2. Assess the potential impacts of identified technologies as a means of increasing profitability and reducing 

risk 

3. Explore the implications of results from the above analysis especially in farm level decision making 

The analysis is focused on four production technologies whose benefits are well demonstrated but adoption by 

farmers is very limited. These include soil and water conservation practices that can reduce the impacts of long 

dry spells (tied ridges), crops and varieties with different maturity periods and tolerance to moisture stress, soil 

fertility management using inorganic fertilizers, and seasonal climate forecast based selection of crops and 

management practices. Simulation experiments were set up with treatments that are highly relevant to the target 

areas. Since soil fertility management is one of the major constraints in improving yields at target locations, we 

have evaluated the profitability and risk on investments in fertilizer with due consideration to fertilizer costs and 

probability of crop failure. An example of the risk/return profile generated for fertilizer use for one of the test 

locations, Mwingi is presented in table 3. 

Table 3: Risk and return profile of fertilizer application at Mwingi 

0 Kg/ha 20KgN/ha 40kgN/ha 60 kgN/ha 80 kgN/ha 

Average Yield (kg/ha) 1213 2185 2612 2666 2674 

Best yield (kg/ha) 2802 3399 3447 3475 3511 

Optimistic Yield(kg/ha) 1568 2497 3005 3104 3136 

Expected Yield (kg/ha) 1207 2209 2806 2853 2874 

Pessimistic Yield (kg/ha) 694 1861 2298 2466 2482 

Worst Yield (kg/ha) 0 903 522 472 438 

% years with >10 kg grain/kg 

N 

87% 83% 74% 74% 

Value cost ratio >2 73% 61% 52% 42% 

The data indicates that investment on fertiliser to apply at recommended rate of 40 Kg N/ha can be recovered in 

83% of the years. However, the returns on investment are attractive with a value to cost ration of more than 2 in 

only 61% of the years. The risk can be reduced substantially with application of small doses of fertiliser (20 kg 

N/ha) which gives attractive returns in 73% of the years. This information is extremely useful while making 

investment decisions. The treatments considered for assessing the benefits of soil and water conservation 

practices included normal farmer practice, tied ridges and mulching on two different soils. Simulations were 

also carried out to assess the interactive benefits of with and without application of 5 different levels of nitrogen. 

In case of crops, performance of maize varieties with three different maturity periods were evaluated as sole 

crop, intercrop with pigeonpea and in rotation with legume bean crop. The other technology on which ex ante 

assessment was carried out is forecast based farming. Benefits and value of forecast based decisions such as 

selecting crops/varieties/management practices and allocation of land to various crops and verities were 

quantified. 





Milestone: Regional capacities in linking simulation models, participatory on-farm research and climatic 

forecasting to increase the competencies of smallholder farmers in coping with current climatic variability and 

adapting to potential climatic change strengthened in East and Southern Africa 


Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Madagascar 

345





Meteorology Agency, SOMEAH and FOFIFA in Madagascar. 

Climate information, including historical and real-time, is vital for the optimal management of agriculture and 

natural resources on which agriculture depends. When properly integrated with decision making process, 

climate information has the potential to moderate the effects of variable climate on food production and 

ecosystem functions. The need for such integration is more important now than ever due to the growing concern 

about the climate change and its impacts on agriculture. Though meteorological organizations have collected 

and are maintaining huge databases of climatic information, very little effort has gone to turn this data into 

useful information for use by research and developmental programs through in depth analysis and interpretation 

to study the relationships among weather, climate, and agriculture. To some extent this is constrained by 

complex nature of the agricultural systems and lack of appropriate tools to properly quantify the relationships 

between climate and agricultural production. However, recent advances in our understanding of the agricultural 

systems coupled with those in the computing technology resulted in the development of a number of tools and 

methods that are extremely useful in conducting a detailed analysis on the soil-plant-climate systems. 

Unfortunately, use of these tools in most developing countries is limited by non-availability of required skills. 

Realizing the need for the capacity in making use of these new tools and methods, efforts were made to build a 

core team of research and extension experts with required skills in each of the four countries involved. As a first 

step, a one week training program targeting the project team members was developed and members were trained 

in the use of various tools and methods that are useful in understanding the climate variability and its impacts on 

agricultural systems. This was followed by a refresher course to brush up and enhance their skills in the use of 

these tools especially in system simulation analysis using APSIM. The team members were also supported in 

planning and conducting trials aimed at collecting the required data to calibrate and validate the model. Through 

this training and follow up support, team members from the four countries involved have now acquired 

sufficient skills to make use of the models and other tools. Some aspects of the training module are now used by 

Institute for Meteorological Training and Research (IMTR), a training affiliate KMD, in their training programs. 

The Excel based tools are used by all the project partners. 

In addition, a training module targeting extension staff was prepared and pilot tested in Kenya. The same will be 

improved and made available to IMTR for planning and executing training programs aimed at improving the 

understanding of climate issues in agriculture by the personnel involved in agriculture extension. 






Milestone: Increase yields of major crops by at least 50% and the income of 360 000 household by 30% in 

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger by 2013 


Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger 


INERA (Burkina Faso) , IER (Mali), INRAN (Niger) , ICRISAT 

and TSBF , NGOs, Agro dealers, Farmers, Farmer organizations. 


The project on backstopping Fertilizer and Inventory Credit System Project in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger 

seeks to increase yield through four components:- 

• Teaching of farmers about the microdosing technique as developed by ICRISAT and its partners; 

• Dissemination of the technology through FFS, demonstrations; 

• Use of communication channels such as local radios; 

• Creation of village level Input Stores and Warrantage Stores and schemes managed by farmers 

346

After 18 months of implementation, the project has the following achievements: 

• Launching and one planning meetings organized in Ouagadougou and in Niger; 

• Three training workshops organized by the regional coordination on data analysis, management of the 

project and technical report writing; 

• One training on result based monitoring and Evaluation organized by AGRA and attended by country 

teams and the regional coordination; 

• Two trainings on P seed coating for scientists and students from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger; 

• Training on warrantage for NGO staff, farmer organizations in the three countries, but also for an 

AGRA project in Nigeria on request; 

• Baseline studies done in the three countries, and reports submitted to AGRA 

• Backstopping by the RIO of ICRISAT to draft communication plans for the project in Burkina Faso, 

Mali, and Niger 

Table 4: Main countries achievements on some project components in 2010 

Country Input stores Warrantage 

stores 

No. 

microdosing 

No. FFS 

demos 

Burkino Faso 28 26 5154 89 36 

Mali 39 29 1876 49 100 

Niger 24 18 730 60 32 

No. input 

stores 

For the crop yield increase objective, crop yields were increased on average from 823 kg in control (no 

fertilizer) to 1656 kg/ha in microdosing plots in Mali on improved sorghum varieties in 400-600 mm rainfall 

range. The same trend is observed on local varieties in the same rainfall range. Similar yield increase was in 

higher rainfall range (600-800 mm) and 800-1200 mm range in Mali. In Burkina Faso, on improved sorghum 

varieties, yields were 675 kg/ha on control plots and 1879 kg/ha on microdosing plots. In Niger, average grain 

yields varied from 1300 to 1400 kg/ha in microdosing plots as compared to 500 kg/ha in control plots. On 

groundnuts, average control yields were 540 kg/ah as compared to microdosing with SSP and compound 

fertilizer (15-15-15) with respectively average yields of 1275 kg/ha and 1552 kg/ha. In Burkina Faso, about 

4800 framers have conducted microdosing demonstrations on 1300 ha of land on millet sorghum, cowpea, and 

maize. Linkages between farmer organizations or agrodealers with financial institutions in Burkina Faso, Mali 

and Niger has lead to 25 million CFA allocated by BRS to AGRODIA for fertilizer purchases, agreements 

drafted in Niger with ECOBANK and BRS, and in Mali 25 million CFA was loaned to farmers generating a 

benefice of about 9 million CFA. In total , in Mali 488 tons of grain was warranted in 2010. 

Conclusions: 

The second year of the project implementation has increased the number of activities and project outputs as 

compared to year 1. Achievements were well evaluated by the two external evaluators in February 2011, and a 

more ambitious work plan is to be prepared for the last year of the project. This plan will include a strong 

communication program in each country and an M&E activity with a technology dissemination study before the 

start of the 2011 cropping season in all three countries with backstopping from ICRISAT. 


Achieving Pro-Poor Green Revolution in Drylands of Africa: Linking Fertilizer Microdosing with Input-Output 

Markets to Boost Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihoods in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger 

Mahamadou Gandah, Regional Coordinator 

Milestone: Comparative evaluation of ICP-AES and turbidimetric methods for determining extractable sulfur in 

soils 


India 


None 

The deficiency of sulfur (S) as a constraint to crop productivity in irrigated, intensified systems has long been 

recognized. A recent survey of farmers’ fields in the Indian semi-arid tropics (SAT) demonstrated that the 

deficiency of S, as a constraint to crop production and productivity, is also equally widespread in the rainfed 

production systems. The results of this research further showed that soil testing was effective in diagnosing S 

347

deficiency; and the crops grown on farmers’ fields with calcium chloride extractable-S < 8-10 mg kg -1 soil 

responded positively to the application of sulfur. At the Charles Renard Analytical Laboratory in ICRISAT, we 

routinely determine available or extractable S in soil samples by ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic 

Emission Spectroscopy). However, because of cost consideration in procuring an ICP-AES and also the cost 

involved in the conduct of analysis, the turbidimetric method of S determination in soil, water and plant samples 

is still widely used in laboratories especially in the developing countries including India. There is no information 

on the comparative evaluation of the turbidimetric method with ICP-AES for determining extractable S in soil 

samples. The objective of this research therefore, was to compare the values of extractable (available) S 

measured by ICP-AES and turbidimetric methods using diverse soil samples. To compare the efficacy of the 

turbidimetric method with that of ICP-AES method, 80 diverse surface (0-15 cm layer) soil samples were used; 

they had a wide range wide range in pH (5.0 to 8.3) and extractable S. To measure extractable (available) S, the 

soil samples were extracted with 0.15% calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ). The extracts were analyzed for extractable S 

using ICP-AES and turbidimetric methods. All the soil samples were analyzed in triplicate and the mean values 

of three replications are reported. Regression analysis was carried out to establish relationship between the 

values of extractable S obtained by ICP-AES (ICP-S) and turbidimetric (Turbid-S) methods for all the 80 

samples, and also for soil samples grouped according to pH in the acidic, neutral and alkaline range. 

