Magazine all pages by Tulika Singh

Volume 5 No.4 Oct. - Dec. 2012

The National Seed Association of India Magazine

Hybrid Technology: Status and Relevance to India's Sustained Food Sufficiency

- E. A. Siddiq

Impact of Hybrid Technology on Improving Seed Replacement Rates in India

- Malavika Dadlani and Sudipta Basu

Hybrid Revolution

Developing and Deploying Climate Resilient Maize Hybrids in Asia: Opportunities for Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships

- BM Prasanna

Message

nsa

National Seed Association of India

Message from the desk of President Historically, agriculture in the developing world has been of the traditional kind with low crop yields. Rapidly rising populations during 1960s led to situations of food shortages, encouraging the developing countries to modernize their agriculture in order to improve the crop yields and production. The population pressure has remained unabated even half a century later and consequently, the spectre of serious food shortages will continue to haunt many developing countries, particularly in the sub Saharan Africa and South Asia. The Indian agriculture, buoyed by the success of green revolution era, in recent years, shifted its focus to use of products which can yield higher production. The crop improvement programmes developed a pro hybrid focus in most crops. The initial resistance to higher cost of seed production and inability of the farmer to save the seed for next season, was overcome by the increased production which helped meet the nation's food security targets and challenges. With new policy initiatives like 'New Policy on Seed Development (1988)' and launch of the ICAR Project on 'Promotion of Research and Development Efforts on Hybrids (1989)', the last two decades have witnessed a quantum jump in crop yields, benefitting the farmers. This period also saw larger participation of the private seed sector in development of high value products for the markets. With their focus on bringing improved genetics to Indian farmers, the private sector matched the efforts of the public sector research institutions in the development of hybrid varieties in major field and vegetable crops and today account for a larger share of the hybrid seed market in the country. The 'Hybrid Revolution' has truly taken over the agriculture production scenario in the country in most crops. The biotech tools helped reduce the cost of production of hybrid seeds, as also the time for introduction of new hybrids into market. A true example of 'Hybrid Revolution' has been with cotton production. With small area devoted to the first cotton hybrid developed in 1970, today more than 90 percent of the cotton acreage is under hybrids (mainly transgenic hybrids using Bt technology). This has resulted in India becoming one of the world's largest producer of cotton fibre and a leading exporter, removing our century old dependence on cotton imports for the textile industry. Even in rice, a self pollinated crop with limited heterosis response, among the most important food security crop in our country, we have developed a large number of hybrids (shared equally by public and private sector). While the extent of hybrid vigour is still low, the increased spread of these hybrids in the country, particularly in the eastern India, has encouraged more investments into R & D for developing better hybrids. The shift in research policy from composites, synthetics and double cross hybrids to single cross hybrids in maize in the early years of this century, has also paid good dividends. There has been considerable increase in the area and during the last five years, there has been a yield increase of around 130 kg per annum, as compared to around 40 kg per annum during the era of composites, synthetics and double cross hybrids. In vegetables, crucial for ensuring nutritional security of our population, starting with the first vegetable hybrid forty years ago and supported by the 'New Policy on Seed Development (1988)', which improved the access to improved genetics from across the world, the hybrid penetration in vegetables has reached nearly 80 percent. The growth of hybrids in India is impressive, in view of the traditional system of farming (low input agriculture). Considering the population growth, the alternate options for higher yields are limited. The genetic uniformity of hybrids facilitating mechanization and reducing the dependence on farm labour (availability during harvesting season is truly a challenge), reduced usage of pesticides with use of Bt cotton hybrids and other transgenic products in the pipeline, are indicators of the chosen path of modern agriculture for the Indian farmers today. Dr. K.V. Subbarao President

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CONTENTS

National Seed Association of India

Message from the desk of President

Feeding the Future : Role of Hybrids - M S Swaminathan

Hybrids in Indian Agriculture - R. S. Paroda

Hybrid Technology: Status and Relevance to India's Sustained Food Sufficiency - E.A. Siddiq

7 - 19

Impact of Hybrid Technology on Improving Seed Replacement Rates in India - Malavika Dadlani and Sudipta Basu

21 - 27

Hybrid Cotton Revolution in India - K. R. Kranthi , M. V Venugopalan, and M. S Yadav

29 - 38

Hybrid Rice in India - B.C.Viraktamath and A S Hari Prasad

39 - 50

Hybrid Wheat Technology: Present Status and Future Challenges - SK Singh and Indu Sharma

51 - 55

Developing and Deploying Climate Resilient Maize Hybrids in Asia: Opportunities for Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships - BM Prasanna

57 - 61

Cultivar Development and Impact of Single Cross Hybrid Maize in India - Sain Dass, Chikkappa G. Karjagi, M. C. Kamboj, Ramesh Kumar and Bhupender Kumar

63 - 71

Hybrid Revolution in Vegetables - P.S. Naik, P.M. Singh and B. Singh

73 - 84

Hybrid Pearl Millet Indian Scenario - C. Tara Satyavathi, S.P. Singh and M.B. Arun Kumar

85 - 101

Can Better Hybrids Help Resurrection of Sorghum Economy in India? - N. Seetharama, AV Umakanth, and Vilas Tonapi

103 - 109

Castor Hybrids in India: A Success Story - Lavanya C and K S Varaprasad

111 - 117

Upcoming Events

118

Honours & Awards

119

Seed & Agriculture Statistics

121 - 140

News

141 - 146

New NSAI Members

147 - 149

CONTENTS

Reflections :

ABOUT NSAI National Seed Association of India (NSAI) is the apex organization representing the Indian Seed Industry. The vision of NSAI is to create a dynamic, innovative and internationally competitive, research based industry producing high performance, high quality seeds and planting materials which benefit farmers and significantly contribute to the sustainable growth of Indian Agriculture. The mission of NSAI is to encourage investment in state of the art R&D to bring to the Indian farmer superior genetics and technologies, which are high performing and adapted to a wide range of agroclimatic zones. It actively contributes to the seed industry policy development, with the concerned governments, to ensure that policies and regulations create an enabling environment, including public acceptance, so that the industry is globally competitive. NSAI promotes harmonization and adoption of best commercial practices in production, processing, quality control and distribution of seeds.

NSAI GOVERNING COUNCIL 2011-2013 President

Dr. K. V. Subbarao (PHI Seeds)

Vice President

Mr. N. P. Patel (Western Agri Seeds)

General Secretary

Mr. M. Harish Reddy (Ganga Kaveri Seeds)

Treasurer

Mr. K.S. Narayanaswamy (Geo Biotechnologies)

MEMBERS Dr. M. Ramasami (Rasi Seeds) Immediate Past President

Mr. M. Sabir (Manisha Agri Biotech)

Mr. Bhupen Dubey (Advanta India)

Dr. D.B. Desai (Navbharat Seeds)

Mr. Pawan Kansa (Kohinoor Seeds)

Mr. Venkateswarlu Yaganti (Yaaganti Seeds)

Mr. Manish Patel (Incotec India)

Dr. P. Sateesh Kumar (Prabhat Agri Biotech)

Mr. Gyanendra Shukla (Monsanto India)

Mr. K. Niranjan Kumar (Garc Seeds)

Mr. Aloke Marodia (Pan Seeds)

Mr. Vaibhav Kashikar (Ankur Seeds)

Mr. Satyanarayan Rathi (Divya Seeds)

Mr. V.K. Gaur (National Seeds Corp.)

NSAI SECRETARIAT Mr. Raju Kapoor

Dr. N.K. Dadlani

Dr. Seema Sehgal

Mrs. Tulika Singh

Executive Director

Director

Asst Director

Dr. N.K. Dadlani & Mrs. Tulika Singh

Reflections

Prof. M S Swaminathan Founder Chairman, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Email: swami@mssrf.res.in / msswami@vsnl.net

Feeding the Future : Role of Hybrids F

eed the future is a programme of the US Department of Agriculture, which focuses on methods of producing adequate food for a population of over 9 billion by 2050. To achieve a balance between human numbers and the human capacity to produce the food necessary for feeding the growing population, it is important to upgrade small scale farming with the best available technologies. The term green-revolution was coined by Dr William Guad of the US Government in 1968, to draw attention to the yield revolution made possible by semi-dwarf varieties of wheat and rice and hybrids of maize, sorghum and pearl millet. Although the term green revolution was coined in 1968, it can be said that this revolution actually started in the early 1940s in the fields of the Pioneer Seed Company in Iowa which developed the early strains of hybrid corn. Hybrid corn production also had a transformational impact on American agriculture, because the good agronomic practices which farmers started adopting in the case of hybrid maize were also transferred to other crops. Thus hybrid maize not only helped to improve maize production, but also helped to improve the yield of other crops due to improved agronomy. Until the development of hybrid rice in the 1970s by Prof Yuan Longping of China using a male sterile plant discovered in the Hainan Island, the exploitation of

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

hybrid vigour was not considered possible in selfpollinated cereals like rice. Today, most of the rice cultivated in China belongs to the hybrid rice category. Similarly, one of the important components of the strategy for taking advantage of the untapped production reservoir existing in Eastern India is the popularization of hybrid rice. Fortunately we have now several good hybrids in rice with the desired cooking quality. One of the problems in the spread of hybrid rice has been the cost of seed and also the production of adequate quantities of seed. This has been overcome by modern developments in seed technology which enable us to obtain large quantities of seeds through the use of Gibberellic acid for enlarging the length of the style in flowers so that cross-pollination becomes easy. Today hybrid vigour is being commercially exploited in a wide range of crop plants as well as tubers and plants of industrial value like cotton, Jute etc., Hidden hybrid vigour is an important factor in increasing the yield of crops through Mendelian breeding. The combination of Mendelian and Molecular breeding is helping us to take full advantage of not only hybrid vigour but also of other techniques like marker assisted breeding. The hybrid revolution is one of the most significant developments in the history of agriculture. What is important is to make hybrids affordable to small and marginal farmers through community participation in hybrid seed production. Farm women in particular are very capable in mastering hybrid seed production technology. We should encourage seed production by rural women and also promote Seed Villages where women and men can produce the necessary quantities of seeds at an affordable cost. The hybrid revolution is a catalyst of change in agriculture. One of the current difficulties is the lack of interest in farming among youth. Technologies like hybrid seed production will help to stimulate the interest of the young farmers. Hybrids have been particularly important in vegetable crops and flowers. Exploitation of hybrid vigour in food crops will be a cost-effective method of feeding the future.

Hybrids in Indian Agriculture T

he Indian Agriculture has come a long way from a food-scarce nation in the 1950s and 1960s to the present status of food grain sufficiency. During this arduous journey, it has been able to overcome the problems of food shortage and over-dependence on the import of edible oil, pulses, other food grains and agricultural commodities, mainly due to the scientific advancements leading to the development of effective technologies and wide and quick adoptions of the same by the Indian farmers. It was due to this that in spite of several unfavourable weather years, the country had been able to maintain its food security which elevated the country's respect globally.

Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Science (TAAS) & Chairman, Haryana Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Commission

oilseeds & pulses. Taking note of the situation, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched an ambitious programme on "Promotion of Research & Development Efforts on Hybrids in Selected Crops" in 1989-90. The focus of this project was on developing suitable hybrids in rice, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, sunflower, castor, rapeseed-mustard and pigeon pea. In view of the fact that seed is the ultimate delivery system to take the advantages of the hybrid vigor to the farmers, a component of hybrid-seed production was also included in this project. As a result of such programmes, the public research system has released 31 rice, 60 maize (single cross),>50 cotton, 82 pearl millet, 27 sorghum, 11 castor, 3 mustard, 18 sunflower and 3 pigeon pea hybrids. This has given a wider choice to the farmers and a strong competition to the private sector, which made more investments in the R&D and contributed equally in developing hybrids both in field crops and vegetables. Introduction of Bt transgenic cotton hybrids by the private sector was another landmark in Indian Agriculture, which has more than doubled the cotton production turning India into a net cotton exporter from a net importing country.

Among various technologies that contributed to the agricultural growth in the last two to three decades, hybrids played a key role. Recognizing the limitations of the pureline varieties in achieving a quantum jump in productivity and the widening gap between the demand and production of food commodities, the Government of India implemented several schemes and policies to accelerate the agricultural productivity. The New Policy for Seed Development (1988) was one such initiative, which paved the way for making available to the Indian farmers seeds of the best varieties available in the world. This resulted in a rapid enhancement in the agricultural productivity, particularly the horticultural crops. The farmers were quick to adopt these, which led to better profitability and increased the availability of vegetables and fruits to the consumers.

A growing partnership between the public research institutions and the private seed sector in the recent past has helped transferring the hybrid technology to the farmers in an effective manner. Both the partners need to work out a proactive, mutually trusting and transparent mechanism to ensure that the benefits of this highly effective technology are reaped by the farmers.

Though India had been a pioneer in exploiting hybrid technology in several field crops, such as cotton, pearl millet, castor, it was left behind in the development of superior hybrids in major food crops like rice, maize, Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

R. S. Paroda

Hybrid Technology: Status and Relevance to India's Sustained Food Sufficiency E.A. Siddiq Hon. Professor, Institute of Biotechnology, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad

he most defining moment in the history of biology is the rediscovery and elucidation of the 'Laws of inheritance' of Gregor Mendal, the Father of Genetics a hundred years back. They provided the scientific basis for planned improvement of simply inherited qualitative traits during the early decades of the last century. Over the years, it was the quantitative genetic characterization of complexly inherited traits that enabled crop breeders develop breeding and pollination control strategies for exploitation of hybrid vigour. Notwithstanding the unending debate till date on the genetic/molecular basis of 'heterosis', product oriented breeders have been engaged in development of commercially exploitable hybrids across field and vegetable crops. Employing various pollination control strategies viz cytoplasmic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; genetic male sterility â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fertility restoration, genetic male sterility, self-incompatibility and manual emasculation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pollination systems, breeders have come up with many valuable hybrids. The first ever commercially viable hybrid was developed in maize and released for general cultivation in India in 1961. It was developed under the All India Coordinated Maize Improvement Project jointly by the ICAR and the Rockefeller Foundation. Closely following this landmark breeding success, hybrid strategy was extended to sorghum and pearlmillet using respectively CK and Tift cytosterility based cyloplasmic male sterile lines. Marking thus the beginning of the era of yield breakthroughs in field crops, maize along with sorghum and pearlmillet

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were the forerunners to India's Green Revolution, which became a reality following the advent and extensive adoption of dwarf plan type based high yielding varieties in rice and wheat since mid 1960s. The hybrid technology now extended to more than a dozen crop plants of food value and accounting for a sizeable area under it is enabling the country sustain the already achieved level of sufficiency in food grains and increase the level of percapita availability in vegetables and fruits. Aside its role in increasing by many folds agricultural production and productivity, the phenomenal growth India witnessed in seed industry and investment in agricultural research in the last 40 years owe to the hybrid technology. An attempt has been made in the present exercise to discuss the status of hybrid technology, its relevance to sustenance of food sufficiency and research, development and policy interventions to gain much more from the still not fully exploited potential of the technology.

to two folds increase in yield (1279 to 2540 kg/ha) which is attributable to extensive adoption of hybrid technology.

Status of Hybrid Technology India is one of the few countries to take immediate advantage of the phenomenon of hybrid vigour for breaching the yield barrier in crop plants wherein yields were stagnating for long at low levels. Begun with maize in the late 1950s, emphasis given to heterosis breeding in food grain and other essential crops of food value has enabled the country in the following 50 years evolve and extensively adopt hundreds of progressively higher yielding hybrids suiting varied agroecologies. The impact could be witnessed in impressive production and productivity advances culminating in selfsufficiency in food grains and sizeably increased percapita availability in other essential crops of food value including vegetables and fruits as briefly discussed below as detailed in Table 1.

Yet another breeding priority since beginning has been improvement of nutritive quality. Early attempts to develop high lysine maize using the mutant gene sources like 'opaque' and 'floury' though led to the development of a few nutritively enriched hybrids/composites, due to their low yields and soft kernel could not become popular. Revived interest at CIMMYT to combine the nutritive quality with high yield and hard kernel resulted in the nutritively rich new generation hybrids known by 'Quality Protein Maize' (QPM). Indian breeders have come up with a few QPM hybrids/varieties (HQPM1, FQH4567 etc) through conventional and molecular marker-assisted breeding. Though it is a praiseworthy achievement, still because of their not so impressive yield as compared to non QPM hybrids, pace of their adoption is not encouraging enough warrenting more research to raise its genetic yield level.

Maize and major millets: Hybrid technology in India stared with the release of four maize hybrids (Ganga 1, Ganga 101, Ranjit and Deccan 101) in 1961. Since then many progressively higher yielding hybrids have been evolved in keeping with seasonal / regional / ecosystem needs and market demand. The first shift in breeding emphasis was to exploit the prospects of realizing higher yields in rabi hybrids in northwest, northeast plain zones and peninsular India. JH6363, JH6064, JH490 etc were some of the popular hybrids. The second major shift in breeding emphasis was from double and 3-way cross hybrids to single cross hybrids. The change was prompted by the fact that single cross hybrids are more heterotic than conventionally produced hybrids, seed production is less cumbersome and that countries like the USA and China could steadily step up yield level by switching over to single cross hybrids decades back. Simultaneous improvement of plant type that facilitates high density planting (35,000 to 45,000 plants per hectare) has as well been the reason behind the steadily increased yield level. Following the release of the first single cross hybrid 'Paras', that yielded 30% more than the ruling hybrids then, there has been accelerated breeding for single cross hybrids despite initial reservation from both public and private seed industry on account of low seed yield, high seed cost and most importantly the risk of losing the parental secrecy of their brand hybrids. As of today, over 80% of the area under hybrids is planted to single cross hybrids. Impact of the changes in breeding strategy is visible in three folds increase in production (from 7.5 to 21.7 million tonnes) made during the last 40 years. With 46% increase in area the kind of production achieved during this period is due

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

As for vulnerability to biotic and abiotic stresses, in the absence of solution as yet through conventional breeding to stem borer, post-flowering stalk disease, moisture stress etc, efforts elsewhere have enabled development of transgenic hybrids resistant to borer, weed infestation and drought. Understandably such hybrids are commercially planted since last year in the USA. Reaching out such technologies to the advantage of Indian farmers would depend on conviction driven policy environment. Sorghum is the earliest food grain crop, where cytoplasmic male sterility based hybrid technology enabled a major yield breakthrough. Since the release and adoption of the first hybrid CSH1 in 1964, many hybrids combining steadily increased yields, stability against stresses and improved grain quality suiting kharif and rabi seasons followed. Their impact could be seen from sustained production level (from 7.3 to 7.7 million tonnes), despite sharp decline in area (from 18.6 to 7.6 million ha) during the last 40 years largely because of its less competitiveness as compared to more remunerative and market demanding crops. This has been possible through hybrids released with progressively higher yields from < 34 Q (CSH5 and CSH6) to > 40 Q/ha (CSH22, CSH23, CSH25, SBH468 for kharif and CSH10R, CSH12R, CSH15R, CSH19R for rabi). Overall, they helped raise the average yield from 530 to 950 kg/ha. Notwithstanding what has been achieved, future of sorghum would depend on development of (i) higher yielding rabi hybrids with grain quality, fodder yield and adaptation to residual moisture comparable to locally popular Maldhandi 35 and (ii) kharif hybrids tolerant to grain mould and suited to alternate uses viz

Table 1: Impact of hybrid technology on production-productivity advance in crops of food value Crop

Year */period

Area (Mill ha.)

Production (Mill. tonnes)

Yield (kg/ha)

Area under hybrids (%) (2010-11)

Cereal Crops Maize

1970-71 2010-11

5.85 8.55

7.49 21.73

1279 2540

60% (4.7 mill.ha)

Sorghum

1970-71 2010-11

17.37 7.38

8.11 7.00

466 949

90% (7.5 mill.ha)

Pearl millet

1970-71 2010-11

12.91 9.61

8.03 10.37

622 1079

100% (9.33 mill.ha)

Rice

1995*-96 2010-11

42.84 42.88

76.98 95.98

1797 2239

3.5% (1.53 mill.ha)

Pulses and Oilseed Crops Pigeonpea

2001-02 2010-11

3.33 4.37

2.26 2.86

679 655

10% (0.36 mill ha)

Sunflower

1991-92 2010-11

2.11 0.93

1.19 0.65

565 701

80% (0.74 mill.ha)

Rapeseed & Mustard

2001-02* 2010-11

5.07 6.90

5.08 8.18

1002 1185

Vegetable Crops Brinjal

2001-02 2010-11

0.502 0.680

8.35 11.89

16.5 17.5

Tomato

1991-92 2010-11

0.289 0.865

4.243 16.826

14.7 19.5

Cauliflower

1991-92 2010-11

0.20 0.37

2.998 6.740

14.8 18.3

Cabbage

1991-92 2010-11

0.177 0.369

2.771 7.949

15.6 21.5

Vegetables

1991-92 2010-11

5.58 8.49

58.3 146.55

10.5 17.3

* Year of advent/accelerated adoption of hybrid technology

feed, biofuel etc. Given its proven potential, its relevance still in sustaining self-sufficiency in food grains, though not to the level of rice and wheat, cannot be underestimated. Besides being the choicest crop for areas of scanty rainfall, it could be an ideal crop for rice fallows all over, especially in the rainfed eastern India, where over 7 million hectares remain uncultivated after taking a single crop of rice. High yielding kharif hybrids, if introduced in rice fallows there, while increasing the cropping intensity and

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hence total productivity, would help harvest quality produce free of grain mould acceptable as good feed source along with maize. India is the first country to develop commercially viable pearlmillet hybrids for grain purpose as early as in the sixties exploiting the US developed cytoplasmic male sterile line Tift 23A. Following the release of the first hybrid HBI in 1965, many hybrids with incremental yield advantage over the open

pollinated varieties were released. Introduction and use of the African varietal group 'Togo' had been of value not only for yield enhancement but also for earliness and photoinsensitivity. Very short duration bold grain hybrids (PHB10, PHB14, MBH110, MBH118) developed using such germplasm had been popular in drought prone Western Rajasthan, Gujarat and parts of Haryana, which account for over 50% of the area under this crop in the 1980s. It was at this juncture, high and recurrent crop losses due to downey mildew (DM) necessitated shift in breeding emphasis for resistance to the disease. Identification and use of host-plant resistance to the disease led to the development of third generation hybrids (HHB68, Pusa322, Pusa444, RHB30, GHB229, GHB235, MH179, MH379, MH402, MH439, ICMH356 etc) combining fairly high level of resistance to DM. Molecular mapping of the resistance gene and development of breeder usable marker assisted breeding (MAS) at ICRISAT has enabled evolve with ease DM resistant hybrids. As was the case with sorghum, pearlmillet also experienced area decline to the tune of > 3 million ha between 1970-71 and 201011 but registering enhanced production (10.37 million tonnes in 2010-11 as against 8.03 million tonnes in 1970-71) due to progressively increased productivity from 622 to 1079 kg/ha during the corresponding period.

of Hybrid Rice, the discovery was translated into commercially usable cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility-fertility restoration system resulting in the development of the first hybrid rice for commercial planting in China by late 1970s, marking the second major landmark in the history of rice breeding. In the next 12 years, the technology found very wide adoption crossing 55 per cent of the rice area adding about 20 million tonnes to China's food grain production. Impressed with the success story of hybrid rice in China, India revived its interest and launched hybrid breeding research in a network mode in 1990 with liberal funding support from ICAR,UNDP/FAO and Barwale Foundation and technical support from IRRI and China. Started exclusively as a modest public sector initiative, hybrid rice research has grown over the next 15 years as a large public-private sector programme. As of today, 90 hybrids are commercially planted and of them 59 are notified and the rest truthfully labelled. Private sector accounts for 75 (49 notified and the rest as TL) hybrids. Popular hybrids include PA6129, DRRH2, Sahyadri 4 in the early duration group Pusa RH10, Ajay, PA6201.US312, DRH775, GK5003 in the mid early group and PHB71, JKRH401, HRI 157, KRH2, DRRH3, CRHR32 in the medium group. Over 80% of the hybrid seed is produced and marketed by

Rice and Wheat : Ever since the tailoring and extensive adoption of the dwarf statured high yielding varieties in rice and wheat in the mid sixties, breeders all over had been looking for technological means for second yield breakthrough. The search, notwithstanding the reservations and skeptical views of crop physiologists on the prospects of achieving such a goal on the plea that source-sink relationship had reached an equilibrium in the dwarf varieties, led to a breakthrough in rice following the discovery of a stable cytosterility source (Wild Aborted) in a weedy species (O.spontanea) of the Asian cultivar (O.sativa) in the early 1970s in China. Under the stewardship of Prof. Longpin Yuan, who is considered to be the Father the private sector. Such a growth in technology development and seed supply, is not, however, reflected in the pace of adoption of the technology. Even after 15 years since the introduction of hybrid technology, area planted to it has not as yet crossed 2 million ha in contrast to over 15 mill ha planted to hybrids during the corresponding period in China. More disturbingly, it found no reception in the targeted high productivity states like Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Instead, low productive Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh account for over 90% of the area under hybrids. In the north-western segment of the Indo-Gangtic Plain, Haryana alone is receptive

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to some extent since the release of Pusa RH10, the high yielding basmati quality hybrid in 2001. Unfortunately, this is also losing its importance yielding area under it to very low yielding but high quality and premium priced tall variety Pusa 1121.

It was as long back as 1940s, attempts were made to exploit hybrid vigour in bread wheat, (Triticum aestivum) following the identification of T.timopheevi, a tetraploid wheat as the potential source of cytosterility. Subsequently, still better cytosterility sources could be found in diploid wild species like Aegilops caudata, Ae.kotshyii Ae.ventricosa, Ae.speltoides etc along with matching restorer gene sources. Nevertheless, until now no commercially viable hybrid could be evolved. Of various reasons attributed to practically no significant advance towards development and extensive adoption of hybrid technology in the country's second major food grain crop, still not satisfactory yield heterosis, low seed yield and high seed rate are important. Demonstration by CIMMYT scientists that hybrid combinations involving the progenics of crosses between synthetic and naturally occurring hexaploid wheat (T.aestivm) express high yield vigour appears to be a good strategy to address the problem of low yield heterosis. While development and adoption of supplementary pollination techniques as being practiced in rice would help solve the low seed yield problem, while more efficient crop establishment technique now in place could help bring down high seed rate. Inspite of solutions to all such constraints hybrid technology in wheat, with the only exception of 'Pratima', a Mahyco bred hybrid, still remains where it was decades back warrenting much more aggressive research to exploit hybrid vigour.

Analysis of factors that contribute to slow pace of adoption of hybrid rice reveals less attractive yield advantage over the best inbred varieties, inconsistent yield performance and yield advantage over locations and seasons, very limited choice of medium and medium late hybrids ideally suited to long monsoon season in the traditional southern and eastern parts of the country as well as non-traditional north-western region, lack of medium late and late maturing hybrids for rainfed and mainly irrigated shallow lowland ecologies in eastern and southern India, less acceptable cooking quality, vulnerability to major insect pests and diseases, often non-availability of quality seed of recommended hybrids and price discrimination against hybrid paddy by trade giving low percentage head rice recovery as the reason. Recognition that rectification of such trait deficiencies would alone help sustain the technology, corrective breeding through selective improvement of parental lines was started a few years back. The effort has led to the development of parental lines of medium, medium late maturity and of aroma-free high and intermediate amylose content. Many hybrids evolved using improved parental lines now at different stages of multi-location testing under the All India Coordinated Hybrid Testing Programme, are expected to bring in the near future a major positive change in hybrid adoption trend. Already hybrids like Rajyalaxmi and CRH32, by virtue of their being medium/medium late maturity, aroma-free and intermediate amylose are found ideal for rainfed shallow lowland ecologies of eastern India. Many now in the pipeline combining desirable cooking quality, growth durations and resistance to major biotic stresses would suit irrigated ecology all over.

Pulses and Oilseed Crops : Among agricultural commodities, it is in pulses production (â&#x2030;&#x2C6; 15 million tonnes) and yield (â&#x2030;&#x2C6; 700 kg/ha) remain stagnant at low

Learning from years of experience and based on experimental findings that inter-subspecific hybrids are more heterotic than intra-subspecific combinations, breeding emphasis is as well given to evolve higher yielding indica-tropical japonica hybrids. Sterility Neutralizing Genes also known as Wide Compatibility Gene (WCG) loci are used to overcome hybrid semisterility characteristic to indica-japonica combinations. While India is still far from developing indica/japonica hybrids, China is already commercially planting inter-subspecific hybrids reportedly over 2-3 million hectares. The hybrids developed by both CMS based 3-line and temperature/photoperiod sensitive genic male sterility based 2-line approaches yield as highas 12 t/ha.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

levels for long. As a result percapita availability of pulses has come down to less than 30gm, which is just one-half of actual requirement. Increasingly widening demand-supply gap has necessitated the country to import annually 7-8 million tonnes costing the exchequer close to Rs.10,000 crores. Pigeonpea is the major pulse crop of the country and in the absence of any breeding strategy to breach the yield barrier its production and productivity would continue to remain stagnant requiring the country to import annually more than one million tonnes. It was at this juncture, breeders encouraged by exploitable heterosis exceeding 40% and high percentage outcrossing (>25%) identified it as a potential crop for exploitation of hybrid vigour. Discovery of two non-allelic genetic male sterility systems (ms1 and ms2) as early as 1971 prompted ICRISAT to initiate hybrid breeding in pigeonpea, which subsequently received further strength through the ICAR sponsored research network in mid 1990s. The combined effort led to the development and release of the first genetic male sterility based hybrid ICPH8 by ICRISAT in 1991. Using the same system the State Agricultural Universities came up with hybrids like PPH4 (PAU), COH1 and COH2 (TNAU), AKPH4104 and AKPH2022 (PDKV) all yielding 30-50% higher than the popular varieties. The GMS based hybrid technology could not, however, be sustained, because of problems encountered in large scale seed production, maintenance of genetic purity of seed and affordability of seed cost by farmers. Such limitations necessitated breeders to explore the prospects developing cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility fertility restoration system. The search led to the identification of two cytosterility sources viz Cajanus scaraboides (A2) at SDAU, SK Nagar, Gujarat and C.cajanifolius (A4) at ICRISAT, based on which two stable male sterile lines viz GT288A and ICPA2043

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

respectively were developed and extensively used in test crosses with restorer lines for development of experimental hybrids. Two hybrids viz GTH-1 (GT288a/GTR11) and ICPH2671 (ICPA 2043/______) developed respectively at S.K.Nagar, Gujarat and ICRISAT, based on their impressive performance with yield advantage exceeding 30%, over the best varieties like GT 101 and Maruti were released for general cultivation. Both of indeterminate growth habit, GTH1 is early maturing (140d) and large white seeded, while ICPH2671 is of medium maturity (180d) combining resistance to Fusarium wilt and Sterility Mosaic Disease. The CMS based hybrid technology although an important milestone in breeding for yield enhancement in pulses, the pace of adoption of it is left much to be desired. This is due to difficulties being faced in large scale production and supply of quality seed and inconsistency in their yield performance. Evolution of still more heterotic hybrids of consistent performance and a strong system for large scale seed production are, therefore, inevitable for extensive adoption of the technology. Like pulses, oilseed crops have also been bypassed by the Green Revolution technology leaving increasingly wide gap between demand and supply of edible oil. The deficiency, despite introduction of two exotic oilseed crops viz sunflower and soybean, persisted until 1985, when the Government of India's Oilseed Mission was launched. During the Mission period of 10 years, oilseed production could be more than doubled (from 11 to 23 million tonnes), through a slew of technological, developmental and policy interventions. With the percapita edible oil consumption increasing at 3-4% annually, the deficiency level has however, steadily risen to about 50% of actual consumption, necessitating continued import of edible oil costing the exchequer between Rs.35,000 to 50,000 crores annually.

Sunflower, since its advent in the seventies fround rapid adoption all over the country, especially after the introduction of progressively productive hybrids. Among as many as 20 hybrids developed by ICAR institutes and SAUs, KBSH 41, KBSH 44, PSFH 118, PSFH 569, DRSH1, ASFH 848, RSFH 1, LSFH 13 etc are the important commercially planted hybrids. Inspite of higher yield and adaptation to various cropping systems, area under the crop and production declined by 45 and 60 percent respectively with yield level, however, registering 25 percent increase during the last 20 years. The decline is largely on account of its less competetiveness as compared to more remunerative crops. Besides appropriate policy interventions for making it competitive by way of ensuring higher price, assured market and supportive industry, technological interventions too are important for sustaining the technology giving emphasis to higher yield, high oil content and better oil quality. This requires accelerated breeding research for diversification of cytosterility source (petiolaris) and excessively dependant on exotic male sterile line (234A), selective improvement of parental lines for higher oil content, better oil quality (high oleic acid) and resistance to major diseases like SND, Alternaria, stem/headrot etc.

early stage microspore culture of a radish type cytoplasm based B.napus male sterile line by repeated backcrossing with Pusa Bold. Combinations involving the novel CMS and pollinator lines of East European origin have led to the development of the first B.juncea hybrid DMH-1. Combining high oil content and resistance to white rust, the hybrid now planted commercially yields 20 percent more than the popular check varieties. Its low seed weight (â&#x2030;&#x2C6; 4g) is however, restraining its pace of adoption. With the objective of correcting this weakness, further breeding efforts at the University have recently led to the identification of the hybrid DMH4, which is still to be released and notified. As compared to hybrids like 45-8-45 of Pioneer, Coral432 and Coral437 of Advanta, NRHB506 of ICAR as well as DMH1 of NDDB and the National Check 'Kranti' and Zonal Check NRCDRZ/RL-1359, DMH4 combining higher oil content (44.8% as against 40% in many) higher oil yield (1482kg as against 1328kg of others), moderately large seed size and seed weight is expected to replace DMH-1soon. Incidentally, B.napus has been the first crop plant, wherein hybrids using genetically engineered male sterility-fertility restoration systems have been developed and commercially planted. Following this significant advance in hybrid breeding in B.napus attempts have been made at Delhi University to evolve hybrids in B.juncea by extending the same crop non-specific barnase-barstar technology. The effort has led to the development of first genetically engineered hybrid DMH-11 in the cross combination of Pusa Bold (barnase) and Early Hira Derivative (barstar). Yielding 30 percent more than the popular check varieties, the hybrid with higher oil content, though has come to the level of field testing, is yet to be field tested and deregulated for commercial

Oilseed Brassicas, especially Indian mustard (B.juncea) constitutes the major source of edible oil production along with groundnut. Conventional recombination breeding although has been meeting althrough the varietal needs suiting regional /seasonal /consumer preferences it is as yet not able to help stepup genetic yield level, which is still very low. Research to explore the prospects of hybrid technology in B.juncea was initiated following the successful development of hybrids in B.napus using 'ogura' cytosterility elsewhere. In India, first napus (Gobi sarsoan) hybrid PGHS 51 was developed by Punjab Agricultural University using the same 'ogura' source. The ICAR sponsored hybrid breeding in B.juncea, though was on the strength of the availability of diverse cytosterility sources (ogu, tour, oxy, catholica, mori etc) it could not come up with commercializable hybrids. It was largely due to lack of restorer gene sources to most of the cytosterility sources available and low standard heterosis, especially in combinations involving local germplasm. Recently IARI and DRMR (ICAR), have succeeded in developing the commercially viable hybrid NRHB 506 using moricondia cytosterility based cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility-fertility restoration system. Simultaneously, Delhi University (South Campus), could develop a novel CMS system, which is maintainable by only one source but fertility restorable by all varieties except the one that maintains. The unique universal CMS in the background of the variety Pusa Bold was evolved by

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

planting.

all the more laudable that the country while sustaining its level of sufficiency has emerged as one of the major food grain exporting countries with large buffer stocks. Ironically, it is outrageous that onefourths of the World's undernourished go to bed hungry here, not because of physical availability but due to economic accessibility to food. The scenario of other essentials is of continued shortage. Increasingly widening demand-supply gap in pulses and edible oil necessitates regular import of over one half of their requirement. Despite as impressive as five folds increase in vegetable and fruit production we are still far short of minimum required percapita availability. The impact of it is visible in over 65 percent of women and children suffering from one or the other nutrient deficiency related health disorder.

Research underway to evolve hybrids of Canola quality (low erucic acid and low glucosinolate) insulated with resistance to killer biotic (aphids and Alternaria blight) and abiotic (frost) stresses by both molecular marker assisted and transgenic breeding strategies are expected to be more productive and stable. Among the minor oilseed crops, attempts have been made to raise the genetic yield level through heterosis breeding in sesame and safflower. Whereas no progress has as yet been possible beyond manually made hybrids in sesame, identification of CGM sources in safflower could enable breeders at the Directorate of Oilseeds Research (ICAR) develop heterotic experimental hybrids (DSH129, DSH185, DSH249 etc) with about 30 percent yield advantage over the check varieties. Research underway to enhance further the yield heterosis, oil content, oil quality, resistance to major pests, would make this hardy and high quality oilseed crop a boon to scanty rainfall areas.

Challenges and Constraints Future projections of food grains and other essentials estimated on the basis of actual consumption and pace of population growth are quite alarming. By 2050, our need of food grains would be 75 percent more than what is produced today. As for pulses and edible oil our requirement would be respectively 160 and 180% more (Tables 2 and 3). Given the still underexploited opportunities like vast scope for narrowing the gap between achievable and actually achieved yields across crops and intensification of cropping in general and single cropped areas in particular sustaining the current level of nutrient supply would not be difficult until another 20 years from now. Meeting the estimated production targets of food grains and other essentials beyond 2030 would, however, be the most challenging task, practically in the absence of many a favourable growth factor. Among the various constraints that would seriously impede the desired pace of growth in cereals, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables/fruits, lack of varietal technologies capable of raising progressively their genetic yield is most important. In the long history of crop improvement, it was the two landmarks viz hybrid technology in maize and major millets in the late 1950s and dwarf plant type based high yielding varieties in wheat and rice in the mid 1960s that marked the major yield breakthrough culminating in self-sufficiency in our food grain needs. With production-productivity growth of food grains rapidly declining since early 1990s, and no sign of technology capable of breaching the stagnating yield levels of pulses and oilseed crops, research in search of new yield thresholds is inevitable. Of various strategies being contemplated, strengthening of hybrid technology for higher yield vigour in rice and millets and extending the technology to other prospective pulses, oilseed and vegetable crops are important.

Vegetable Crops : Like food grain crops, vegetables and fruits registered five folds increase (15 to 75 million tonnes) in production during the last 40 years. This has been largely due to introduction of hybrid technology in a wide range of vegetable crops, which broadly include Solanacea (tomato, brinjal capsicum), cole (cauliflower, cabbage) and cucurbit (cucumber, gourds, watermelon) crops, okra etc. Initially, in the absence of GMS and CGMS systems, taking advantage of plenty of seeds/fruit/pollination possible and flower size and morphology suiting manual emasculation-pollination, heterosis breeding was resorted to. Development subsequently of CMS system in crops like tomato, brinjal, chillies, capsicum, onion, carrot and cole crops and gynoecious system in cucumber helped accelerate hybrid breeding since last 20 years. Of over 700 hybrids now available and marketed, 95% are from the private sector with brinjal and tomato accountig for the maximum (>400) followed by gourds and chillies. As a result area, production and productivity of vegetable crops have gone up respectively from 0.192 to 0.416 million ha, from 140 to 170 million tonnes and productivity from 10.5 to 15.2 t/ha between 1992-93 and 1999-2000.

Balance Sheet Transformation of the chronically food deficit India into a self-sufficient nation in just 20 years since the introduction of high yield technology is unparalleled in the contemporary history of global agriculture. It is

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Table:2 Percapita availability of Food Commodities: Status and Minimum Requirement Commodity

Present (gm/day)

Minimum required (gm/day)

Food Grain

440

460

Cereals

410

400

Pulses

Edible oil

Vegetables &Fruits

140

400

Table:3 Demand projections of food commodities* Commodity

2011-12

2030

2050 (mill. tonnes)

Cereals

218.9

270.0 (1.29)

350 (1.25)

Pulses

18.8

30.5 (3.09)

48.0 (3.0)

Edible Oil

14.2

24.7 (3.54)

39.0 (3.0)

Vegetables

139.2

234.0 (3.30)

375.0 (3.0)

Fruits

77.4

181.5 (5.09)

325.0 (3.0)

In Paranther's compound growth rate Source: Based on the Report of working group for the 12th Plan, Planning Commission

case of sunflower, inspite of impressive yield advantage and over 80% of the area planted to hybrids, their impact is not visible in production due to drastic decline in area under the crop since 1990 (from 2.11 to 0.93 million hectares). The technology in pigeonpea is yet to make its impact in terms of area and production.

Relevance of Hybrid Technology During the last 50 years, hybrid technology has proved in more than one way its relevance to the country's agricultural growth in general and crops of food value in particular. It was following the introduction and extensive adoption of hybrid technology that there has been phenomenal advance in production and productivity across field crops (Table 1). In maize, production and yield increases are close to 200 and 90 percent respectively as against 46 percent in area. Unlike in maize, area under sorghum and pearlmillet declined by 56 and 26 percent respectively during the corresponding period because of their reduced competitiveness as against more remunerative crops in the traditional areas. Interestingly, however, production level remains least affected in sorghum while pearlmillet registering sizeable increase apparently on account of increased productivity by 130 and 72 percent respectively. In both the cases, the impressive production advance is attributable to introduction of progressively higher yielding hybrids and very large area planted to them. Respectively 90 and 100 percent of the area under sorghum and pearlmillet account for hybrids. Despite significant yield increase in rice and rapeseed mustard since the introduction of hybrid technology its impact on production is not to the desired level because of insignificant area planted to hybrids. In the

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

As for vegetable crops, close to three folds increase achieved in production during the last 20 years has been due to sizeable increase in area (from 5.58 to 8.49 mill. ha) under high yielding varieties and hybrids and yield by 65 percent. The yield advance is attributable to increasingly more area planted to hybrids in Cole crops (cabbage and cauliflower). Solanaceae crops (tomato, brinjal and chillies) and cucurbits (cucumber and melons). Meeting the estimated future demands of food grains and vegetables/fruits is basic for the country to become food and nutrition secure. Exploitation of hybrid vigour being the proven strategy for raising further the ceiling to genetic yield, hybrid technology assumes great relevance in the present context. Also, the fact that hybrids perform better than inbreds under abiotic stress conditions as demonstrated long back in millets during years of drought and in rice under saline and rainfed lowland conditions makes the technology all the more relevant to a country like

ours, where more than 65% of the area is vulnerable to weather aberrations. Being C4 crops, maize and major millets are the ideal choice to adapt to the adverse effects of the inevitable climate change and their remaining in hybrid forms would ensure higher and stable yields. Besides its contribution to production advance by many folds and thereby the percapita availability of food grains and vegetables, hybrid technology has been the catalyst to the phenomenal growth and development of India's seed industry. Placing emphasis on production and marketing of hybrid seed of low volume high value crops, it is mainly the private sector that has made India the World's fifth largest in size and annual in turnover. The industry is as well one of the largest providers of employment to agricultural scientists and technical personnel.

Research, Developmental and Policy Interventions for Sustaining Hybrid Technology Although it is a proven technology for raising genetic yield level in as many as one dozen crops of food value, full potential of hybrid technology is yet to be realised in most of them. From technological angle, want of stable cytoplasmic-genetic male sterilityfertility restoration system in some, inadequate and inconsistent yield advantage and lack of season/ecosystem specific hybrids in some others, low seed yield, less acceptable quality and susceptibility to biotic stresses in many, prove serious hurdles in harnessing the full potential of the technology. (Table 4). Correction of such deficiencies should be the major focus of research and priority for sustaining the technology.

Table 4 : Corrective research interventions for sustaining hybrid technology in crops of food value Crop

Deficiencies needing research intervention

Cereals: Rice

Still not desired yield advantage; Inconsistent yield performance; Lack of ideal hybrids for long monsoon season and rainfed lowland ecology; Less acceptable cooking quality; Susceptibility to biotic stresses

Sorghum

Higher yielding dual purpose hybrids adaptated to residual moisture and resistance to shortly for rabi; Resistance to grain mould for kharif

Pearlmillet

Shoot fly duration hybrids adapted to scanty rainfall areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat etc; Resistance to downey mildew and moisture stress.

Maize

Higher yielding QPM hybrids; Short and medium duration hybrids adapted to rice fallows (rabi) in eastern India; Resistance to shoot borer and tolerance to moisture stress

Wheat

Raising yield advantage; Stable cytoplasmic male sterility-fertility restoration system; Enhancement of seed yield; Crop establishment at low seed rate; Parental line improvement for resistance to rusts and foliar diseases.

Sunflower

Diversification of male sterility source; Improvement of oil content and quality; Resistance to major biotic stresses (Tobacco leaf streak virus, stem and head rot, downey mildew)

Indian mustard

Development still more stable cytoplasmic male sterility-fertility restoration system; Diversification of genetic base for high combining ability; High seed weight, high oil content and canola oil quality; Resistance to white rust, stem rot , aphids etc

Safflower

Stable cytoplasmic male sterility-fertility restoration system

Pigeonpea

Enhancement of hybrid vigour; Optimization of seed production; Resistance to SMD, powdery mildew etc.

Vegetable crops

Extending CMS based hybrid seed production wherever feasible in place of manual and GMS based system; Resistance to major pests, Improved quality

Pulses and Oilseed crops:

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Among the food grain crops, rice contributing 43% to the country's food grain production holds the key to sustained selfsufficiency in our food needs for years to come. Aside other still underexploited opportunities, hybrid technology, if shaped to meet the reservations of farmers and consumers, is the most potential and reliable strategy to sustain the current level of sufficiency and sizeable surplus for export. Not attractive enough yield advantage (1015%) over the best inbreds is the major reservation of farmers against hybrids. Learning from the experience of China that inter-subspecific (indica/tropical japonica) hybrids are more heterotic with yield advantage of more than 20% as compared to intra-subspecific (indica/indica) hybrids, gradual shift in breeding emphasis the same way in India is found rewarding. Also, to further raise the yield vigour by another 10% breeding efforts are underway to develop inter-subspecific (indica/tropical japonica) hybrids in the background of new plant type varieties, by 3-line (cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility-fertility restoration system) as well as 2-line (temperature sensitive genic male sterility system) approaches.

As for the other reservations, improvement of parental lines has led to development of hybrids of medium and medium late maturity, acceptable cooking quality (amylose content above 25%) and multiple resistance to insect pests and diseases. The new generation hybrids expected to cover 5-7 million hectares in the next five years and add annually no less than 5 million tonnes of milled rice would help sustain the current level of sufficiency and surplus in food grains and rice. The scope to raise the production and thereby percapita availability of edible oil and vegetables is large, given more productive mustard and sunflower hybrids in pipeline and the prospects of extending CMS based hybrid technology to more vegetable crops.

Policy Environment If experience is any indication, technology alone would not help achieve production /productivity targets, in the absence of favourable policies of the government in support of. Since the enactment of the Seeds Act 1966, a series of liberalized policies that

Table : 5 Popular hybrids in crops of food value ( 2010-11) Percentage Area under hybrids (%)

No. of hybrids by Private Sector

No. of hybrids by Public Sector

Share of Private Sector hybrids (%)

Maize

58.8

103

78.6

30V-92,NK-6240 (Syngenta), CP-818, HM8, HM9, HM10, RHM2, Ganga 2 (composite) HQPM1, FQH4567, FH3211, JH10655, NECH117

Rice

3.5

54.8

6444 (Arize), PBH-71, Nath-509/US-312/ JK -401/Dhanya-748, Pusa RH10, DRH3, Sahyadri-4, Pant Shankat Dhan2, CRH32, Rajyalakshmi

Sorghum

53.1

80.3

Mahalaxmi (296-Devgen), 501 (UPL / Advanta) Mahyco-51, CSH9, CSH13, CSH14B, CSH16B

Pearlmillet

86.3

9444 (Buyer), 86M86 (Pioneer), Super Boss (Kaveri), /JK-26, 5141 (Hitech seed), HHD67-1

Sunflower

41.7

75.0

275 (Syngenta), 208 (Kaveri), 2002 /Champ (Kaveri)

Wheat

0.2-0.3

100

Pratham 7070 (Mahyco)

Mustard

91.7

Coral 432 (Advanta), Jumbo (Advanta), PAC-401 (Advanta) 45S42 (Pioneer), Maycho Bold, DMH1, PGSH51 (napus)

Pigeonpea

33.3

ICPH 2671, GTH1

Crop

Popular hybrids

Source: Based on NSAI Souvenir, 2013 & Harbir Singh and Chand, 2011

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

followed, have been of help not only for the seed industry to grow and deliver, but more so for Indian farmers to access better varieties/hybrids and high quality seed. Promotion of private sector seed industry with provisions enabling it to market their products as truthfully labelled seed and bulk importing and marketing hybrids from foreign countries under the National Seed Policy 2002, for instance, has enabled it to account for over 80% of the commercialized hybrids and close to 90% of hybrid seed produced and marketed (Table 5). Growing competition among the domestic seed companies has prompted them to invest increasingly more in R&D since last 12 years. According to an estimate, 29 companies account for 56 percent of the total R&D expenditure and several Indian companies to invest more than US$ 2million each annually in research. To sustain and gain more from hybrid technology, investment on research and development has to be increasingly large and continuous. While the sector would not hesitate to invest, favourable policies of the government in the following aspects would help sustain the technology and enable thereby the country achieve its targets in food production. Ÿ

despite provisions like Material Transfer Agreement, is far from desired level. The provisions under the Biodiversity Act (NBA) restrict the exchange of breeding material by MNCs for testing or using in further breeding in their sister companies located across borders affecting seriously the pace of varietal development. Favourable policy decisions in this regard would help accelerated crop improvement.

Mechanism for production and marketing of seed of public bred hybrids by private seed industry: In the absence of a system and facilities in public sector crop breeding institutions for commercialization of their products many valuable hybrids remain underexploited. A clear policy and mechanism facilitating private sector companies to access finished and notified hybrids/parental lines of the public sector institutions and commercialize them by producing seed and marketing under a well defined agreement would greatly help gain much from hybrid technology. Exploiting the potential of seed export: Indian seed industry is in possession of large commercializable proprietary germplasm. Given its R&D strength, rich research experience in developing need based hybrids and expertise in seed business, as well as the Govt. policy in favour of export of seed since 2003, the scope to develop the country into an export hub for hybrid seed be translated into action. Government should extend all support to realize this goal. Movement of seed/germplasm across countries: Genetic diversity is the bedrock of progressive crop improvement. Yet exchange of germplasm among crop breeding institutions, especially between public and private sector institutions,

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Resolution of contentious provisions in the Seed Bill-2004: The Bill awaiting Parliament approval has many provisions for further regulating seed commerce. They include regulation of seed pricing, compulsory registration of seed for marketing, seed producer, seed processing unit and seed dealer, compulsory licensing, compensation to grower in the event of technology not measuring upto the claim and penalty for seed related offences. It is important that the Bill is enacted giving due consideration to the views of the industry and concerns of farming community.

Clear National Policy on GM crops: In the era of genomics, when the country is rightly serious about finding solution to problems that continue to defy conventional breeding/selection strategies, through development and adoption of genetically modified (GM) crop varieties, amidst anti GM voices apprehending biosafety related risks, it is important to have in place with no more delay, a clear National Policy on development, field testing and commercial planting of transgenics.

Discrimination in pricing against hybrids: Farmers growing hybrid crops are denied price equivalent to varieties for no scientific reason. This is happening in rice, mustard etc. Such price discrimination should not be allowed as such practice would hamper the pace of adoption of the technology.

Promotion of measures for rapid adoption of hybrid technology: Awareness of the potential of the technology and incentives on input cost are known to help speedy adoption of new varieties/hybrids. Government support to extensive frontline demonstration of new hybrids and reasonable subsidy on seed cost uniformly in the targeted states be strengthened and continued.

Conclusion opportunities and develop and use innovative crop improvement technologies for higher and stable yields. Given the existing and partly exploited varietal technologies, those with new yield thresholds in the pipeline and tailoring of designer varieties underway along with matching developmental and progrowth policy environment emerging, there is no reason to be skeptical about the capability of the nation to feed its people by and beyond 2050.

Predictions on the basis of declining agricultural production growth trend since early 1990S, shrinking favourable growth factors and not much change in population growth that the country would be pushed back in a few decades from now to the era of food deficiency and the need to import large volumes of food would be inevitable, no doubt, only if we fail to identify and tap the still unexploited and under exploited potential

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

For details, please contact

Dr. Neeru Bhooshan

Principal Scientist & Incharge, Zonal Technology Management â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Business Promotion Unit, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Email: neerubhooshan@gmail.com; Cell: +91 8744021213.

Impact of

Hybrid Technology on Improving

Seed Replacement Rates in India Malavika Dadlani and Sudipta Basu Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

eed is the basic input in agriculture and plays a crucial role in enhancing the agricultural production and productivity. Without the use of quality seed, the investment incurred on inputs will not pay the desired dividend which ought to be realized.

in 1977 to encourage rapid multiplication and distribution of breeder, foundation and certified seed of improved varieties in the country. Till early 90s, the public sector was primarily responsible for seed research, production and distribution of quality seeds as well as HRD. The “Programme on Hybrid Research and Development” of the ICAR and New Policy for Seed Development, 1988 implemented by the Government of India (GoI) boosted investments in the seed sector, both from the domestic as well as multinational companies. The government schemes and funding, support of the World Bank through the National Seed Project (NSP) and investment made by the private sector, both in research and infrastructure development resulted in rapid growth, enhanced demand and supply of quality seeds of HYVs and hybrids of

The semi-dwarf high yielding varieties of wheat and rice developed in the early sixties laid the foundation of “The Green Revolution” in the country. During this period, hybrids in maize, sorghum, pearl millet and cotton were developed and released. Establishment of National Seeds Corporation in 1963 facilitated the seed production and distribution system and quality assurance of these high yielding varieties (HYV) and hybrids (HY). Later, the National Seed Project was initiated

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Table 1: Requirement and availability of foundation seed (Kharif, 2009)

field and vegetable crops. The seed sector grew steadily in the subsequent period with the establishment of several private (big and small) seed companies. Enactment of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (2001) further promoted the growth of seed sector with many private seed companies being active players in variety development and seed production of hybrids, especially of cotton, paddy, maize, sorghum and pearl millet. Following this, the share of the private sector increased significantly in different crops (in maize, cotton, and vegetables up to 80 percent) (Paroda, 2010). Presently, India ranks fifth in the global seed market. The annual turnover of seed industry is estimated to be 150 billion rupees of which 130 billion is from crop seeds and 20 billion from vegetable seeds (Agrawal, 2012).

Crop Cereals Pulses Oil Seeds Cotton Jute Fodder Total

Quantity in Quintal Requirement 141307 18073 303072 978 109 1193 464732

Availability 249214 25431 299684 2879 158 6850 584216

Source : Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI (http://dacnet.nic.in/eands).

institutes is well organized, its total multiplication to foundation and certified seed is not realized fully. As a consequence, a major portion of the seed requirement is met from farmâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;saved seed where quality is not assured. Out of the total cultivated area of high volume low value seeds, 80 percent is covered with farm saved seeds and rest 20 percent is met through organized sector (MoA, 2011). With the dedicated efforts of National Seed Project, the ICAR institutes and SAUs have made significant progress in meeting the demand of the breeder seed which has been doubled from 62231 q in 2005-06 to 122633 q in 2010-11. As per the data from Seed Net India Portal, 2013 the foundation seed availability (464732q) is much higher than the requirement (584216q) but their multiplication to certified seed is inadequate (Table 1). In previous decade, the public sector contributed more towards supplying quality seed of hybrids/varieties than

The Indian seed Industry consists of both public and private players. The public sector meets the demand of high volume low value seeds (OPVs of field crops) while the private sector sells high value low volume seeds (hybrids, transgenics and vegetable seeds). But, in spite of more than fifty years of systematic progress made in seed sector there are significant gaps between seed requirement and availability. Present availability of quality seed is estimated 215.81 lakh q (MoA, 2011). In India, the seed replacement rate is quiet low and is estimated to be 15-20 percent annually, whereas in some of the crops it is as low as < 10 percent. Although, in the seed chain, supply of breeder seed of notified varieties by the SAUs and ICAR

Table 2: Total seed production by the public and private sectors (lakh q) Year

Total seed prodn

Quantity of seed produced by public sector

Share of Public sector (%)

Quantity of seed produced by private sector

Share of private sector (%)

2003-04

132.27

69.47

52.52

62.80

47.48

2004-05

140.51

77.25

54.97

63.26

45.02

2005-06

148.18

78.83

53.19

69.35

46.80

2006-07

194.31

114.64

58.99

79.67

41.00

2007-08

194.23

111.51

57.41

82.72

42.59

2008-09

250.40

150.79

60.22

99.61

39.78

2009-10

280.00

171.00

61.07

109.00

38.93

Source : Paroda, 2013

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Table 3 : Private Sector Varieties / hybrids in major field crops. Crop

Number of varieties and hybrids by decade 1980-1989

1990-1999

2000-2010

Rice

198

188

303

Wheat

112

Maize

113

Pearl Millet

Sorghum

Cotton

Total

490

729

Source : Pray & Nagarajan (2012)

private sector but after 2009, private sector contributed significantly towards supply of quality seed (Table 2 and 3). Angadi (2011) reported that between 1984-95 about 50-60 percent of total seed requirement was met by private sector which increased to 80 percent in 2010. During last decade, seed production has tripled with a growth of almost 11-15 percent p.a. (Manjunatha et al., 2013). This is also evident by increase in the seed replacement rate in major crops which has increased impressively in last decade especially in cotton, maize, paddy, pearl millet and vegetables (From Seed net portal) (Table 4).

from 308 kg/ha (2001-02) to 568 kg/ha and production by 139 percent. The adoption of Bt cotton was very rapid and unparallel. At present more than 90 percent (12 m ha) of cotton area is under hybrids and the demand for Bt cotton hybrid seed has enhanced by 220 percent (Dravid, 2011). The private sector played a major role in adoption of Bt cotton and dissemination of technology to larger areas (Agrawal, 2012).

2. Introduction of Single Cross Maize Hybrids: Adoption of single cross hybrids bred by both public and private sector increased the area coverage under hybrids from 25 to 60 percent resulting in increased demand of maize seeds. The MoA, GOI reported that between 2002 to 2008 maize yield increased by 60 percent due to increased acreage under hybrids (MoA, 2011).

India is a country of diverse agro-ecosystems which facilitate seed production of a wide range of crops. Availability of affordable labour and skilled technical manpower provide a great potential for seed production in the country, along with government support for import and exportoriented activities. The quality seed production not only helps in increasing the production and income of farmers but also higher adoption of hybrid technology resulting in increasing the SRR. To increase the present seed replacement rate (SRR) and to meet the required SRR of 30 percent in selfpollinated species, 50 percent and 100 percent respectively in cross pollinated species and hybrids, an efficient chain of BS - FS - CS has to be followed.

3. Increased Adoption of Hybrid Rice: Increased adoption of hybrid rice in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh resulted in 7-8 fold increase in seed volume and value (Dravid, 2011). The SRR for paddy grew at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 percent pa at national level and 10-17 percent in these states between 2001-2008. Presently, hybrid rice is estimated to be cultivated in about 2 million ha.

4. Higher Adoption of Improved Open Pollinated Varieties (OPV): The market of OPV

During the last decade, there was a quantum jump in adoption of hybrids and improved varieties due to several growth drivers of the Seed Industry which favored increased SRR such as:

has also grown from Rs 1100 crores to 2600 crores due to higher SRR during this period (Dravid, 2011). The SRR in wheat, bengal gram, green gram and groundnut increased at CAGR of 13,19,6 and 14 percent p.a. respectively between between 20012008 at a national level.

1. Release of Bt Cotton : Bt cotton was released in 2002 which increased the productivity of the crop

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

2006

2011

2006

2011

India

2001

2011

2006

2011

2006

2001

2011

2001

2012

2001

All

Mah

Guj

Kar

2001

A.P

Var

Whe at

Year

States

Var

100

Hyb

Paddy

100

Var

100

Hyb

Maize

100

Var

100

5.5

100

Hyb

Jowar

100

Var

Bajra

100

8.4

.46

100

Hyb

Var

Gram

Var

Urd

Var

12.5

Var

4.07

1.88

1.16

12.05

2.5

Var

Moong Arhar Grou ndnut

100

50.0

100

Var

Soy bean

15.0

102

100

Hyb

Var

Cotton

100

109

100

Hyb

(Source: Seed net portal)

8.25

Var

Sunflower

Table 4: Seed replacement rates in important seed producing different states of India from 2001-2011

favoured higher seed set and seed yield. To achieve higher seed yield, the temperature should range from 24.3OC (minimum) to 33.8O C (maximum) during flowering with 65-70 percent R.H., 6-7 hours of sunshine/day and average wind speed of 2.3 km/hr. Synchronisation of flowering of pollen and seed parent is crucial for success of hybrid rice seed production.

5. Increased Use of High Value Vegetable Seeds: Vegetables seed segment has a significant share in the overall seed market. Though the actual contributions made by the public and private seed companies is difficult to assess, but as per the industry estimates, the hybrid vegetable seed market in India is of Rs.1500 crores which grew at a rate of 10-15 percent per annum. Public research institutes played a key role in establishing the vegetable improvement and seed production programmes in the country. However, the R&D in vegetables is also very active in the private sector. Out of about 110 vegetable hybrids released by the All India Coordinated Project on vegetables, nearly 60 percent are developed by the private sector. With the increased availability of quality seeds of improved varieties and hybrids, the SRR in most of the vegetables, which was 20 percent in the early 80s, rose to 60-90 percent by early 2000 (Paroda, 2010).

Hybrid rice seeds are reported to have poor storability than the OPVs due to residual GA3 effect and the loose enclosure of caryopsis by lemma and palea. Storability studies undertaken on parental line and hybrid seed showed that they can be stored safely for one planting season in cloth bag whereas for longer storage(two planting season) seeds should dried up to 8 percent moisture content and packed in 500 gauge polythene lined bags.

(ii) Maize

Adoption of hybrids depends on two factors, availability of location-specific suitable hybrids and affordability of seed. While the suitability of hybrids is determined by productivity advantage, consumer preference and market price of the produce, the affordability of the hybrid seed is primarily determined by the hybrid seed yield per ha. Hence, one of the primary responsibilities of the seed technologists is to develop profitable seed production technology specific to different hybrids at different locations.

Hybrid seed production studies in maize showed feasibility of diversification in seed production areas of single cross maize hybrids in North India. Among seasons, rabi season was better in terms of seed yield, genetic purity and quality for hybrid seed production. However, non synchronization of flowering among parental lines of single cross hybrids was more in rabi than spring-summer and kharif season, thus staggered sowing or transplanting of late parent could be recommended. Priming of the seed of late parent can also be tried, where the gap between flowering of the two parents is relatively low. Storage studies indicated better storability of hybrids than parental lines and seasonal differences in storage potential i.e. rabi produce had better storability than springsummer and kharif season.

The Seed Technology Research (STR) under National Seed Project (NSP) has optimized hybrid seed production technologies in rice, maize, pearl millet, sorghum, sunflower, castor and cotton. Some of the research institutions, including Indian Agricultural Research Institute have made pioneering contributions in understanding pollination dynamics and hybrid seed production, identifying alternative seasons and locations for the purpose. Some are detailed below:

(iii) Pearl Millet Studies conducted at IARI, RS Karnal on validation of isolation distance for seed production showed that an isolation of 500m with five border rows was optimum for maintaining genetic purity during foundation seed production of pearl millet.

(i) Rice Most of the commercial hybrids are based on wild abortive cytoplasm exhibiting poor panicle exsertion and application of GA3 was found effective in enhancing the panicle exsertion. Research undertaken for optimization of effective dose of GA3 identified application @135g/ha applied in two split doses i.e. 40 percent at 5 percent panicle emergence, 60 percent on following day preponed flowering, improved productive tillers with better expression of floral traits,

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

(iv) Sunflower Success of hybrid seed production depends on proper synchrony of flowering of parental lines, p o l l i n a t i o n a n d s e e d s e t . To a c h i e v e synchronization of flowering in parental lines of sunflower hybrid, priming of seeds of the late parent with GA3 @ 50ppm followed by 1 percent

urea sprayed thrice at alternate day at button stage was found to bridge the gap of 7-10 days. Studies undertaken at IARI, Regional Station, Karnal indicated a positive association of nectar production of male and female lines with honey bee abundance and foraging time. A temperature range of 15 to 310C favoured honeybee activity and hence, midDecember sowing was better for higher pollinator activity. Pollinators showed a preferential behavior for parental lines with Rock bee (Apis dorsata) and little bee (A. florae) preferring male flowers than females whereas, A. mellifera preferred female flowers more than male flowers.

technology and sustainable food security, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), developed a very effective public-private-partnership model for promotion of hybrid rice in India. IARI, Indian Foundation Seeds and Service Association (IFSSA), and Barwale Foundation had signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for seed multiplication of parental lines of Pusa RH 10, the first super fine grain aromatic rice hybrid developed by IARI, which has led to the partnership with several seed companies. IARI has signed non-exclusive agreements with many seed companies for seed production of rice, maize, wheat, tomato, brinjal, bottle gourd, bitter gourd and cucumber parental lines and hybrids. Several SAUs and ICAR institutes like IARI are regularly conducting farmers' training in hybrid seed production, who in turn are using their skills as contract seed growers for various seed companies, both in the public and private sectors.

(v) Vegetables Diversification of vegetable seed production in different parts of the country has been tried and tested and found beneficial than concentrating in a few pockets of Karnataka, Maharashtra or M.P. The seed production under open field conditions is often affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses which affects seed production both in terms of seed quality and quantity. Thus, seed production can be undertaken under protected conditions i.e. insect proof net house, shade net house, naturally ventilated greenhouse, climatic controlled greenhouse or walk in tunnels which give higher seed yield, better seed quality (virus free) with lesser use of chemicals and also helps in higher employment generation.

Parallely, IARI in association with NGOs and other voluntary organizations is undertaking horizontal spread and quality seed production of its varieties primarily in cereals and pulses in different states of India. It is also undertaking seed production of field and vegetable crops under farmers' participatory seed production programme. In 2011-12, the institute produced 5333.28 q of Breeder Seed and 9589.05q of TL seed, which included 6687.21 q seed of cereals, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables produced in farmers field.

Hybrid seed production in tomato under polyhouse conditions showed prolonged flowering duration ( by 15 days) with higher pollen viability and longer stigma receptivity as compared to open fields resulting in higher fruit set, when the critical mean minimum temperature was below 120C. The hybrid seed production inside the poly house was nearly double as compared to open field.

Similarly, a number of hybrids and parental lines of vegetables developed by IARI and other institutions, viz., IIVR, Varanasi, IIHR, Bangalore, UAS, Dharwad, GBPUAT, Pant Nagar and MPKV, Rahuri have been shared with the public or private seed companies for commercialization and breeding purposes through non-exclusive licensing. Some institutions have also shared advanced breeding lines with the seed companies on specific benefit sharing agreements (Paroda, 2013). A recent study showed that the use of HYV seeds was one of the key factors for increase in food grain production from 3.5 mt to 11 mt in Bihar (Paroda, 2013).