The results of analysis of 80 soil samples for S extracted by 0.15% calcium chloride solution (sulfate-S) and 

determined by the ICP-AES (ICP-S) and turbidimetric (Turbid-S) methods showed that the ICP-S values varied 

from 1.2 to 32.6 mg kg -1 of soil, while the Turbid-S values ranged from 4.2 to 32.5 mg kg -1 soil. In general, the 

Turbid-S values were greater than the ICP-S values in soil samples with different pH (5.0-5.9, 6.0-6.9, 7.0-7.9 

and >8.0) groups. The regression analysis between the ICP-S and Turbid-S values for all the 80 samples (Figure 1) 

showed that there was a significant (R 2 = 0.621 p< 0.01, n = 80) relationship between the values of extractable S 

by the two methods. However, the scatter of the points (Figure 2) with various pH groups of soils clearly 

showed that soil samples with pH > 8.0 were the outliers. The correlations between ICP-S and Turbid-S for soil 

samples with pH ranging from 5.0-5.9, 6.0-6.9 and 7.0-7.9 pH groups were highly significant (p< 0.01). 

However, the correlation between ICP-S and Turbid-S was not significant (R 2 = 0.120, NS, n = 20) for a group 

of 20 soil samples with pH > 8. The regression analysis of ICP-S on Turbid-S for all the 80 samples showed 

that the correlation (R 2 = 0.621 p< 0.01, n =80) was significant. The correlation coefficient (R 2 ) between ICP-S 

and Turbid-S improved from 0.62 to 0.92 (n = 60) when the soil samples with pH > 8.0 were excluded in the 

regression analysis. For the 20 soil samples with pH > 8.0, the mean value of extractable S by the turbidimetric 

method (13.5 mg kg -1 soil) was over three times greater than that obtained by the ICP-AES method. The 

regression equations between the two methods for different groups of soil samples were as follows: 

Samples with pH 5.0-5.9, ICP-S = 0.986 Turbid-S – 4.226 (R 2 = 0.922, p

101%. The recovery of the added sulfate was near complete when added in the range of 5-10 mg L -1 . The 

precision (evaluated by testing the repeatability of the analysis in lower and higher range of sulfate-S) showed 

that the two methods were comparable and equally precise as measured by mean, SE and CV for soil samples 

with extractable sulfate in the higher range, but in the case of soil sample with extractable S in the lower range, 

the turbidimetric method was less precise than the ICP-AES method (results not presented). However, in general 

both methods were less precise in the lower than in the higher extractable S range (Table 1). These results show 

that the best results are obtained especially by the turbidimetric method when the extractable S values in the 

extract are not in the lower range. In such situations, perhaps higher amounts of soil can used to bring the 

concentration of sulfate-S in the extract in the optimum range. Even the ICP-AES method gave a lower 

precision for extractable S in the lower than in the higher concentration range (Table 1). This observation is 

important as a number of soils in the semi-arid tropical regions of India are low to very low in the extractable or 

available S. 

Importantly, we observed interference in the determination of sulfate-S by the turbidimetric method in 

calcareous soils and this needs further investigation. Probably, during the estimation of sulfate-S in the extracts 

by the turbidimetric method in soil samples with pH > 8 results in the formation of barium sulfate and barium 

carbonate, resulting in the over estimation of extractable (available) sulfate by the turbidimetric method. In 

conclusion, this study on the comparative evaluation of ICP-AES and turbidimetric methods for extractable-S 

(sulfate) determination showed that the results obtained by the two methods were in close agreement for soil 

samples with pH varying from 5.0 to 7.9. However, the correlation between the values obtained by the two 

methods was not significant for soil samples with pH 8.0 or higher. And the ICP-S and Turbid-S were 

comparable in precision for soil samples relatively high in extractable S, but ICP-AES method gave a better 

precision than that obtained by the turbidimetric method for soil samples very low in extractable S. 

KL Sahrawat, SP Wani and K Shirisha 

Milestone: Increasing agricultural productivity and sustaining natural resources in SAT Alfisols (RW2 

watershed) 


India 


CRIDA, Hyderabad, India 

Alfisols are important soils throughout much of the semi-arid tropics. They are the most abundant soils in the 

SAT covering 33 % of the SAT region. Sustaining agricultural productivity and conserving natural resources is 

still a major challenge on SAT Alfisols. Our present knowledge does not provide a clear and tested approach 

particularly on land- and soil-management techniques that are effective in reducing runoff and erosion, 

improving structural stability to the soil, improving water-storage characteristics, and reducing sealing and 

crusting. The on-station Alfisols watershed was initiated in 2002 to answer few of these problems on Alfisols. 

During 2009-10, the Alfisol watershed had the treatments, which included two crops and cropping systems (Sorghum (PVK 801) / pigeonpea 

(ICPL 87119) intercrop and castor (GCH4) as sole crop) and two management practices. 

During 2009, the seasonal rainfall was 760 (Jun-Oct) and total annual rainfall was 824 mm. The rainfall was 

highly erratic and all the suffered heavily due to extended drought, starting from 2 nd week of July to 3 rd week of 

August during the season. The tensiometer data shows that the soil moisture at 67.5 cm and 82.5 cm depths were 

similar in both management options with good moisture availability only from 25 th August to 1 st week of 

December 2009 (Figure 3). 

Matric potential at two depths in RW2 watershed, 2009 

120 

Matric potential (cm) 

0.0 

18-Dec 6-Feb 28-Mar 17-May 6-Jul 25-Aug 14-Oct 3-Dec 22-Jan 

-150.0 

-300.0 

-450.0 

-600.0 

-750.0 

67.5 cm Depth 82.5 cm Depth 

Rainfall (mm) 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

18-Dec 6-Feb 28-Mar 17-May 6-Jul 25-Aug 14-Oct 3-Dec 22-Jan 

Date 

Figure 3. Matric potential and daily rainfall in RW2 watershed, ICRISAT Center 2009 

349

Crops were sown on 19 June 2009 and yields of all crops were higher in the BBF system compared to flat system (Fig. 4). The sorghum grain yield 

was higher by about 18% and the fodder yield by 7%, pigeonpea grain yield by 32% and dry matter by 28%, while castor grain yield was higher by 

6% and dry matter by 41% in BBF system over flat system. 

9.0 

7.5 

7.84 

7.31 

6.0 

5.15 

Yield (t ha -1 ) 

4.5 

3.0 

4.81 

3.42 

4.02 

1.73 

1.5 

1.28 

1.21 

1.6 8 

1.42 

1.2 4 

0.0 

Castor Sorghum Pigeonpea Castor Sorghum/ Pigeonpea 

Grain 

Dry matter 

BBF system 

Flat cultivation 

Figure 4. Crop yield under two land managements at RW2 watershed, 2009-10 

Both the annual runoff and soil loss in the BBF system were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower by 32% compared to flat system. Peak 

runoff rate and soil loss were also significantly lower in BBF land management system (Table 4). 

Table 4. Annual rainfall, runoff and soil loss from different treatments at RW2 watersheds, 2009 

Parameters BBF system Flat cultivation 

Seasonal Rainfall (mm) 760 760 

Seasonal runoff (mm) 115 151 

Peak runoff rate (m 3 /s/ ha -1 ) 0.122 0.157 

Runoff as % of rainfall 15 20 

Soil loss (t ha -1 ) 5.30 6.97 


Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Sir Ratan Tata Trust 

P Pathak, SP Wani, Piara Singh and R Sudi 

Milestone: Model watersheds for sustaining agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods in the different 

agro-ecoregions of India 


India 


NGOs (PEDO, BAIF, JalaSRI, READS, BIRDS, DA, TVS-ASRI, SHRISTI), Government Departments 

(District Water Management Agency, Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of District Watershed Development), 

Universities / ICAR Institutions (National Research Center on Agroforestry; University of Agricultural 

Sciences, Dharwad; and ICAR KVKs) 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India has sponsored a project on the establishment of model 

watersheds for sustaining agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods in the different agro-ecoregions of 

India. The Comprehensive Assessment of Watershed Programs in India indicated that the concept of “one size 

fits all” approach did not work well in most rainfed regions. For different agro-eco-regions different approach 

and practices are needed for higher impact. Strong need was felt to establish model watersheds with following 

main objectives. 

• To establish Model Sites of Learning in different agro eco zones for demonstrating the potential of 

rainfed areas for increasing productivity; 

• To improve rural livelihood through participatory watershed development program with consortium 

approach through application of new science tools and cost-effective integrated genetic and natural 

resource management practices appropriate to socio-economic conditions of farmers and natural 

resources of the ecosystems; 

• To build capacity of different stakeholders in the areas of integrated watershed management. 

350

Based on few key criterias (viz. representativeness in terms of soils, landscape, rainfall, crops and socioeconomic; 

major area under rainfed; strong need for watershed program; cooperative community and others) 

appropriate sites of the model watersheds in three different agro-eco-regions were selected (Table 5). Overall 

good progresses have been made at all the nine model watersheds. Emphasis have been given on testing/ 

implementing appropriate technologies, productivity enhancement and income generating activities, 

convergence, quality capacity building of various stakeholders and monitoring and evaluation. During last two 

years fallowing activities have been completed or taken up at nine model watersheds: 

• Baseline data collection on biophysical and socio-economic aspects and its analysis 

• Topographic and geo-reference maps 

• Formation of community groups in watersheds (watershed committee, self-help groups and area groups) 

• Knowledge based entry point activity 

• Detailed project reports prepared for all the nine watersheds 

• Watershed development activities viz. construction of check dams, gully plugs, tanks and other have 

been taken up 

• Participatory productivity enhancement trials 

• Income generating activities 

• Installation and collection of data from weather and hydrological monitoring units 

• Groundwater level monitoring 

• Capacity building activities for various stakeholders 

Table 5. Model watershed sites in different ecoregions of India 

Annual rainfall 

(mm) 

Watershed location 

(Village, Block/Mandal/ 

Soil Type 

≤700 

Taluk, District, State) 

Saram, 

Biscuwada Block, 

Dungarpur Dist., 

Rajasthan 

Mota Vadala, Kalavad 

Taluk Jamnagar Dist., 

Gujarat 

Pathri 

Jalgaon Tq & Dist., 

Maharashtra 

>700 ≤1000 Nagulapally Sadasivapet 

Mandal, 

Medak Dist., 

Andhra Pradesh 

Alfisols & Associated 

soils 

Vertisols, Vertic 

Inceptisols & 

Associated soils 


Inceptisols & 



Inceptisols & 


Collaborating Institutions/ 

Organisations 

PEDO (NGO); DWMA (State 

Govt.) 