Hybrid seed production under net house is also a profitable and environment friendly technology wherein the crop is more vigorous, insect free, exhibits higher fruit and seed yield and better seed quality as compared to open field condition. Thus it helps in reducing cost of seed production and indiscriminate use on pesticides for insect and pest control. In brinjal, an average yield of 2.0-2.5 kg and in bitter gourd an average yield of 2.5 kg of hybrid seed/100 sq m area could be achieved.

Quality seed/planting material plays a vital role in realizing the yield potential of any crop. To ensure availability and higher adoption of quality seed, creating awareness among farmers on the benefits of quality seed, development of compact area approach, training on seed production (especially emasculation and pollination) and effective marketing linkages are required. Diversification of seed production to potential and untapped areas could favour higher adoption of improved

Partnerships to Popularize Hybrids Recognizing the importance of partnership in seed production as key to the successful adoption of the

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

varieties/hybrids and better seed replacement rates. Proactive extension agencies need to create awareness about the use of quality seeds to reach the unreachable areas of the country. Both public and the private sector has contributed significantly in meeting the seed demand of the country and should coexist complimenting their respective strengths in variety development, seed production and distribution for adoption of high yielding varieties and hybrids.

Manjunatha, B.L., D. U. M. Rao, M. B. Dastagiri (2013): Trends in seed production, growth drivers and present status of Indian seed Industry: An analytical study. Indian Journal Of Agricultural Sciences, 83(3): 315-20. MoA (2011): Agriculture Statistics at a glance. Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi.

References

Paroda, R.S.(2010): Revitalizing Indian Seed Sector for accelerated agricultural growth, First Foundation Day Lecture, NSAI, New Delhi.

Agrawal, P.K. (2012) Future growth drivers for India seed Industry. Seed Testing International.144: 49.

Paroda, R.S.(2013) : Indian Seed Sector, The Way Forward, Special lecture delivered at Indian Seed Congress,2013,NSAI, New Delhi

Angadi S. 2011: Vegetable seed sector in India: Achievements and challenges. Indian Seed and Planting Material ,4(1):19-25.

Pray, C. E. and Latha Nagarajan (2012) Innovation and research by private agri-business in India, IFPRI Discussion Paper : 01182.

Dravid P.S. 2011 Future growth drivers for Indian seed Industry. Indian Seed and Planting material, (4)4: 41-45.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Seed Net Portal (2013) : Website: http:// seednet. gov. in

Hybrid Cotton Revolution in India K. R. Kranthi, M. V. Venugopalan and M. S. Yadav Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur

saturated with spectacular technologies such as hybrids with Bt. One major change that has coevolved with the growth rate of hybrid cotton in India, is -the inclination of farmers to follow the best available practices that can harness the full potential of the seed, that is expensive compared to conventional varieties. Further, Indian farmers now have access to information and the best of global agritechnologies available elsewhere in the world. In light of these developments, it is being increasingly felt that with focused efforts, India should be able to emerge as a global leader in cotton production.

Introduction Cotton production systems in India have changed rapidly over the past few years with the changes being more accelerated in the hybrid seed sector. Hybrid cotton in India emerged as a path-breaking technology in 1970, when the world's first intrahirsutum hybrid was released in India for commercial cultivation and subsequently took the world by storm. Hybrid technology was used by plant breeders in India to lay the foundation for high yields in many regions in the country. The area under hybrid cotton was 28.0 percent in 1990; 40.0 percent in 2000; but increased to more than 95.0 percent by 2013. The area under hybrid cotton was negligible in North India in the year 2000, but by 2013, more than 96.0 percent of the area was covered with hybrid cotton. It is estimated that about 40 intra-hirsutum hybrids were developed by the public sector institutions in the past 40 years but more than 1000 cotton hybrids were released by the private sector in just 6 years during 2006-1012. The country made immense progress made in the field of hybrid cotton and is now

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Despite the impressive gains, yield stagnation over the past 6-7 years has emerged as a major concern and needs attention. Some recent issues relate to; high cost of hybrid seed production, mismatch of several hybrids in different agro-eco-regions, cultivation of hybrids in unsuitable conditions, release of excessive number of hybrids and susceptibility of majority of the hybrids to sap-sucking insects. It is important to address these cores issues to circumvent the problem of yield stagnation in the country. It is being increasingly felt in research circles that the yield

stagnation may be primarily because of the mismatch related to the unsuitability of some hybrids for certain agro-ecological regions. Therefore efforts must be made on priority to identify specific hybrids/varieties that can perform best in specific agro-eco-zones. At this stage, it is also important to standardize appropriate package of practices for specific hybrids that can lead towards increase in productivity.

Hybrid Technology Mell (1894) first observed heterosis in fibre length and agronomic traits in F1 hybrids. Later Cook (1906) suggested the possibility of commercial exploitation of heterosis in cotton. Heterosis in cotton was reported to be higher in inter-specific crosses compared to intra-specific crosses. While heterosis in intra-specific hybrids was manifested in boll number and boll weight, hybrid vigour in boll number was more distinct in inter-specific hybrids (Singh, 1987). In G. hirsutum, heterosis in yield resulted due to over dominance for boll number and boll weight (Sarsal et. al. 1986). Non-additive gene action (dominance & epistasis) plays an important role in the manifestation of heterosis in yield and boll number both in interspecific and intra-specific diploid crosses (Naik & Patel, 1982; Bhatade, 1984; Vyahalkar et. al. 1984). Heterosis in tetraploid cotton was higher in crosses involving parents that were genetically divergent and ecologically distant, such as local x exotic lines, especially if one of the parents had wider adaptability and broad genetic base.

In general, yields were found to be lower in rainfed regions that constitute 60.0 percent of the total cotton acreage. Studies at CICR showed that moisture stress during boll formation phase lead to poor yields. Thus, it was surmised that early maturing cotton hybrids/varieties would be ideally suited for rainfed farming systems, especially in marginal soils which do not retain adequate moisture after cessation of rains, when boll formation gets initiated. Additionally, early sowing of such early maturing genotypes is likely to lead to higher yields in rainfed regions. Efforts are being made by the institute to develop new systems of agronomy with a combination of plant architecture and planting geometry, so as to harness full potential of the crop.

One of the main constraints of hybrid technology is that the seed production is labour intensive. The conventional Doak's Method of hybrid seed production involves hand emasculation and pollination and can be cumbersome. Hybrid seed production through the conventional system is labour intensive and expensive. Therefore alternative methods of male sterility based hybrid seed production were evolved to simplify the process. Two types of male sterility systems, genetic male sterility (GMS) and cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) have

Though repeated references are being made in general discussions regarding the role of Bt technology in enhanced productivity, it must be said that Bt technology has been highly effective in controlling the cotton bollworms and thus lent stability to cotton production systems in India. Obviously, the extent of yield benefits obtained, depends on the extent of efficacy with which the Bt technology may have prevented yield losses from bollworm damage, which in turn depends on the level of bollworm infestation.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

been explored thus far (Manickam et al., 2004). Meyer (1975) developed a stable cytoplasmic male sterile G. hirsutum line by introgressing a single dominant gene (Rf) gene from Gossypium harknessii, Brandg., species. At least three dominant male sterility genes, ms4, ms7 and ms10 and seven recessive male sterility genes, ms1, ms2, ms3, ms5, ms6, ms8 and ms9 were

identified in G. hirsutum. Over the past 40 years, continuous efforts were made to develop and utilize male sterility systems to minimize cost of hybrid seed production. Studies showed that male sterility systems could be used for hybrid seed production and up to 40-50% of the expenditure could be saved.

Some examples of conventional and male sterility based hybrids are listed below: Cross

Conventional

Male sterile

G. hirsutum x G. hirsutum

H4, Savita, Surya, DHH 11, LHH 144, PKV Hy 2, Bunny, Mallika etc.

Suguna, PKV Hy 3, PKV Hy4, MECH 4

G. hirsutum x G. barbadense

Varalaxmi, Jayalaxmi (DCH 32), DHB 105, TCHB 213, Sruthi etc.

G. arboreum x G. arboreum

LDH 11

G. arboreum x G. herbaceum

DH 7, DH 9, DDH 2

AAH 1, AKDH 7, G. Cot MDH 11

CICR released the first ever GMS based hybrid 'Suguna' in 1978. Dr PDKV Akola released the first ever CMS based hybrid PKV Hy 3 in 1993. 'MECH 4' from Mahyco, was the first male-sterility based hybrid released by the private sector. Subsequently, the ICAR initiated a project on hybrid cotton to convert 600 lines into CMS and 1037 lines to restorers. However, studies at CICR showed that many CMS based hybrids has fewer number of bolls, lesser boll weight and less seed cotton yield compared to their conventional counterparts.

more than 95% by 2013. Subsequently, hybrid vigour has been exploited to enhance yield and fibre quality. Over the past four decades, Indian cotton breeders have been achieving spectacular results in hybrid cotton research. Some of the mile stones are listed below:

Hybrid Cotton Revolution Hybrid cotton is easily a land mark achievement of the public sector research that had the greatest ever influence on cotton production in India. Hybrid technology has been pioneered by Indian scientists and currently India is the only country in the world to cultivate hybrids extensively all across the country. Initially, the Indian Central Cotton Committee (ICCC) initiated research efforts on hybrid cotton in 1930. The All India Coordinated Cotton Improvement Project was launched in 1967. Development of hybrid cotton received priority in the project. Though there were a few initial reports of successful results with some hybrid combinations, none of them were used commercially. The first break through was achieved by Dr. C. T. Patel from Surat who developed 'H 4' which was released in 1970 as the world's first cotton hybrid. 'H 4' had superior quality fibre and gave high yields. It became popular and laid the foundation for research on 'hybrid cotton'. Until 2001, hybrids occupied 45% of the total cotton area and reached

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

1970:

World's first Hybrid 'H-4' released

1972:

World's first inter-specific tetraploid (G. hirsutum x G. barbadense) hybrid 'Varalakshmi' released

1978:

World's first GMS based hybrid 'Suguna' released from CICR

1980:

Release of 60's-count Hybrid 'H-6'

1981:

Release of 80's-count inter-specific (G. hirsutum x G. barbadense) hybrid 'DCH-32'

1983:

Release of the World's first Inter-specific diploid (G. arboreum x G. herbaceum) hybrid 'DH 7'

1983:

Release of 'NHH 44' for rain-fed conditions

2000:

Hybrid cotton reached 44% of the total area under cotton.

2002:

Bt-cotton approved for commercial cultivation.

2012:

The number of approved Bt cotton hybrids reached 1128.

2013:

More than 95.0% area under Bt cotton hybrids.

The first hybrid 'H 4' was developed using the parents

Gujarat 67 x American nectariless. The hybrid showed 148 to 184% heterosis; wider adaptability; superior fibre quality for 50 counts, higher ginning out turn, better fibre maturity and high yield potential of 30-40 Q/ha. Dr C. T. Patel developed a 'telephone' system with which yields up to 75 Q/ha could be achieved with 'H 4'. The hybrid became popular and occupied more than 60% of the hybrid cotton area of the country for about a decade after its release. More importantly 'H 4' proved that hybrid cotton p r o d u c t i o n w a s a p r a c t i c a l p o s s i b i l i t y. Simultaneously, Dr. Katarki from UAS Dharwad developed an interspecific (G. hirsutum x G. barbadense) hybrid Varalaxmi that was released in

1972. Varalaxmi became popular because it had excellent fibre quality of 80 counts and showed high yield potential of 30-40 Q/ha. It was developed using Laxmi (G. hirsutum and S 289E', (G. barbadense). Dr Mehta from Surat developed the World's first interspecific diploid (G. arboreum X G. herbaceum) Desi hybrid 'DH 7' which was released in 1983. The Desi hybrid 'DH 9' which was released in 1990 had superior fibre qualities for 50 counts as is considered as a land mark achievement in cotton breeding. Thus India has the unique distinction of developing, releasing and cultivating intra-specific and interspecific hybrids using all the four cultivated species.

Some examples of outstanding intra-hirsutum hybrids Hybrid

Release

Yield (Q/ha)

GOT (%)

2.5% SL (mm)

Counts

Hybrid 4

1970

JK Hy 1

1976

Hybrid 6

1980

MECH 1

1980

PKV Hy 2

1981

NHH 44

1983

Savitha

1987

Hybrid 8

1987

Kirti

1993

15 (R)

RCH 2

1995

Surya

1996

Hybrid 10

1996

Ankur 651

1996

Bunny

1996

RCH 134 Bt

2006

MRC 6301 Bt

2006

MRC 6304 Bt

2006

RCH 314 Bt

2008

40 Source: CICR, Nagpur

Desi Diploid Hybrids Indian cotton breeders can be credited for their outstanding efforts in developing intra-specific and inter-specific Desi cotton hybrids. Four diploid interspecific hybrids viz., DH 7, DH 9, DDH 2 and Pha 46 were developed as superior medium to long staple category. DH 9 and Pha 46 produce good quality medium staple fibre with staple lengths of 26-28 mm and can spin up to 40 counts. The two hybrids, DH 7

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

and DDH 2 were found to produce average yields of 17-19 q/ha. Several intra-specific hybrids were released over the past 15 years. Interestingly, despite the Bt cotton wave, the recently released intra-specific Gossypium arboreum x G. arboreum hybrid CICR-2 is popular in North India.

Important Gossypium herbaceum x Gossypium arboreum hybrids Hybrid

Release

Yield Q/ha

GOT

2.5% SL (mm)

Counts

DH 7

1983

21.5

DDH 2

1986

23.5

DH 9

1988

28.0

Pha 46

1996

26.0

Important Gossypium arboreum x Gossypium arboreum hybrids Hybrid

Release

Yield Q/ha

GOT

2.5% SL (mm)

Counts

LDH 11

1994

20.8

10-Dec

AAH 1

1999

<10

AKDH -7

2001

Raj DH 7

2001

CISAA-2 (CICR-2 )

2005

PKV DH - 1

2005

38-39

24-25

Gossypium Hirsutum x Gossypium Barbadense Hybrids

developed and catered to the needs of long staple cotton for a long period of time. DCH 32 produces 3435 mm fibre and Sruthi produces 37 mm fibre. Both hybrids are impressive examples of utilization of heterosis for fibre length.

Varalaxmi was the first inter-specific G. hirsutum x G. barbadense (HXB) hybrid to be released in 1972 from UAS Dharwad. Subsequently, DCH 32 and Sruti were

Inter-specific Extra Long Staple HXB Cotton hybrids Hybrids

Release

Yield Q/ha

GOT

2.5% SL (mm)

Counts

Duration

Varalaxmi

1972

31.0

200-220

CBS 156

1974

33.0

100

170-190

DCH 32

1981

31.0

180-200

HB 224

1989

31.0

160-180

NHB 12

1989

33.0

160-180

TCHB 213

1990

32.0

180-200

DHB 105

1996

32.0

180-200

Sruthi

1997

37.0

140-160

DHB 915

2007

34.2

160-180

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

R&D efforts on hybrid cotton have reached a stage of maturation in India. Preliminary analysis shows that majority of the 1128 Bt cotton hybrids that have been currently approved for commercial cultivation, probably share common parental material developed by the public sector institutions. Though 1128 Bt cotton hybrids were approved by 2012, it appears that only 20-30 Bt hybrids are very popular and are estimated to cover 75.0% of the cotton area in the country. These hybrids have contributed to the increase in the long staple fibre from a meager 45 lakh bales of long staple cotton in 2001 to an estimated 240 lakh bales of long staple cotton in 2012. Most of the popular hybrids are high yielders and produce fibre that ranges from 28-32 mm with strength of 22-23 g/tex and spinning potential of 40-80 counts.

bearing

High productivity due to higher bearing capacity, bigger boll size, higher boll weight and profuse

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Superior fibre quality of long and reasonably strong fibres resulting in higher count yarn

Excellent boll opening that facilitates clean picking and low picking cost

Highly responsive to fertilizers

Lesser seed rate

In the early 6-7 years of independent India, Desi cotton species were grown in 90 to 97.0% of the area to produce one-third of short staple and two-thirds of medium staple category fibre. The demand of the textile industry for medium staple fibre prompted the cultivation of G. hirsutum varieties. The area under G. hirsutum varieties reached about 20.0% by 1955 and 41.0% by 1965 with the production of 23.1% medium-long staple fibre. Hybrid cotton was introduced in 1970 and contributed to the replacement of Desi diploid varieties with the American, G, hirsutum species. By 1990, 30.0% of the area was under G. hirsutum varieties and about 28.0% under hybrid cotton. By 2000, at least 40.0% of the area was cultivated under hybrid cotton and the area under G. hirsutum straight varieties reduced to 29.0%. The share of medium long staple cotton production increased to 64.3% by 1997. The introduction of Bt cotton hybrids in 2002 in India tilted the balance in favour of long staple cotton. Estimates show that the share of long staple cotton was more than 75.0% over the past 5-6 years. Certainly, hybrid cotton deserves to be credited for the increase in fine quality long staple cotton in India.

Advantages of Hybrid Cotton Wider adaptability to varied soil and climatic conditions due to lesser photo and thermal sensitivity

Extended flowering-boll formation phase in irrigated cotton resulting in higher yields

Change in Area Under of Species Composition and Staple Categories

Hybrid cotton technology certainly contributed for the increase in cotton production, especially in the irrigated areas of Gujarat and South India. Hybrids occupied more than 93.0% of the total 116.i4 lakh ha area under cotton in 2012. Hybrids have contributed to wider adaptation, higher quality cotton production, higher seed output and enhanced seed oil output. There is need for strong complementary research and development programmes for both hybrids and varieties so that the full potentials and practical advantages of both can be harmonized. Hybrids perform better under higher input technology conditions and superior management. Hybrid seed production is labour intensive and expensive. Research efforts should focus on the development of useful male sterile systems.

Changes in the proportion of different staple categories of cotton Year

Short Staple

Medium long Staple

Medium long staple

Medium Long staple

Long Staple

Extra Long Staple

(20 mm & below)

(20.5 mm to 25.5 mm)

(26 mm to 32.0 mm)

(25 mm to 27 mm)

(27.5 mm to 32 mm)

(32.5 mm & above)

1947-48

33.2

66.8

1966-67

61.9

23.1

1986-87

4.8

43.1

52.1

1996-97

27.7

64.3

2002-03

6.62

52.94

37.50

2.94

2003-04

4.25

42.40

50.25

3.10

2004-05

2.93

56.30

38.71

2.07

2005-06

2.82

26.56

68.63

1.99

2006-07

1.20

21.43

76.10

1.38

2007-08

1.30

19.87

77.20

1.63

2008-09

1.21

20.69

76.55

1.55

2009-10

1.31

19.02

78.03

1.48

2010-11

1.18

23.30

76.40

1.47

2011-12

1.13

20.40

77.05

1.42

Calculations made from data: http://cotcorp.gov.in/statistics.aspx?pageid=2#staple

Changes in the species composition of cotton in India Species

% of total cotton area 1947

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2007

2013*

G. arboreum

G. hirsutum

G. herbaceum

G. barbadense

0.05

100

Source: CICR (*recent estimates)

Growth of Hybrid cotton area in India

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

were available in the market. The area under Bt cotton increased from 29 307 hectares in 2002 to an estimated 104 lakh hectares of the total 116.14 lakh ha in 2012.

Bt Cotton in India The genetically modified (GM) Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) technology was introduced in 2002 in the form of Bt hybrid cotton. The Bt technology was primarily aimed at bollworm control. Effective crop protection from bollworm damage resulted in a significant leap in the cotton production. During 2001 India produced about 158 lakh bales, which increased to 243 lakh bales in 2004 and 345 lakh bales by 2011. Initially three hybrids (MECH-12, MECH-162, and MECH-184) were approved by the GEAC in 2002 for commercial cultivation. By 2006, GEAC had approved a total number of 62 hybrids, with an additional approval of 38 more hybrids from 15 companies, which also included the two new Cry1Ac based events, GFM-Cry1A of China and Event-1 of JK seeds. In 2012, an estimated 1128 Bt cotton hybrids

During the decade prior to 2002, cotton production and economy in India was in constant crisis due to insecticide resistant bollworms which were responsible for excessive use of insecticides at about 50% of the total insecticides used in the country coupled with constant low production and stagnant productivity of 150 to 177 lakh bales. Subsequent to 2002, after the introduction of Bt-cotton, the scenario has changed. It is beyond doubt that Bt cotton has been playing a major role in effectively protecting the crop from bollworms, especially the American Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, thus preventing yield losses (Kranthi, 2012).

Bt-cotton Impact in India

Total area lakh ha

Bt area lakh ha

BG-II

Bt area %

Lakh bales

Kg/ hectare

1996

91.2

177

330

1997

88.7

158

303

1998

93.4

165

300

1999

87.1

156

304

2000

85.7

140

278

2001

87.3

136

301

2002

0.29

0.38

152

331

2003

77.85

0.93

1.2

177

386

2004

89.2

4.98

4.99

5.59

243

463

2005

88.17

10.15

11.51

242

467

2006

91.73

36.5

1.5

41.42

280

519

2007

94.39

58.74

4.6

63.34

67.1

315

567

2008

94.06

55.6

20.4

80.8

290

524

2009

103.12

36.8

48.2

82.43

295

486

2010

111.61

37.4

63.8

101.2

90.67

325

495

2011

121.91

26.5

85.4

111.9

91.79

345

481 Source: Kranthi, 2012

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

crop in irrigated areas, immediately after the harvest of cotton. For example In North India, farmers were able to take up wheat cultivation immediately after early harvest of cotton.

Impact of Bt Cotton in India The main benefits of Bt cotton in India are: 1.

Bt-cotton is meant to control bollworms. Thus far over the past 10 years from 2002 to 2012, Bt technology has provided excellent control of the dreaded American bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella and the spotted bollworm Earias vittella.

The spectacular reduction in insecticide usage for insect control in cotton, from 46% in 2001 to less than 21% during 2009 to 2012, can be considered as the biggest gain from the Bt technology. Prior to the introduction of Bt cotton, about 9400 M tonnes of insecticides were used for bollworm control in India. In 2011, only 222 M tonnes were used for bollworm control. Though this is not directly related to Bt cotton technology, the pesticide usage on Bt cotton hybrids could have been reduced to lowest possible levels if care had been taken to ensure that sucking pest resistant hybrids were approved for commercial cultivation.

The American Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, has not caused any noticeable damage in Bt cotton in any part of the country.

Bt technology has been preventing yield losses from an estimated damage of 30.0 to 60.0% each year in India over the decade from 2002 to 2012. The yields are estimated to have increased at least by 30.0% due to effective protection from bollworm damage.

Bollworm populations have declined in occurrence, probably because of the significantly effective control provided by Bt cotton.

The technology has caused significant environmental benefits. The fear of bollworms has reduced and usage of insecticide tank-mix cocktails has almost stopped.

The quality of seed cotton and fibre was found to be superior because of effective boll protection.

Exports of cotton received a boost with the cleaner fibre quality obtained from the Bt hybrids, due to least bollworm damage.

10. Another added benefit is the reduction in the number of picking and enhancement in the yield per each of the few pickings. Early picking also provides the benefit of remunerative returns because of higher prices generally prevalent early in the market during the initial cotton arrivals. It is possible to enhance yields with hybrid cotton in rainfed areas by proper planning to ensure the suitability of the hybrids for specific agro-eco regions and the farming conditions. The plans should essentially incorporate development of Bt hybrids that are resistant to sap-sucking insect pests so that there could be an overall pest protection afforded by the Bt hybrids. Though bollworm damage declined, the changes in pest management systems with reduction in pesticides and introduction of several new Bt hybrids, most of which were highly susceptible to insect pests and diseases, has resulted in increased damage of sucking pests such as jassids, white flies, thrips mealy bugs and miridbugs. As a consequence of this, insecticide usage on sucking pests increased from 2374 M tonnes in 2006 to 7270 M tonnes in 2010. This can be effectively reduced if the Bt hybrids are resistant to sap-sucking insects. Another important aspect of yield enhancement in rainfed regions relates to the development of early maturing hybrids that can sown early in the rainfed tracts. This can help immensely since there would be adequate soil moisture at the time of crucial phase of boll formation. The concept of high density planting systems (HDPS) with Bt cotton hybrids has been demonstrated to be successful in enhancing yields. Development of compact early maturing hybrids that are resistant to sap-sucking pests can be very useful in furthering the concept of high density planting to increase yields in rainfed regions. However, high seed cost for higher densities, can be one of the impediments for the technology. Efforts should be made to reduce the cost of hybrid seed production so that the HDPS technology can be effectively used with compact early maturing Bt hybrids in rainfed cotton regions in the future. Over the past decade, it has become clear that the private seed sector in India has built up excellent R&D capabilities and infrastructure that are being utilized for the enhancement cotton improvement. Together with the existing expertise available with the private sector combined with the research capabilities of the public sector institutions, it is possible to usher Indian cotton towards global leadership.

The Cry (crstal) toxins in Bt cotton protect the early fruiting parts, thus resulting in earliness and determinate habit. The earliness ranged from 15 to 20 days in many hybrids in many parts of the country thereby leading to several added benefits. One of them is the possibility of a second

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

References

the purpose of improving the cotton fibre. Ala. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bull. 56.

Bhatade, S.S. (1984). Heterosis and inbreeding depression for some economic traits in Gossypium arboreum L.Indian J. Agric.Sci. 54: 261-266.

Meyer, V.G. (1975). Male Sterility from Gossypium harkenssii. J. Hered. 66: 23-27. Naik, M.R. and Patel, C.T. (1982). Heterosis in yield and its components in Asiatic cottons. ISCI Journal, 7(1):11.

Cook, O. F. (1906) Suppressed and intensified characters in cotton hybrids. USDA. Bur. Pl. Ind. Cir. No 147.

Sarsal, S.M., Patil R.A. and Bhatade, S.S. (1986). Heterosis and combining ability in upland cotton. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 56(8): 567-73.

Kranthi, K. R. (2012) Bt Cotton Q&A. pp 60. Published by the Indian Society for Cotton Improvement, M u m b a i I n d i a . http://www.cicr.org.in/pdf/Bt_book_Kranthi.pdf

Singh, Sanjeev Kumar (1987). Exploitation of heterosis in Cotton-A review. M.Sc Dissertation (unpublished), Nagpur Uni.Nagpur.

Manickam, S., Gururajan, K. N., and Rajendran, T. P. (2004). Status of Hybrid Cotton in India. In: Souvenir on National Symposium on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harnessing Heterosis in Crop Plantsâ&#x20AC;?. (Eds. Rai, M., Singh, M. and Kumar, S.) held at IIVR, Varanasi from 13th -15th March, 2004, pp.7886.Mell, P.H. (1894). Experiments in crossing for

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Vyahalkar, G.R., Bhale, N.L. and Deshpande, L.A.(1984). Heterosis in multiple environment and inbreeding depression for seed cotton yield and also length in G. hirsutum L. Indian J.Agric.Sci. 54(10) :901-907.

Hybrid Rice in India Status, Prospects and Problems B.C.Viraktamath and A S Hari Prasad Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad

(IRRI), Philippines and the FAO, Rome and additional financial support from the UNDP, ICAR and NATP and Barwale Foundation were the major contributing factors for the remarkable success of hybrid rice technology in India.

Hybrids Released A strong time tested three tier system for evaluation of hybrids has been put in place. In this system, only hybrids are tested in the Initial Hybrid Rice Trials (IHRTs), while in the next two Advance Varietal Trials (AVTs), best hybrid entries are evaluated along with best inbred entries in the same trial. This modified system adopted since 1999, has helped the breeders for effective comparison of hybrids and varieties under the same set of experimental condition. As a result of concerted efforts over two decades, totally 59 hybrids have been released for commercial cultivation in the country. Among these, 31 have been released from the public sector while remaining 28 have been developed and released by the private sector (Table â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1). Out of 59 hybrids, 23 have been released by the State Variety Release Committees, while 36 hybrids have been released by the Central Varietal Release Committee. Among the central releases, eight hybrids viz., KRH-2, Pusa RH-10, DRRH-2, Sahyadri-4, DRRH-3, Rajlaxmi, CRHR-32 and TNAU Rice hybrid CO4 are from the public sector while the remaining 28 are from the private sector.

Introduction

ybrid rice is a proven and successful technology, having contributed significantly towards enhancing rice productivity, ensuring food security, thereby raising farmers' income, and providing more employment opportunities over the past three decades in the People's Republic of China. The hybrid rice program in India was launched in 1989, through a systematic, goal oriented and time bound network project with the financial assistance from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Technical support from the International Rice Research Institute

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Sahyadri

Narendra Sankar Dhan-2

PA 6201

PA 6444

Pusa RH-10

Ganga

RH-204

Suruchi

Pant SankarDhan -1

KRH-2

ADTRH-1

DRRH-1

CNRH-3

CORH-2

KRH-1

MGR-1 (CORH-1)

PHB 71

APHR-2

APHR-1

Hybrid

S. No

103

100

105

100

Days to 50% flowering (DFF)

2004

2002

2001

2000

1998

1999

1997

1996

1995

1994

Year of Release

122(E)

283(E)

599 (E)

1134(E)

92(E)

425(E)

821(E)

425(E)

647(E)

425(E)

401(E)

1(E)

360(E)

662(E)

2.2.2005

12.3.2003

25.4.2006

15.11.2001

5.11.2001

19.7.2000

8.6.1999

13.9.2000

8.6.1999

9.9.1997

8.6.1999

15.5.1998

1.1.1996

1.5.1997

17.9.1997

Notification Date of No. Notification

Table 1: List of Hybrids Released in India (1994-2012)

Mahyco Ltd, Aurangabad

Parry Monsanto seeds Ltd. Bengaluru

Paras extra growth seeds Ltd. Hyderabad

IARI , New Delhi

Bayer Bio-Science, Hyderabad

NDUA&T, Faizabad

RARS, Karjat (BSKKV)

TNRRI, Aduthurai (TNAU)

TNAU, Coimbatore

Pioneer overseas corp. Hyderabad

GBPUA&T, Pantnagar

ZARS, VC Farm, Mandya (UAS, Bengaluru)

DRR, Hyderabad

RRS, Chinsurah, West Bengal

ZARS, VC Farm, Mandya (UAS, Bengaluru)

TNAU, Coimbatore

APRRI, Maruteru (ANGRAU), Hyderabad

Developed by

Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat,Orissa, Chattisgarh, Karnataka and Mahrashtra.

AP, Karnataka, TN, West Haryana, Uttarakand and Rajasthan

Uttarakand, Punjab, Nagaland, Haryana, U.P., Orissa, Bihar

Haryana, Delhi, UP, Uttarakand.

UP, Tripura, Orissa, AP, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttarakand

A.P., Karnataka, TN, Bihar, Orissa, Tripura, U.P. W.B. and M.P.

Uttar Pradesh

Maharashtra

Tamil Nadu

Haryana, UP, TN, A.P. Karnataka

Uttar Pradesh

Pondicherry, Bihar, Karnataka, TN, Tripura, Maharashtra, Haryana, Orissa, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan and West Bengal

Andhra Pradesh

West Bengal

Karnataka

Tamil Nadu

Andhra Pradesh

Released for the states of

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

DRH 775

HRI-157

PAC 835

PAC 837

NK 5251

JRH-4

Indira Sona

JRH-8

CORH-3

JKRH-401

Sahyadri 4

HKRH-1

Sahyadri-3

GK 5003

Sahyadri-2

Ajay

PA 6129

Rajlaxmi

DRRH-2

JRH-5

NarendraUsar Sankar Dhan-3

Pant Sankar Dhan-3

100

102

104

110

104

98/128 (Boro)

105

2012

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2187 (E)

449(E)

454 (E)

1703 (E)

1178 (E)

122 (E)

1572 (E)

1566 (E)

599 (E)

27.8.2009

11.2.2009

5.10.2007

20.7.2007

6.2.2007

20.9.2006

5.11.2005

25.4.2006

Syngenta India Ltd, Secundrabad

Advanta India Ltd. Hyderabad

Bayer Bio-Science, Hyderabad

Metahelix Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad

JNKVV, Jabalpur

RARS, Karjat (BSKKV)

Ganga Kaveri seeds Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad

Bayer Bio-Science, Hyderabad

JNKVV, Jabalpur

IGKVV, Raipur

TNAU, Coimbatore

JK Agri Genetics Ltd, Hyderabad

RARS, Kaul (CCSHAU)

RARS, Karjat (BSKKV)

CRRI , Cuttack

DRR, Hyderabad

NDUA&T, Faizabad

GBPUA&T, Pantnagar

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Maharastra and Gujarat

Western Gujarat, Eastern Chattisgarh, Northwestern J&K, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

Orissa and Gujarat

UP, MP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, Chattisgarh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamilnadu

Jharkhand, Chattishgarh and West Bengal

Madhya Pradesh

Maharashtra, UP, Punjab, Haryana and West Bengal

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

Punjab, T.N., Pondichery.

Madhya Pradesh

Chhattisgarh

Tamil Nadu

West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa

Haryana

Maharashtra

Orissa

Orissa and Boro areas of Assam

Haryana, Uttarnachal, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Saline and alkaline areas of U.P.

Uttarakand

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

DRRH 3

US 312

Indam 200-017

CRHR-32

27P11

VNR 202

VNR 204

TNAU Rice hybrid CO 4

Sahyadri-5

US-382

27P31

HRI 169

RH 1531

PNPH-24

25P25

27P61

JKRH 3333

NPH-924-1

59.

135-140

105-110

102

95-100

96-100

110

100-105

90-95

100-105

100

112

101

2012

2011

2010

2009

456(E)

632(E)

456(E)

2137(E)

211(E)

16.3.2012

25.3.2011

16.3.2012

31.8.2010

29.01.2009

Nuziveedu Seeds Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

JK Agri Genetics Ltd. Hyderabad

PHI Seeds Private Limited, Hyderabad

Prabhat Agri Biotech Ltd. Hyderabad

West Bengal and Assam

West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Andra Pradesh

Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka

Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Karnataka

Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa

Madya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka

Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand

Jharkhand, Madya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

Tripura, Madya Pradesh and Karnataka

Maharashtra

Tamil Nadu

Chhattisgarh & Tamil Nadu

Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu

Karnataka and Maharashtra

Late-irrigated/shallow lowlands of Bihar and Gujarat

Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal

Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh

*Hybrids in bold font are released by CSCCSN & RV

Devgen Seeds & Crop Technology Pvt. Ltd. Secundarabad

Bayer BioSciencePvt. Ltd., Hyderabad

PHI Seeds Private Limited, Hyderabad

Seed Works International Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

RARS, Karjat

TNAU Coimbatore

VNR Seeds Pvt Ltd, Raipur

PHI Seeds Private Ltd, Hyd

CRRI, Cuttack

Indo American Seeds, Hyd

Seed Works International, Hyd

DRR, Hyderabad

The state-wise list of hybrids released in the country is given in Table – 2. Though 59 hybrids have been released so far, some of them have been outdated, and some are not in the seed production chain. The hybrids which are in the seed

production chain and available for commercial cultivation are listed in Table 3. In addition to this 30-40 hybrids are being marketed as truthfully labelled seeds by many private seed companies.

Table 2: Hybrids released – State Wise STATE

HYBRIDS

Andhra Pradesh

APHR-1, APHR-2, PHB-71, PA -6201, PA -6444, RH -204, Suruchi, DRRH-1, GK -5003, PAC 837,| US 312, DRRH-3, NK 5251, Indam 200-017, HRI 169, RH 1531, 27P61, JKRH 3333

Assam

NPH 924-1

Bihar

KRH-2, PA -6201, Ganga, JKRH-401, CRHR-32, HRI 169, PNPH 24, JKRH 3333

Chhattisgarh

Indira sona, Suruchi, HRI 157, DRH 775, PAC 837, Indam 200-017, VNR-204, HRI 169, 27P61, JKRH 3333

Delhi

Pusa RH 10

Gujarat

Suruchi, HRI 157, PAC 835, PAC 837, DRRH-3, NK 5251, Indam 200-017, CRHR-32, HRI 169, 27P61, JKRH 3333

Goa

KRH-2

Haryana

Pusa RH 10, Ganga, HKRH-1, PHB-71, RH -204, Suruchi, DRRH-2, Sahyadri-4

Karnataka

KRH-1, KRH-2,PHB-71, PA -6201, PA -6444, RH -204, Suruchi, GK -5003, PAC 837, HRI 157, US 312, NK 5251, 27P11, US 382, 27P31, RH 1531, 25P25, 27P61

Maharashtra

KRH-2,PA -6444, Suruchi, Sahyadri, Sahyadri-2, Sahyadri -3, Sahyadri -4, NK 5251, Indam 200-017, 27P11, VNR 202, Sahyadri-5

Madhya Pradesh

PA -6201, JRH-4, JRH-5, JRH 8, HRI 157, DRRH-3, US 382, 27P31, RH 1531

Orissa

KRH-2,PA -6201, PA -6444, Ganga,Suruchi, Rajlaxmi, Ajay, JKRH-401, PAC 835, DRRH-3, Indam 200-017, PNPH 24

Punjab

Pusa RH 10, Ganga, PHB-71, PA 6129, Sahyadri

Pondicherry

KRH-2,PA 6129, HRI 157

Rajasthan

KRH-2,RH -204

Tamil Nadu

MGR- 1, KRH-2, CORH-2, ADTRH-1, PHB-71,PA -6201, RH -204, DRRH-2, CORH-3, PA 6129, US 312, NK 5251, VNR 202, VNR 204, TNAU Rice hybrid co 4, 27P31, HRI 169

Tripura

KRH-2,PA -6201, PA -6444 and US 382

Uttar Pradesh

KRH-2, Pant Sankar Dhan-1, NarendraSankar Dhan-2, PHB-71, PA -6201, PA -6444, Pusa RH 10, Ganga, NarendraUsarSankar Dhan-3, Sahyadri-4, HRI 157, US 312, DRRH-3, VNR 202, RH 1531

Uttarakhand

PA -6444, Ganga, RH -204, Pant Sankar Dhan -3, DRRH-2, VNR 202, 25P25

West Bengal

KRH-2, CNRH -3, PA -6201, DRRH-2, JKRH-401, Sahyadri-4, DRH 775, US 312, VNR 202, PNPH 24, JKRH 3333, NPH 924-1

Jharkhand

DRH 775, 27P31, HRI 169, 25P25

Jammu & Kashmir

PAC 837

*Hybrids in bold font are released by CSCCSN & RV

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Table 3: Hybrids currently available for cultivation Central Releases

State Releases

Public Sector

KRH 2, Pusa RH 10, DRRH 2, Rajlaxmi, Sahyadri 4, DRRH 3, CRHR 32

PSD 3, Ajay, CoRH 3, Indira Sona, JRH 8

Private Sector

PHB 71, PA 6129, PA 6201, PA 6444, JKRH 401, Suruchi, GK 5003, DRH 775, HRI-157, PAC 835, PAC 837, US 312, Indam 200-017, NK 5251, 27P11

Recently released hybrids

VNR 2355 Plus, VNR 2245, US 382, 27P31, ArizeTej, RH 1531, PNPH 24, 25P25, 27P61, JK 3333, NPH 924-1, &TNAU rice hybrid CO4

different abiotic stresses like moisture stress (rainfed upland/aerobic) and saline/alkaline soil conditions, to assess their relative performance. The following hybrids were found to be promising under different abiotic stress conditions (Table 4).

Evaluation of Hybrids Under Abiotic Stress Conditions Hybrids show better tolerance to abiotic stresses and therefore, released hybrids were tested under

Table 4: Hybrids suitable for abiotic stress conditions S.No.

Abiotic stress condition

Promising Hybrids

Rainfed Uplands

PHB-71, KRH-2, CORH-2, PA-6201, JRH-2 , PSD-3, DRRH-2, JRH-8

Saline-alkaline soils

CORH-2, KRH-2, DRRH-2, JRH-8,PHB-71, JKRH-2000, JKRH-2004, Indam 300-007

Aerobic

PHB-71, KRH-2, PA 6444, JKRH 3333, DRRH 2, PSD-3, Sahyadri-3, HRI-148

better quality features (Table 5) and it became possible with the development and use of appropriate parental lines in the crossing programme.

Grain Quality Improvement The cooking quality preferences vary from region to region. Rice is a cereal that is consumed mainly as whole milled and boiled grain. Therefore, the quality in rice has to be considered from the view point of milling quality, grain size, shape, appearance and cooking as well as eating characteristics. A hybrid should possess high turnout of whole grain (head rice) and total milled rice, with varying length: breadth ratio (L/B) ranging

A perusal of the area covered under hybrids indicates that hybrids have not made a dent in the southern region of the country. It is because of the fact that people in southern India prefer medium slender grained premium quality rice like BPT 5204 but majority of the hybrids are of long grained type. Now many hybrids with medium slender grain type and cooking quality traits almost similar to BPT 5204 are available for commercial cultivation. These hybrids have the yield advantage of more than 20 percent over BPT 5204 with 10-15 days of reduced growth duration. (Table 6). These hybrids are likely to get acceptance with the farmers in South India.

from 2.5 to 3 mm and medium (5.5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6.6 mm) to long slender (> 6.6 mm) translucent grain, intermediate gelatinization temperature (GT) and amylose content (AC). Besides this, high quality rices like Basmati should have length wise expansion without increase in girth coupled with distinct aroma. The recently released hybrids have

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Hybrid

DRRH 3

US 312

Indam 200-017

CRHR-32

NK 5251

27P11

VNR202

VNR204

TNAU Rice Hybrid C0-4

Sahyadri-5

US382

27P31

HRI169

RH1531

PNPH24

25P25

27P61

JKRH3333

NPH924-1

Sl. No.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

81.0

80.5

81.3

79.9

84.3

80.3

72.1

80.2

Hulling (%)

71.3

72.3

70.3

69.1

70.7

70.8

70.5

71.7

62.5

68.6

72.7

72.2

72.1

71.0

72.3

70.0

71.7

Milling (%)

63.3

62.2

65.0

64.95

62.7

62.8

62.7

63.8

62.5

67.2

62.0

69.1

51.60

58.9

68.0

67.3

HRR (%)

5.54

5.27

5.2

6.7

6.23

6.53

6.41

6.1

6.70

5.67

6.62

5.6

5.22

6.00

5.47

6.13

6.10

5.28

KL (mm)

2.07

2.0

2.01

2.07

2.2

2.1

2.18

1.91

1.98

2.1

1.82

1.96

2.09

2.27

2.02

2.00

KB (mm)

2.67

2.6

3.32

3.01

3.32

2.91

2.9

3.07

2.96

3.3

2.6

2.87

3.06

2.61

2.69

2.95

2.64

L/B ratio

Table 5: Grain quality characteristics of recently released hybrids

Grain Type

10.4

10.1

8.7

10.2

13.7

9.5

8.5

KLAC (mm)

1.87

1.9

1.67

1.68

1.89

1.67

1.63

200

183

280

250

275

WU (ml)

4.5

5.0

4.6

5.6

5.5

2.3

5.0

5.6

VER

5.0

4.3

3.7

5.3

5.5

4.8

4.62

5.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

5.0

4.0

ASV

20.75

24.39

25.4

23.77

22.53

23.5

21.94

22.5

24.71

24.01

24.1

23.3

24.3

23.2

25.6

24.3

23.1

23.8

AC (%)

Table 6: Promising hybrids with medium slender grain quality Hybrid

Grain yield

Grain quality traits

t/ha

Adv (%)

Milling (%)

HRR` (%)

WU (ml)

ASV

AC (%)

GC (mm)

DRRH-3

6.1

205

5.0

23.8

27P11

5.8

275

5.0

22.9

TNAU Rice Hybrid Co4

6.5

---

4.0

24.0

JKRH 3333

5.9

200

4.3

24.4

BPT 5204 (Check)

4.6

200

5.0

23.4

Resistance to Insect Pests and Diseases

stresses, hybrids in the coordinated trials are being regularly screened for resistance to major insect pests and diseases through national hybrid rice screening nurseries. Table 7 lists the recently released hybrids with resistance or tolerance to inspect pests and diseases.

Incorporation of resistance to major insect pests and diseases is one of the major objectives of the hybrid rice Programme. In addition to development of parental lines with high level of resistance to biotic

Table 7: Pests and disease reactions of recently released hybrids S.No.

Hybrid

Resistant/Moderately Resistant

HRI-157

BLB,RTV,BS

PAC 837

BL,RTV,BS,GLH

DRRH-3

BL,RTV,WBPH

US 312

BL,RTV,BS,WBPH,GM

Indam 200-017

BL,BS,SB,LF

CRHR-32

RTV,ShBL

27P11

BL,BLB,ShBL,BS

VNR202

BL,BLB,RTV,ShBL,BS

VNR204

RTV,ShBL,BS,LF

10.

US382

BL,BLB,RTV,ShBL,BS,SB,BPH,WBPH,GM,LF

11.

27P31

BL,BLB,RTV,ShBL,BS

12.

HRI169

BL,RTV,ShBL,BS,SB,BPH,WBPH,GM,LF

13.

RH1531

BL,BS,BPH,WBPH

14.

PNPH21

BL,BLB,GLH,WBPH

15.

25P25

BL,RTV,ShBL,BS

16.

27P61

BL,BS,SB,BPH,WBPH,LF

17.

JKRH3333

BLB,RTV,BS,WBPH

18.

NPH924-1

BL,BLB,ShBL,GLH,BPH,WBPH

Note: BL: Blast, BLB: Bacterial Leaf Blight, RTV: Rice Tungro virus, ShBl: Sheath Blight, BS:Brown Spot, GLH: Green Leaf Hopper, SB: Stem Borer, BPH:BrownPlanthopper, WBPH : White Backed Planthopper, GM: Gall Midge, LF: Leaf folder

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

developing the hybrids and the farmers cultivating them. Through extensive trials on different components like suitable locations, seasons, planting time, planting geometry, row ratios, GA3 application and supplementary pollination etc., a package for production of hybrid seed was optimized. Following the package developed for hybrid rice seed production, average seed yields obtained in large scale seed production are 1.5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2.5 t/ha. This is very lucrative enterprise and many hybrid rice seed growers in Andhra Pradesh, have benefited by undertaking this activity. Besides, this activity also generates additional employment of 6080 person days / ha, particularly for rural women in activities like leaf clipping, supplementary pollination, roguing etc.

Application of Biotechnological Tools for Hybrid Rice Improvement Molecular marker technology is being effectively integrated into the hybrid rice breeding programmeviz. in the areas of assessment of genetic purity of hybrid seeds and parental lines, identification of fertility restorer genes and their introgression into parental lines, introgression of biotic stress resistance genes into hybrid rice parental lines and screening of genotypes for the presence of wide compatibility (WCG) genes. These efforts are not only enhancing the hybrid rice breeding efficiency but also save considerable time. Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad is helping the seed agencies to adopt and utilize these molecular tools in a big way.

At present, large scale seed production (> 90 percent) is mainly concentrated in few districts of Andhra Pradesh viz., Karimnagar, Warangal, and Nizamabad. It is essential to identify alternate areas for seed production as demand for hybrid rice is increasing and the existing areas of seed production are almost saturated and efforts are being made to identify suitable locations for seed production based on IMD and GIS data. Few promising locations suitable for large scale seed production are identified (Table 8).

Hybrid Seed Production For the commercial viability of the hybrid rice technology, development of an efficient and economic seed production package is a prerequisite. Extent of adoption of this innovative technology depends primarily on magnitude of realizable heterosis at field level and availability of pure seed at a reasonable cost. Seed Production is the most crucial link between the breeders

Table 8: Alternate promising areas suitable for large scale hybrid seed production in Rabi season No. of favourable weeks during flowering (February and March months

States (Districts)

7-8

A.P (Khammam), Karnataka (Haveri, Udupi) North Goa, Tamil Nadu (Dharmapuri, Madurai, Tiruvnnamalai, Vellore, Karur, Pudukottai, Tirunelveli, Tullukudi), Kerala (Trissur)

5-6

Kerala (Malapuram), Odisha (Malkargiri, Baleshwar, Tajapur, Koraput, Naya).

More than 90 percent of the hybrid seed in the country is being produced by the private seed companies. To take advantage of the strong private sector network in large scale hybrid seed production and marketing, and to popularize public sector bred hybrids, PPP mode is being actively pursued in India by signing memorandum of understanding

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

(MOU) with private seed companies to help in spreading the hybrid rice technology at a faster rate (Table 9). Public hybrids are licensed to private seed companies through MOUs on non-exclusive basis. Consequent to these efforts, the area under hybrid rice in the country has reached 2.3 million hectares (4.5 percent of the total rice area) during 2012.

Table 9: Details of MOUs with private seed companies Hybrid

Developed by

MOU with no. of companies

DRRH-2 & DRRH-3

DRR, Hyderabad

Pusa RH-10

IARI, New Delhi

PSD-1 & PSD-3

GBPUAT, Pantnagar

CORH - 3

TNAU, Coimbatore

Ajaya&Rajalakshmi

CRRI, Cuttack

KRH-2

UAS, Mandya

Sahyadri-1

BSKKV, Karjat

JRH-4 & JRH-5

JNKV, Jabalpur

Table 10: State wise area under hybrid rice (Kharif 2012) State

Area in 000 ha

Uttar Pradesh

782

Bihar

328

Jharkhand

212

Chhattisgarh

207

Haryana

Gujarat

Odisha

Others

456

Total

2300

coordinated and implemented by DRR, Hyderabad. This is an on-going activity and transfers of technology efforts are being intensified and large numbers of demonstrations are being organized in many more states to popularize the technology. In most of the demonstrations organized, the hybrids have out yielded the best inbred check varieties of the region(Table 11& 12).

Technology Transfer To create awareness about the advantages of taking up hybrid rice cultivation among the rice farmers, around 12000 compact block frontline demonstrations (FLDs) were organized across the country under the Macro-Management scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture, which is being Table 11: Frontline demonstrations organized State

Hybrids demonstrated

No. of Demonstrations (1 ha. Each)

Yield advantage (kg/ha.)

Uttar Pradesh

NSD-2, PSD-1, PSD-3, PA 6444, PHB-71, KRH-2

2876

850-2215

Karnataka

KRH-2, DRRH-3

1903

700-1650

Maharashtra

Sahyadri, KRH-2, PHB-71, PA 6444

1485

1450-2610

Andhra Pradesh

PHB-71, PA 6444, DRRH-1

600

650-1170

Tamil Nadu

CORH-2, CORH-3, ADTRH-1, PHB-71, DRRH-3

1069

715-1210

West Bengal

PA 6444, PHB-71, KRH-2, CNRH-3

710

1020-1670

Orissa

PA 6444, PHB-71, KRH-2

858

810-1050

Uttaranchal

PSD-1, PSD-3, PHB-71

640

780-1158

Goa

KRH-2, Sahyadri

680

780-1155

Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Tripura

KRH-2, PHB-71, PA 6444, Sahyadri, DRRH-1, PSD-3

1180

950-1870

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Total

12001

Table 12: The promising hybrids identified in FLDs State

2008

2010

2011

Gujarat

DRRH 3

Jharkhand

PA 6444

PHB 71

PA 6444 (SRI Method)

PA 6444

Pusa RH 10 Karnataka

KRH-2

Tamil Nadu

CORH 3

DRRH 3

Uttar Pradesh

PHB 71

PA 6444

DRRH 1 PA 6444

PHB 71 DRRH 3

Chhattisgarh

Indirasona

Madhya Pradesh

PA 6201

To impart the knowledge and necessary skills for hybrid rice cultivation and hybrid rice seed production, appropriate training programs (> 500) were organized for farmers, farm women, seed growers, seed production personnel of public and private seed agencies, extension functionaries of

State Departments of Agriculture, officials of SAUs and NGOs etc.The duration of training program varied from 1-6 days. In all 536 training programmes were conducted throughout the country and 15160 participants were trained (Table 13).

Table 13:Training programs organized Theme

Hybrid rice cultivation Hybrid rice seed Production technology Hybrid rice Technology Hybrid Rice Breeding Winter School on Hybrid Rice Technology

Duration

Clientele

Number of Training programs

Person trained

1 day 1 day

Farmers Farm women

200 50

8060 1300

3 days 5 days 5 days

Seed growers Seed production personnel Extension workers, officials of State DOA, SAUs and NGOs Breeders from Public and Private Sector Scientists from ICAR, Assistant Professors from SAUs

90 106 87

1800 2225 1730

1 2

18 47

536

15180

6 days 21 days

Total

Ÿ Lower consumer acceptability due to aroma &

Major Challenges

stickiness of hybrids.

Despite having great potential to enhance production and productivity of rice in the country, hybrid rice has not been adopted on large scale as was expected. This is due to several constraints. Some of the major constraints are;

Ÿ Moderate (15 – 20%) yield advantage in hybrids

is not economically very attractive to the farmers. Ÿ Lower market price offered and discrimination

against hybrid rice produce by millers/traders, is acting as a deterrent for many farmers to take up hybrid rice cultivation.

Ÿ Non availability of long duration hybrids suitable

for shallow lowlands and coastal areas Ÿ Non availability of strong culmed, non-lodging

Ÿ Higher seed cost is another deterrent for large

and biotic stress resistant hybrids for North western India

scale adoption and hence there is a need to enhance the seed yield in hybrid rice seed

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

production to reduce the seed cost.

Seed production technology has to be further refined to obtain average seed yields of 2.5 to 3.0 t/ha on a large scale, so that the cost of hybrid rice seed can be reduced to Rs. 100/- kg. Top priority has to be given to maintain the purity of parental lines and to produce high quality hybrid seed. Involvement of seed agencies in the public sector, NGO's and farmers cooperatives along with the private seed sector which is already doing its best will be crucial to meet the increased demand for hybrid seed in the years to come.

Ÿ Inadequate efforts for creating awareness and for

technology transfer Ÿ Lack of involvement of public sector seed

corporations in large scale hybrid rice seed production. Ÿ Non-availability of hybrids for boro season

where these is good scope to grow rice hybrids for higher yields. Ÿ Lack of funding support for public sector

Biotechnological tools have to be deployed wherever necessary to enhance breeding efficiency and to save time. Transfer of hybrid rice technology from the research farms to the farmers' field is as important as developing the hybrids. Extension agencies have to play a greater role in creating much needed awareness among farmers about the advantages of cultivating hybrid rice through various innovative approaches.

research on hybrid rice in recent years is also one of the reasons for slower progress in hybrid rice research and development. Most of the constraints mentioned above are being addressed with right earnestness through the ongoing research projects and through aggressive transfer of technology efforts and by strengthening public-private partnership.

Policy decisions of providing subsidy to meet the higher seed cost and giving minimum support price for rice hybrids for the next 4-5 years would be very helpful to bring more area under hybrid rice. Despite the few minor problems faced in the initial stages, timely and favorable decisions by the policy makers and active involvement of researchers, seed companies, seed producers and the extension workers would certainly lead to successful hybrid rice cultivation on large scale in India during coming decades. Government of India is also emphasizing on adoption of hybrid rice in its prestigious programme on “Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India” which is now under implementation. Hybrid rice technology is likely to play a major role in increasing rice production in the country, thereby contributing significantly towards national food security. This is one of the best examples to demonstrate the success of publicprivate partnership in the country.

Future Outlook Tremendous efforts have been made by all the concerned to usher in an era of hybrid rice in the country. Development of heterotic hybrids by the researchers, large scale production of hybrid seed by various seed agencies and transfer of this technology to the end users by the extension agencies must go hand in hand to have the real impact of this technology in the Indian agriculture. Though this technology has been introduced to Indian agriculture almost two decades back, the successful large scale adoption of this innovative technology, in future, primarily depends upon the economic attractiveness of this technology. Rice hybrids with still higher magnitude of heterosis coupled with better grain, cooking and eating quality and possessing resistance to major pests and diseases have to be developed.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Hybrid Wheat Technology: Present Status and Future Challenges

SK Singh and Indu Sharma Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal, Haryana.

ndia ranks as second largest wheat producing nation after China at global level and contributes more than 12.0 percent to the world wheat production. The area under wheat in India has become nearly constant around 29 million hectares. The enhanced genetic potential of new genotypes by introducing the semi-dwarf, photoperiod insensitive and fertilizer responsive varieties and increased area under cultivation during Green revolution era resulted in the increased productivity as well as production in India at nearly 1percent per annum. The average production level is more than

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

84 mt during last five years with average productivity of about 2.8 t/ha. To meet out the food demand of the growing population of the country, India will need about 100 mt wheat by 2030AD. Based on the agro-ecological conditions, the wheat growing areas in India has been divided into six mega zones namely, northern hill zone (NHZ), north western plains zone (NWPZ), north eastern plains zone (NEPZ), central zone (CZ), peninsular zone (PZ) and southern hills zone (SHZ). Among these, the north western plain zone (NWPZ) contributed maximum to the wheat basket of the country which

at present reached to a sort of saturation level. Thus, there is need to explore new innovative approaches in order to break the yield barriers and make wheat cultivation more remunerative. In this context, exploiting hybrid vigour at commercial level through development of hybrid wheat is considered promising. Hybrid technology in crop plants especially cross pollinated crops is successfully used for enhanced production. Although hybrid technology is under-utilized in the self pollinated crops, hybrid varieties in wheat (T. aestivum) offer a significant means of overcoming food shortages because of yield heterosis.

flowering and autogamous / allogamous mode of pollination was observed in wheat. The extent of natural outcrossing in cultivated varieties was observed to be 0.0 to 6.05 percent. Important floral traits that influence outcrossing in wheat are stigma length (2.13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.2 mm), anther length (3.0 - 5.09 mm), anther extrusion (4.1 to 93.0 percent) and pollen viability (81-98.6 percent ). Phenotypic differences among wheat cultivars for days to heading and anthesis, pollen grain size, pollen number, duration of floral opening and openness of florets were also observed and it was suggested that the selection for long anthers, high rate of anther extrusion and more openness of florets may be effective in promoting natural cross pollination. The angle of separation between the lemma and palea is important in such a way that both the branches of the stigma protrude from the floret during flowering. The largest separation angle between the glumes of first two florets of spikelet was observed to be 16-400 and it was observed that the wheat florets get closed within 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 minutes of flower opening with extreme values being 8 and 39 minutes. Positive associations were observed between floral traits.

Extent of Heterosis The basic requirements for the hybrid development are commercially-viable seed production system and levels of heterosis. Seedling vigour, improved root system, disease and insect resistance, adaptability, increased yield and improved milling and baking characteristics have been suggested as six possible factors to heterosis in wheat. Commercial feasibility of a hybrid depends upon the yield advantage over the best ruling variety of that agro-climatic zone. Heterosis was first reported in wheat in 1919 for plant height. Since then many workers have observed heterosis for various traits in wheat. Reports have provided ample evidence of significant and positive heterosis over better parent for yield ranging from 0 to 100 percent in wheat but most of them are based on space planted and small plots. The level of heterosis for grain yield ranges around 5-10 percent over pure lines but the minimum accepted standard heterosis for yield is 20 percent under the field conditions for commercial exploitation of a hybrid.

Male Sterility System in Wheat Wheat is monoecious and therefore a line designated as female must not be allowed to produce pollen capable of fertilisation while acting as a parent. Methods for procuring male sterility in plants may be divided broadly into two groups on the basis of the role of the genotype. One represents the systems that involve the plant's genes, i.e., cytoplasmic male sterility, nuclear male sterility and self-incompatibility. On the other hand, there is no direct genetic involvement in male sterility induced through chemical hybridizing agents (CHA), environmental factors like photoperiod, temperature, micronutrient deficiencies, etc. and hand emasculation. Among these, cytoplasmic-

Floral Biology Floral structure, anthesis and anther dehiscence patterns in wheat make it strictly autogamous. Mixed chasmogamous/ cleistogamous type of

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

genetic male sterility (CMS) and CHA approaches are widely used in wheat as pollination control system. The CMS system involves three types of parental lines, i.e., the male sterile line (A-line), the maintainer line (B-line) and the fertility restorer line (R-line). Hybrids are the resultant of A x R crosses. The cytoplasmically induced male sterility in wheat was observed for the first time in 1951 by Kihara through substitution of common wheat genome into Aegilops caudata cytoplasm. Later, number of species from genera Triticum and Aegilops were reported as source of male sterility. The possibility of hybrid wheat became apparent when T. timopheevi based male sterility was identified which is most widely used cytoplasm in hybrid wheat production. T. timopheevii and its derivatives were also observed as potential source of fertility restoration system in wheat. Wheat varieties Primpei, Lal Bahadur, Ridley and HD1944 were identified as other sources of fertility restoration. The genetical studies indicated that fertility-sterility system in wheat is controlled by two incomplete dominant genes with epistatic action or double recessive nuclear type action with involvement of upto 2 genes, designated as fms1 and fms2. However, all the three (monogenic, digenic and polygenic) mode of inheritance were observed for fertility restoration in wheat. The limitations of CMS system, viz., unstable nature, undesirable linkages and need for use of maintainers resulted in search of other options for inducing male sterility and male sterility induced by CHAs was found to be relatively more convenient to use because there is no need to maintain it, does not require any prebreeding, fast and relatively easy to implement and allows the production of large numbers of parental combinations and permits the evaluation of a number of parental lines for combining ability and/or breeding value.

wheat, a consistent climate with warm and sunny conditions without excessive rainfall is needed. The row ratios of male and female parents are very crucial to realize higher hybrid seed production. Investigations concerning male: female ratio for hybrid seed production of wheat have demonstrated yield advantage at variable ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 ratio. A close relation of seed set with extent of synchrony in heading of maternal and pollen parent was also observed.

Global Efforts in Hybrid Wheat Research The work on development of hybrid wheat was started in 1962 at global level in many countries. Ing. Riccardo Rodriguez initiated the research efforts at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Mexico in 1962. The elite CIMMYT lines were transferred with T. timopheevi cytoplasm, the fertility restorer (Rf) genetic stocks were developed and the experimental hybrids were produced and evaluated but the advent of semi dwarf high yielding wheat varieties emphasized further popularization and genetic improvement of pure line varieties and as a result the research efforts on hybrid wheat got distracted. The work was discontinued as no significant results of heterosis were observed for commercial exploitation. The research efforts were readdressed at CIMMYT during 1997-2002 in collaboration with the Monsanto Co. with the objectives to develop a practical hybrid wheat production scheme in Northern-Mexico, based on the Genesis (CHA) technology and to identify spring hybrid bread wheats with superior yield potential, leaf-rust resistance and acceptable quality, under optimal conditions. In these efforts, the doses and crop stage were optimized for complete male sterility, the female-sterility was monitored and adequate levels of male-sterility were achieved at experimental scale. The findings indicated moderate to low levels of heterosis in the hybrids and thus, the work on CHA based hybrids and hybrid development was discontinued at CIMMYT. At same time, the work on hybrid wheat has been carried out in the majority of countries and hybrid wheat is produced on a commercial basis in the South Africa (approx 15 percent area), France (approx 3 percent area), Australia (<1 percent area) and USA(<0.5 percent area). It is worth mentioning that most of these hybrids were popular in stress areas or marginal areas. Besides these, several countries such as the China, India, USSR, UK, Denmark, Belgium,

Commercial Hybrid Seed Production There are two major constraints to hybrid seed production in wheat, i.e., low seed multiplication rate and inefficient cross-fertilization leading to low levels of seed set. In the hybrid seed production field, maintaining separation of male and female parents is necessary to avoid contamination of hybrid seed with parental lines and unwanted hybrids. In view of the poor pollen movement in wheat, the distance of separation of parents must be the minimum consistent with the cost-effective use of farm machinery. Amongst the more important characteristics benefiting hybrid seed production in

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Germany, Bulgaria, Canada, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Pakistan and Yugoslavia have active research and development programmes on hybrid wheat.

of 'oat' was used as space isolation to separate the various combinations of hybrid plots to avoid contamination from non parental male genotypes. The supplementary pollination through rope pulling during the peak hours of flowering in both morning and afternoon was suggested for enhanced out crossing.

Indian Efforts on Hybrid Wheat Development Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal has addressed the hybrid wheat development through CMS and CHA approach in network mode in 1995 with IARI, New Delhi and PAU, Ludhiana. Through CMS approach, cytoplasmic male sterile lines were developed by using Triticum timopheevi, T. araraticum, Ae. caudata and Ae. Speltoides as source parents out of which T. timopheevii was found to be promising. Two exotic genetic stocks registered as PWR 4099 and PWR 4101 indicated complete fertility restoration in T. timopheevi based CMS lines. Although there is no significant heterosis for yield in totality, few hybrids showed heterosis for yield components viz. spikelet number, spike length and tillers/plant. Through CHA approach, chemicals were identified that induced male sterility when sprayed at 10-15mm of spike length at 50-60 days after germination in most of the genotypes. A joint patent (US 20030192070A1) was made by DWR, Karnal and NCL, Pune in 2003 for composition of chemical for hybrid seed production, process for the preparation of such composition and use thereof. More than 2000 experimental hybrids were attempted through CHA approach during 1999 to 2005. Eight hybrids developed through CHA (HM99104, HM99426, HM99495, HM00511, HM00524, HM00756) and CMS (PHW1 and PHW12) approach were evaluated in coordinated trials (NIVT 1A, NIVT 1B & NIVT 2) during 2002-05 but none of the hybrid out-yielded the respective best checks. An “Improved DWR CHA spray system” was also fabricated for large scale hybrid seed production which has précised delivery of CHA with coverage rate of one acre per hour. Although CHA approach showed promise for attempting large number of crosses, it indicated certain inherent problems like phyto-toxic effect on plants, residual effects in seed as well as in soil, high cost of seed production, etc. beyond control and, therefore, not found practically feasible to produce hybrid seed. Experiments on standardization of hybrid seed production technology indicated 2: 3 row ratio of male and female as most suitable for higher seed production. A seed sowing drill was also fabricated for simultaneous sowing of male and female parents for hybrid seed production. The profuse growth habit

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Based on the results and experiences in Indian hybrid programme, it was concluded that out of two pollination control systems (CHA & CMS), the cytoplasmic genetic male sterility system, though cumbersome, provides useful, economic and ecofriendly approach for hybrid seed production. The timopheevii based CMS system was found most appropriate since the fertility restoration was highly satisfactory and thus, the DWR, Karnal re-addressed the hybrid development programme through CMS system in network mode with cooperating centres. The search for open pollinating traits in diverse wheat germplasm lines and their exploitation is crucial for parental development for hybrid cultivars. Floral biology investigations were carried out for anther, length, stigma length, anther extrusion, openness of florets and duration of floral opening and promising genotypes were identified for their use in parental development programme. As most of the available CMS lines are in exotic background, a diversification programme of CMS and restorer lines was undertaken with latest and widely adapted Indian wheat genotypes and more than 100 CMS lines have been developed in T. timopheevii background, however, the work has been initiated on diversification of CMS lines with Ae.kotschyii cytoplasm. Similarly About 70 new restorer lines have also been developed and are being evaluated for heterotic potential. Number of experimental hybrid combinations were attempted and evaluated with standard check varieties that showed more than 20 percent heterosis on small plot basis. Evaluation of experimental hybrids on large plot basis is underway so that commercially feasible level of yield advantage may be explored. In private sector, MAHYCO has also initiated hybrid wheat programme and developed a hybrid MRW 7070 (Pratham 7070) for the central and peninsular zone in 2001. Another hybrid MRW 7272 (Pratham 7272) was also developed for the north western plains but was not commercially released.