BAIF (NGO); 

DWMA (State Govt.) 

JalaSRI Program- 

MJ College, Jalgaon, 

(NGO); 

Dept. Agri. (State Govt.) 

READS (NGO); 


Neeralakatti, 

Dharwad Tq & Dist., 

Karnataka 

Damagar, 

Babina Block 

Jhansi Dist., 

Uttar Pradesh 

Melkarai, 

Kalakad Taluk Tirunelveli 

Dist., Tamil Nadu 

>1000 Barkheda Khurd, 

Chachoda Block Guna 

Dist., 

Madhya Pradesh 

Nuagaon, 

Kuntha block 

Mayurbhanj Dist., Orissa 


Inceptisols, Alfisols & 



soils 


soils (sandy soils) 

Vertisols & Associated 

soils 


soils 

BIRDS (NGO); 

DWDO (State Govt.) 

National Research Center on 

Agroforestry (NRCAF); 

Development Alternative (NGO) 

TVS-ASRI (PIA) 

BAIF (NGO); 


SHRISTI (NGO); 

KVK, OUAT Bhubneswar 

351


Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India 

P Pathak, SP Wani, RC Sachan and R Sudi 

Milestone: Farmers participatory IDM (as a major component of ICM) for the identification and inclusion of 

legumes in the rice and or wheat cropping systems evaluated and promoted. 


India 


Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (JNKV), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa 

Vidyalaya (IGKVV), Raipur, Chhattisgarh 


Evaluation and Promotion of ICM (PVS, IDM, IPM, and INM) technologies for the management of legumes 

diseases in chickpea rainfed rice fallow lands of Chattisgarh (CG) and Madhya Pradesh (MP): Three farmers’ 

participatory activities: 1) Farmers Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS), 2) Improved Pulse Production and 

Protection technology (IPPPT) demonstrations, and 3) Village Level Seed System (VLSS) demonstrations were 

conducted in the target districts of Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur, Rewa, Satna and Damoh) and Chhattisgarh 

(Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Kabirdham). Site specific components of IPPPT such as seeds of improved 

chickpea cultivars, seed treatment with fungicides (Thiram, Bavistin) and Rhizobium, fertilizer application, line 

sowing using locally available seed-cum-fertilizer drill and or locally adopted methods for chickpea were used 

in establishing the trials. 

PVS: Eight chickpea varieties (JG 14, JG 11, ICCC 37, JGK 2, JG 322, Vaibhav, JG 74 and Vijay) evaluated in 

PVS trials in 6 farmers fields in RRFL without supplementary irrigation in CG. Total grain yield ~ 1.0 t ha -1 was 

recorded. In MP, the eight chickpea varieties (JG 11, JG 16, JG 14, JG 74, JG 130, JAKI 9218, JG 63, and JGK 

2) were tested in 5 PVS trials with supplementary irrigation. Grain yields ranged 0.83 to 3 t ha -1 recorded from 

both the states. The chickpea variety JG 16 was the highest yielder (1.93 t ha -1 ) across locations in MP. 

IPPPT: A total of 1142, IPPPT– on farm demonstration were successfully conducted and harvested in CG 

(421) and MP (721) for seed yield and individual household seed systems. Mean yield of chickpea cultivar 

Vaibhav was 0.81 t ha -1 in CG. Among the four improved varieties evaluated in IPPPT in MP; JG 16 gave grain 

yield of 2.37 t ha -1 . The mean grain yield across chickpea varieties and locations was ≥ 1.5 t ha -1 . 

VLSS: A total of 43 VLSS seed multiplication trials were conducted and harvested [CG (34) and MP (9)] about 

30 tons seeds of farmers preferred varieties [JG 16 (10.0 t), JG 130 (9.0 t) and Vaibhav (15.6 t)] was produced. 

In addition to seed stored from VLSS, 27.3 tons of seed of Vaibhav was stored by farmers in CG from IPPPT 

demonstrations. In comparison to CG, farmers stored a total of 83.60 tons seeds of four improved varieties 

[JG16 (40.3 t), JG 74 (13.6t) JG 130 (27.58t) and JAKI 9218 (2.03t)] in MP. Approximately 101.4 tons seeds of 

improved varieties of chickpea were produced in the pilot districts. 

Imparted training (including preparation of training and extension manuals/lectures etc.) to students, research 

scholars, technicians and farmers on the ICM/IDM/IPM of the ICRISAT mandated crops specifically on 

legumes (chickpea and pigeonpea) and their diseases. IPPPT orientation training (including INM, IPM, IDM 

and storage pest and production technology) was imparted to 2455 farmers (CG = 1155 from 48 villages, 

MP=1300 from 36 villages) in the target villages during 2009- 2010 crop season on major production 

constraints and their management practices. 

IPPPT package was highly profitable and cost effective. Percent gain by using IPPPT was up to 400% in CG 

and 104% in MP than local farmer practices. 


National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Pulses, Ministry of Agriculture and cooperatives, GOI, New Delhi, 

India. 

Suresh Pande 

Milestone: Dual (staple food-high value crop) pest resilient cropping systems 


Niger, Burkina Faso 

352


Inran, Niger; University Abdou Moumouni, CIRAD-Montpellier, CIRAD-Réunion 


• major training and capacity building and networking efforts were conducted during this period 

• despite major inconvenience caused by deterioration of the security context in Niger, promising results 

were obtained on the management of the tomato fruitworm (TFW) Helicoverpa armigera on okra using 

a pigeon-pea field border 

• however, mixed results were obtained Re: modelling TFW egg-laying preference on pigeon pea vs okra 

and sweet corn vs tomato, in view of optimizing trap cropping design (for application to BDL or AMG 

systems) 

• promising results were obtained in view of the management of both jujube and watermelon fruit flies 

within the DEF system (and to a lesser extent BDL) 

• major progress was made in the understanding of the taxonomy and bioecology of the Moringa leafworm, 

in view of its management in AMG and BDL systems 

• major discoveries were made on SHB ecology and management prospects, consistent results (although “negative” in terms of 

management prospects) were again obtained on MSB, as reported under Project 3; 


HOPE Project (BMGF), CIRAD (mainly under the Omega3 project) 

Alain Ratnadass 

Milestone: Eco-friendly pest management options integrated for sustainable use of natural resources 

Country Involved: 

India 


State Government Departments of Agriculture 

IPM is the key component in enhancing the productivity of watershed with environmental safety. 

Strengthening capacity of farmers and researchers in eco-friendly pest management approaches in 

watersheds is considered as important component of integrated watershed management. 

To address the above activity IPM team developed and shared various extension hand outs, video films to the 

partners during field visits as well as their visits to ICRISAT campus. 

• During this year 548 farmers (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand), 

and 82 researchers representing 12 states in India had an opportunity to interact with IPM team during 

their visits to ICRISAT with special reference to pesticide residue management. The importance of 

protective clothing was shred with the participants and were supplied with sample kits. 

• Under the activity of “Bhuchetana” project in Karnataka IPM team involved in the capacity building of 

200 NARS researchers from Gulbarga and Davangere districts. 

Response from the participants was quite appreciative by adopting the concept of IPM. 


Bhoochetna, IFAD-EC 

G V Ranga Rao 

Milestone: Verify the impact of contour ridge tillage on biomass production with very high resolution satellite 

imagery 


Mali, Ghana, Niger, Burkina Faso 

353


IER Mali 

Contour ridge tillage (CRT) has shown to raise both the stability and the productivity of Sudanian and Sudano- 

Guinean smallholder cropping systems, and to restore their resiliency to agricultural soils that have been 

exploited for centuries. However, few experimental datasets are published that demonstrate CRT effects onfarm, 

and few simulations document CRT’s actual value for climate risk management. Also lacking are 

performance specifications by slope and soil type, as well as “objective” verification indicators for CRT 

adoption, good practice, and impacts on rainfed crops. 

This study extracted NDVI metrics from multi-year QuickBird imagery (2 images in early season, 2 images in 

late season) for 38 field pairs (contiguous fields, in same catena position; see excerpt in fig. 6). Overall, 

significant differences were captured in NDVI between CRT and non-CRT in 82% of field pairs, of which 72% 

correspond to CRT-mediated increases in NDVI. This means that, even in poorly documented on-farm 

conditions where high uncertainty subsists about field-scale management practices (only crop type was known 

here), satellites can still consistently capture, across a season, positive effects from CRT in 60% of smallholder 

field pairs. 

When considering only early season imagery, the positive benefits from CRT are visible in 77% of smallholder 

field pairs, where higher NDVI values results are associated with increased canopy closure. Satellites can 

therefore corroborate the early-season benefits from CRT, as a consequence of either increased plant available 

water, earlier planting, or a combination of the two. Imagery further shows that CRT increases canopy 

heterogeneity in the season, which can be interpreted as a differential nutrient uptake with early rains, in a 

context of heterogeneous residual fertility patterns. 

Propagation of benefits from CRT late in the season is masked by NDVI saturation in dense canopies. NDVI is 

known to be a better estimator of canopy closure (fraction of vegetation against bare soil) than total biomass 

production. 

(a) 

(b) 

Figure 6. Resolution by QuickBird of CRT and non-CRT fields in a typical smallholder setting. 

Sukumba, Mali. Excerpt from scene no. 50753 acquired Aug. 3, 2003. a. Panchromatic (CRT: green 

outline; non-CRT: red outline). b. Multispectral (R4G3B2 false color composite). Brighter reds 

correspond to strong photosynthetic activity.b 


SIBWA (BMGF-Funded) 

Pierre Sibiry Traore 

Milestone: model grain and biomass gains from contour ridge tillage in a photoperiod sensitive cereal 


Mali, Ghana, Niger, Burkina Faso 


IER, Mali 

Contour ridge tillage (CRT) has a particular potential for highly photoperiod (PP) sensitive germplasm, as it 

helps increase productivity through an extended crop cycle. Using original on-farm trial data from 1998-99, this 

354

study reported CRT-mediated yield (biomass) increases in the range +4 to +56% (+16 to +62%) for cotton, 

maize and millet/sorghum, averaged across a set of 6 fertilization levels (figure 7). While results may appear 

relatively inconsistent, they are deemed representative of average smallholder conditions: in the experiment all 

crop management beside fertilizer application (choice of species, cultivar, field preparation and maintenance) 

was as per usual farmer practice in these mixed cotton-cereal systems. Reduction in yield variability of maize is 

noteworthy for no-fertilizer application, suggesting CRT is a smallholder friendly technology. It should also be 

noted that expected effect of CRT is greater during drier years, while 1998 (1999) were normal (wet) years. 

A CERES-Millet version adapted for obligate PP response was calibrated for phenology of local (12.66°N) 

SaniobaB millet cultivar (PP sensitive: DOY 259±4 50% flowering for plantings on DOY 135; 166; 196; 227). 

Growth was calibrated using 1998 on-farm observations for the no fertilizer and +CaS fertilizer treatments in 

both CRT and non-CRT fields. Integration over the observed [1972-2001] climate from nearby Ségou (100 km 

east, synoptic station) was used to predict the effect of CRT / non-CRT, 2 fertilization levels and 2 planting 

dates on millet grain yield and biomass. 

Results (figure 8) suggest that, for millet cultivar SaniobaB: i) fertilizer application can increase (a1) biomass 

production by ~50% irrespective of climate, and can increase (a2) yields by up to 50% (for the 20% wettest 

years) as a monotonic function of moisture availability; ii) a +15 days planting delay will decrease (b1) biomass 

production by ~15% irrespective of climate, and (b2) yield by up to ~50% for dry to average (6 th decile) years; 

iii) CRT has more effect on biomass production during drier years in general, especially for (b1) fertilized fields 

and (b2) early planting dates; iv) CRT has more effect on yields when (b1) fertilizer is applied, somewhat more 

when (b2) planting is early and appears to bring important gains for the 30% driest years; v/ the approximation 

of CRT through combinations of slope and SCS curve number may not be realistic enough, and; vi/ staggered 

plantings occur typically up to 30 days, which is likely in increase planting date effects observed here. 

1 

0.9 

0.8 

0.7 

0.6 

0.5 

0.4 

0.3 

0.2 

0.1 

0 

Frequences 

CRT_Fert 

Yield (Kg/ha) 

Figure 7 Effects of contour ridge tillage (CRT) 

on millet yields on-farm. Check: no inputs. Fv: 

recommended NPK (S) application. PNT: Fv + 

natural phosphate. CaS: Fv + plaster. KCl: Fv + 

Kcl. Mix: Fv + mix of PNT, plaster 


CODEWA (BMZ funded) 

Figure 8. Simulated effect of contour ridge tillage 

on millet yield cv SaniobaB in smallholder 

fields.1972-2001 climate, Ségou, Mali 

Pierre Sibiry Traore 

355



Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics in SAT Asia and WCA 

V Balaji (until 31 st August 2010); Rex Navarro (from 1 st September) 

Summary: 

During the year, work commenced on digital content management was expanded to cover new topics, and was 

further diversified to support repositories of learning materials. A finalized set of techniques for micro-level 

drought vulnerability forecasting have been developed after elaborate tests. In a partnership, we carried out 

comprehensive testing of the uses of mobile telephony to deliver crop-related advisory and added a new layer of 

services to the Agropedia portal to create and deliver group-specific advisory to farmers. With partner’s support 

and advice, we finalized a set of tags to describe documents in agricultural research and extension and further 

supported the development of the AgroTagger, an online system to “read” and tag agricultural research 

documents, making it globally unique in the sector of agriculture as a whole. 

Output 10.1: ICT-mediated knowledge sharing strategy developed and implemented with partners and 

online, web-based repository of learning materials designed and developed in the public domain with 

appropriate capacity building 

Output target 2010 10.1.1 Design of a Blend of Tools in Knowledge Sharing 

Work reported in the earlier report (2009) on Agropedia design and development was continued, with a focus on 

refinements and feature additions. As stated earlier, Agropedia (http://agropedia.net) is built on the Open Source 

Drupal content management platform with Wiki and blogging features. At its core is the deployment of crop 

knowledge models for nine crops (which include models for all the five mandate crops of ICRISAT). Agropedia 

has semantic features enabled so that a much closer relationship between concepts as contrasted with 

words/strings of letters is achieved. Search results can offer outputs from different languages. 

During 2010, ICRISAT led the final stages of development of a comprehensive architecture for agricultural 

information services and knowledge management, involving aggregation of information from multiple sources 

and delivery/exchange with different stakeholders in multiple modes including rural information kiosks or 

individually-owned cell phones. A non-detailed view emerging from experiences specific to VASAT in India is 

provided in Figure 1. 

Figure 10.1 Research Extension Farmer Continuum 

What emerges from VASAT work in the last three years is that present IT potential and solutions for the 

agricultural research, education and extension sectors, as widely understood among IARC’s, are largely 

inadequate for the scale and complexity of requirements. New architectures for impact-oriented information 

services are necessary for this sector. Our work with GFAR in organizing a pre-GCARD global workshop on 

356

knowledge sharing in agriculture (ICRISAT, Dec 2009) revealed the significant gaps between necessary and 

available technologies in this regard (GFAR-ICRISAT proceedings available at 

http://test1.icrisat.org/Training/ICR_ARD_CM.htm)).Clearly, NARES, IARCS’s, ARI’s and international 

organizations need to form specific partnerships to address this challenge, with ICT resource institutions playing 

the roles of solution providers and not as providers of just contractual or consulting services. 

Design of an advanced online repository for extension-oriented learning materials 

VASAT has a historical strength in being a pioneer in deploying and testing new techniques in digital content 

management, oriented towards extension communication and learning. For long, VASAT has advocated 

granularity in generation of extension materials since practicing farmers and allied stakeholders are known not 

to have the time or opportunity to study complex documents. A set of techniques broadly called development of 

re-usable learning objects (RLO) came into prominence in the earlier part of the decade. VASAT has harnessed 

this approach in a number of training programs for faculty of agricultural universities. It was also ingrained in 

the Agrocuri initiative. A multi-stakeholder workshop was held in May 2009 in collaboration with the U Florida 

and the discussions there led to ICRISAT taking the initiative to formulate a consortium to deploy the practice 

of RLO’s in agricultural extension. Three Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions came forward to join 

the consortium, namely, the School of Agriculture of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), 

School of Agriculture of the YC Maharashtra OU (YCMOU) and the ODL Directorate of Tamil Nadu 

Agricultural University (TNAU). The Consortium was formulated to test various processes for rapid creation of 

learning materials in support of pre-university education for practicing farmers in horticulture nursery 

management, high value crop production, Integrated Pest Management in Agro-horticulture, Integrated Nutrient 

Management in Agro-horticulture and post harvest value addition in Agro-horticulture. This repository has been 

prototyped during 2010 and was presented to the partners for review and testing. It has the following features: 

• Search interface, 

• Content Index, Browse 

• Create a Course and view it. 

• Separate Handlers/Players for different file type like: doc, ppt, flv, mp4, ogg, pdf, jpg, png, gif 

• Chat Interfaces (Public & Private) 

• Google Analytics 

Based on their inputs, the finalized online repository has been made available on the Web at www.agrilore.org. . 

Figure 10.2 Screenshot of Agrilore portal containing draft RLO’s 

357

This repository is also semantically enabled to reflect the subject matter specificity (in this case, horticultural 

crops). More importantly, it allows a user of a learning material to judge the educational and training value of a 

resource, even as it allows the user to connect with other users of the same material. These features are 

unprecedented in the sector of agriculture and will prove to be breakthrough in the medium term. 

AGROVOC Revision and Building of AgroTags 

An important development during this year was the completion of the comprehensive revision of the 

AGROVOC in English which was completed by ICRISAT, thus making an important IPG even more current 

and effective. As of December 2010 the quantitative results of the revision process are: 

Terms 

Before revision (nos.) 

Dec 2009 

After revision (nos.) 

Dec 2010 

Broader Term (BT) 28625 33161 

Narrower Term (NT) 28617 33161 

Related Term (RT) 28219 46214 

USE 19158 Completely revised with 

proper relations 

USE For (UF) 17386 Completely revised with 

proper relations 

The AGROVOC effort at ICRISAT also led to the development of AgroTags, a semantically-related subset of 

terms in AGROVOC (English) that are relevant to agricultural research sector 

Figure 10.3 Terms at first hierarchical level of Agrovoc and Agrotags 

A highly significant development based on AgroTags is an automatic tagging system for research documents in 

agriculture. Called AgroTagger, this has been prototyped and developed by the Indian Institute of Technology 

Kanpur, and is available as an online service for ANY institution in the world and is further available as a plug- 

358

in for the Open Source DSpace that is used for hosting institutional repositories world wide. These are IPG’s in 

every sense of the term and are wholly unprecedented. 

Figure 10.4 Agrotagger – an automatic keyword assignment system (available as open source application 

via Google projects) 

Figure 10.5: ICRISAT Institutional Repository with Agrotags 

Output target 2010 10.2 New approaches for enhanced access to ICRISAT IPG’s developed, tested and 

shared with partners 

In Agrovoc phase II ICRISAT extensively tested the VocBench portal in its beta version. All the issues noted 

during such testing have been reported in online project issue tracker (http://code.google.com/p/agrovoc-csworkbench/issues/list). 

VocBench (http://agrovoc.mimos.my/vocbenchv1.1i/) is a web-based multilingual 

vocabulary management tool developed by FAO. Nearly 2000 definitions and related images were collected 

offline with specific format (provided by FAO) including source, image/definition, and date of collection etc. 

from relevant and authenticated sources (in particular, MeSH, WordNet, FAO Glossary of terms etc.) . Nearly 

359

70% of the Agrovoc terms have been translated in order to develop the Telugu version of Agrovoc, the primary 

language of Andhra Pradesh state of India spoken by 84 million people (as per Census of India, 2010). 