Future Strategies for Hybrid Wheat Development A successful hybrid development programme depends on integrating number of variables such as

the pollination system and its manipulation, cost of labour, seed yield in the seed production plots, seeding rate, yield levels and yield advantage over pure-lines, hybrid uniformity, etc. However, insufficient levels of heterosis in a number of environments to justify the added hybrid seed costs, low seed multiplication rate compared with other hybrid crops and the complexity of the major hybridization systems are the major factors that limit the growth of hybrid wheat production and seed sales. Commercially useful wheat hybrids must be made within a class to maintain milling and baking quality but crosses within a quality class typically have less heterosis of about 5-15 percent due to relatively closed gene pool. The experiments indicated that the heterosis level should be minimum 20 percent over the best check of the area for its commercial viability. As wheat is a selfpollinated crop, it has perfect florets, limited supplies of pollen, and a relatively brief period of stigma receptivity, the hand emasculation is impractical for commercial production of hybrid seed, but cytoplasmic male sterility allows production of hybrid wheat seed on a field scale. Breeding for development of fertility restorer lines is a challenging issue and there is need to develop entirely new male lines, by inserting nuclear genes for fertility restoration into non-restorer genotypes.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Restorer lines usually were made by introgressing dominant fertility restorer genes from widely divergent germplasm into elite wheat lines. This introduced problems of linkage to undesirable traits from the alien species. The identification of heterotic groups for diversification programme is pre-requisite for selection of diverse parents. As the level of heterosis is not commercially viable in most of the combinations, the future work needs for intra pool improvement of male and female parental lines separately through pre breeding approach so that the distinct heterotic pools may be obtained for realizing high heterosis levels. The standardization of the hybrid seed production technology for economic seed production also needs efforts for successful hybrid wheat technology. In nutshell, the major issues as future strategy for hybrid wheat development programme are identification of heterotic gene pools, creation of novel genetic variability for yield component traits from secondary and tertiary gene pools and its evaluation, improving the fertility restoration by accumulation of Rf genes, biotechnological tools for molecular interventions related to fertility restoration and search for heterosis in diverse gene pools for contribution in future food security of the country.

Developing and Deploying Climate Resilient Maize Hybrids in Asia:

Opportunities for Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships Introduction

aize is currently produced on nearly 100 million hectares in 125 developing countries and is among the three most widely grown crops in 75 of those countries. The crop provides over 20% of total calories in human diets in 21 countries, and over 30% in 12 countries that are home to a total of more than 310 million people (Shiferaw et al. 2011). Globally, 765 million metric tons of maize was harvested in 2010 from just less than 153 million hectares. About 73 per cent of this area was located in the developing world, with again a predominant proportion of this area in the low and lower middle income countries. For 900 million farmers and consumers in low- and middle-income countries, maize is a preferred crop or food. Between now and 2050, the demand for maize in the developing world will double and, by 2025, it will have become the crop with the greatest production globally and in the developing world.

BM Prasanna Director, Global Maize Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya; Email: b.m.prasanna@cgiar.org

In Asia, it is notable that eight major maizeproducing countries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam â&#x20AC;&#x201C; taken together, now produce 98% of Asia's maize and 26% of

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global maize; in all these countries, maize is predominantly grown under rainfed conditions by the smallholder, resource-poor farmers. Hence, maize plays an important role in the livelihoods of millions of poor farmers, not only in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, but also in Asia. However, the maize scenario in Asia is somewhat unique compared to the rest of the world. Firstly, 70 percent of the total maize produced in Asia is used for feed purposes, 23 percent as food, and 7 percent for other uses (Prasanna 2011). By contrast, in sub-Saharan Africa, maize is mainly a food crop accounting for 73 percent and 64 percent of the total demand in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) and Western and Central Africa (WCA), respectively (Shiferaw et al., 2011). Although the maize feed market is rapidly growing, especially in countries such as China, India and Indonesia, maize is still an important staple food for the resource-poor communities in countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Secondly, in terms of grain preference, unlike sub-Saharan Africa where white maize plays a highly dominant role as food, in almost all the Asian maize-growing countries, the demand is mostly for yellow maize. Despite these differences, resource-poor maize farmers in Asia face many challenges that are shared by smallholders in subSaharan Africa and Latin America; these include poor purchasing capacity, an array of abiotic and biotic stresses, poor soil fertility, and limited access to quality seed (particularly in the non-commercial belts).

demand will soon out-pace the rate of increased maize production in Asia, and that China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand may import substantial amounts by 2025 (Gerpacio and Pingali, 2007; Falcon, 2008). Both the area and production of maize in India have grown significantly in the past few decades. Maize grain production has increased from about 7 million tons in 1980/81 to about 22 million tons in 2010/11. The impressive growth of maize in India has been largely driven by the increasing demand for maize grain as feed for the rapidly expanding poultry industry, coupled with adoption of maize in nontraditional areas, the strong role of the private sector in the maize seed industry, and the development and delivery of higher-yielding, single-cross hybrids, are some of the major factors behind this. While growth in the first two decades (1980-2000) was driven mainly by the yield increases due to improved adoption of high-yielding cultivars, area expansion has constituted more than half the growth over the past decade (DAC, 2010). Simultaneous with these trends, maize prices have more than doubled over the past ten years, along with prices of other commodities, with consequent implications to maize-dependent countries and consumers in the developing world. What happens in the rest of the world, especially in the USA which is the largest producer and exporter of maize, affects the maize prices worldwide. Since prices are largely influenced by supply-and-demand, world maize prices are largely dependent not only on the weather in the US Corn Belt (e.g., maize farmers in US Corn Belt incurred significant yield losses in 2012 due to severe drought and heat stress), but also the pattern of maize use (40 per cent of maize produced in the US is used for producing ethanol).

The Growing Demand An array of factors are contributing to a sharply increasing demand for maize in Asia, including the growth rate of per capita GDP, changing diets, and a significant rise in feed use that is driven largely by the strongly growing poultry sector. China's rapid economic growth, coupled with the booming maize feed and processing demand, has the potential to transform the global maize scenario. In 2012, maize has overtaken rice in terms of area, with the result that China with ~32 million hectares (m ha) of maizegrown area is quite comparable with that of USA. However, China recently started to import maize, as demand for maize is which is now more than 1 million m e t r i c t o n s i n a y e a r. Although predictions vary considerably in magnitude, there seems to be little doubt that the rate of increased

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Challenges to Maize Production in Asia

maize lines among the elite, drought tolerant maize germplasm developed in Mexico, Asia and Africa revealed: (a) high vulnerability of most of the tropical maize germplasm, including commercial cultivars in South Asia, to reproductive stage heat stress; and (b) poor correlation between drought and heat tolerance, indicating that physiological mechanisms that contribute to heat stress tolerance in maize may be different from those that contribute to drought tolerance.

Drought is recognized as the most important constraint across the rainfed lowland and upland environments, covering about 70% of the maize production area in Asia. This situation is likely to exacerbate in the coming decades due to climate change, often leading to inadequate and/or uneven incidence of rainfall in the crop season alongside temperature changes (IPCC, 2007). Alleviating the effects of drought alone could increase average maize yields by 35% across Asia-7 (excluding China), and by 28% in Southwest China (Gerpacio and Pingali, 2007).

Biotic stresses that that have widespread effects in Asia include the downy mildews, post-flowering stalk rots (PFSR), gray leaf spot (GLS), banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB), turcicum leaf blight (TLB), ear rots, mycotoxins, stem borers and weevils. Rising temperatures and variations in humidity also potentially affect the diversity and responsiveness of pathogens and insect-pests, and could lead to new and perhaps unpredictable epidemiologies. For example, GLS is now becoming an important disease globally, with high incidences reported in Nepal, China, Bhutan, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and several countries in Africa. Poor soil fertility (including micronutrient deficiencies) and low nutrient use efficiency also rank among the most important factors limiting crop productivity and yield stability in both high potentialâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;low risk environments as well as low potentialâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;high risk environments.

By the end of this century, growing season temperatures will exceed the most extreme seasonal temperatures recorded in the past century. High temperature stress and drought are likely to aggravate in northern China (Piao et al., 2010) as well as in many tropical maize growing areas, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Spring maize is an important option for intensifying and diversifying cropping systems in South Asia, but is prone to severe heat stress during flowering/early grain filling stages, particularly in the upper and middle Indo-Gangetic plains. This highlights the importance of developing maize germplasm with tolerance to both drought and high temperature stress (Cairns et al., 2012).

Accelerated Development and Delivery of Improved Maize Hybrids: Opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships

Mainstreaming heat stress tolerance in elite tropical maize germplasm is emerging as an important breeding objective. Maize is particularly vulnerable to the reproductive stage heat stress. CIMMYT Global Maize Program is now undertaking intensive and systematic efforts to develop maize cultivars with high temperature tolerance as well as with tolerance to combined drought and heat stresses, especially in the tropical genetic backgrounds of Asia and subSaharan Africa. Initial experiments by the CIMMYTAsia team to identify heat stress tolerant tropical

The ability to develop, in a cost- and time-efficient manner, elite maize hybrids with high yield potential and necessary adaptive traits (abiotic and biotic stress resilience) will be critical for the improved productivity and diversification of cropping systems. While conventional breeding has been successful in developing an array of elite maize hybrids, rapid advances in breeding tools and techniques, especially doubled haploidy (DH), high-density genotyping, precision and high-throughput phenotyping (especially at the field level) and decision support tools in breeding programs offer excellent opportunities for improving genetic gains and enhancing breeding efficiency. In all these areas, there is tremendous scope for public-private partnershps (PPPs), as highlighted below. DH Technology: Development of stable and productive inbred lines, the parents used to produce maize hybrid seed, is the cornerstone of successful and affordable hybrid maize technology. Traditionally maize inbred lines have been developed by repeated self-pollination of heterozygous

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genotypes for 7-8 generations (approx. 4 years). The in vivo doubled haploid (DH) technology is the timeand cost- effective means for generating new, completely homozygous, genetically stable inbred lines in only 3-4 generations, taking about 1.5 years. The DH technology also enables rapid pyramiding of favorable alleles for prioritized target traits, including abiotic and biotic stress tolerance and enhanced nutritional quality.

applied by CIMMYT-GMP for identification of genomic regions associated with an array of important traits, especially abiotic stress tolerance and disease resistance. Concerted efforts are also being made by CIMMYT to develop breeder-ready markers for resistance to some major diseases of maize. High-density genotyping based on nextgeneration DNA sequencing technology is rapidly Molecular marker-assisted breeding is the way forward in effectively meeting the greater challenge of developing cultivars with combinations of relevant adaptive traits for Asia, including biotic and abiotic stress tolerance (Prasanna et al. 2010). The success of such a strategy strongly depends on the ability to accurately phenotype a large number of genotypes. However, the capacity of several institutions in Asia, including public and private sector institutions in India, for undertaking precision phenotyping, particularly under repeatable and representative levels of stress in the field, is lagging far behind the capacity to generate genomic information. Field phenotyping of appropriately selected traits, using low cost, easy-to-handle tools, is now possible, and should become an integral and key component in the maize breeding pipeline. There is also a distinct need for the public and private institutions to come together and establish â&#x20AC;&#x153;phenotyping networksâ&#x20AC;? for comprehensive and efficient characterization of genetic resources and breeding materials for an array of target traits, particularly for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and nutritional quality. This would significantly accelerate genomics-assisted breeding, diversification of the genetic base of elite breeding materials, creation of novel varieties, and countering the effects of climate changes.

The in vivo haploid induction using haploid inducers has been adapted by an array of commercial maize breeding programs in Europe, North America, and more recently in China, but the lack of tropically adapted haploid inducer lines impeded the application of DH technology in tropical maize breeding programs in the developing world, including countries like India. CIMMYT, in collaboration with the University of Hohenheim (Germany), recently developed tropically adapted haploid inducers, which are now available for sharing with interested institutions for research or c o m m e r c i a l u s e u n d e r s p e c i f i c M TA s (http://w w w.c immyt.org /e n/a bout- us/me dia resources/recent-news/1399-now-availablet r o p i c a l i z e d - m a i z e - h a p l o i d - i n d u c e r- l i n e s ) . Moreover, CIMMYT is at the forefront in optimizing DH technology for the tropical/subtropical maize growing environments. A centralized maize DH facility is currently being established by CIMMYT in Kiboko (Kenya), with financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), for offering DH service and strengthening maize breeding programs of NARS and SME seed companies in sub-Saharan Africa. CIMMYT plans to establish a similar such facility in India, for rapidly bringing the benefits of DH-based maize breeding to the NARS (National Agricultural Research System) as well as SME (smalland medium-enterprise) seed companies in India.

Decision Support Tools in Breeding Programs: With the ongoing revolution in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), there is a great opportunity for the public/private institutions in Asia to empower farmers and consumers even in the remote areas with up-to-date information on improved maize hybrids, agronomic/conservation agriculture practices, markets, weather and pathogens/insect-pests. Publicprivate partnerships could be immensely useful in developing appropriate breeding information management systems, and decision support tools, which can help in linking the maps, markers and alleles on one hand with the germplasm, pedigree and phenotypes on the other.

Genomics-Assisted Breeding: With the rapid reduction in genotyping costs, new genomic selection technologies have become available that allow the maize breeding cycle to be greatly reduced, facilitating the inclusion of information on genetic effects for multiple stresses in selection decisions. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) has now become an integral component of CIMMYT's maize molecular breeding strategies. As whole genome molecular information builds up, new insights are being obtained into the maize genome organization and evolution, as well as strategies to utilize the rapidly expanding genomic information for maize improvement. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), implemented through high throughput genotyping and precision phenotyping, has emerged as a powerful strategy for dissecting complex traits and identifying superior alleles contributing to improved phenotypes in maize. GWAS is being

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International Maize Improvement Consortium for Asia (IMIC-Asia) Innovative approaches are required to develop, test and deliver the elite maize germplasm, especially hybrids with relevant traits, and strengthen the seed delivery mechanisms to ensure that high-yielding,

stress tolerant and nutritionally enriched seed and other relevant technologies reach the smallholders. CIMMYT's recent initiative of establishing the International Maize Improvement Consortium for Asia (IMIC-Asia) in Asia, and similarly in Latin America (IMIC-LA), in partnership with several small-, medium- and large- seed companies, is a step forward in this direction.

Obviously, genetics and breeding alone cannot solve the complex challenge of enhancing productivity in the smallholder farms in Asia. There is a distinct need for effective complementation of improved maize cultivars by suitable conservation agriculture practices as well as institutional and policy innovations that support maize growth and development. This includes understanding the smallholder farmers' affordability and access to quality seed, measures to overcome constraints in adoption of high-yielding, stress resilient and nutritionally enriched maize varieties, and partnerships and policies to significantly enhance seed production and distribution.

IMIC-Asia has been established in July 2010 to facilitate focused development and testing of inbred and hybrid maize with abiotic and biotic stress tolerance and high yield potential (germplasm developed by CIMMYT) through a collaborative testing network in Asia. The project also aims to strengthening the capacity of the breeders/technical personnel of the partner institutions in modern maize breeding and breeding informatics. The Consortium now has ~ 30 private seed companies in Asia as partners. Some of the underlying principle of this partnership include research prioritization that is client-determined, a more focused, demand-driven approach, and with better defined partner accountability. At the same time, the partnership enabled establishment of a strong collaborative testing network, including phenotyping/testing sites offered by the private sector institutions for prioritized traits (BS Vivek, CIMMYT-India, personal communication).

References Cairns JE, Sonder K, Zaidi PH, Verhulst N, Mahuku G, Babu R, Nair SK, Das B, Govaerts B, Vinayan MT, Rashid Z, Noor JJ, Devi P, San Vicente F, Prasanna BM (2012). Maize production in a changing climate: impacts, adaptation and mitigation strategies. Advances in Agronomy 114: 1-58. Falcon WP (2008) The Asian maize economy in 2025. In: Gulati A, Dixon J (eds), Maize in Asia: Changing Markets and Incentives. Academic Foundation, New Delhi, pp. 2435-456. Gerpacio RV, Pingali PL (2007) Tropical and Subtropical Maize in Asia: Production Systems, Constraints, and Research Priorities, CIMMYT, Mexico D.F.

Conclusions

Piao SL, Ciais P, Huang Y et al. (2010) The impacts of climate change on water resources and agriculture in China. Nature 467: 43–51.

Accelerated development and deployment of elite, high-yielding, climate resilient and nutritionally enriched maize hybrids that can contribute to enhanced food security and sustainable intensification of maize-based systems in Asia is the need of the hour. Nothing can indeed replace conventional breeding wisdom and selection of suitable breeding materials in breeding programs. However, maize breeders have now great opportunities to increasingly and judiciously use an array of modern tools/techniques/strategies, such as doubled haploidy (DH) and genomics-assisted breeding, as these will undoubtedly enhance the genetic grains and breeding efficiency.

Prasanna BM (2011) Maize in Asia – trends, challenges and opportunities. In: PH Zaidi et al (eds.) Addressing Climate Change Effects and Meeting Maize Demand for Asia. Book of Extended Summaries of the 11th Asian Maze Conference, Nanning, China (7-11 November 2011). CIMMYT, Mexico, D.F., pp. 3-6. Prasanna BM (2012) Doubled haploid (DH) technology in maize breeding: an overview. In: BM Prasanna, V Chaikam, G Mahuku (eds.) Doubled Haploid Technology in Maize Breeding: Theory and Practice. CIMMYT, Mexico D.F., pp. 1-8.

Public-private partnerships are vital for leveraging cutting-edge technologies for development of novel products and for their effective development in the tropical maize growing countries in Asia, for the benefit of farming communities. Due to ever-growing intellectual property rights restrictions to germplasm exchange, such partnerships also offer a synergistic way for effective sharing of scientific and infrastructure capacities, as well as targeted deployment of improved technologies.

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Prasanna BM, Pixley KV, Warburton M, Xie C (2010) Molecular marker-assisted breeding for maize improvement in Asia. Molecular Breeding 26: 339–356. Shiferaw B, Prasanna B, Hellin J, Banziger M (2011) Crops that feed the world 6. Past successes and future challenges to the role played by maize in global food security. Food Security 3: 307–327.

Cultivar Development and Impact of

Single Cross Hybrid Maize in India Sain Dass, Chikkappa G. Karjagi, M. C. Kamboj, Ramesh Kumar and Bhupender Kumar

Introduction

wenty first century posing several challenges with ever-increasing population from 6.1 billion in the last decade (2000) and is estimated to increase 9.2 billion by 2050. One of the major challenges is the herculean task of feeding huge growing population by doubling present food production especially under shrinking natural resources and global warming. Among the important cereal grain crops, maize popularly known as 'THE QUEEN OF CEREALS' because of its distinctness from other cereals with respect to various features like its highest genetic yield potential and productivity among the cereal food crops. It is one of the most versatile emerging crops having wider adaptability grown in diverse seasons, ecologies and purposes. It has tremendous potential to feed millions of hungry bellies of the African and Latin American countries as 5 percent of World's dietary energy supply comes from maize. Maize contributes maximum among the food cereal crops i.e. 40 percent annually (> 800 mt) in the global food production. Among the world's maize growing countries; USA is the largest maize producer and exporter and contributes nearly 35 percent of the total maize produced followed by China with more than 20% production with same acreage of USA. USA has the highest productivity (> 10 t ha-1) which is double than the global (5.3 t ha-1). However, in India it is the third most important cereal after rice and wheat for human food by contributing almost 9 percent to India's food basket, it is mainly grown during Kharif season which covered 80 percent of the total area.. The consumption pattern of maize (feed-64%, food16%, industry-19%, seed and other miscellaneous 1%) in India largely matches with the global pattern

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(feed-61%, food-17% and industry-22%). The production has increased more than 12 times from a mere 1.73 million tons 1950-51 to 21.73 million tons in 2010-11 (ASG, 2011) and presently it occupies 8.55 million hectare area with the mean yield of 2.54 tons/hectare. The demand of maize has been estimated that it will continue to increase. The main driving forces for increased maize demand are increasing demand in poultry and livestock sectors in the country and growing non-vegetarian population and changing food habits. It has attained a position of industrial crop globally as 83 percent of its production in the world and 76 percent in India used as feed, starch and bio fuel industries. Further, it is an important industrial raw material and more than 3000 products have been made using maize directly/indirectly and provide large opportunity for value addition (Dass et al. 2012).

It is a solution for emerging problems of depleting water table and terminal heat stress in winter crops. It is a potential crop for crop diversification due to its many types and intensification because of its wider row spacing and erect plant type having non-tillering growth habit, which can accommodate short duration pulses, flowers, vegetables, etc. It also provides o ppor tuni t y fo r f a r m me c h a niz a t ion a nd conservation agriculture which results into timely farm operation, reducing soil erosion, improving soil health, reducing cost of cultivation and increasing farm profitability.

also has been changed over the years. In the past it was mainly confined to food in India but now it is being used largely for the feed purpose (64%) mainly due to significant shift in its usage in last five to six years. Its use in food & food processing products 16%, sizable maize is also used in industry i.e. 19% for the manufacturing of starch, beverage and other value added products (Fig. 1). The total demand of maize for different sector is met from the country production and India has stopped import and has become exporter since 2007-08. USA is the largest producer of maize in the world, a significant amount of maize is used for ethanol, and bio-fuel production, in the world maize is used 61% as a feed 22% for the industrial purposes and only 17% is used for direct food (Fig. 1). Almost the trend of maize utilization in India is similar to the world. In future, it was estimated that the use of maize as feed is projected to increase by 10% annually. Further, the continued growth in the poultry and starch industry will support the higher consumption of maize in India. In addition, maize has been considered as industrial crop as it is being used as raw material in many important industries viz. starch, oil, alcoholic beverages, food sweeteners, pharmaceuticals', cosmetics, textile, paper, film, tyre, food processing, packing and biofuel etc for developing hundreds of industrial products. Apart from all above several types of maize are being grown to address different issues viz. quality protein maize (QPM) to meet the nutritional requirement of under privileged, sweet corn (SC), baby corn (BC) for ensuring livelihood and green fodder security in peri-urban areas, pop corn (PC) as a nutritional alternative snack, etc. Recently it was reported that the popcorn carries more antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables (TOI, 2012).

The imminent challenge is to meet the growing demand by increasing maize yield because the average yield of maize in India is still very low as compared to global average maize productivity. The single cross hybrid technology and application of novel molecular tools and techniques in maize improvement have proven in increasing the maize productivity across the globe especially in USA and China. There is need of large emphasis on single cross hybrid seed because of its several advantages like simple and easy hybrid seed production, requires only two parents and three isolations, involves less cost and labour. Further, single cross hybrid seed yield is highest as compared other types of cultivars.

Maize Utilization Scenario and Future Projection Every part of the maize plant has economic value: the grain, leaves, stalk, tassel, and cob can all be used to produce a large variety of food and non-food products. In India as maize production and consumption has been rising consistently, the consumption pattern

Figure 1. Current maize utilization pattern in India and World

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molecular tools and techniques like introgression of superior alleles (genes) into best available single cross hybrids.

Projected Demand of Maize Owing to burgeoning growth rate of poultry, livestock, fish, and wet and dry milling industries, maize demand is expected to increase from current level of 16.72 to 45 million tons by 2030 (Fig.2) and its production is growing at a faster pace of about 6 percent against consumption growth rate of 4.7 percent. The projected requirement of maize can only be met by focused research on high yielding single cross hybrids, and its integration with novel

Application of molecular tools and techniques play an important role in identifying superior alleles for different traits of economic importance. Creation of logistic facilities will also play an important role for providing quality seed, and improved package of practices to farmers in different agro-ecological regions of the country.

Figure 2. Projected demand of maize in India (source: DMR vision 2030) increased marginally from ~11 percent (1950-51) to only ~25 percent (2010-11). The increase in maize production in last five years (2006-2012) was remarkable (15 mt to 21.8 mt). However despite all these facts, the maize productivity in India was dismal low (2.5 t/ha) as compared to world average productivity (~5 t/ha). Since 1950 the maize breeding strategy in India has undergone several phases (Table 1) in fact the trend in maize area, production and productivity of India has closely followed the trend in the type of cultivars being developed and released for commercial cultivation by research institutes.

Maize Production and Productivity Scenario vis-a-vis Technology Development The systematic hybrid maize breeding in India had been started with the inception of All India Coordinated Maize Improvement Project (AICMIP) in 1957. The project has led to the release of double cross hybrids (DCHs) and double top cross hybrids in 1961. Since the technology could not exploit full potential of hybrid performance with these hybrids, the emphasis has shifted to single cross hybrids (SCHs). Therefore, the renewed interest in the breeding of single cross maize hybrids to suit particular cropping patterns has started very aggressively in the latter part of the previous decade. The SCH technology has lead to increase in area, production and productivity across several states of India. This is very much evident by the fact that India's maize area, production and productivity has increased >2.5, >12 and >4 times touching to estimated 8.55 mha, 21.8 mt and 2.5 t/ha (2012-13) from a mere 3.16 mha, 1.73 mt and 0.5 t/ha (1950-51) since independence respectively (Fig. 3a). This achievement is remarkable despites ~80 percent maize area under rainfed and low input condition. The maize area under irrigation has

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The low productivity of maize in the past was because of cultivation of land races/OPV in India. Even in USA maize productivity did not cross 2.0 t/ha during the period of OPV, in spite of favourable conditions for maize which includes long duration, high fertile soils, assured irrigation and mild climatic conditions. Maize scenario in USA changed after shifting to single cross hybrid cultivation and today USA has >10 tons per ha which is highest productivity in the world (Fig.3b). This great jump in USA productivity is in combine effect of single cross hybrid + Bt cotton technology in corn. The impact of single cross hybrid cultivation has already been witnessed in India in last few years (2005-2013).

Fig.: 3a, India maize cultivar development & its impact on productivity

Fig.: 3b, USA maize cultivar developement & its impact on productivity

India's productivity increased from >500 kg to remained >1.0 ton/ha in 32 years from 1951-89. This was the era of predominantly OPV cultivation in India with the establishment of 1st All India Coordinated Research Project in Maize. During this period 33 composite were released and this is 75% share of the total released variety of the country. The productivity increased from 1951-89 was <20 kg / annum.

however 20 single cross hybrids and 11 double crosses were also released (Fig. 4). With the cultivation of double cross hybrid the productivity increased slightly > 1 ton to nearly 2 tons during this period the productivity increased per annum (19892006) was 42 kg. ICAR focus the research on Single cross hybrid since 2006-07 with the result as many as 52 single cross hybrids in public sector and 47 in private sector were released and their cultivation on farmer field made a significant impact in increasing the maize yield in India (DMR 2011). The productivity has increased from 1886 to 2540 kg per ha with the rate of 131 kg / annum

In 1989 hybrid project was launched in the country. In another 16 years (1989-2005) the period remained predominantly composite breeding. During this period as many as 45 composite were released,

Table 1: Phases of Maize Research, cultivar development and productivity in India

Figure 4 : Maize cultivar development in India

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The results presented in figure indicated that the increase was 180 to 230 % from 2005-2011 (Fig. 5). This is out come of more than ten thousand front line demontration in different states of the country. This suggested that if India covered 100% area under single cross hybrid can double its production in no time.

Impact of Front Line Demonstration on Farmer's Field More than 10000 front line demontration conduted with single cross hybrids in across the country revealed that the yield of single cross hybrid was double than the OPV in all the state of the country.

Figure 5. Impact of front line demonstration on Farmer's field

Impact of Single Cross Hybrids on Area & Production in Non-Traditional Area

on SCH, which led to area, production enhancement in India. SCH technology has also provided solution to the non-remunerative crops in decelerating water table and terminal heat stress in winter crops in different pockets of India (Fig. 6).

The impact of SCH has been witnessed in 1960 onward in USA. Since 2006, India focused research

Figure 6. Impact of Maize cultivar on area & production in India

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non-tillering plant type maize provides an opportunity for the mechanized sowing, pesticide, fertilizer application and inter-cultivation operations. The placement of fertilizer near root zone under conservation agriculture practice is a challenge, which drives mechanization of maize cultivation. SCH being uniform in size and maturity provides opportunity for combine harvesting. Thus, it is a solution crop for the labour shortage and promotion of farm mechanization in Indian agriculture.

Water Scarcity Areas in Rabi In Andhra Pradesh due to water scarcity during Rabi farmer shifted from rabi rice to rabi maize under zero tillage. In Andhra Pradesh the productivity of maize was merely 275 kg/ha during 1950-51 but this has increased to >4 t/ha in recent years (2007-2012). Maize productivity in Andhra Pradesh is one among the highest and is almost double the national average. This major increase was achieved due to adoption of nearly 100% area under single cross hybrids. The highest productivity of maize has been recorded in Guntur district (7.2-8.8 t/ha) of AP, which is higher than the corn productivity of USA on per day basis. More than 50 single cross hybrids of different maturity have been developed for different agroecological conditions by various public and private research institutions of the country and are available for commercial cultivation ((DMR 2011)).

Crop Diversification It is a solution to scarcity and lowering water table in the Rabi rice growing areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and also for the low rainfall areas of upland rice in the states of West Bengal, Odisha and North Eastern states (Fig. 7). The adoption of maize under these situations is increasing at very fast rate due to availability of high yield potential hybrids in the country for these agroecologies, which are more remunerative than rice. Similarly, maize is solution for the heat stress in wheat causing significant yield reduction in the northern India. The cultivation of spring maize after harvest of potato and sugarcane has become reality in some of the states (Punjab, Haryana, western UP, lower valley of Uttarakhand) and emerged as an alternative profitable crop replacing summer rice. The favourable temperature in the Rabi season of the states like West Bengal, Odisha, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh offers a great potential for maize hybrid seed production and areas under seed production is coming up very fast in these areas in recent years. The remunerative seed production in these states will cater the needs of the states as well as have potential for export to neighbouring states and countries. West Bengal became hub for the QPM hybrid seed production and exporting seed to North-Eastern states and other parts of the country.

Conservation Agriculture The zero-till rice follows rabi maize in India become a success story. It is advancing the sowing time, saving water, fuel, reducing cost of cultivation, improves farm profitability and environment friendly technology. This also provides an opportunity to increase soil organic matter, improved soil health, and reduce soil erosion. This zero-till corn production in Andhra Pradesh covered more than two lakh hectare area and is increasing at very faster rate. The Zero-till alongwith SCH brought maize revolution in the Andhra Pradesh and its area is gradually spreading in the Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other states (Jat et al. 2009). The current productivity in zero till SCH cultivation belt is close to 9 tonnes/ha which is more than per day productivity of USA.

Farm Mechanization In context of increasing area under conservation agriculture and also maize being purely row crop with

Figure 7. Crop diversification in India

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Asian, European and Gulf countries. One of the baby corn processing industries in India (Fresh Field) is exporting worth $1-3 million. This will help to earn foreign exchange, generate employment, and engage rural masses. Baby corn has played a significant role in ensuring livelihood security and augmenting income level of farmers in peri-urban areas.

Impact on Crop Intensification Being erect and non-tillering plant type cultivated in wide spaced rows maize can accommodate many short duration intercrops for vertical crop intensification. Inter cropping with high value vegetables (broccoli, green pea, potato, root beat, Cole group, garlic, onion, lettuce group etc.) and flowers (gladiolus, genda) crops with winter maize provide minimum additional income from Rs. 5,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10,000 depending upon the crop and prevailing market price. Some of the legume inter crop improve the soil health. The intercropping of the high value vegetable and flower crops like sugar beet, broccoli, gladiolus with baby corn and sweet corn leads to sometime rupees Rs. 50,000 more monetary return. Intercropping of kharif maize with Mungbean, Urd bean, soybean and cowpea give additional income to the farmers and provides avenues to increase production of pulses and oilseeds in the country. In addition, maize provides solution for horizontal intensification as 3-4 crops of baby corn, sweet corn and fodder maize/year can be grown in any cropping system having a window period of 60 to 90 days. By growing of these short duration maize crops farmers can get regular income during lean period, which ensures livelihood security. Thus, Intercrop with maize is a solution for enhancing production of pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and flowers that will reduce the import dependency and bring overall prosperity in the country.

The cultivation of maize for the above purposes will not only provide round the year employment but also ensure employment to all age groups from children to age-old people. This not only check rural to urban migration but also absorb rural youth in the form of providing them suitable employment by preventing them from involving antisocial activities. This will ensure the rural masses social and livelihood security.

Maize Grain Export USA is the largest maize producer and exporter in the world. India has also been importing maize to meet its requirement for the continuous running of the feed and starch industry till 2006. With the cultivation of single cross hybrid since 2007 India has turn importer to exporter. Now India is exporting 2.5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; >4.0 million tonnes since 2007-08 to the neighboring country (US Grain Council), of the total maize produce in India, about 14-15% is exported and more than 80% is utilized by the various sectors. Due to low cost of cultivation, near to road and sea to the bordering country there is low freight charges and Indian maize is competitive to these bordering countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka the maize available to them is low priced due to very low freight charges. Earlier these countries were importing from USA. Now the USA maze is very costly as compare to India because of very high freight charges.