Figure 10.6 Screenshot of VocBench portal published by FAO in partnership with ICRISAT 

10.2.1 Trials with delivering advisory information over mobile telephony 

ICRISAT facilitated the use of mobile telephony (voice and text) using the Web-based aAQUA platform 

(www.aaqua.org) in 2009. At the later stage in 2010, this was further integrated with call center technology with 

Agropedia as the content platform. Analysis of callback and disconnection by the users was carried out in detail 

by partner, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. The results show that the optimal duration of the voice clip 

should be about 40 seconds. Longer clips are not listened to fully, this is based on an analysis of nearly 990 000 

transactions, 

Fig 10.7 Statistical analysis of voice-over-mobile services provided through aAQUA in one linguistic 

region 

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10.2.2 Tests and trials on the use of online fertilizer recommendation systems at farm level 

Following the development of geo-spatial information techniques to visually represent soil nutrient information, 

ICRISAT facilitated the development of an online system for fertilizer recommendation for testing in the north 

eastern zone of Karnataka State, India. The design was carried out by the IIITM-Kerala while the University of 

Agricultural Sciences- Raichur, Karnataka, conducted a comprehensive deployment and trial with 1897 farmers 

covering 19 crops. During the year, 1160 farm-level fertilizer recommendation reports were generated. Impact 

studies carried out by UASR showed that the adoption of the recommendations was highest among groundnut 

and cotton farmers, particularly the adoption of recommended fertilizer application (100 % in groundnut and 71 

% in cotton over 0% before OFR ) The adoption of bio fertilizer application was 62% in rice followed by 43% 

in cotton over 0% before OFR. This is an example of how a complete chain of information services can be built 

from expert-level data sets to offer farm-level advisory. 

Table 1. Adoption levels of online fertilizer recommendation (OFR) by farmers at UAS Raichur (in 

percentage) 

Sl. Crop Recommended Split application Bio fertilizer Organic manure 

No. 

Nutrients applied of ‘N’ 

application application 

Percentage 

Before 

OFR 

After 

OFR 

Before 

OFR 

After 

OFR 

Before 

OFR 

After 

OFR 

Before 

OFR 

After 

OFR 

1. Paddy 0 62 100 100 0 62 100 100 

2. Groundnut 0 100 50 75 0 0 75 100 

3. Safflower 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

4. sunflower 0 50 100 100 0 0 0 0 

5. Sugarcane 0 25 100 100 0 0 0 0 

6. Cotton 0 71 85 100 0 43 86 100 

10.2. Use of GIS derived products for drought vulnerability assessment and preparedness supported by 

using ICT based agro advisory. 

With the widespread availability of mobile phone networks and handsets, in rural areas, text/SMS solutions 

were tried out. The granularised text content extracted from RLO’s has been sent through text/SMS mode in 

Telugu, the local language. Relevant farm advisories were also sent according to the crop calendar for the kharif 

season. Only viable or working numbers were used and 123 volunteers opted to receive the messages and 

participate in subsequent analyses. Since video conferencing requires volunteers and farmers to move to a 

central location, imposing an overhead, we have also set up an audio-conferencing facility that enables several 

people to hear an expert via speaker phone. This has been introduced less than a year back, and is found to be 

even more popular since it can be carried by a volunteer to any village where a mobile or landline connection is 

available. During 2010, we conducted 57 videoconference sessions of 2 hours each and 35 audio conference 

sessions of one hour. In these session experts discussed about protection and production practices of crops like 

castor, finger millet, paddy, groundnut, vegetables along with livestock. The records are maintained by the 

Adrasha Mahila Samaikhya (AMS) located at Adakkal Mandal, Andhra Pradesh State. Adakkal lies between 

latitudes 16 o 28’ 28.3’ to 16 o 41’ 1.98”N and longitudes 77 o 2’ 47.34” to 78 o 2’ 46”. This organization maintains 

videoconference at the hub and audio conferences in different villages. It was found that audio/video conference 

based agro-advisory, benefits more farmers with in-time solutions from experts when compared to conventional 

advisory. This audio/video conference based agro-advisory can be more effective particularly in a country like 

India, where one agriculture extension officer is available for approximately 20 villages covering 6000 farmers. 

After considering India Meteorological Department (http://www.imd.gov.in/) and International Research 

Institute for Climate and Society (http://portal.iri.columbia.edu/portal/server.pt), Columbia prediction, ICRISAT 

released drought vulnerability map of the 450 mm scenario along with the long range prediction of rainfall. This 

prediction was made available by ICRISAT to rural communities in Adakkal Mandal, Mahabubnagar District 

(http://vasat.icrisat.ac.in/images/Adakkal%20location.JPG ) through Village Knowledge centers. The 

predicted rainfall was validated with the observed rainfall data recorded by village network assistants and 

uploaded on VASAT Wiki site. It was observed that the recorded rainfall was very much close to the predicted 

values. This study has shown that local seasonal weather predictions along with ICT based agro-advisory on 

crop planning is of great use for smallholder farmers of Semi-arid tropics. Impact study was conducted to know 

about ICRISAT’s predication on micro-level drought preparedness. Random samples of 20 to 25 people per 

village (around 450 farmers) were interviewed in 21 village of Adakkal Mandal. From the survey and analysis, 

361

we concluded that almost 65 percent of the farmers found the drought-related advisory services useful, and were 

able to switch from normal cropping pattern to castor, pearl millet which withstood the drought. More than 60 

per cent of the cultivation costs for these farmers were saved because of the new advisory services. In one of the 

village more than 50% of the farmers shifted from paddy to drought resistant crops like castor and peal millet 

for kharif season (http://youtu.be/lm2IyXeYVXQ). 

Impact pathways 

Figure 10. 8 Micro level drought vulnerability scenarios developed for 2010 

All activities were designed to operate in a partnership mode: 

--a comprehensive architecture of information services in the stakeholder continuum from farmer to research 

institutions has been developed 

--three new online systems, for learning support, for fertilizer recommendations and for tagging research 

documents have been built and shared with partners 

--practice of crop knowledge models is now mainstreamed to include more crops and institutions 

--comprehensive test results for deploying mobile/voice telephony in agricultural extension have been made 

available. 

--AGROVOC has been comprehensively revised and placed on an online platform hosted by FAO. 

Output target 2010 10.1.1 Platform installed in 3 partner organizations: 


100% (Agropedia, Agrilore ) 


India: Five States with population more than 25 millions: Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh 

Tamilnadu, Maharashtra; one with less than 25 million population: Uttarakhand; languages covered: five 

besides English 

362


Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, University of Agricultural Sciences- Raichur, GB Pant University for 

Agriculture and Tech, National Academy for Agricultural Research Management, Directorate of Open and 

Distance Learning, Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbtore, School of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi 

National Open University, New Delhi , School of Agricultural Sciences, Yashwantrao Chavan 

MaharashtraOpen University - Nashik 


Indian Council of Agricultural Research 

Output 10.2: New approaches for enhanced access to ICRISAT IPG’s developed, tested and shared with 

partners 

Output target 2010 10.2.1 New approaches based on web and mobile telephony tested for localization with 

two partners: 


100% 


India (both web and mobile telephony); 


Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, University of Agricultural Sciences-Raichur, GB Pant University for 

Agriculture and Technology, IIT Kanpur, Adarsha Mahila Samaikhya (AMS) 


Global- Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations; National- Indian Council of Agricultural 

Research. 

363

Publications 

Journal articles publised in Thomson Scientific/ISI Master Jounral List 

(http://www.thomsonscientific.com/cgi-bin/jrnlst/jloptions.cgi?PC=master) 

SNo. ISSN No. Journal Name Journal Article 

1. 0238-0161 Acta Agronomica 

Hungarica 

2. 0137-5881 Acta Physilogiae 

Plantarum 

3. 1991-637X African Journal of 

Agricultural 

Research 


Agricultural 

Research 


Agricultural 

Research 

SHARMA SHIVALI, Chaudhary HK and Sethi 

GS. 2010. In vitro and in vivo screening for 

drought tolerance in winter x spring wheat 

doubled haploids derived through chromosome 

elimination. Acta Agronomica Hungarica 58:301- 

312. 

Kumar S, Malik J, Thakur P, Kaistha S, 

Sharma KD, Upadhyaya HD, Berger JD and 

Nayyar H. 2010. Growth and Metabolic 

Responses of Contrasting Chickpea (Cicer 

arietinum L.) Genotypes to Chilling Stress at 

Reproductive Phase. Acta Physilogiae Plantarum 

1-9: DOI 10.1007/s11738-010-0602-y. 

Ajeigbe HA, Singh BB, Ezeaku IE and Adeosun 

JO. 2010. On-farm evaluation of improved 

cowpea-cereals cropping systems for croplivestock 

farmers: Cereals-cowpea systems in 

Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria. African Journal 

of Agricultural Research 5(17):2297-2304. 

Available online at 

http://www.academicjournals.org/AJAR. 

Ajeigbe HA, Singh BB, Adeosun JO and Ezeaku 

IE. 2010. Participatory on-farm evaluation of 

improved legume-cereals cropping systems for 

crop-livestock farmers: Maize-double cowpea in 

Northern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria. 

African Journal of Agricultural Research 

5(16):2080-2088. Available online at 

http://www.academicjournals.org/AJAR. 

BELLOSTAS NATALIA, Sorensen Christian 

Jens, Nikiema Albert, Sorensen Hilmer, 

Pasternak Dov and Kumar Sanjeet. 2010. 

Glucosinolate in leaves of Moringa species 

grown and disseminated in Niger. African Journal 

of Agricultural Research 5(11):1338-1340. 

364



Agricultural 

Research 

7. 1684-5315 African Journal of 

Biotechnology 


Biotechnology 


Biotechnology 

10. 0021-857X Agricultural 

Economics 

11. 0378-3774 Agricultural Water 

Management 

12. 0378-3774 Agricultural Water 

Management 

Kumar S, DAGNOKO S, Haougui A, Ratnadass 

A, Pasternak D and Kouame C. 2010. Okra 

(Abelmoschus spp.) in West and Central Africa: 

Potential and progress on its improvement. 

African Journal of Agricultural Research 

5(25):3590-3598. 

Gopalakrishnan S, Kannan IGK, ALEKHYA G, 

Humayun P, SREE VIDYA M and DEEPTHI K. 

2010. Efficacy of Jatropha, Annona and 

Parthenium biowash on Sclerotium rolfsii, FOC 

and M. phaseolina pathogens of chickpea and 

sorghum. African Journal of Biotechnology 

9(47):8048-8057. 

Pande S, SHARMA M, Kishore GK, Shivram L 

and NAGA MANGALA U. 2010. 

Characterization of Botrytis cinerea isolates from 

chickpea: DNA polymorphisms, cultural, 

morphological and virulence characteristics. 

African Journal of Biotechnology 9(46):7961- 

7967. Available online at 

http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB 

SUSAN MM, Quinata E, Sharma KK, Simon T, 

Gichuki MG and SANTIE M DE VILLIERS. 

2010. Surface sterilant effect on the regeneration 

efficiency from cotyledon explants of groundnut 

(Arachis hypogea L.) varieties adapted to eastern 

and southern Africa. African Journal of 

Biotechnology 9(20):2866-2871. 

SCHIPMANN C and Qaim M. 2010. Spillovers 

from modern supply chains to traditional markets: 

product innovation and adoption by smallholders. 

Agricultural Economics 41:3-4:361-371. 

Rockstrom J, LOUISE KARLBERG, Wani SP, 

JENNI BARRON, Nuhu Hatibu, Theib Oweis, 

Adriana Bruggeman, Jalali Farahani and Zhu 

Qiang. 2010. Managing water in rainfed 

agriculture – The need for a paradigm shift. 

Agricultural Water Management 97:543-550. 

Sahrawat KL, Wani SP, Pathak P and Rego TJ. 

2010. Managing natural resources of watersheds 

in the semi-arid tropics for improved soil and 

365


water quality: A review. Agricultural Water 

Management 97:375-381. 

13. 0972-2963 Animal Nutrition 

and Feed 

Technology 

14. 0972-2963 Animal Nutrition 

and Feed 

Technology 

15. 0003-4746 Annals of Applied 

Biology 

Nigam SN and Blummel M. 2010. Cultivardependent 

variation in food-feed-traits in 

groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Animal 

Nutrition and Feed Technology 10S:39-48. 

Prasad KVSV, Khan AA, Vellaikumar S, 

Devulapalli R, Ramakrishna Reddy Ch, Nigam 

SN and Blummel M. 2010. Observations on 

livestock productivity in sheep fed exclusively on 

haulms from ten different genotypes of 

groundnut. Animal Nutrition and Feed 

Technology 10S:121-126. 

HAMADINA EI, Craufurd PQ, Battey NH and 

Asiedu R. 2010. In vitro micro-tuber initiation 

and dormancy in yam. Annals of Applied Biology 

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107. 0179-9541 Plant Breeding Saxena RK, Saxena KB, Kumar RV, Hoisington 

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Sarkar A, Hess D, Mondal HA, Banerjee S, 

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JIANG HF, Ren XP, Wang SY, Zhang XJ, 

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40. 0972-1665 Journal of 

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Chand Ramesh, Raju SS and Pandey LM. 2010. 

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Manikandan N, Rao GGSN, Rao AVMS, Rao 

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Thakur V and Varshney RK. 2010. Challenges 

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Cecilia M, Tojo Soler, Gerrit Hoogenboom, 

Rabiu Olatinwo, Bamory Diarra, Farid 

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49. 1226-8550 Journal of 

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SHARMA. 2010. Nutrient contents in 

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SHIRISHA K, Sahrawat KL, Murthy KVS, Wani 

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Comparative evaluation of ICP-AES and 

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Society of Soil Science 58: 323-326. 

Sharma S, Chander G and Verma TS. 2010. 

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57. 1569-8424 LEISA INDIA Ravinder Reddy Ch, Parthasarathy Rao P, 

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2010. Linking small-scale sorghum and pearl 

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63. Plant Soil DEVI JM, Sinclair TR and Vadez V. 2010. 

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65. 1578-4460 Regional and 

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E-SAT Journal Articles 


1. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

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2. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

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3. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

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4. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

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5. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

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Ashok Kumar A, Reddy BVS, Ravinder 

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Ramaiah B and SANJANA REDDY P. 

2010. Enhancing the harvest window for 

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sorghum for ethanol production. E-Journal 

of SAT Agricultural Research. 8:1-5. 

http://ejournal.icrisat.org/volume8/Sorghu 

m_Millets/Enhancing_the.pdf. 

Ashok Kumar A, Reddy BVS, Sahrawat 

KL and Ramaiah B. 2010. Combating 

micronutrient malnutrition: Identification 

of commercial sorghum cultivars with 

high grain iron and zinc. E-Journal of SAT 

Agricultural Research. 8: 1-5. 


m_Millets/Combating_micronutrient.pdf 

Basavaraj G, Parthasarathy Rao P, 

BHAGAVATULA S and Ahmed W. 

2010. Availability and utilization of 

pearl millet in India. E-Journal of SAT 

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Availability_and_utilization.pdf 

Gupta SK, Rai KN and Suresh Kumar M. 

2010. Effect of genetic background on 

fertility restoration of pearl millet hybrids 

based on three diverse cytoplasmicnuclear 

male-sterility systems. E-Journal 

of SAT Agricultural Research. 8: 1-4. 

http://ejournal.icrisat.org/volume8/Sorgh 

um_Millets/Effect_of_genetic.pdf 

Meena HP, Kumar J, Upadhyaya HD, 

Bharadwaj C, Chauhan SK, Verma 

AK and Rizvi AH. 2010. Chickpea 

(Cicer arietinum L.) mini core 

germplasm collection as rich sources of 

diversity for crop improvement. E- 

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8:1-5. 

395


http://ejournal.icrisat.org/Volume8/Chick 

pea_pigeonpea/Chickpea_mini_core.pdf 

6. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

SAT 

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Research 

7. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

SAT 

Agricultural 

Research 

8. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

SAT 

Agricultural 

Research 

9. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

SAT 

Agricultural 

Research 

10. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

SAT 

Agricultural 

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MULA RP, Rai KN and Yadav SK. 

2010. Case study of adoption of a pearl 

millet variety in a non-target region. E- 

Journal of SAT Agricultural Research. 8: 

1-5. 


um_Millets/Case_study_of.pdf 

Parthasarathy Rao P, Basavaraj G, 

Ahmad W and BHAGAVATULA S. 

2010. An analysis of availability and 

utilization of sorghum grain in India. E- 

Journal of SAT Agricultural Research. 

8:1-8. 

http://ejournal.icrisat.org/Volume8/IMPI/ 

An_analysis_sorghum.pdf 

Reddy BVS, Ashok Kumar A, SANJANA 

REDDY P, Ibrahim M, Ramaiah B, 

Dakheel AJ, Ramesh S and 

Krishnamurthy L . 2010. Cultivar options 

for salinity tolerance in sorghum. E- 

Journal of SAT Agricultural Research. 8: 

1-5. 


m_Millets/Cultivar_options.pdf 

Reddy BVS, Sharma HC, Thakur RP and 

Ashok Kumar A. 2010. Characterization 

of ICRISAT-Bred Sorghum Restorer 

lines. E-Journal of SAT Agricultural 

Research. 8: 1-9. 

http://ejournal.icrisat.org/Volume8/Sorghu 

m_Millets/Characterization_of_.pdf 

Swamy SVSG, Sharma HC, Kumar CS, 

Sharma KK and Subbaratnam GV. 2010. 

Use of indices based on consumption and 

utilization of food as a criterion to 

evaluate putative transgenic pigeonpea 

plants for resistance to pod borer 

Helicoverpa armigera. E-Journal of SAT 

Agricultural Research. 8:1-7. 

http://ejournal.icrisat.org/Volume8/Chick 

pea_pigeonpea/Use_of_indices.pdf 

396


11. 3973-3094 E-Journal of 

SAT 

Agricultural 

Research 

Thakur RP, Sharma R, Srinivasa Rao P, 

SANJANA REDDY P, Rao VP and 

Reddy BVS. 2010. Evaluation of sweet 

sorghum hybrid parents for resistance to 

grain mold, anthracnose, leaf blight and 

downy mildew. E-Journal of SAT 

Agricultural Research. 8:1-5. 


um_Millets/Evaluation_of_sweet.pdf 

397

Book Chapters 

1. Anantha KH. 2010. Distressed livelihoods: Groundwater Depletion and Coping 

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3. Byjesh K, Kumar SN and Aggarwal PK. 2010. Simulating impacts, potential 

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4. Chand Ramesh, Pandey LM and Garg S. 2010. Rise and decline of rainfed agriculture. 

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5. Deshpande S, Srinivasa Rao P, Hash CT and Reddy BVS. 2010 Genomics and 

bioengineering of lignin biosynthetic pathway genes. Pages 37-58 in Brown 

midrib sorghum—current status and potential as novel ligno-cellulosic feedstock 

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academic publishing Gmbh and Co KG, Germany. 

6. Gowda CLL, Pasternak D, Kumar S, Nikiema A and Woltering L. 2010. Crop 

diversification with horticultural crops for enhancing income and improving 

livelihoods of farmers in dryland areas. Pages 269-279 in Horticulture and 

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8. Pande S, Narayana Rao J, SHARMA M, Pathak M and Stevenson P. 2010. 

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9. Pande S, SHARMA M and Narayana Rao J. 2010. Botrytis Gray Mold. Pages 42- 

45 in Compendium of Chickpea and Lentil Diseases and Pests (Weidong Chen, 

Sharma HC and Fred J Muehlbauer, eds.). The American Phytopathological 

Society (APS PRESS). ISBN 978-0-89054-383-2. 165pp. 

10. Prakasham RS, Srinivasa Rao P, Sudheer Kumar Y, Sreenivas Rao R, 

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novel ligno-cellulosic feedstock of bioenergy (Srinivasa Rao, Pralashma RS and 

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11. Rajasekhar D, Gagan Bihari Sahu and Anantha KH. 2010. Growing Rural- 

Urban Disparity in Karnataka. Serials Publishers, New Delhi. April 2010. 

12. Ranga Rao GV. 2010. Identification, distribution and management of thrips on 

lentil. Pages 124-25 in Compendium of Chickpea and Lentil Diseases and Pests 

CABI. (Weidong Chen, Hari C Sharma and Fred J Muehlbauer, eds.), APS press, 

St. Paul, USA, 165pp. 

13. Rao KV, Venkateswarlu B, Sahrawat KL, Wani Suhas P, Mishra PK, Dixit S, 

Srinivasa Reddy K, Manoranjan Kumar and Saikia US. eds. 2010. Proceedings of 

National Workshop-cum-Brain Storming on Rainwater Harvesting and Reuse 

through Farm Ponds: Experiences, Issues and Strategies. 21-22 April 2009. 