Development of Specialty Corn SCHs The increase of urbanization, change in food habit and the improved economic status, the specialty corn has gained significant importance in peri-urban areas of the country (2009a). The demand of baby corn, sweet corn and pop corn is increasing every year. With the development of specialty corn single cross hybrid (Sweet corn, Baby corn, QPM, etc.) in the public and private sector has made the specialty corn cultivation very remunerative particularly in peri-urban area of India and now there is a very less import of baby corn and sweet corn. Rather, India is exporting baby corn. Baby corn and sweet corn is also helping in meeting the Green Fodder requirement for the growing livestock. The country first baby corn (HM-4), sweet corn (HSC-1) and popcorn (BPCH-1) hybrids have been released there are very good sweet corn hybrid in Private sector e.g. Sugar-75 (Syngenta) is a popular sweet corn hybrid among the people. Peri-urban belt of India is emerging as a one of the potential baby corn-producing belt. The cultivation of maize as baby corn and sweet corn has increased the income of the framer many fold in Aterna and Manoli villages of Haryana respectively. India's strategic location and its low cost of production as compared to many other countries it will be boon for India to export to many

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Quality Protein Maize Research and Development 87% of the maize produced in the country is directly used as feed and food. For the nutritional security, quality protein maize has better say than the normal

maize because of high lysine and tryptophan content. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) provides solution to malnutrition in human being and benefit large sections of tribal and poor people. The prices of meat, egg, milk and their products have gone higher. The poor people cannot afford. QPM being nutritionally superior can provide solution to nutritional hunger of millions of people as they cannot afford to milk and meet. It can also provide solution to diseases caused due to protein malnutrition like Kwashiorkor. High biological value of QPM will also reduce food/feed cost and its requirement, which benefit poultry, livestock, pig, fish etc. industries by reducing cost of production. The surplus maize will further enhance nations' export potential. India has large number of people with protein malnutrition. QPM is the cheapest source of protein to the poor masses. Its biological value is highest among all cereals. In Indian maize breeding programme now the greater emphasis is being given to promote the quality protein maize research and also encourage the farmers for QPM cultivation (Dass et al. 2009b). Thus, Quality Protein maize (QPM) is solution to food and nutritional security. Several QPM value added products have also been developed. In India, nine single cross QPM maize hybrids viz. HQPM -1, HQPM-4, HQPM-5, HQPM 7, Vivek QPM 9, Shaktiman 1, Shaktiman 2, Shaktiman 3 and Shaktiman 4 have been developed for different agro-climatic conditions.

Strengthening Hybrid Seed Production Single cross hybrid seed production technology is easy and the demand for hybrid seed will continue to increase. The cost of single cross hybrid seed in India is lowest in the world. Large demand for single cross hybrid seed is an opportunity for seed industry growth. They will not only meet the increasing demand of the Indian farmer but can export to the neighboring countries. Due to low freight charges, India has great potential for seed export. In the year 2008-09 India has exported >12000 tons seeds of worth rupees 2000 crores. However, India being the country of diverse ecologies and sophisticated network of seed production agencies like NSC, SFCI, NGOs, and Private Seed Companies supported research institutes like ICAR, SAUs and favourable government policies, the task of availability sufficient quantity of quality seed to farmers does not seems difficult to achieve. Almost 90% of the total hybrid seed production of the country is confined to South India (Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka). Further, these states are covered with 100% area under hybrid cultivation with high productivity. Therefore, several alternative seed production sites viz., E. India: WB Midnapur, Krishna Nagar, Bihar - Muzaffurpur, Begusarai, Somastipur etc (Rabi); W. India: GujaratPanch mahal, Dahud, Rajasthan-Baawada (Rabi); C. India: MP - Chindwada, Indore, Ratlam, Chhattisgarh – Chhattisgarh (Rabi); S. India: MS - Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Kt - Bellary, Raichur, Shimoga (Rabi); N. India: Pb-Hr-E.UP in Rabi, Uk in Spring, J&K – Jammu, Himachal - Unnawere also identified to achieve the availability of hybrid seed at local places (Fig. 9). This not only increases the access to quality seed but also reduces the huge cost involved in transportation and storage. Single cross hybrid seed production also creates a win-win situation to all the stake holders in seed chain like farmer, companies/agencies and dealers.

The impacts of SCH on various aspects of maize area, production, productivity, export, economy, crop diversification etc. are very much evident. Further, the increase in productivity has not reflected across all the states. The states like MH, BH, GJ, RJ, OR, UP, MP where the area under maize is quite large but the productivity was very low as compared to national average. In the low productivity, states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, and North Eastern States where there is lot of potential to replace either upland rice or wheat. In fact these are the states which cover more than 50 percent of area and have yields level lower than national average (< 2.4 t/ha) is due to non-availability of hybrid seed. It is definitely possible to double the production and productivity in these states with the help of available hybrids. The demand for SCH seed is very huge, at present only the all seed are meeting 30-35 percent of hybrid seed demand production agencies existed in the country. Therefore, the major challenge was to make availability of quality single cross hybrid seed to the doorsteps of farmer of these states, as seed is the basic input, which has the tremendous potential to increase the productivity especially under climate change. The best way to overcome the existing situation of shortage of quality hybrid seed in the market is by way of harnessing the potential existed in public private partnership.

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Figure 9. SCH Seed Production – Alternate Sites

In this context the seed village concept can be of great use as it helps in maintaining the genetic purity of hybrid seed along with several managerial, social advantages. There are several success stories existed for seed village concept for example AP for normal maize, QPM hybrid seed production success story in West Bengal and Rajasthan. The hybrid seed production has brought favourable changes in social life of the farmers of the region by uplifting the livelihood and purchasing power of the local villagers. There is need to replicate such success stories across different states of the country. The low cost of SCH seed production increases the profit margin of the framers. Thus encouraging the farmers to produce more and more hybrid seed, the surplus seed can be exported to neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and many African countries. India being located at strategic position in the globe the seed export brings large foreign exchange because of low cost of hybrid seed as India is near to many counties who import hybrid seed.

reduced the cost of cultivation and improved the farm profitability. Therefore looking towards advanced molecular techniques may serve as additional opportunities to enhance the yield. Maize being C4 plant it is also a solution to climate change and having potential for carbon trading. Therefore that farmer who grows maize should be given more incentive as the crop helps in protecting the natural resources and purifying the environment. Thus, maize is a solution provider to address several issues of biotic and abiotic stresses, lowering water table, food security, employment generation and answer to climate change.

References ASG (2011). Agricultural Statistics at a Glance -2011, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Dass, S, Yadav, V.K., Kwatra, A., Sekhar, J.C., Yadav, Y. 2009a. Technical Bulletin Baby Corn: Production Technology and Value Addition. Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi.

Conclusion One of the mechanisms is to strengthen public and private partnership. Private sector has extensive excellent infrastructure of seed production and marketing of hybrid seed. Public sector is good in efficiently developing the germplasm and hybrids. At present the coverage of area under private sector hybrid seed is >90% because of their efficient mechanism. In spite of >three dozen single cross hybrids of public sector available in the field but, the seed production of public bred hybrid is <10% due to inefficient public sector seed production system. Combined strength of both will accelerate the transfer of technology of SCH, which can cover entire area i.e. 100% under SCH in next 10 years. This will definitely not only double the production will exceed the production target of maize in India and continue to make India as exporter of maize grain, maize seed, and other value added products. Indian is the most competitive in the global market due to its low cost of production and less freight charges. In the recent past SCH coupled with herbicide tolerant (HT) and insect tolerant (IT) has revolutionized maize production in major countries like USA, Brazil, and Argentina etc. SCH + HT + IT technologies has significantly increased the productivity in USA to the tune of 198 kg/ha/annum (1997-2009) while only SCH adoption increased the productivity by 89 kg/ha/annum (19901997). HT and IT Technology has not only increased the production but reduce the inoculums of weeds, pests, diseases etc. as some of the weeds are host of pests and diseases. These technologies have also

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Dass, S., Jat, M.L., Yadav, V.K., Sekhar, J.C., Singh D.K. 2009b. Technical Bulletin. Quality Protein Maize for Food and Nutritional Security in India. Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi, Dass, S., Jat, S.L., G.K., Chikkappa, Parihar, C.M., Kumar, B. and Singh, A.K. 2012. Maize improvement towards food security: genetic and technological perspectives. In: conference programme book of 1st ICC India Grains Conference organized by ICC in partnership with ICRISAT at New Delhi from 16-18th January, 2012. pp 24-25 DMR, (2011), Hybrids and composite varieties released in India 2011. Technical Bulletin Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi. Jat, M.L., Dass Sain, Sreelatha, R., Sai Kumar., Sekhar, J.C., Chandana P. 2009. Technical Bulletin Corn Revolution in Andhra Pradesh: The Role of Single Cross Hybrids and Zero Tillage Technology. Directorate of Maize Research, New Delhi. TOI (2012). Times of India, Dated (27-03-2012). pp Vision 2030: DMR Vision 2030. Directorate of Maize Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

Hybrid Revolution

in Vegetables P.S. Naik, P.M. Singh and B. Singh Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi

feasible to increase the area under vegetables commensurate to our requirements hence the preciousness of high quality vegetable seeds becomes much more significant than it has ever been to increase the yield per unit area. This is the point at which hybrids carve a niche for themselves as they possess wider adaptability to environmental stress and are more uniform from plant to plant than non-hybrids. Other benefits of hybrids may be earlier flowers, higher yields, improved disease resistance, or other characteristics. The extra vitality in hybrid plants is called "hybrid vigor." More plants survive the seedling stage, grow larger and stronger

ith the changing paradigms of food and nutritional securities, the consumption of vegetables has attained tremendous importance. The seeds are the basic resource to increase the vegetable production. The term vegetable seed encompasses the botanical seed as well as vegetatively propagated seed (stem cutting, root cutting, suckers, rhizomes, bulbs, corms and tubers). Majority of the vegetable crops are propagated by true seed while few like pointed gourd, coccinia, garlic etc. are propagated vegetatively. Due to increasing pressure on land through urbanization and industrialization, it is not

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than non-hybrids, and have higher yields.

current climate of economic development is encouraging for positive relationship between the public and the private sector for fulfilling the farmer's needs. Initially, during seventies, hybrids in tomato and capsicum made a mark with the growers. After the introduction of new seed policy in1989, there has been a spurt of activity in the Indian vegetable seed scenario with the hybrid acreage soaring and a number of vegetable seed companies coming into existence as the private sector got a huge boost in growth with the removal of restrictions and liberalizing seed imports through open general license and removing tariff barriers. This move resulted in import of hybrid seeds by private seed companies in cabbage, cauliflower, capsicum, etc. besides large quantities of seeds of carrot and beetroot.

The focus of the second green revolution or the so called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Evergreen Revolutionâ&#x20AC;? is on ensuring food and nutritional security to the Indian populace especially below poverty line population which constitutes around 28% of the Indian population. With practically no more land to farm and some depletion of the agricultural land, this miracle is not easy to achieve. Science and technology have to play a big role. High productive seeds, private sector involvement and expenditure on long stalled irrigation schemes are the keys to achieving higher production. Hence, a Second Green Revolution, that maximizes productivity and generates income and employment opportunities not only for the rural population but also catering to increasing proportion of middle class with greater nutritional and appetizing concerns is need of the hour because it is presumed that by 2025 India will have 1.4 billion people, majority of whom will have relatively higher living standards. Development in vegetable production particularly through hybrids, contribute not only to food and nutritional security but also to poverty alleviation and income generation since it is labour intensive, earns higher returns and involve extra skills. Since the seeds are the fundamental and most crucial input for sustained growth in farm production, often stimulating the use of new methods, machinery and yield-enhancing agro-inputs, the seed holds the key for increased productivity. Coupled with biotechnology and other crop improvement technologies, seeds offer tremendous opportunity for improving the productivity of Indian Agriculture. During past 5 years the Indian Seed Industry has been growing at a CAGR of 12 percent compared to global growth of 6-7 percent. In value terms the major growth has come from the increased adoption of Bt cotton hybrids, single cross corn hybrids and hybrid vegetables.

Presently vegetables are grown in about 8.4 m ha area with total production of 146.5 m ton. The productivity of vegetables has increased from 15 t/ha during 2000-01 to 17 t/ha at present. Use of quality seeds of improved varieties/hybrids of different vegetable crops has witnessed tremendous growth in vegetable production and productivity. In our national perspective, the seed production of open pollinated varieties had been in the drivers' seat, and now, the hybrids are getting a feel of the grip. Though a number of vegetable hybrids have been released from public sector, in all the public sector endeavors for vegetable seed production, the major share is of open pollinated varieties. A large portion of vegetable hybrid seed demand in the country is met by the private seed companies. There is predominance of seed traders who directly purchase the seeds from growers. There are few well established seed companies which have their own R&D programme. These companies produce their own hybrid seeds as well as they import the seeds from their foreign counterparts and market them in India. Some hybrid seeds are produced by public sector also, but its share is marginal. There is limited control on production and marketing of vegetable seed in private sector particularly because of multiplicity of seed traders and a mushrooming growth of the so called very small seed companies.

Introduction of New Seed Development Policy (1988â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1989) was a significant mile stone in the Indian Seed Industry, which transformed the very character of the seed industry. The policy gave access to Indian farmers of the best of seed and planting material available anywhere in the world. The policy stimulated appreciable investments by private individuals, Indian Corporate and MNCs in the Indian seed sector with strong R&D base for product development in each of the seed companies with more emphasis on high value hybrids of cereals and vegetables. The government policy, in general, is to reduce controls and to make the economic system more transparent in practice. The

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Many popular varieties released by the Institutes are produced and marketed by several small and medium sized companies. The private seed companies have also been benefited as these releases formed the base material for their breeding programs. Many okra hybrids developed and sold by private companies owe their success to public sector releases resistant to YVMV. In tomato also, the private industry has successfully used the

bacterial wilt resistant lines released from public institutes to develop resistant hybrids. Many of the Institutes and Universities have formulated rules by which the seed companies can buy their varieties including parents of hybrids.

As per an estimate, the vegetable wise total seed requirement, production and shortfalls has been given in Table 1 :

Table-1 : Estimated Vegetable Seed Requirement and Production in India S. No.

Crop

Total requirement (tons)

Prod. from organized sector (tons)

Other quality seeds (tons)

Shortage (tons)

Tomato

360

190

Brinjal

465

330

Chilli

200

Cauliflower

280

130

115

Cucumber

Muskmelon

110

Watermelon

320

135

100

Bottle gourd

615

105

100

410

Onion

1200

200

400

600

Okra

4250

1350

800

2100

Radish

650

300

200

150

Carrot

700

200

250

Beet root

400

100

120

180

Peas

6000

1500

2000

2500

Cabbage

200

Source : State of Indian Agriculture, NAAS,2009 pp108

1973, launched its tomato hybrid 'Karnataka' and capsicum hybrid 'Bharath'. Thereafter tremendous progress has been made by public and private sectors in the development of hybrids in several vegetable crops. Though the credit for popularizing hybrids in vegetables goes mainly to private seed companies, it is imperative to underline that the public sector hybrids are as good as, or sometimes even better, than the hybrids of private seed companies. The main reasons for non spreading of public sector hybrids are lack of publicity, unavailability of seeds of parental lines in large quantities and unavailability of their marketing network. The reason of success of private sector lies in its flexibility to meet changing demands, efficiency in adjusting seed costs, concentration on high value low volume vegetables and distribution near the door of farmer.

Vegetable Hybrid Seed Production System F1 hybrids have almost entirely replaced open pollinated varieties of tomato, cabbage, cucumber, squash, melons, onion and sweet pepper in Japan, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Canada, Australia, U.K. and USA. Though India has also made a revolutionary progress particularly in case of cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd & bitter gourd and accelerating its pace in the direction, still the path is long to move neck on with global vegetable giants. The first vegetable hybrid in India (Pusa Meghdoot) was developed in bottle gourd in 1971 from IARI, Regional Research Station, Katrain followed by the development and release of F1 hybrids of summer squash (Pusa Alankar) and cucumber (Pusa Sanjog). Out of these, however, only Pusa Meghdoot spread among the growers due to non availability of hybid seeds of others in sufficient quantity. In private sector, Indo American Hybrid Seed Company was the pioneer, which, in

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To revolutionize the vegetable production through hybrids, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ran a project entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Promotion of hybrid

research in vegetable crops” in late ninetees which generated CMS lines in chilli & cabbage, tropical gynoecious line in cucumber and high yielding capsicum hybrids. Encouraged by the results, another project entitled “Development of hybrids in vegetables” under NATP was carried out. Recommendation of vegetable hybrids through AICRP(VC) has been a major source for hybrid revolution. Till date 134 vegetable hybrids have been recommended for cultivation in different parts of the country based on multi location testing under AICRP(VC), which included a number of entries from private sector as well. A list of vegetable hybrids identified through AICRP(VC) has been given in Table-2.

Most of the hybrids which have been released at the national level, have been developed by the public sector. In this regard, ICAR research institutes and agricultural universities have contributed considerably. However, in the market, a very limited number of vegetable hybrids are from public sector and the majority of the existing ones are from the private sector. In the private sector, Indo American Hybrid Seed Company, Namdhari Seeds, Syngenta, Bejo Sheetal, Mahyco, Century and Ankur etc. have contributed tremendously among various other private sector companies actively associated with F1 hybrid development programmes and production and marketing of their seeds. The estimated vegetable F1 hybrid seed requirement is around 3000MT as per details given in following table:

Table- 2 Vegetable hybrids identified through AICRP(VC) S. No.

Crop

Variety

Bitter gourd

Developing centre

Recommended zone

Year of identification

Pusa Hybrid-2

IARI, N.Delhi

IV, V, VI

2003

NBGH-167

NirmalSeeds

2004

RHRBGH-1

Rahuri

All

2001

Vivek

Sungro

VIII

2008

NDBH-4

Faizabad

All

2001

Santosh-20

Krishidhan

2009

PBOG-1

Pantnagar

1999

PBOG-2

Pantnagar

VII

1998

BWBH-3

IIHR

All

2005

10.

COBH-3

TNAU, Coimbatore

VIII

2005

11.

HABH-3

BW +Phomopsis Res.

HARP,Ranchi

2005

Arka Kusumkar

GreenLong

IIHR

VIII

1981

13.

ARBH-201

Long

Ankur

IV, V, VI, VII

1993

14.

ARBH-541

Long

Ankur

All

2001

15.

NDBH-6

Long

Faizabad

1995

16.

Kat-4

Long

IARI, Katrain

VIII

1987

17.

DBHL-20

Long

IARI, New Delhi

2011

18.

Pusa Hybrid-5

Long

IARI, New Delhi

IV, VII, VIII

1992

19.

PHBL-51

Long

Ludhiana

2012

20.

PBH-6

Long

Pandey Beej

All

2001

12.

Bottle gourd

Brinjal (BW Resistance)

Brinjal (Long)

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Remarks

21.

ARBH-786

Long

Ankur

2004

22.

Rasika

Long

Beejo Sheetal

2009

23.

IVBHL-54

Long

IIVR

2004

24.

BCTH-17

BCKV

II,V

2005

25.

Shamli

Long

Seminis

2009

26.

Navina

Long

VNR

2007

NDBH-1

Round

Faizabad

IV, VI, VII

1993

28.

HABH-17

Round

HARP

2007

29.

HABH-8

Round

HARP

VIII

2009

30.

Pusa Hybrid-6

Round

IARI, New Delhi

1990

31.

Pusa Hybrid-9

Round

IARI, New Delhi

1997

32.

Arka Navneet

Round

IIHR

1981

VRBHR-1

Round

IIVR

IV, VI2003

JBH-1

Round

Junagadh

All2001

27.

Brinjal (Round)

BH-1

Round

Ludhiana

2002

BH-2

Round

Ludhiana

IV, V

2003

EPH-178

Round

Syngenta

2011

ABH-1

Small Round

Anand

IV, VI, VII

1993

ABH-2

Small Round

Anand

IV,VI,VII

1995 & 1996

PBHSR-31

Small round

Ludhiana

IV & VI

2012

MHB-10

Small Round

Mahyco

IV, VI, VII

1993

10.

MHB-39

Small Round

Mahyco

IV, VI, VII

1993

11.

Phule Hybrid-2

Small Round

Rahuri

VII

1997

12.

VNR-51

Small round

VNR

IV, VI2005

13.

VNR-51C

Small Round

14.

Brinjal (Small Round)

BSS-32

Beejo Sheetal

VII

1995

15.

KGMR-1

IARI, Katrain

I, IV

2005

16.

Pusa Synthetic

IARI, Katrain

IV, I, II

1992

17.

Shri Ganesh Gol

Mahyco

1992

18.

Nath-401

Nath Seeds

I, IV, V, VI, VII

1993

19.

Nath-501

Nath Seeds

VII

1997

20.

Quisto

Novartis

1998

21.

Green Emperor

Tokita Seeds

2007

KT-1

IARI, Katrain

1990

23.

KTCPH-3

IARI, Katrain

I,VI,VII

2005

24.

DARL-202

Pithoragarh

I, IV

2003

25.

Lario

Syngenta

2002

22.

Cabbage

VNRIV2009

Capsicum

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26.

Carrot

Hybrid-1

Mahyco

I and VII

1992

27.

Cauliflower

Pusa Hybrid-2

IARI, New Delhi

II and IV

1992

28.

Cauliflower

Synthetic-1

Dec. maturity

IARI, New Delhi

1975

29.

Cauliflower (Early)

DCH-541

Early group

IARI, New Delhi

II, IV

2003

30.

Early Synthetic

Early group

IARI, New Delhi

IV, VIII

1990

31.

Summer King

Early group

Sungro

I, IV

2004

32.

SYCFH-202

Early group

Syngenta

IV, VII

2004

33.

SYCFH-203

Early group

Syngenta

IV,V,VII

2005

34.

Chilli

ARCH-228

Ankur

IV, V, VI

2003

ARCH-236

Ankur

1997

BSS-453

Beejo Sheetal

2009

BSS-378

Bejo Sheetal

VII

2012

CCH-2

IIVR

II, IV,V,VI

2005

NCH-587

Nirmal Seeds

IV,VII

2010

HOE-888

Sandoz

IV,VIII

1997

Sungro-86-235

Sungro

IV, VIII

2002

HH-41786

Syngenta

VII

2011

VNR-332

VNR

IV,VIII

2010

10.

MSH-149

CMS based

IIHR

All

2005

11.

MSH-172

CMS based

IIHR

All

2005

12.

CCH-3

Dual purpose

IIVR

IV, V, VIII

2005

13.

KCH-3

Pickle type fruit

Kanpur

IV2005

14.

Cucumber

Hybrid No. - 1

Century Seeds

I, IV, VII

2004

15.

PCUCH-1

Pantnagar

All

2001

16.

PCUCH-3

Pantnagar

I, IV

2005

17.

Muskmelon

Durgapura

VII2002

18.

Hybrid M-3

1990

19.

Okra

Ankur

V & VII2012

20.

HBH-142

Hisar

IV, V, VII, VII

2005

21.

DVR-1

IIVR

IV, VII

1998

22.

DVR-2

IIVR

1998

23.

DVR-3

IIVR

All

2001

24.

DVR-4

IIVR

IV, V, VII

2002

25.

JNDOH 2-2

Junagadh

II, V, VI, VII, VIII

2008

26.

JOH-05-9

Junagadh

V, VI, VII

2010

27.

NBH-180

Nuzi Veeu

VII

2007

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MHY-5 IARI, N.Delhi AROH-631

28.

SOH-1016

Syngenta

IV,VII

2007

29.

SOH-152

Syngenta

IV, VII, VII

2005

30.

OH-597

Syngneta

VII

2012

HYRGH-5HB

Hyderabad

VII

2009

Pallavi

Sungro

2009

31.

Ridge gourd

32. 33.

Tomato

HATH-3

BW &EB Resistance

HARP

2005

34.

Tomato

TLBRH-9

BW&TLCV resitance

IIHR

All

2005

35.

Tomato

BCTH-4

TLCV resistance

BCKV

II, V

2005

36.

Tomato(Det.)

ARTH-3

Ankur

II,VII,VIII

1992

37.

CHTH-1

IARI, New Delhi

2002

38.

DTH-4

IARI, New Delhi

VII

1995

39.

DTH-8

IARI, New Delhi

2002

40.

Pusa Hybrid-2

IARI, New Delhi

I,IV,VI,VII

1993

41.

VRTH-101

IIVR

I & IV

2012

42.

NA-501

Nath Seeds

IV,VII

1995

43.

Avinash-2

Novartis

1998

44.

HOE-303

Novartis

1998

45.

HATH-5

HARP

2008

46.

JKTH-3055

J.K. Seeds

I, IV

2004

47.

BCTH-4

Kalyani

I, IV

2010

48.

Tai-01458

Syngenta

2009

49.

TH01462

Syngenta

I, II, IV, VI,VII

2005

ARTH-128

Ankur

VII

2002

51.

ARTH-2104

Ankur

2011

52.

ARTH-4

Ankur

IV,VIII

1992

53.

BSS-20

Beejo Sheetal

IV, VI, VIII & All Zones

1996 & 2001

54.

KT-4

IARI, Katrain

1995

55.

FMH-1 (A. Vardhan)

IIHR

1995

56.

FMH-2 (A. Vardhan)

IIHR

I, VII

1993

57.

KTH-2

Kalyanpur

IV, V

2003

58.

KTH-1

Kalyanpur

2004

59.

NTH-6

IIVR

IV, VI

2005

60.

MTH-6

Mahyco

VII,VIII

1992

61.

NA-601

Nath seeds

VI,VII

1995

50.

Tomato (Indet.)

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

62.

Sun-496

Sungro

IV, II, VII

1999

63.

ARTH-734

Ankur

VIII

2008

64.

BSS-488

Beejo Sheetal

2009

65.

Nun-7730

NunHems

I, IV

2004

66.

HImsohna

Syngenta

2009

Arka Jyoti

IIHR

MHW-6

Mahyco

67.

Watermelon

68.

1981 -

1999

Table-3 Estimated vegetable F1 hybrid seed requirement Vegetable

F1 hybrid seed requirement (MT)

Okra

1700

Gourds

800

Watermelon

130

Cole Crops

110

Tomato

Chilli

Brinjal

Cucumber

Capsicum

Other melons

20 Source: Reddy, A.S.N.(2011). Indian Seed & Planting Material, 4(3):7-12.

In the National seed production chain, there is provision for certification of the parental lines of F1 hybrids also but generally the private companies are not interested to include their hybrids and do not allow the certification of parental lines. Thus, the parental lines of F1 hybrids from private sector are not easily accessible.

Hybrid seeds are produced mostly by private seed companies. Most of the well established private seed companies are concentrated in southern India especially Karnataka and Maharashtra due to mild climate of the area. It is estimated that excluding the area for exports, about 25000 acre area is under hybrid seed production for domestic market.

Table-4 Estimated production & acerage under F1 vegetable seed production (domestic market) Vegetable

Domestic (t)

Area (acre)

Tomato Watermelon Chilli Okra Melon Brinjal Cucumber Ridge gourd Bitter gourd Bottle gourd

67 120 70 1500 15 50 40 50 100 120

1787 2400 933 15000 250 625 667 500 1000 640 Source: Anand, N.(2011). Indian Seed & Planting Material, 4(4):7-11.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

20.0

Chilli pepper

All Crops Total

Bell pepper 455.0

0.5

25.0

Bottle gourd

Carrot

15.0

Bitter gourd

200.0

100.0

233.3

285.7

66.7

50.0

66.7

260.0

71.4

75.0

300.0

150.0

15.6

% increase volume 08 over 98

104.6

1.2

1.1

2.0

2.8

2.4

4.2

2.8

12.0

8.9

18.0

2.4

14.0

6.5

26.3

0.6

1.1

7.6

5.6

11.6

Estimated sales value 08 (mill $)

1945.3

1300

86.3

6.25

Estimated volume 2013 (t)

5.7

1.2

11.1

20.0

8.3

3.0

7.7

10.7

83.3

23.1

10.7

12.3

41.2

20.0

Estimated % F1 of total market volume

Source : Anand, N. and U. Singh. (2008). (In) Proc. APSA Seed Congress held at Hyderabad, India, 13-19, Nov, 2008, pp.21-28.

1337.5

1.5

12.0

50.0

27.0

7.0

25.0

Ridge gourd

15.0

Brinjal

30.0

25.0

20.0

Cauliflower

50.0

900.0

12.0

35.0

70.0

50.0

2.0

15.0

5.0

26.0

Estimated sales volume 2008 (t)

Cucumber

30.0

250.0

Cabbage

Okra

7.0

40.0

Watermelon

Melon

25.5

0.5

Tomato Indeterminate

Tomato Total

0.5

2.0

22.5

Estimated sales volume 1998 (t)

Tomato BWR

Tomato TLCV Acidic

Tomato TLCV Oval

Tomato Regular / Oval

Crop

Table 5: Vegetable hybrid seed usage in India â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Value & Volume

The hybrid vegetable seed market in India is estimated to be around US $105 million. During the decade 1998-2008, there was a remarkable increase in market size of vegetable hybrid seeds (194 percent). The estimated sales value and volume of hybrid seed usage in India is given in annexed table-5. Contribution of private sector in vegetable seed industry accounts for about 90% of the market turnover (though public sector has greater share in terms of volume). F1 hybrid seeds of temperate vegetables are produced in the states of H.P. and J&K. Now Uttarakhand is also gaining momentum in this endeavour. These crops are late cauliflower, cabbage, garden beet, temperate carrot, radish and turnip. Generally the hand emasculation and hand pollination technique is being used for the production of F1 hybrid seeds of tomato, brinjal, capsicum and okra. So far no male sterile system is being used in these crops in India. Efficiently and economically the hybrid seeds of these vegetables are produced mainly by the girls in many parts of south India. In muskmelon and chilli, however, male sterility is used for production of F1 hybrids. Many farmers in Punjab are trained for the utilization of male sterility for F1 hybrid seed production of chilli and muskmelon.

extension are expected to have significant effect on the growth of Seed Industry due to increased SRR. ii) Weaknesses Ÿ

The vegetable seed production in our country is taken up mainly under the open sky which makes it vulnerable to vagaries of weather.

At present the requirement of vegetable seeds in the country is based mostly on estimates which does not reflect the actual position.

Since in our system there is no restriction for planting any particular vegetable crops in any particular area, it becomes difficult many times to maintain the recommended isolation distance for producing pure seed.

Most of the indenting agencies are ignorant about the newly developed improved varieties of different vegetables and they keep on indenting for the seeds of old and obsolete varieties time and again.

Many times the indenting agencies do not turn up to lift the seeds produced against their indents. This situation leads to discouragement of producing centre and can affect the seed production negatively in the succeeding year.

Strengths and Weaknesses in Vegetable Seed Production i) Strengths

Constraints in Hybrid Seed Production

Ÿ We have a well developed vegetable seed

The primary disadvantage of hybrids is the seeds cannot be saved from year to year. Seeds saved from hybrid plants usually will not produce the same plant the following year.

High production cost. The hybrid seeds are produced mostly by private seed companies and involve high production costs.

Hybrid seed production is a very labour intensive enterprise particularly due to hand emasculation and pollination.

Hybrid seed production can be undertaken only by technically trained manpower for the purpose.

High cost of hybrid seeds make resource poor farmers reluctant to use it as many of them can not afford to purchase such costly seeds.

Less popularization of public sector hybrids and unavailability of their seeds in sufficient quantities.

Since the present day ruling hybrids in

production chain under the public sector. Ÿ A network of seed certification agencies is

available for maintaining the quality of seeds in the country. Ÿ A large number of hybrids in different vegetable

crops are available suited to varied agro-climatic conditions. This makes the selection easier for taking up production for a particular area. Ÿ Our country is bestowed with varied agro-

climatic conditions which can be used advantageously to take up seed production of vegetables at any time of the year in one or other part of the country. Ÿ A

very fast development of private seed companies which are helpful in bridging the gap between demand and supply of vegetable seeds in the country.

Ÿ With the protection given under PPV & FR Act,

the private sector's participation has increased in R & D. New varieties combined with proper

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

for different categories of seed i.e. breeder, foundation and certified can also be worked out. It will help in advance planning of different seed production programmes so that the good quality seeds in desired quantity may be made available at appropriate time and place and the quantity of seed import to fulfill the shortfalls may also be slashed down in the interest of national economy.

vegetables are mostly from private sector, they don't come under the national seed production chain and there is thus no control on their prices as such.

Suggestions to Overcome the Constraints Ÿ

The production cost should be reduced. For this low cost hybrid seed production technology should be developed.

Use of male sterile and gynoecious lines should be encouraged to reduce the labour involved in hybrid seed production.

Regular training programmes should be organized by different institutions to train the farmers in hybrid seed production techniques.

More and more seeds of public sector hybrids should be made available to the farmers at reasonable prices. This availability may have a competitive price effect on private sector and will help in bringing down the prices of private sector hybrids also.

c) Development of Storage Facilities Since the seeds are the backbone of vegetable cultivation in the country, they should be given top priority. There is need to develop sufficient low temperature storage facilities to take care of left over seed stocks in the years of plenty and to act as buffer in the years of scarcity. Under ambient conditions the seeds can not be stored for long and may deteriorate losing their viability and thus the precious resource in the form of seed. d) Development of Organized Private Sector In the present day situation there is predominance of seed traders apart from private seed companies, which are unregistered and hence there is no record of the seed traded through them. It acts as a loop hole in working out the total national demand and supply of vegetable seeds. Although there is seed act to keep an eye on the seed trade in the market and ensure the seed quality under its net, these unregistered traders dealing directly with the growers escape this net and thus form a handsome chunk of unorganized seed trade with no quality checks. There is an urgent need to bring such type of seed trade also under the organized sector umbrella so that actual demand and supply figures of quality vegetable seeds at national level may become more authentic.

The public sector hybrids should be popularized by way of frontline demonstrations etc. among the farmers.

Suggestions for Sustained Development Although much has been done for the betterment of vegetable seed scenario of the country, still more needs to be done to provide it a sound footing based on realistic demands for achieving self sufficiency in good quality vegetable hybrid seeds. In this direction following points need attention: a) Assessment of Area under Vegetables

e) Popularization of Public Sector Seeds

There is an urgent need to have a fresh estimate of area under vegetables. To achieve the objective, a thorough survey programme should be started at national level by involving State Departments of Agriculture/Horticulture, SAUs, ICAR institutes and NGOs so that the total vegetable area could be worked out at Block/Tehsil/Taluka, District, Commissionary, State and National level for an effective planning on realistic footing.

No matter how good a vegetable seed may be but if it comes from private sector, the prices are bound to be high as private companies are basically profit making organizations and they have to keep the seed prices at a profitable level over and above meeting their establishment and production costs. Under these circumstances the role of public sector organizations becomes very important to supply good quality seeds at cheaper prices to the farmers. The popularization of public sector bred hybrid seeds of vegetables is equally important for the benefit of vegetable growers. For this, frontline demonstrations and use of public media may be a good source.

b) Assessment of Seed Requirement Once the crop wise figures of area under vegetables becomes available, the total seed requirement can easily be assessed. Based on this, the requirement

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

f) Development of Seed villages

i) Financial Support to Public Sector Seed Organizations

For maintaining purity and production of quality seed, the concept of 'seed village' should be brought in. Intervention of government by way of controlling the area under different vegetables will be helpful in dealing with the problem of maintaining recommended isolation distance for purity of seeds.

Already a revolving fund scheme of ICAR is under operation but unfortunately very few organizations are taking its advantage. Since seed production is a risky and challenging enterprise, the employees hesitate to accept it. It acts as a distracting feature. It is imperative that some incentives are provided to public sector employees to accept the challenge of seed production for sustaining it on a profitable basis.

g) Expansion of Seed Production Activities to Newer Areas

The hybrid revolution in vegetable crops can be sustainable if indigenous hybrids are developed in public sector in collaboration with private seed companies so that the adequate availability may be ensured and the high cost of hybrid seeds which becomes beyond the reach of ordinary growers may be taken care of. The tools of molecular biology can also be utilized with conventional breeding programmes enabling greater advances to tackle the ticklish problems e.g. TLCV resistance in tomato. The linkages and joint operational projects with public institutes in areas of molecular biology may help private seed companies to utilize the scientific talent available in public institutes and benefit from costs of research for transfer of the cost effectiveness to the ultimate beneficiary-the vegetable grower.

Seed production is concentrated in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Efforts should be undertaken for bringing underexploited but potential areas of the country where the Seed Industry is almost non-existent like North Eastern States. h) Enhanced Use of MS System Hybrid seed production is undertaken mainly through hand emasculation and pollination which enhances the cost of hybrid seeds. More emphasis needs to be given for utilization of male sterile system in different vegetable crops to reduce the cost.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Hybrid

Pearl Millet: Indian Scenario

C. Tara Satyavathi, S.P. Singh and M.B. Arun Kumar Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, IARI, New Delhi.

earl millet is a major warm-season, highly crosspollinated coarse cereal grown annually on more than 29 million ha in the arid and semi-arid tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Pearl millet is largely grown under rainfed conditions in India. It occupied an area of 8.754 million hectares in 2011-12, with a production of 12.52 million tonnes and average productivity of 1431 Kilogram/hectare while in 2012-13 there was tremendous reduction in area (22 percent) to 6.84 million hectares and production was reduced by almost 42 percent which is mainly due to delayed onset of monsoon. The major pearl millet growing states are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana states accounting to 90 percent of the total pearl millet area. The remaining 10 percent

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

area is distributed in states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Efforts are initiated in introducing pearl millet into eastern states of India. It is a C4 species with high photosynthetic efficiency, high water-use efficiency and adaptation to high temperatures during its growth period and is capable of producing large amounts of dry matter. It is usually grown in most adverse climatic conditions, where other crops fail to give economic yields. It gives an economical grain yield of 600 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 700 kg/ha under low fertility and low management conditions, where as 4000 to 5000 kg/ha were also recorded for pearl millet hybrids of 80-85 days maturity when grown as irrigated summer season crop under high fertility conditions. Pearl millet has a remarkable ability to respond to favourable

agronomic and environmental conditions due to its short life span hence making it a viable economic crop option with short durations under improved crop management. There is now increasing interest in pearl millet cultivation as an irrigated summer season crop in parts of India (Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) where a few hybrids that tolerate temperatures of 42째C and above during flowering, have given very high grain yields (4000-5000 kg/ha) in farmers' fields.

pollinated varieties (OPV) by farmers which is due to - availability of hybrids in different maturity duration starting from 62 days to 90 days suiting the farmer's specific requirement; recovery of incurred costs with hybrids or OPVs, profitable seed production, distribution and unique marketing opportunities like contractual hybrid seed production as evident in Andhra Pradesh. The area under improved cultivars i.e. hybrids and improved OPVs in pearl millet has increased tremendously and at present constitutes 65 percent of the total pearl millet grown in the country. The level of adoption of improved cultivars varies with different pearl millet growing states- Gujarat and Haryana have higher rates of adoption while it is least in Rajasthan which is the major pearl millet growing state in the country. Due to the adoption of high yielding cultivars pearl millet productivity has been consistently increasing since 1986.

Production Scenario of Pearl Millet The area and production statistics of pearl millet for the last 5 years shows a significant change in the area, production and productivity due to the varied onset, occurrence and distribution of monsoon. The reportedly high yields in pearl millet are due to the large scale adoption of hybrids and open

Table 1: Area, production and productivity estimates of pearl millet during 2008-09 to 2012-13 Unit: Area in Million ha, Production in Million tonnes and productivity in kg/ha

Year

Area

Production

Productivity

2008-09

8.75

8.88

985.36

2009-10

8.90

6.51

731.46

2010-11

9.61

10.36

1078.04

2011-12

8.75

12.52

1430.86

2012-13

6.84

7.26

1061.40 Source: Directorate of Millets Development. Jaipur

Fig 1. Area, production and productivity of pearl millet in India during 1986-2010 (Source: DAC, Government of India as on 7 February 2012 available at http://www.agricoop.nic.in) Reprinted from Yadav et al., 2012

An analysis by Yadav et al (2012) shows that pearl millet productivity has gone up from 539 kg/ha during 1986-90 to 932 kg/ ha during 2006-10 registering an 73

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

percent improvement, which is highest among all food crops (Table 2).

Table 2 : Five-year means for grain yield and percent improvement in yield over average yield of 1986-90 of principal food crops in India during 1985-2010 Period

Grain yield (kg/ha) Rice

Wheat

1986-90

1622

2113

1991-95

1818

1996-00

Sorghum

Improvement (%) in yield over average yields of 1986-90 Maize

Pearl millet

Rice

Wheat

744

1371

539

Maize

Pearl millet

2429

827

1564

620

1918

2648

825

1768

733

2001-05

1997

2661

784

1913

856

2006-10

2161

2812

962

2124

932

Sorghum -

Reprinted from Yadav et al., 2012. (Source: DAC, Government of India as on 7 February, 2012 available at http://www.agricoop.nic.in)

The rate of improvement in pearl millet productivity during 1986-2010 has been 20 kg/ha/year as compared to 6.3 kg/ha/year during 1960-85. This improvement in pearl millet productivity has resulted in more than 45% improvement in its grain production, from 5.83 million tons during 1986-90 to 8.48 million tons during 2006-10 (Fig 1).

Pearl Millet Hybrid Research in India Research on pearl millet improvement in India is carried out through the All India Coordinated Pearl millet Improvement project (AICPMIP) under the aegis of ICAR. The AICPMIP was started in 1965 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi and at present is stationed at Jodhpur.

Fig 2: Geographical demarcation of A1, A and B zones of pearl millet evaluation in AICPMIP Reprinted from Yadav et al., 2012.

The whole pearl millet growing area is divided into three zones namely A1, A and B. The Zone A1 which is highly drought prone is comprised of parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana where the rainfall is less than 400 mm annual rainfall. The zone A comprises the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana and the entire pearl millet growing areas of Uttar Pradesh, northern Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Delhi where annual rainfall is greater than 400 mm. Zone B is comprised of southern states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (Fig 2).

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Initial efforts of pearl millet improvement focussed on the utilization of local germplasm or land races through simple mass selection. Later when germplasm was introduced from African countries, few varieties like Pusa Moti, Jamnagar Giant, Improved Ghana etc were developed through selection and intermating in the African material. Since pearl millet has hermaphrodite florets and the protogynous nature allows easy selfing and cross pollination, this unique trait combination was explored and exploited by the pearl millet breeders which led way to the development of open pollinated

varieties and hybrids in this crop. The high degree of heterosis and availability of suitable cytoplasmic male sterile system in pearl millet has facilitated the development of a strong organized seed industry involving both public and private sectors.

Breeding research in pearl millet can be grouped into four phases starting from 1950s. The first phase (1950-65) is characterized by majority of the traditional cultivars, few open pollinated varieties and no hybrids. The second phase (1965-80) is the beginning of hybrid research in pearl millet. This phase witnessed hybrid development and pioneering hybrid research done at IARI, New Delhi, PAU, Ludhiana, Jamnagar, Gujarat etc. However, occurrence of periodic downy mildew epidemics hampered the spread and progress of the hybrids. The third phase (1980-95) involves development of a large number of hybrids based on genetically diverse parental lines developed at ICRISAT and leading national pearl millet programmes of IARI, New Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan etc. Incidence of downy mildew was contained due to use of diverse parental lines. The fourth phase (1995 to till date) involves development of a very large number of hybrids based on highly diverse seed and pollinator parents targeting niche adaptation in different zones.

The annual rate of improvement in pearl millet productivity increased from 6.3 kg/ha/year during 1960-85 to about 20kg/ha/year during 1995-2010 which was highest amongst other major cereals such as wheat, rice, maize and sorghum. This has been made possible by adoption of high-yielding and downy mildew (DM) resistant hybrids, which are now, cultivated on about 5 m ha area in the country. At present, there are about 125 hybrids (by name) under cultivation in India. This enormous cultivars diversity has played a big role in enhancing pearl millet productivity in India and help preventing large scale downy mildew epidemics, as witnessed during the 1990's. Most of this productivity gain has come from better endowed environments (>400 mm annual rainfall), implying future prospects of further productivity enhancement with continued breeding efforts targeted for these environments. This was accomplished due to the availability of a greater number of hybrids with diverse parental lines, involvement of private sector in seed production, distribution and marketing of quality seed and finally increasing investment of private sector in hybrid research.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Development of hybrids is taken up both by public funded organizations and private sector in the country. The hybrid research in private sector was strengthened by the targeted approach of ICRISAT through Pearl millet hybrid parents research consortium where in the consortium members are provided with A, B and R lines on indent and membership basis. The same is available to NARS partners without any payment.

Hybrids allow maximum exploitation of heterosis whereas the open pollinated varieties do not allow for the maximum exploitation of heterozygosity and heterosis. The hybrids and open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) are bred and made available to farmers after three tier multi location testing (Initial hybrid/ varietal trial, Advanced hybrid/ varietal trial I and Advance hybrid/ varietal trial II) across 13 AICPMIP centres, 18 cooperating centres involving both public and private sectors. The multi location testing of cultivars has enabled rapid identification of superior varieties adapted to different agro-ecological conditions. The first reference of the availability of improved OPV A1/3 dates back in 1942. The first pearl millet hybrid HB 1 was released in 1965 thus making India as the first country in the world to develop grain hybrid utilizing cytoplasmic-genetic male-sterile line (Tift 23A ) and a restorer line (BIL 3B). At present there are more than 125 hybrids available in the system by name.

international pearl millet researcher's alternative sources of male sterility like A2, A3, A4, A5, Aegp were identified. Based on their differential fertility restoration patterns with common restorers, it was established that the A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, Aegp CMS systems are different. The efforts made by pearl millet breeding programmes of AICPMIP and ICRISAT in developing different male sterile lines are laudable. At present there are about 373 male sterile lines available for the breeders for hybrid development (Table 3). Table 3. Number of male sterile lines developed in background of different CMS systems at AICPMIP centres and ICRISAT. Period

Number of designated A lines A1

Others Total

cytoplasm cytoplasm cytoplasm

Parental Line Development (A, B and R) Hybrid development or open pollinated variety development involves development of inbred lines. The parental line development considers three important aspects namely â&#x20AC;&#x201C; selection for per se performance with respect to yield potential / disease / insect resistance; selection for fertility restoration in R lines and maintenance ability in B lines and finally evaluation for combining ability. Selection for performance per se involves days to flowering, yielding ability, grain quality and appearance, downy mildew resistance and of late blast resistance in both B and R lines in various inbreeding stages. Large scale use of single A1 source of cytoplasmic male sterility during the early hybrid development phase in 1960's led to epidemic breakdown and has raised concerns for diversification of cytoplasmic male sterility in pearl millet. As a result of continuous effort and search for alternate CMS sources by the national and

AICPMIP centres 30 3 25 ICRISAT 60 11 1

158

243

373

Till date

157

Till date Total

215

(1) Does not include 34 A-lines developed at ICRISAT, which are yet to be designated. (2) Include Aegp, DSA, A2 and A3 sources Source from: Twenty Five Years of Pearl Millet Improvement in India.

While breeding for A lines, primary emphasis is given for high yield potential as lines per se as well as in hybrids i.e. combining ability. The other important traits that are considered are- lodging resistance, thick and compact panicles, good exertion and good seed set in all environments. With changing climate and increased demand for stover in the plant type for developing dual purpose hybrids that yield good grain and stover yield, due consideration is also given for traits like plant height, tillering ability, seed colour and size. The A lines must have complete, stable sterility and B lines must have profuse pollen production. Of late, importance is given for seedling heat tolerance and post flowering heat tolerance. The restorer ( R ) lines must produce profuse pollen that should remain viable at air temperatures of 42-440C. The pollen parents must produce highly fertile hybrids. The pollinators should be tall in height (150-180 cm), desired maturity, tillering, lodging resistance to downy mildew and blast. A large number of hybrids have been developed both by public and private sector pearl millet breeding programmes in the country (Table 4).

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Table 4. Centre wise list of Pearl millet hybrids developed by Public and Private sectors. S. No.

Hybrids

Parentage

Notification Number and Date

Centre

Recommended areas

Jamnagar, Gujarat (19) 1

GHB 732

ICMA 96222 x J 2340

SO 72 (E) 10.01.2008

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi, MP

GHB 744

ICMA 98444 x J 2340

SO 72 (E) 10.01.2008

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi, MP

GHB 757

ICMA 92777 x J 2467

SO 72 (E) 10.01.2008

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Dry areas of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat

GHB 719

ICMA 95222 x J 2454

SO 122 (E) 06.02.2007

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Dry areas of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat

GHB 538

ICMA 95444 x J 2340

SO 1177 28.08.2005

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Dry areas of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat

GHB 577

JMSA 101A x J 2405

SO 161(E) 04.02.04

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Delhi, MP

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

GHB 558

ICMA 94555 x J 2290

SO 283 (E) 12.03.03

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

All India

GHB 526

ICMA 95222 x J 2372

SO 283 (E) 12.03.03

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Summer cultivation areas across India

GHB 188

81A x J 998

SO 360 (E) 01.05.1997

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Summer cultivation areas of Gujarat

GHB 316

405A x J 2290

SO 662 (E) 17.09.1997

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Delhi, MP and Punjab

GHB 15

5054A x J 108

SO 636 (E) 02.09.1994

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Gujarat

SO 636 (E) 02.09.1994

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Gujarat

1989

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

SO 165 (E) 06.03.1987

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Gujarat

1983 27.03.1985

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Gujarat

12 13 14 15

GHB 235 GHB 181 GHB 30 GHB 32

81A x J 2296 81A x J 2002 5054A x J 2002 5141A x J 1188

GHB 27

5141A x J 2002

SO 499 (E) 08.07.1983

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

GHB 1399

126 D2A x J 1399

1975

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Gujarat

HB 3

Tift 23A x J 104

SO 4045 & 5505 (E) 24.09.1969& 20.10.1971

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Dry areas of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat

HB 2

Tift 23A x J 88

SO 4045 24.09.1969

AICPMIP, MRS, Jamnagar

Dry areas of MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat

ARS, Durgapura, Rajasthan (7) 20

RHB 173 (MH 1446)

ICMA 93333 x RIB 192

SO 632(E) 25.3.2011

AICPMIP, ARS, Durgapura, Jaipur

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi, MP

RHB 177 (MH 1486)

ICMA 843-22 x RIB 494

SO 632(E) 25.3.2011

AICPMIP, ARS, Durgapura, Jaipur

Dry areas of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat

RHB 154

ICMA 95444 x RIB 57S/05

SO 2187 (E) 27.8.2009

AICPMIP, ARS, Durgapura, Jaipur

Western Rajasthan, and drier parts of Haryana and Gujarat

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

RHB 121

ICMA 89111 x RIB 3135-18

SO 1134 (E) 15.11.2001

AICPMIP, ARS, Durgapura, Jaipur

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Delhi, MP

RHB 90

81A x RIB 3135-18

SO 821 (E) 13.09.2000

AICPMIP, ARS, Durgapura, Jaipur

Rajasthan

RHB 30

843 A x RIB 335/74

SO 360 (E) 01.05.1997

AICPMIP, ARS, Durgapura, Jaipur

Rajasthan

RHB 58

81A x RIB 20K-86

SO 408 (E) 04.05.1995

AICPMIP, ARS, Durgapura, Jaipur

All India

CCSHAU, Hisar (13) 27

HHB 226 (MH 1479)

ICMA 843-22 x HBL 11

SO 632(E) 25.3.2011

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Dry areas of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat

HHB 223 (MH 1468)

ICMA 94555 x HBL 11

SO 211 (E) 29.1.2010

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi, MP

HHB 216 (MH 1421)

HMS 37A x HTP 3/13

SO 211 (E) 29.1.2010

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Western Rajasthan, and drier parts of Haryana and Gujarat

HHB 197

ICMA 97111 x HBL 11

SO 72 (E) 10.01.2008

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi, MP

HHB 67 Improved

ICMA 843-22 x H77/833-2-202

SO 1566 (E) 05.11.2005

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Western Rajasthan, and drier parts of Haryana and Gujarat

HHB 117

HMS 7A x H77/29-2

SO 161 (E) 04.02.04

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Haryana

HHB 146

ICMA 95222 x HTP94/54

SO 283 (E) 12.03.03

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar and ICRISAT

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Delhi, MP

HHB 94

ICMA 89111 x G73-107

SO 340 (E) 3.04.2000

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Haryana

842A x H77/833-2

SO 615 (E) 17.08.1993

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Haryana

843A x H77/833-2

SO 386 (E) 15.05.1990

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

All India

35 36

HHB 68 HHB 67

HHB 50

81A x H90/4-5

SO 165 (E), SO 10 (E) 06.03.1987, 01.01.1988

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Haryana, TN and Gujarat

HHB 60

81A x H77/833-2

SO 1135 (E) 01.12.1988

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Haryana

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

HHB 45

5141A x H 90/4-5

SO 540 (E) 24.07.1985

AICPMIP, CCSHAU, Hisar

Haryana

MPKV, Maharashtra (3) 40

RHRBH 9808

RHRB 13A x RHRBI 1314

SO 2137 (E) 31.8.2010

AICPMIP, MPKV, Dhule

Maharashtra

RHRBH 8924 (Saburi)

RHRB 5A x RHRBI 418

SO 360 (E) 01.05.1997

AICPMIP, MPKV, Rahuri

Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and TN

RHRBH 8602 (Shardha)

RHRB 1A x RHRBI 138

SO 636 (E) 02.09.1994

AICPMIP, MPKV, Rahuri

Maharashtra

PAU, Ludhiana (5) 43

PHB 2168

ICMA 92333 x PIB 686

SO 72 (E) 10.01.2008

AICPMIP, PAU, Ludhiana

PHB 47

PB 111A x PIB 1234

SO 832 (E) 18.11.1985

AICPMIP, PAU, Ludhiana

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi, MP Punjab and TN

PHB 14 (HB 7)

PB 111A x PIB 228

SO 786 (E) 02.02.1976 Denotified 17.07.1997

AICPMIP, PAU, Ludhiana

All India

PHB 10 (HB 6)

PB 111A x PIB 155

SO 786 (E) 02.02.1976 Denotified 17.07.1997

AICPMIP, PAU, Ludhiana

All India

HB 1

Tift 23A x Bil 3B

SO 4045 and SO 716 24.09.1969, 20.02.1970 denotified 19.12.1978

AICPMIP, PAU, Ludhiana

Assured rainfall across India

TNAU, Coimbatore (9) 48

Co 9

CoHCu8

51 52

SO 1708 (E) 26.07.2012

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

732A x PT 4450

SO 1134 (E) 15.11.2001

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

732 A x PT 3095

SO 360 (E) 01.05.1997

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

X7 (Cumbu 7)

Pb 111A x PT 1890

SO 647 (E) 09.09.97

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

X5 (UCH9)

PB 111A x PT 1921

SO 295 (E) 09.04.1985

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

53 54

X4 KBH 1

5141A x PT 1921

SO 19 (E) 14.01.1982

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

PB 111A x S 444

SO 19 (E) 14.01.1982

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

PT 826/7 x PT 829/8

1957-

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

PT 411 x PT 422

1950 -

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu

PT 348 x PT 350

1950-

AICPMIP, TNAU, Coimbatore

Tamil Nadu IARI, New Delhi (14)

Pusa 605

841A x PPMI 69

SO 425 (E) 08.06.99

IARI, New Delhi

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Delhi, MP

IARI, New Delhi

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Delhi, MP

Pusa 415

576A x PPMI 85

SO 1050 (E) 26.10.1999

Pusa 444

189A x PPMI 301

SO 408 (E) 04.05.1995

Pusa 322

841 x PPMI 301 (MH 322)

SO 615 (E) 17.08.1993

IARI, New Delhi

All India

Pusa 23 (MH 169)

841A x D 23

SO 834 (E) 10.09.1987

IARI, New Delhi

All India

Pusa 46 (CM 46)

5054A x M 46

SO 2 (E) 03.01.1983

IARI, New Delhi

All India

Pusa 763 (BD 763)

5141A x D 763

SO 371 (E) 29.05.1982

IARI, New Delhi

All India

BD 111

5141A x D 111

SO 470 (E) 19.02.1980

IARI, New Delhi

AP, New Delhi and Haryana

BJ 104

5141A x J 104

SO 13 and SO 470 (E) 19.12.1978; 19.02.1980

IARI, New Delhi

All India

BK 560

5141A x K 560-230

SO 13 (E) 19.12.1978

IARI, New Delhi

All India

CJ 104

5054A x J 104

SO 13 (E) 19.12.1978

IARI, New Delhi

Drought prone areas of Gujarat

NBH 5

5071A x K559-85

SO 786 (E) 02.02. 1976

IARI, New Delhi

Rajasthan, Haryana, UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

NHB 3

5071A x J 104

1975 -

IARI, New Delhi

Gujarat

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

NHB 4

5071A x K560-230

1975 -

IARI, New Delhi

All India

HB 4

Tift 23A x K 560

S.O. 4045and 716 (E) 24.09.69 20.02.70

AICPMIP Kanpur under IARI

All India (except Punjab)

HB 5

Tift 23A x K 559

AICPMIP Kanpur under IARI

All India

1969-

AICPMIP, Gwalior(1) 73

JBH 1

81A x ICMR 501

1996 15.07.1996

and ICRISAT

MP and UP

AICPMIP, RRS, NARP, Aurangabad (2) 74

PABH 3

PAMS 1A x Zim-1

AHB 251 (Devgiri)

81A x AIB 16

SO 636 (E) 02.09.1994

AICPMIP, RRS, NARP, Aurangabad

Marathwada area of Maharashtra

AICPMIP, RRS, NARP, Aurangabad

Marathwada area of Maharashtra

ICRISAT, Hyderabad (5) 76

ICMH 312

81A x ICMR 312

SO 615 (E) 17.08.1993

ICRISAT, Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

ICMH 356

ICMA 88004 x ICMR 356

SO 615 (E) 17.08.1993

ICRISAT, Hyderabad

All India

ICMH 423

841A x ICMP 423

SO 10 (E) 1.1.1988

ICRISAT, Hyderabad

All India

ICMH 451 (MH 179)

81A x ICMP 451 SO 258 (E) 14.05.1986

ICRISAT, Hyderabad

All India

MH 180

834A x ICMP 501

SO 258 (E) 14.05.1986

ICRISAT, Hyderabad

All India

MH 182

732A x PNBM 83099

SO 258 (E) 14.05.1986

AICPMIP, Pune and Coimbatore

All India

Advanta India Ltd. Hyderabad (2) 82

PAC 909 (MH 1435)

110057 x 130453 SO 2326 (E) 10.10.2011

Advanta India Ltd. Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

PAC 903 (ICI 903)

Advanta India Ltd. Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

SO 401 (E) 15.05.1998

Metahelix Life Science Ltd., Bangalore (2) 84

MP-7872 (MH 1610)

M002A x M004R

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

SO 1708 (E)

Metahelix Life Science Ltd., Bangalore

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, UP, MP,

MP 7792 (MH 1609)

M001A x M004R

SO 1708 (E)

Metahelix Life Science Ltd., Bangalore

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, UP, MP,

Kaveri Seed Co. Ltd., Secunderabad (1) 86

Kaveri Super Boss (MH 1553)

KBMS 329 x KBR 621

SO 2125 (E)

Kaveri Seed Co. Ltd., Rajasthan, Gujarat, Secunderabad Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, UP, MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

Nuziveedu Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad (1) 87

Pratap (MH 1642)

NB 101A x NB 152R

SO 2125 (E)

Nuziveedu Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

Bioseed Research India, Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad (2) 88

Bio 70 (MH 1632)

11A x R 207

Bio 448 (MH 1671) 13A R210

SO 2125 (E)

Bioseed Research India, Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

Western Rajasthan and drier part of Gujarat and Haryana

SO 2125 (E)

Bioseed Research India, Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, UP and MP

Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Hyderabad (6) 90

86M66 (MH 1617)

M124F x M118R SO 2326 (E) 10.10.2011

Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Hyderabad

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi, MP

86M64 (MH 1540)

M096F x M117R

SO 283 (E) 07.02.2011

Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

86M53 (MH1541)

M096F x M119R

SO 283 (E) 07.02.2011

Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

86M64

M096F x M117R

SO 283 (E) 07.02.2011

Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Hyderabad

Summer growing areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and TN

7688

PH 03 x PH 05

SO 92 (E) 02.02.2001

Pioneer, Hyderabad

All India

7686

PH 01 x PH 03

SO 401 (E) 15.05.1998

Pioneer, Hyderabad

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, MP

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

New Nandi, Ahmedabad (8) 96

Nandi 65 (MH 1549)

NMS 24A x NMP 75

SO 2137 (E) 31.08.2010

New Nandi, Ahmedabad

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Delhi, MP and Punjab

Nandi 61 (MH 1548)

NMS 24A x NMP 64

SO 2137 (E) 31.08.2010

New Nandi, Ahmedabad

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Delhi,| MP and Punjab

Nandi 64 (MSH 199)

NMS 2-11A x NMP 4-1

SO 211 (E) 29.01.2010

New Nandi, Ahmedabad

Summer growing areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and TN

Nandi 35

NMS 11A x NMP 42

SO 1134 (E) 15.11.2001

New Nandi, Ahmedabad

Dry areas of MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat

100

Nandi 8

NMS 5A x NMP 23

SO 425 (E) 08.06.1999

New Nandi, Ahmedabad

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and UP

101

Nandi 32

NMS 7A x NMP 24

SO 1050 (E) 26.10.1999

New Nandi, Ahmedabad

Rajasthan, Haryana Gujarat, UP, Delhi and MP

102

NMH 68 (Nandi 62)

ICMA 97444 x NMP 48

SO 1703 (E) 05.10.2007

New Nandi, Ahmedabad

Rajasthan, Gujarat, UP, Delhi, MP and Punjab

103

Nandi 30

NMS 3A x NMP 13

SO 360 (E) 01.05.1997

New Nandi, Ahmedabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

JK Agri Genetics, Hyderabad (2) 104

JKBH 676

JKMS 20A x JKR 6136

SO 2187 (E) 27.08.2009

JK Agri Genetics, Hyderabad

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, Delhi, MP and Punjab

105

JKBH 26

JKMS 2A x JKR 497

SO 662 (E) 17.09.1997

JK Agri Genetics, Hyderabad

Rajasthan, Haryana, UP, Delhi and MP

Ganga Kaveri, Hyderabad (2) 106

GK 1051

PM 678A-II x PM 1081R-I

SO 454 (E) 11.02.2009

Ganga Kaveri, Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

107

GK 1004

GKPM 1A x GKPM 59R

SO 401 (E) 15.05.1998

Ganga Kaveri, Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

Zuari Seeds Ltd., Bangalore (2) 108

B 2095 (MH 1257)

B 0009A x B 5220R

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

SO 449 (E) 11.02.2009

Zuari Seeds Ltd., Bangalore

Rajasthan, Gujarat, UP, Delhi and MP

109

B 2301

B 0009A x B 5103R

SO 1703 (E) 05.10.2007

Zuari Seeds Ltd., Bangalor

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

Bayer Bio Science, Hyderabad (1) 110

PB 727 (ProAgro 9555)

PSP 51 x PP 38

SO 1108 (E ) 08.05.2008

Bayer Bio Science, Hyderabad

Summer growing areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and TN

ProAgro Hyderabad (4) 111

PB 180

PSP 41 x PP 29

SO 161 (E) 04.02.2004

ProAgro Hyderabad

Summer cultivation areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat and other states

112

PB 106 (Pro Agro 9443)

PSP 41 x PP 6

SO 92 (E) 02.02.2001

ProAgro Hyderabad

113

PB 112 (ProAgro 9445)

PSP x PP 1

SO 1134 (E) 15.11.2001

ProAgro Hyderabad

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, MP, Delhi

114

ProAgro 1 (FMH 3)

PSP 21 x PP 23

SO 401 (E) 15.05.1998

ProAgro Hyderabad

All India (irrigated in summer and rainfed in kharif)

All India

Mahendra seeds (4) 115

MLBH 504

36A x MI -67

SO 1050 (E) 26.10.1999

Mahendra seeds

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

116

MLBH 285

11 A x MI- 51

SO 360 (E) 01.05.1997

Mahendra seeds

Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and MP

117

MLBH 267

3A x 153

SO 1 (E) 01.01.1996

Mahendra seeds

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

118

MLBH 104

53A x MI 13

SO 793 (E) 22.11.1991

Mahendra seeds

All India

MAHYCO, Jalana (6) 119

MBH 160

MMS-9 x PI 21

1993 13.01.1993

MAHYCO, Jalana

All India

120

MBH 136

MS 2A x PL No. 6

SO 280 (E) 13.04.1989

MAHYCO, Jalana

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

121

MBH 130

MS 2A x PL No. 4

SO 165 (E) 06.03.1986

MAHYCO, Jalana

All India

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

122

MBH 118

MS 2A x Pollinator No. 3

SO 295 (E) 09.04.1985

123

MBH 110

MS 2A x Pollinator No. 2

SO 2 (E) 03.01.1983

124

MBH 104

BMS 1 x BPL 15 SO 13 (E) 19.12.1978

MAHYCO, Jalana

All India (rainfed)

MAHYCO, Jalana

All India

MAHYCO, Jalana

All India (rainfed)

Nath Seeds, Aurangabad (1) 125

Eknath 301

NBMS 13A x NB 37

SO 793 (E) 22.11.1991

Nath Seeds, Aurangabad

All India

Vijay Seeds, Jalna (1) 126

VBH 4

VBMS 1A x VBR 19

SO 639 (E) 17.08.1990

Vijay Seeds, Jalna

All India

Vibha Agrotech Ltd., Hyderabad ( 1) 127

Shine (VBBH 3040) (MH1578)

VBBA 310089 x VBBR 330585

SO 456 (E)

Vibha Agrotech Ltd., Hyderabad

Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP and TN

Seed Production Seed production and supply of pearl millet seed is well developed and organized in the country. The seed production involved different classes of seed like nucleus, breeder, foundation and certified. The commercial seed production starts with breeder seed, which is generally produced by the originating breeding centres, SAUs, ICRISAT and some private companies. Foundation seed of parental lines and OPVs is produced by National Seed corporation of India (NSC), State Farms Corporation of India (SFCI), State Seed Corporations (SSC) and certain seed companies. Certified seed is produced by SSCs and NSC following established procedure of seed production (Khairwal, 2007). It starts with compilation of indents by Government of India, then the information is passed on to the ADG (seeds) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, who in turn passes the indents to the project coordinator. The project coordinator allots the

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

breeder seed production of parental lines of hybrids and Open pollinated composite varieties to different originating centres and monitors the production programme. Seed demand of certified seeds is assessed for all states every year by the GOI, and accordingly seed production target are allocated to various seed producing organizations. Similarly depending on the sale projections of a particular hybrid and inventory stock of various classes of seed, private companies work out requirement of foundation and breeder seed. Analysis into the requirement of various classes of seeds as carried out by Yadav et al (2012) suggests that a total of 528 kg of breeder seed (total of A, B and R lines) produced is sufficient to produce 22,000 tonnes of hybrid seed that is sufficient to plant an area of 5.5 million hectares (Table 5)

Table 5: Area and seed requirement for various seed classes to produce 22,000 tons (enough to plant 5.5 million ha) of certified pearl millet hybrid seed. Parental

Year 1 Season I

Year 1 Season II

Year 2 Season I

line

For breeder seed (BS) production

For foundation seed (FS) production

For certified seed (CS) production

Area (ha)

Nucleus seed quantity (Kg)

Area (ha)

BS quantity (Kg)

Area (ha)

FS quantity (Kg)

A-line

0.352

1.408

88.0

352.0

22000

88000

B-line

0.088

0.352

22.0

88.0

R-line

0.088

0.352

22.0

88.0

5500

22000

Total

0.528

2.112

132.0

528.0

27500

110000

Source from: Twenty Five Years of Pearl Millet Improvement in India (Yadav et al, 2012)

(The calculations assume 1000 kg/ha of seed yield in production plots, 4 kg/ha of seed rate and female: male row ratio of 4:1).