CRIDA, Hyderabad. 242pp. 

14. Sharma HC, Dhillon MK, BHATNAGAR-MATHUR P and Sharma KK. 2010. 

Potential of transgenic grain legumes for management and sustainable crop 

production. Pages 135-158 in Pests and Pathogens: Management Strategies 

(Dashavantha Reddy Vudem, Nagaraja Rao Poduri and Venkateswara Rao 

Khareedu, eds.). BS Publications. ISBN: 978-81-7800-227-9. 

15. Sharma HC, Gowda CLL, Ranga Rao GV, Dhillon MK, and El Bouhssini M. 

2010. Pest Management in chickpea. Pages 150-152 in Compendium of Chickpea 

and Lentil Diseases and Pests CABI. (Weidong Chen, Hari C Sharma and Fred J 

Muehlbauer, eds.), APS press, St. Paul, USA. 165 pp. 

16. Sharma HC, Srivastava CP, Durairaj C and Gowda CLL. 2010. Pest 

management in grain legumes and climate change. Pages 115-139 in Climate 

change and management of cool season grain legume crops (Yadav SS et al., eds.). 

Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer Science + Business Media. 

17. Singh Piara, Pathak P, Wani Suhas P and Sahrawat KL. 2010. Integrated 

watershed management for increasing productivity and water-use efficiency in 

semi-arid tropical India. Pages 181-205 in Water and Agricultural Sustainability 

Strategies (Kang MS, ed.). CRC Press/Balkema, Taylor and Francis Group, 2300 

AK Leiden, the Netherlands. 

18. Srinivasa Rao P, Deshpande S, Prakasham RS and Reddy BVS. 2010 

Composition and characterization of bmr sorghums. Pages 9-36 in Brown midrib 

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19. Srinivasa Rao P, Prakasham RS, Umakanth AV, Deshpande S, Ravikumar S and 

Reddy BVS. 2010. Introduction. Pages 1-7 in Brown midrib sorghum—current 

status and potential as novel ligno-cellulosic feedstock of bioenergy (Srinivasa 

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20. Srinivasa Rao P, Ravikumar S, Prakasham RS, Deshpande S and Reddy BVS. 

2010. Bmr – from efficient fodder trait to novel substrate for futuristic biofuel: 

Way forward. Pages 99-112 in Brown midrib sorghum—current status and 

potential as novel ligno-cellulosic feedstock of bioenergy (Srinivasa Rao, 

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21. Umakanth AV, Srinivasa Rao P, Prakasham RS and Reddy BVS. 2010. Brown 

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current status and potential as novel ligno-cellulosic feedstock of bioenergy 

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publishing Gmbh and Co KG, Germany. 

22. Upadhyaya HD, Kashiwagi J, Varshney RK, Gaur PM, Saxena KB, 

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24. Varshney RK. 2010. Gene-based marker systems in plants: high throughput 

approaches for discovery and genotyping. Pages 119-142 in Molecular Techniques 

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25. Vara Prasad PV, Vijaya Gopal K and Upadhyaya HD. 2009. Growth and 

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1. Ajeigbe HA and Dashiell K. 2010. Participatory research extension approach: 

N2Africa extension method. 39pp. IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria. Based on: Ellis- 

Jones J, Schulz S, Chikoye D, De Haan N, Kormawa P and Adezwa D. 2005. 

Participatory research and extension approaches: a guide for researchers and 

extension workers for involving farmers in research and development. IITA, 

Ibadan, Nigeria, and Silsoe Research Institute, UK. 52pp. 

2. Ajeigbe HA, Singh BB, Musa A, Adeosun JO, Adamu RS and Chikoye D. 

2010. Improved cowpea-cereal cropping systems: cereal-double cowpea 

system for northern Guinea savanna Zone. International Institute of Tropical 

Agriculture, Ibadan Nigeria. 17 pp. 

3. Ajeigbe HA and Woomer PL. 2010. Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Grain 

Legume Enterprise: Guidelines for N2Africa Lead Farmers. Tropical Soil 

Biology and Fertility Institute of the International Centre for Tropical 

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4. Birthal PS, Parthasarathy P, Nigam SN, BANTILAN MCS and 

BHAGAVATULA S. 2010. Groundnut and Soybean Economies in Asia: 

Facts, Trends and Outlook. Book no. 50 (BOE 050), Patancheru 502 324, 

Andhra Pradesh, India: ICRISAT. 92 pp. ISBN: 978-92-9066-531-1. 

5. Dwivedi SL, Perotti E, Upadhyaya HD and Ortiz R. 2010. Sexual and asexual 

(apomixis) plant reproduction in the genopmics era: Opportunities to increase 

food production. Sexual Plant Reproduction. DOI 10.1007/s00497-010-0144-x. 

ISSN 0934-0882 (Print) 1432-2145 (Online May 27, 2010) 

6. Gujja B, Hash Jr CT, Sharma MM, TAMPAL F and Maqsood Javed SM. 

2010. Biodiversity @ ICRISAT-Patancheru, India (Version 2.0). International 

Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and World 

Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India. 386 + ix 

pp, and fold-out map. 

7. Mula MG and Saxena KB. 2010. Lifting the level of awareness on pigeonpea: 

A global perspective. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid 

Tropics, Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India. ISBN: 978-92-9066- 

535-9. Order code. BOE 051. 540pp. 

8. Parthasarathy Rao P, Birthal PS, BANTILAN MCS and BHAGAVATULA S. 

2010. Chickpea and pigeon economies of Asia. Facts, trends and outlook. 

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), 

Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India. 76 pp. 

9. Ravinder Reddy Ch, Nigam SN, Parthasarathy Rao P, Ahmed S, Ratnakar R, 

Raidu DV, Alur AS, Ashok Kumar A, Reddy BVS and Gowda CLL. 2010. 

Village Seed Banks: An integrated seed system for improved seed production 

and supply – A case study. Information Bulletin No.87, International Crops 

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Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics Patancheru, 502 324, Andhra 

Pradesh, India. 40pp. 

10. Rai KN, Gupta SK, BHATACHARJEE RANJANA, Kulkarni VN, Singh AK 

and Rao AS. eds. 2009. Morphological Characteristics of ICRISAT-bred 

Pearl Millet Hybrid Seed Parents. Patancheru 502324, Andhra Pradesh, India: 

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics. 176pp. 

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Conference Papers 

1. Birthal PS. 2010. Contract farming in livestock: Some reflections on the conditions 

for success. Pages 116-125 in Indian Dairying-productivity and food safety. 

Proceedings of the 38 th Dairy Industry Conference. Indian Dairy Association 

(south Zone) Bengaluru, India. February 17-19, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. 

2. Birthal PS and A Kumar. 2010. Improving efficiency of milk markets through 

institutional innovations for the benefit of smallholders. Volume 1, Pages 342-351 

(Lead Papers) in Optimizing buffalo productivity through conventional and novel 

technologies. Proceedings of the International Buffalo Conference, 1-4 February, 

New Delhi, India. 

3. Chander G, Wani Suhas P, Sahrawat KL and Mathur TP. 2010. Water use 

efficiency enhanced through balanced nutrient management—A case study from 

Rajasthan. Pages 435-441, Volume I in Proceedings of International Conference 

on Environmental Management (Anji Reddy M and Vijaya Lakshmi T eds.). 

ICEM’10 (25-28 October, Hyderabad, India). BS Publications, Hyderabad, India. 

4. CHOUDHARY S, Hash CT, Prem Sagar, Prasad KVSV and Blümmel M. 2010. 

Near Infrared Spectroscopy estimation of pearl millet grain composition and feed 

quality. Pages 1-4 in Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on NIR 

Spectroscopy. IM Publication, Chichester, UK. 

5. DEVASIRVATHAM V, Tan DKY, Trethowan RM, Gaur PM and 

MALLIKARJUNA N. 2010. Impact of high temperature on reproductive stage of 

chickpea. In Proceedings of the 15th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, 

15-18 Nov 2010, Christ Church, New Zealand. Available online at 

http://www.regional.org.au/au/asa/2010/climate-change/hightemperature/7039_devasirvatham.htm#TopOfPage 

6. Gowda CLL, Dar WD, Upadhyaya HD and Yadav D. 2010. Biodiversity and 

achieving the UNMDG of having hunger and poverty by 2015. Pages 24-27 in 

International Conference on Biodiversity in relation to food & human security in a 

warming planet, 15-17 February 2010. MSSRF Chennai, India. 

7. Herrmann L, HAUSMANN BIG and Traore PS. 2010. Biodiversity as adaptation 

strategy of West African farmers towards climate varaibility. Paper presented at 

the International conference “Tropentag”, held at Zuerich, Switzerland, September 

14-16, 2010. Full paper (4 pages) online 

http://www.tropentag.de/2010/abstracts/full/248.pdf 

8. JORGE MA, Claessens G, HANSON J, Dulloo ME, GOLDBERG E, 

THORMANN I, Alemayehu S, Gacheru E, Amri A, Benson E, DUMET D, Roux 

N, Rudebjer P, Hamilton RS, SANCHEZ I, SHARMA S, Taba S, Upadhyaya HD 

and HOUWE IVD. 2010. Knowledge sharing on best practices for managing crop 

genebanks. Pages 1-8 in Proceedings of Scientific and Technical Information and 

Rural Development IAALD XIIIth World Congress, Montpellier, 26-29 April 

2010. 

403

9. Kesava Rao AVR and Wani Suhas P. 2010. Climate change and adaptation 

strategies in the Semi-Arid Tropics. Pages 13-22 in Proceedings of the 

International Seminar on “Future Farming” at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 03-04 

December 2010. State Horticulture Mission - Kerala. 

10. Kumar S, Nepolean T, Sahrawat KL, Rai KN, Srivastava RK, Singh G and Hash 

CT. 2010. Transgressive segregants for grain Fe and Zn density from two pearl 

millet RIL mapping populations. AP Science Congress and Annual Convention of 

A.P Akademi of Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad 

(JNTUH), India, 18-20 Nov. 2010. 

11. Laxmipathi Gowda CL, Pasternak D and Kumar S. 2010. Crop diversification with 

horticultural crops for enhancing incomes and improving livelihoods of poor 

farmers in dryland areas. Pages 269-279 in Proceedings of the International 

Conference on Horticulture (ICH-2009) (Nath P and Gaddagimath PB, eds.). 

Bangalore, India, 9-12 November 2009. Dr Prem Nath Agricultural Science 

Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. 

12. MGONJA M, Oketayot C, Sheunda P, Ojulong H, Manyasa E and Audi P. 2010. 

Agricultural Research, Analysis, and Policy Partnerships. Pages 9-45 in New 

research and technologies that could increase crop yields, enhance soil fertility and 

future partnerships for growth of the agriculture sector across southern. 

Responding to Immediate Needs and Building a Foundation for Long-Term 

Agricultural Growth and Poverty Reduction. August 2010, Nairobi Kenya. 

13. MGONJA M. 2010. Domesticating the Harmonized Seed Security Project 

(HASSP), Potential Challenges and Opportunities. Pages 1-16 in Key note paper 

prepared and submitted to the Food Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy 

Analysis Network (FANRPAN) May 2010, Kopanong-South Africa. 16 pp. 

14. MULA RP, Wani Suhas P, Rai KN and Balaji V. 2010. Lessons drawn from 

women’s participation in ICRISAT R&D projects: Talking points for climate 

change initiatives. Presented during the conference on Climate Change and Society 

on 21-24 June 2010 at the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and 

Letters,Trondheim, Norway. 

http://climsec.prio.no/paper_view.aspx 

www.dknvs.no/climsec 

15. Palanisami K, Suresh Kumar D, Wani Suhas P, Mark Giordano and Praduman 

Kumar. 2010. Evaluation of Watershed Development Programs in India using the 

Economic Surplus Method. Pages 45-59 in Proceedings of National Workshopcum-Brain 

Storming on Rainwater Harvesting and Reuse through Farm Ponds: 

Experiences, Issues and Strategies. 21-22 April 2009. CRIDA, Hyderabad. 

16. Pande S and SHARMA M. 2010. Climate change and rainfed crop diseases in 

India: Assumptions and Preparedness. (Extended summary) Pages 4-7 in Indian 

Phytopathological Society Symposium and Annual Zonal Meet (Delhi Chapter) on 

16 th November, 2010, at Division of Plant Pathology, IARI, New Delhi. 

404

17. Pande S, Desai S, and SHARMA M. 2010. Impact of Climate Change on Rainfed 

Crop Diseases: Current Status and Future Research Needs. Pages 55-59 (Lead 

Papers) in National Symposium on Climate Change and Rainfed Agriculture, 

(Venkateswaru B, Mishara PK, Rao VUM, Ravindra Chary G, Srinivasa Rao CH, 

Sharma KL, Gopinath KA and Balloli SS, eds.) February 18-20, 2010. Indian 

Society of Dryland Agriculture, Central Research Institute for Dryland 

Agriculture, Hyderabad, India. 

18. Parthasarathy Rao P, Ravinder Reddy Ch, Ashok AS and Reddy BVS. 2010. 

Linking farmers with millet markets. Pages 50-55 (Lead paper) in presented at 

National Seminar on Millets: Research and Development in Millets—Present 

Status and Future Strategies, organized by Directorate of Sorghum Research, 

Hyderabad and Directorate of Millets, GOI, Jodhpur, 12 November 2010. 

19. Penmetsa RV, GARCIA NC, Rosen B, Gao J, Sarma BG, Datta S, Vail SL, 

Garzon L, Bett K, Vandenberg B, Woodward J, Blair M, Bertioli DJ, May GD, 

He G, Bruening GE, Varshney RK and Cook DR. 2010. Studies of genome 

evolution in papilionoid legumes. Plant and Animal Genome XVIII Conference, 9- 

13 January 2010, San Diego, USA. http://www.intlpag.org/18/abstracts/W24_PAGXVIII_178.html 

20. Ratnadass A, Avelino J, FERNANDES P, Habib R, Letourmy P and Sarah JL. 

2010. Designing ecologically intensive cropping systems for regulating pests and 

diseases via plant species diversification-based suppressive processes in the 

tropics. Pages 523-524 in Proceedings of Agro2010 the XIth ESA Congress, Aug 

29-Sep 3, Montpellier, France. 

21. Reddy AA and RADHIKA RANI. 2010. Women Employment and Wages in Rural 

Andhra Pradesh, The 52nd Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Labour 

Economics held at Karnatak University, Karnataka, India, 17-19, December' 2010. 

http://www.isleijle.org/ijle/IssuePdf/ProgramSummary.pdf 

22. Sharma HC. 2010. Global warming and climate change: Impact on arthropod 

biodiversity, pest management, and food security. Pages 1-14 in Souvenir, 

National Symposium on Perspectives and Challenges of Integrated Pest 

Management for Sustainable Agriculture, 19-21 Nov 2010 (Thakur RK, Gupta, PR 

and Verma AK, eds.). Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India: Indian Society of 

Pest Management and Economic Zoology/ Dr YS Parmar University of 

Horticulture and Forestry. 

23. Srinivasa Rao M, Ranga Rao GV, Venkateswarlu B. 2010. Impact of climate 

change on Insect-pests. Pages 43-54 in Proceedings of National symposium on 

Climate change and rainfed agriculture, 18-20 February 2010. Organized by Indian 

Society of Dryland Agriculture (ISDA) and Central Research Institute for Dryland 

Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad, India. 

24. Srinivasa Rao P, Reddy BVS, Thakur RP, Sharma HC, Basavaraj G, Parthasarathy 

Rao P, Ravinder Reddy Ch, Ashok Kumar A, Blümmel M and Sharma KK. 2010. 

Relevance of sweet sorghum as an alternative bioethanol feedstock in India – a 

retrospective analysis. 3 rd International Biofuels India 2010- Sustainable Biofuels 

405

Markets and Technology Development, Oct 27-29, New Delhi, India 

http://dspace.icrisat.ac.in/bitstream/10731/3650/1/SweetSorghumCII15pp.pdf 

25. Wani Suhas P and Boomiraj K. 2010. Climate Change – Water, Food and 

Environment Security. Volume-II, Pages 1302-1328 In Proceedings of the 3 rd 

International Conference on Hydrology and Watershed Management With a Focal 

Theme on Climate Change – Water, Food and Environmental Security. Organized 

on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Year (2009-2010) of Centre for Water Resources, 

Institute of Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, 

Hyderabad. 3-6 February 2010. 

26. Wani Suhas P, SREEDEVI TK, Sudi R, Pathak P and MARCELLA D’SOUZA. 

2010. Groundwater Management an Important Driver for Sustainable 

Development and Management of Watersheds in Dryland Areas. Pages 195-209 in 

2 nd National Ground Water Congress. Govt. of India. Ministry of Resources. 22 

March 2010. New Delhi. 

27. Gopalakrishnan S, Rupela OP, Humayun P, Kiran BK, SAILASREE J, ALEKHYA 

G and Sandeep D. 2009. Bioactive secondary metabolites from PGPR and 

Botanicals. Page 45-51 in Plant Growth Promotion by Rhizobacteria for Sustainable 

Agriculture. Proceedings for first Asian PGPR Congress, Acharya NG Ranga 

Agricultural University, Rahendranagar, Hyderabad, India. 

28. Kiran BK, Gopalakrishnan S, Rupela OP, Humayun P and Reddy G. 2009. Assessing 

actinomycetes from herbal vermicomposts and their evaluation for PGP traits. Page 

569-575 in Plant Growth Promotion by Rhizobacteria for Sustainable Agriculture. 

Proceedings for first Asian PGPR Congress, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural 

University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. 

29. Sharma HC. 2009. Insect pests and pest management in India: The changing scenario. 

Pages 1-24 in Summer School on Changing Pest Scenario and Management 

Strategies (Ramesh Babu T, Dharma Reddy K, Koteswara Rao SR, Umamaheswari 

T and Sridevi D, eds.). Rajendranagar, Andhra Pradesh, India: Department of 

Entomology, ANGR Agricultural University. 

30. Sharma HC. 2009. Host plant resistance to insects: Potential and limitations. Pages 

203-221 in Summer School on Changing Pest Scenario and Management Strategies 

(Ramesh Babu T, Dharma Reddy K, Koteswara Rao SR, Umamaheswari T and 

Sridevi D, eds.). Rajendranagar, Andhra Pradesh, India: Department of 

Entomology, ANGR Agricultural University. 

31. Sharma HC. 2009. Insecticidal genes for deployment in genetically engineered 

plants for resistance to insect pests. Pages 222-237 in Summer School on Changing 

Pest Scenario and Management Strategies (Ramesh Babu T, Dharma Reddy K, 

Koteswara Rao SR, Umamaheswari T and Sridevi D, eds.). Rajendranagar, Andhra 

Pradesh, India: Department of Entomology, ANGR Agricultural University. 

32. Vijay Krishna Kumar K, Krishnam Raju S, Reddy MS, LAWRENCE KK, Groth 

DE, Miller ME, Hari Sudini and Binghai Du. 2009. Field Efficacy of Commercial 

Formulations of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Plant Extracts against Rice Sheath 

406

Blight Disease. Pages 616-620 in Proceedings of First Asian PGPR Congress for 

Sustainable Agriculture (Desai S, Reddy MS, Krishna Rao V, Sarma YR, Chenchu 

Reddy B and Reddy KRK, eds.), 21-24 June 2009, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, 

India. 

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and Grain Legume Enterprise: Guidelines for N2Africa Lead Farmers. Tropical 

Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of the International Centre for Tropical 

Agriculture Nairobi / International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan 

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2. Asfaw S, Shiferaw B, Simtowe F, Muricho G, Abate T and Ferede S. 2010. 

Socio-economic assessment of legume production, farmer technology choice, 

market linkages, institutions and poverty in rural Ethiopia. Research Report 

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the Semi Arid Tropics. 73pp. 

3. BANTILAN MCS, TEMPLETON DEBBIE and Crasswell Eric.2010. ACIAR 

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2010. Achieving Boro Rice Production Targets in FY2009-10: Challenges and 

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Report. A report submitted to GRM International. ICRISAT Bulawayo. 21pp. 


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20. Sharma HC. 2010. Applications of Biotechnology for Insect Pest Management: 

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21. Simtowe F, Shiferaw B, Asfaw S, Abate T, Monyo E, Siambi M and Muricho G. 

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http://www.thedailystar.net/forum/2010/may/adapt.htm 

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