Apart from the public sector, private sector is also involved in the large scale production of public sector bred hybrids along with their own proprietary hybrids. A large quantity of seed production of the following public sector bred hybrids is taken up by private sector â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pusa 23, HHB 67, HB 67 Improved and HHB 197. A large quantity of truthfully labelled seed of large number of research hybrids/ proprietary hybrids is also produced by private sector where in certification by seed certification agencies are not involved. The market share of such seed is very high and needs assessment.

pressure and ultimate pressure on water resources for agriculture and being the most water- use efficient cereal under limited moisture conditions and environments, pearl millet becomes a choice crop in future. It is the most salinity tolerant cereal after barley. Pearl millet, being a C4 species with high biomass production capability and photosynthetic potential beocmes a choice crop for developing dual purpose hybrids which can meet the ever increasing demands of dry stover and grain. Pearl millet is also viewed as a potential alternative to maize in poultry and cattle feed industry in India.

Future Scenario

Pearl millet being highly nutritious with high dietary fibre, protein and fat, balanced aminoacid profile and high levels of iron and zinc is considered as a nutri cereal and viewed as one of the options to allevaite the malnutrition in the country. Efforts are already initiated in national pearl millet programmes and ICRISAT to develop high iron and zinc parental lines and thus develop biofortified hybrids to achieve this goal.

Due to adoption of hybrid technology significant genetic gains of 20 kg/ha/year for grain yield were obtained in pearl millet. This trend can be maintained and even improved in the forth coming period. Availability of hybrids and improved crop management in summer season gives the potential of harnessing 4000 to 5000 kg/ha of grain yield in pearl millet which is far above the national average. Also availability of extra early maturing hybrids with tolerance to important diseases makes pearl millet a best choice for multiple cropping systems. Due to rapid changing climate, increasing population

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

With many benefits, proven track of hybrid production potential, hyrbid research in pearl millet is certain to attain a unique status, model system and torch bearer of hybrid seed industry in India.

100

References Khairwal IS, Rai KN, Diwakar B, Sharma YK, Rajpurohit BS, Nirwan B, Bhattacharjee R. 2007. Pearl millet: Crop management and seed production manual. Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Arid Tropics pp 108. Rai K.N., Gowda C.L.L., Reddy B.V.S. and Sehgal S. 2008. The potential of sorghum and pearl millet in alternative and health food uses. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety 7: 340-352 Singh B. R. and Singh D.P. 1995. Agronomic and physiological response of sorghum, maize and pearl millet to irrigations. Field Crops Research 42: 57-67

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Velu G., Rai. K.N., Muralidharan V., Kulkarni V.N., Longvah T. and Raveendran T.S. 2007. Prospects of breeding biofortified pearl millet with high grain iron and zinc contents. Plant Breeding 126: 182-185 Yadav O.P., Rai K.N., Khairwal I.S., Rajpurohit B.S. and Mahala R.S. 2011. Breeding pearl millet for arid zone of north â&#x20AC;&#x201C; western India: constraints, opportunitites and approaches. All India Coordinated Pearl millet Improvement Project, Jodhpur, India 28 pp. Yadav O.P., Rai K.N., Rajpurohit B.S., Hash C.T., Mahala R.S., Gupta S.K., Shetty H.S., Bishnoi H.R., Rathore M.S., Kumar A., Sehgal S. and Raghvani K.L. 2012. Twenty-five Years of Pearl Millet Improvement in India. All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project, Jodhpur, India. 122 pp.

101

Can Better Hybrids Help Resurrection of Sorghum Economy in India? 2

N. Seetharama1, AV Umakanth , and Vilas Tonapi

1. Executive Director, ABLE AG, New Delhi, & Former Director, DSR (ICAR), Hyderabad), 2. Principal Sorghum Breeder, DSR, 3. Head of Division, Seed Science & Technology, IARI, New Delhi.

orghum has many unique characteristics that make it as an ideal crop for all - researchers, cultivators, consumers and the user-industries. It is a C4 crop with wide genetic variability and adaptability. Sorghum is grown all over the world from 40 0N to 350 S of equator. It can perform satisfactorily under various conditions such as extreme temperatures and low fertility, and can still produce high biomass and grain yield. It has a wide variety of uses including as food, feed, forage, bio-fuel and others. It is relatively a well-studied crop, has much genetic resources, and even the genome is fully sequenced.This crop has been improved and commercialized considerably across all continents. In India, it is one of the four major cereals grown during Kharif and Rabi (mostly dual-purpose types), and even in summer with irrigation (mostly as forage).

Sorghum Research in India About five decades ago, the introduction of hybrid of sorghum along with those of maize and pearl millet laid the foundation for the Indian seed industry. Sorghum crop had a glorious past: in fact, the annual

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

growth rate of sorghum production in the country reached nearly 4 percent even before the 'green revolution', largely attributable to the hybrid technology introduced from the USA. In fact, such results encouraged establishment of the National Research Centre for Sorghum (NRCS, now called DSR) by the ICAR, and a generously funded International program at ICRISAT by the Consultative Group for International Agriculture, both located at Hyderabad. In India, most of the sorghum is grown as a rain fed crop with limited inputs during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. In the Indo-Gangetic plains, there is some area under multi-cut forage sorghum that is irrigated. Sorghum is one of the crops we have been able to exploit heterosis. Much is achieved for kharif, but a great deal is yet to be done to exploit heterosis in breeding hybrids for Rabi cultivation as well as for (multi-cut) forage sorghum. However, ever since the rise of productivity of rice and wheat in the country, sorghum started losing its ground. Sorghum occupied ~ 20 m ha in 1960s and early 1970s, but later on, the

103

oil seeds crops in Deccan plateau, soybean in MP, and in the recent years the Bt. cotton (largely in Maharashtra and Gujarat) have severely eroded the popularity of sorghum cultivation. Added to this, the food habits have changed in favour of fine cereals. All these factors are responsible for the reduction in area under sorghum to < 10 m hectare, and its importance as a food crop. However, importance of sorghum as a fodder crop remains intact even after the initial reduction due to tractorization especially in central India, and new potentials as biofuels may unravel in the near future. Considerable amount of research is carried out on Indian sorghum for the last 60 years at the state (SAUs), national (DSR & AICSIP) and international (ICRISAT) levels, and results are documented exhaustively. Many sorghum scientists hold the changing food preferences and the government's public distribution system (PDS) as the factors responsible for this decline in production and consumption of sorghum. However, the fact is that sorghum is not able to meet the competition offered by alternate crops and cropping systems, let alone the fine cereals, and in the recent years by maize. Lack of significant improvements to contain the problems of grain mold, and different insect pests throughout growing season (shoot fly, borer, midge, ear head bug) in grain sorghum has resulted in drastic reduction in kharif area. During Rabi season, since the choice of crops is limited and minimal fodder requirement persisted, the area is stabilized around 5 m hectares mainly in Maharashtra and the adjoining areas of neighbouring states. Alternatives such as planting of sunflower tried in 1970s declined because of virus incidence. In the recent years, the cost of cultivation has increased very significantly because of higher

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wages for labour engaged in weeding, harvesting and threshing, and low marketing opportunities. The dependence on purchased inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides for the so-called 'improved' cultivars resulted in exorbitant cost of cultivation. As the area declined and remained scattered, bird attack became a serious problem especially since farmers started sending children to school. (Otherwise, children would have been deployed to scare away birds). So the question is, how can we find rightful place for sorghum in Indian agriculture?

Research & Development on Sorghum, Especially Hybrids Public Sector Research: Over 150 cultivars including 25 hybrids were developed during the last five decades by the national public system. ICRISAT developed pre-breeding materials were freely distributed to seed companies who developed many truthfully labelled hybrids and marketed. However, the genetic base of all these cultivars remains very narrow as they are largely based on most popular parental lines bred by AICSIP such as 296B, CS3541, R16, and few selections from landraces. Cytoplasmic diversification was extensively attempted, but still almost all hybrids are based on A1 cytoplasm. For Rabi, since there is no popular hybrid as the amount of heterosis relaised is very low unlike kharif sorghum, seed replacement rate has remained very low (16 years: ICRISAT Policy Brief No. 15). The popular landrace M 35-1 is still the dominated variety even today. In the absence of irrigation, the input use is also low, and so is the productivity. Oflate, new rabi varieties have been developed for different soil regimes like CSV 18, CSV 22, Phule Revati, Phule Anuradha, Phule Chitra etc

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Private Sector R&D and Commercial Seed Production: The private sector research started with the production of nationally released hybrids, but they switched on to their own â&#x20AC;&#x153;truthfully labelled seedsâ&#x20AC;?, without worrying about official certification. Almost all of the grain sorghum hybrids produced commercially are for Kharif only; naturally, the quantum declined with decrease in kharif area. Today, the private sector dominates the market dwarfing NSC and state seed corporations. While many fly-by-night operators sold spurious seeds, few companies have done well to serve the cause of farmers while befitting from sorghum business. In the recent years, the private sector players were also very smart to sense the market trends and concentrate mainly on forage hybrids, the initiation of which should be credited to multinational companies like Pioneer and others. Public sector concentrated largely on routine range of kharif hybrids, and even a few forage hybrids developed could not compete with those from private sector in market place.

Sorghum Hybrid Development Kharif sorghum hybrid breeding: The discovery of cytoplasmic genetic male-sterility in sorghum and its use for hybrid-seed production made the commercial exploitation of heterosis possible. Though the Indian sources of cytoplasm such as Maldandi (M 31-2A and M 35-1), Vijayanagaram (VZM 2A) and Guntur (G1) are well known, the milo cytoplasm discovered in the USA has been most extensively utilized in the entire hybrid programme of our country. Heterosis was found associated with long x compact panicle types, where contribution of number of seeds per panicle branch heterosis was high. The hybrid programme in India was initiated during early sixties by attempting crosses of Indian tall cultivars with temperate dwarf parents as male parents on exotic CMS lines. Combined Kafir (CK) 60A is one such CMS line, which was extensively utilized in developing two commercial hybrids which were released as CSH 1 using IS 84 as restorer in 1964, and as CSH 2 in 1965 with IS 3691 as the male parent (Table 1). The male parents of CSH 2 and CSH 3 were shorter than respective CMS lines and these hybrids could not spread much. The next commercial hybrid, CSH 4 was based on CMS 1036A and Swarna as a male parent. As the improved and promising parental lines bred indigenously became available, the new hybrids such as CSH 5 (2077A x CS 3541) and an early hybrid, CSH 6 (2219A x CS 3541) were developed. These hybrids released in 1975 (CSH 5) and 1977 (CSH 6) showed a

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quantum jump in grain yields. Both hybrids were widely adapted in the country with acceptable grain and fodder yields as well as tolerance to grain molds and leaf diseases (mainly attributed to the male parent CS 3541 (converted zera zera line from Ethiopian germplasm) compared to CSH 1. The next breakthrough came through the release of CSH 9 (296A x CS 3541) based on derivatives on the sides of both parents. This hybrid maintained 1820% higher yield than CSH 5 and CSH 6 and became best-selling hybrid. Next, two hybrids viz., CSH 10, a dual-purpose (grain + stover) hybrid and CSH 11 could not find popularity with farmers due to seed production problem and/or small seed size. Another potential hybrid based on 296A was released as CSH 13 (296A x RS 29). It is adapted to both kharif and Rabi seasons and performs as a single-cut fodder hybrid. It yields 45 percent higher dry fodder yield than CSH 9. As dependence on CMS 296 A increased, diversification of CMS lines became a high priority in the late eighties in addition to genetic enhancement of R lines. These efforts helped to develop another set of four hybrids with plant canopy similar to that of CSH 9, i.e., CSH 14 (AKMS 14A x R 150), CSH 16 (27A x C 43), CSH 17 (AKMS 14A x RS 673) and CSH 18 (IMS 9A x Indore 12) on new CMS lines. The hybrids CSH 14 and CSH 17 are also known for earliness by 8-10 days with grain yield potential of CSH 9. CSH 16 has 9% higher grain yield than CSH 9 along with bold seed, and is tolerant to grain molds. The hybrid CSH 18 released by Indore centre of AICSIP is 9% superior in grain yield than CSH 9; further it is almost a dualpurpose hybrid yielding good amount of stover. This hybrid was followed by CSH 23, an early duration (101 days) hybrid and CSH 25, which is the latest kharif hybrid released in 2008. This hybrid is developed by using new MS line PMS 28 A (296B x 94040 B) and R line C 43 which is comparatively tolerant to grain mold. It yields about 12 percent and 22 percent higher grain and fodder yield over existing hybrid CSH 16 . The release of such dual purpose hybrid having mold tolerance will help in increasing kharif sorghum cultivation at National level. Cytoplasmic diversification: Genetic vulnerability associated with the use of a single cytoplasm has led to the use of A2 cytoplasm in developing new CMS, restorer lines and grain mold tolerant hybrids. Efforts are underway for exploiting non-milo cytoplasms at NRCS and many AICSIP stations. However, to date there is no commercial hybrid based on non-A1 cytoplasm.

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Table 1: Performance of Kharif hybrids released at the national level Hybrid

Year of release

Developing centre

Grain yield (kg ha-1)

Stover yield (kg ha-1)

Plant height (cm)

Average duration (days)

CSH 1

1964

NRCS

3020

7500

150

CSH 5

1975

NRCS

3414

9300

174

105

CSH 6

1977

NRCS

3376

8100

161

CSH 9

1983

NRCS

3868

9800

182

105

CSH 10

1984

Dharwad

3633

12000

233

105

CSH 11

1986

ICRISAT

3832

9700

188

105

CSH 13

1995

NRCS

3924

14400

261

105

CSH 14

1992

Akola

3840

8800

181

103

CSH 16

1997

NRCS

4250

9100

210

110

CSH 17

1998

NRCS

4120

9000

185

103

CSH 18

1999

Indore

4200

10500

200

112

CSH 23

2005

NRCS

4100

8700

184

101

CSH 25

2008

Parbhani

4370

12700

209

113

Private Hybrids Released Through AICSIP System Varieties Grain Dry Plant / Hybrids yield Fodder height (q/ha) yield (cm) (q/ha)

Maturity Plant (days) pigment

Salient features in including disease resistance

CSH 21

110

195

110

Tan

Dull green midrib, semi compact spindle shape panicle, medium round cream color seed. Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP, MP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, UP (Developed by Mahendra Seeds, Jalna)

CSH 26

146

195

110

Tan

Medium round grayed yellow colour grain seed, midrib dull green, semi-compact spindle shape earhead, recommended for all India cultivation. (*Developed by Devgen Seeds, Jalna)

Rabi Sorghum Hybrids Two hybrids - CSH 7R (36A x 168) and CSH 8R (36A x PD 301-11) were developed and released for Rabi cultivation (Table 2). CSH 8R was under cultivation for few years but due to economic reasons, seed producing agencies could not continue to support, and its coverage was inadequate. The renewed efforts enabled to develop two more hybrids, CSH 12R and CSH 13R in the years 1986 and 1991, respectively and both were based on kharif CMS 296 A. The heterosis

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realized in CSH 12R and CSH 13R over CSH 8R was 18 percent and 50 percent, respectively. The hybrid, CSH 15R released in 1995 was for the first time developed on Rabi CMS line (104A x RS 585). It showed 22 percent superior over the popular variety, M 35-1. The latest Rabi hybrid, CSH 19R (104A x R 354 from Akola centre of AICSIP) is bold-seeded and yields higher than CSH 15R under irrigation. This hybrid is spreading slowly in Rabi areas with deep soil, or wherever only one irrigation is practical.

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Table 2: Performance of Rabi season hybrids released by at the national level Hybrid

Year of release

Developing centre

Grain yield (kg ha-1)

Stover

Plant height (cm)

Average duration (days)

CSH 8 R

1977

Parbhani

2173

3675

102

115

CSH 12R

1986

Dharwad

2564

4665

201

115

CSH 13R

1991

NRCS

3260

5417

184

113

CSH 15R

1995

NRCS

3194

5570

196

110

CSH 19R

2000

Akola

3123

5838

225

117

Fodder Sorghum: Fodder sorghum (both dry and green) forms an integral part of the dry farming system. Single-cut sorghum varieties are extensively cultivated across the Indo-Gangetic belt covering the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for dry fodder. Most of the varieties cultivated are, however, highly susceptible to leaf diseases. Private sector dominates the development and marketing of fodder sorghum, and purity and quality of hybrids vary considerably. Dual-Purpose Sorghum: CSV 15 developed for grain is an excellent tillering stay green fodder variety, clean and devoid of leaf diseases, but low in dry fodder yield. CSH 13, a dual purpose hybrid, could not spread due to its high seed cost. Single cut sorghum-Sudan grass 3-way hybrids offer the best choice because of high seed yield and high dry fodder tonnage coupled with resistance to leaf diseases. During the summer lean period (between Rabi and Kharif), sorghums are grown for green fodder. Multicut inter-specific sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids are in vogue. High tonnage coupled with quick re-growth, and nutritious fodder with low or negligible HCN content contributed to the spread of these sorghumSudan grass hybrids. Compared to public sector, private sector is proactive in developing and propagating 3-way sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids. Both red and white-grained sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids are in cultivation, where colour of the grain is associated with fodder (red) or grain (white). The 3way hybrid technology, the limited use of desirable white-grained CMS and restorer lines, and lack of diversification efforts in Sudan grass are proving an obstacle in the rapid development of sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids. Intensive efforts should be directed at developing single and 3-way cross inter-specific sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids, and intra-specific

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sorghum-sorghum fodder hybrids with high tonnage and superior fodder quality.

Development of Hybrid Parental Lines Cytoplasmic diversification: Breeding for rabi-based CMS lines is of recent origin. A number of CMS lines in milo cytoplasm have been evolved across the AICSIP centres such as 53A, 104A, 116A, 117A, 42A, 36642A, 1409A, 41A, 49A, 59A, 67A, 89A, 95A, 109A, 2A, P 5A, 7A, 9A, PMS 20A, PMS 23A, SB 323A, SB 401A, DNA1, DNA2, DNA4, DNA5, BJMS1-4A. Further, many more lines are under conversion. In addition, efforts on non-milo cytoplasms have led to the development of RS 530A2, SPV 932 A2, RS 71A2, PMS 12A2, PMS 13A2, PMS 14A2, PMS 15A2, PMS 18A2, and PMS 23A2. High yielding, early maturing non-milo hybrids ( M 31-2 A × Barshi joot, M 31-2A × Korivilli local and M 31-2A × SPV 1537) and hybrids suitable for shallow-medium soils (M 31-2A × SPV 1376; M 31-2A × SPV 1538; and M 31-2 A × CSM 78) were also identified. Restorer Line Development: Varietal programmes have provided various tall restorer lines with bold grain and desired level of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. RS 585, RS 615, SPV 492, SPV 727 and SPV 839 and M 148-138 are the restorer lines used in most promising hybrids. All these restorers being tall result in tall hybrids due to dominance interaction and ensure adequate fodder yield, moderate level of shoot fly resistance and acceptable grain quality. In addition to these, more than 240 R lines with desired levels of resistance to biotic stresses and 69 R lines for thermoinsensitiveness have been developed across AICSIP centres. Restorer lines have also been identified for Maldandi and A2 cytoplasms for Rabi. The current breeding programmes for rabi aim at

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optimum plant type with maturity range of 100 days for shallow soil, 110 days for medium soil, and 115 – 120 days for deep soils, which should combine resistance to moisture stress, shoot fly, and charcoal rot, and should be capable of rapidly growing under receding temperature and moisture, be stay-green types and translocate effectively to sink during grain filling. Selection for high biomass productivity and Harvest Index (HI) with standability (charcoal rot resistance) may provide a desirable type. Besides plant height, panicle components such as number of primary branches and 100 seed weight contribute to yield. Shoot fly susceptibility, low night temperatures during flowering time affects the seed set and reduce Harvest Index, thus limiting yield advantage of Rabi hybrids. Current emphasis is on evaluation of Rabi landraces collected from Maharashtra and Karnataka and their utilization in varietal and parental lines improvement programmes. Some of the argonomically superior germplasm lines are listed below (those marked with * are good general combiners): IS nos. 2201, 2238, 3344, 3420, 4397, 4571*, 4576*, 4657, 4668, 4722, 12261, 14379, 14550, 18601, 21776, 22146, 55457,*, 24866*, 33722, 33810, AGP 289*, Bhagalpur*, Devadurg*, and Nizamabad local and a number of germplasm collections (RSLG series from Godavari basin in Dhule district (Maharashtra) such as SPV 1359.

Need for Re-Assessment of Priorities for R&D Nowhere in the world, there are as many full time sorghum scientists as in India, yet sorghum is losing its ground. This is so inspite of many false promises to revive sorghum cultivation and utilization. No major MNC is interested in sorghum and the serious research commitment by the local private sector is not expected. All these factors, dictate the need for a fresh thinking, especially to use the valuable manpower deployed, and the scare resources available to the national scientists. The “politically enticing” argument of the public system that more investment in sorghum R&D is required to serve the poor dryland farmers is overplayed. We need a more pragmatic policy based on ground realities. The blame game – accusing PDS and changing food habits for lower demand – should stop immediately. With the new National Food Security Bill, more challenges for sorghum production will arise. Why only poor should eat sorghum considered as less prestigious food? Can sorghum compete with other nutritious and established cereals like finger millet, and oats for specific food uses? Can the current production levels sustain farmers without excessive

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dependence on government for subsidy, support price and procurements?

Future Need for Sorghum R&D 1. Prioritization of research goals: The public sector researchers have worked hard for more than six decades, and are fully aware of limitations on many of the approaches followed so far for making further headway. The private sector, on the other hand has accepted realities long-ago and chosen to make best use of the opportunity to respond to the farmers and the market. It has been able to pool best available materials, and establish a modest viable business based on forage and grain sorghum, and so must be well supported. There is ample scope to selectively encourage them to take over much of applied research and extension even by spending some public funds. Public funds should be increasingly directed to basic and strategic areas of research especially as the private sector is unlikely to invest on such research on sorghum. 2. Most of the 'maintenance research' agenda is normally covered by the AICSIP; other routine research on further crop improvement is duplicitous and largely amounts to recycling old stuff; sorghum scientists must be encouraged to specialize in areas of cutting-edge research based on their strengths ensuring greater transparency and complementarity at the international, national and local (state) levels. It is high time the R&D policies are reviewed, and are based on socioeconomic realities, especially on the needs, preferences and aspirations of farmers. Review and program formulation should be by realistic younger generation of competent experts who are forward-looking rather than through 'established old hands' advising through outdated review committees. Recovering area lost to other crops is a tall order; popularizing on new areas such as on rice-fallows need to be examined in terms of the competitiveness of the system. Such practices are likely to succeed only if large contiguous areas are planted to account for problems such as grazing, birds menace, and marketing challenges. 3. Breeding, and biotechnology: There are unlikely any major significant breakthroughs in breeding by normal methods; therefore, novel techniques like haploid breeding, marker-assisted or genomewide selection, etc., can restore much interest in younger bright researchers to work on sorghum. The much-hyped proposals on using sorghum as the model cereal for genome research and for traits such as 'drought resistance' has fizzled out as the

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new sequencing technology and bioinformatics have matured. Investment in comparative genomics may be a fruitful project, but to ensure practical benefits, much investment is required on phenotyping. The medium-term goals may include genetic modification for traits for which a ready market can be found without undue concerns on environmental safety. S. helepense may play a spoilsport, and so needs to be watched. Long-term commitmentsare required to take advantage of apomixes, and wide hybridization and further increase in drought tolerance. Improvement for insect resistance, especially for shoot fly and ear-head pests may be possible to achieve in a reasonable period, but the challenge of mold resistance especially that after physiological maturity is tough.

applications, it deserves some support, especially through a consortium of all stakeholders. 5. Problems with sorghum seed supply chain: The private sector has the technology, skills and discipline required to ensure adequate seed supply, especially that of hybrids. Seed costs can be brought down, and crop productivity can be increased by improving seed viability and vigour. The need of the hour is more on honest and vigilant regulators rather than on investing scarce public funds on seed production.

Conclusions It is high time we wake-up to the realities, and ask hard questions on return on investment on specific research themes, as well as relevance of umpteen recommendations on sorghum cultivation and utilization. Identification of niche areas for intensive sorghum production, breeding new hybrids for specific end-uses by carefully developed consortia, and deployment of appropriate crop management levels, and establishing market-links are to be emphasized. Objectives must be clearer, and both research progress and return on investment must be evaluated using independently verifiable criteria. The public programs still need to continue to work on varietal improvement where the crop-growth environment is poor, and ability to purchase input is low. Apparently, Indian government cannot afford to distribute its scarce resources to take up any great initiatives, but may serve all well if this objective is incorporated into the foreign assistance programs, especially for Africa (e.g., with Ethiopia)with India playing leading role in long-term development of sorghum-based industry and trade. Sorghum scientists at national level under no circumstances should continue to duplicate others' work and play a second fiddle to heavily funded foreign programs. Instead, they need to take charge as the global leaders in sorghum improvement. Those at state level may concentrate on how sorghum component can better fit into the local production systems. Farming out some responsibilities to private sector interested almost only in hybrids under current actual varietal protection scenario with due regulatory oversight can usher much desired efficiency and return on funds spent on research and development.

4. Basic & strategic research for better whole-plant utilization: Greater uptake by feed and manufacturing industries can offer some incentives; however, this will be primarily driven by competitive prices and will always be at 10-20% lower than price of maize. Therefore, sorghum can only compete if its cultivation is significantly cheaper than that of maize such as under waterlimited environments. Summer cultivation with limited drip irrigation can yield 7-10 tonnes/ha of grain with quality fodder. Therefore, such attempts are worth exploring inperi-urban areas. It is unlikely that sorghum can catch up with other minor cereals as a major ingredient in ready-to-eat foods. The niche products like pop and hurda are not catching up, even when marketed as glutenfree food.Traditional roti making with sorghum is more laborious, its keeping quality is poor, and within a decade or so, it is likely to be reduced to the status of specialty food in restaurants and dhabhas only. (Note the price of Rabi grain used for food is prohibitive compared to that of fine cereals). The sweet sorghum introduced to India by the Nimbkar Agriculture Research Institute (in Phalton, Maharashtra) has ignited imagination of many workers on and off, but yet to make impact in terms of commercialization. However, since this approach of increasing 'usable biomass' that has multiple

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Castor Hybrids in India: A Success Story Lavanya C and K S Varaprasad Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad.

chromosome number among the sub-species and they all can cross easily with each other. Castor, a natural perennial and tall crop of more than six feet height was initially grown for domestic use and local markets. Natural and artificial selections for medium plant height (5 feet), medium to long duration (210-240 days) and non-shattering types led to its commercial use (Weiss, 1971, Kulkarni and Ramanamurthy, 1977, Moshkin, 1986). In India, it is cultivated both as a rain-fed crop in marginal lands under harsh conditions with minimum inputs viz., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Orissa and as irrigated crop under intensive management conditions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana etc. Among the states, Gujarat accounts for 32 percent of India's castor production with about 44 percent of the castor area and has the highest productivity of 1699 kg/ha in 2011-12 (1964 kg/ha). Castor is the only crop with stable compound annual growth rate in productivity (3.71%) with the exception of cotton growth rate in the recent past due to introduction of Bt cotton and also soybean.

astor (Ricinus communis L.), a member of Euphorbceae or spurge family (2n=20) earns a specific place in oilseeds scenario as successful commercial, non-edible and industrial annual oilseed crop. Castor though of polyphyletic origin, both India and Africa were considered as the origin of castor. Due to its widespread survival and perennial nature, all possible transitions from an uncultivated plant to a weedy plant and from semi cultivated to a field crop exist and there is no gap between uncultivated and cultivated castor. Castor is a monotypic genus and the species communis is subdivided to six sub-species based on ecogeographical grouping. There is no difference in the

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The success story of castor is a record historical event of the Indian agricultural science of this century. The area under castor enhanced from a mere 40,000 ha in 1920's to over one million ha of with the highest national average productivity of 1.354 t/ha. The national productivity is 0.3 t/ha above the global average productivity and thus emerged as principal castor producer in the world.

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The other major castor producing countries are China, Brazil and Thailand. Castor oil has a wide market, as there are no synthetic alternatives to the unique castor oil. India earned a foreign exchange worth of Rs. 2036 crores by the export of 2.79 lakh metric tonnes castor oil and products to several countries in 2011-12. In India, hybrid development was initiated with the introduction of an S type pistillate line, TSP 10 R (Texas stable pistillate 10) and CNES 1 from USA in 1960s. The first castor hybrid in the world, GCH 3 was developed by crossing TSP 10 R with the native varietal selection, JI 15. Hybrids cultivation over time resulted in spectacular rise in production and productivity from 2.1 to 10.03 lakh tones and 220 to 1334 kg/ha during the last six decades (Hegde, 2010). The success is mainly attributed to the commercial exploitation of heterosis especially under high input intensive and management conditions of Gujarat which accounts for 73 percent castor production from 50 percent of area with highest productivity (1964 kg/ha) (Hegde, 2010). Despite the lack of inter specific diversity, castor breeders in India were successful in exploiting the existing intra specific diversity for diversification of parental lines. A wide variation in morphological diversity owing to its cross pollinated nature and independent assortment of several traits aided the breeders to overcome the limited genetic diversity in the monotypic genus.

Sex Expression Castor, though a sexually polymorphic species, occurs in nature as mostly monoecious. The basic sex forms are monoecious, pistillate, pistillate with interspersed staminate flowers (ISF) and sex revertants (Moshkin, 1986; Shiffriss, 1960, Lavanya and Gopinath, 2010). Sex expression in castor is highly influenced by environmental conditions (Shifriss, 1960, Ramachandram and Rangarao,1978). Winter, low temperatures (<30째C), young plants, high nutrition promote female flowers and shift the balance towards femaleness on a spike. Summer or rainy season, high temperatures (>32째C), old plants, late order spikes, low nutrition promote male flowers on a spike and incline towards maleness (Lavanya, 2002). The role of exogenous and endogenous growth harmones like gibberellic acid, silver nitrate and ethylene in shifting the female and male tendency has been well documented (Lavanya and Solanki, 2010).

Pistillate Lines Sexual polymorphism in castor was best utilized for

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development of a two line breeding system unlike the three line system or CMS based hybrids in other field crops like pearl millet, maize, sorghum, rice, and pigeonpea. The initial efforts on selection of highly female spikes from germplasm and breeding material led to the identification of three types of pistillate mechanism- N, S and NES types. The N type is governed by recessive sex switching gene and maintained by sib mating. In commercial hybrid seed production plots, normal monoecious plants have to be rouged out before anthesis leading to low genetic purity and high cost of rouging. The N type of pistillate source has been greatly improved leading to a female line, CNES-1 which requires little or no rouging (Classen and Hoffman, 1950). S type pistillate line was obtained by selection within sex reversals at the Weizmann Institute, Israel and governed by dominant and epistatic effects. Sex reversals are plant variants which begin as female and revert to normal monoecism at any time after the first raceme and 10 or more racemes when grown as perennials. These perennial plants were considered as females, if grown only as annuals. Sex reversion is ontogenetically irreversible and is variegated where a part of the plant may still be pistillate while the other half is reverted to monoecious (Shiffriss, 1960, Ramachandram and Rangarao, 1978). NES pistillate type is a combination of both N and S type as it carries the homozygous recessive gene for pistillateness and environment sensitive genes for ISF. Production of ISF is not confined to any particular raceme order and temperature dependent (Ankineedu and Ganga Prasada Rao, 1973). NES type can be easily developed by transfer of a single recessive gene as compared to the polygenic complex of both dominant and epistatic S type. Pistillate lines like 240, NES 6, NES 17, NES 19, JP 65 are of NES type (Lavanya et al.,2006).

Heterosis Breeding Exploitation of heterosis in castor was initiated since 1960s even before the identification of pistillate lines. Heterosis over the standard checks was reported to vary from <20 to >100 percent over the years (Lavanya et al.,2006). However, heterosis observed in castor is not as substantially as high as in other cross-pollinated crops due to its inherent ability to self-pollinate, especially in the primary spike. Initial reports suggested heterosis for germination rate, formation of leaves and plant height in early seedling stages, leaf number and leaf

112

area index. Attempts to exploit hybrid vigour through monoecious lines were not successful due to laborious process of emasculation. Although heterosis for total seed yield occurred, there was no significant increase in the percentage of female flowers on racemes (Lavanya et al., 2006). Heterosis was high for seed yield followed by number of capsules on the main raceme and 100 seed weight. Heterosis and heterobeltiosis for seed yield per plant was due to heterosis for capsules on main raceme, length of pistillate region of main raceme, effective branches per plant and seed yield of main raceme while heterosis for seed yield was associated with number of effective spikes per plant (Lavanya et al., 2006). A contradictory opinion was that the magnitude of heterosis was mainly due to the highly female expression inherited from the dominant female nature of the S type pistillate line (Moshkin, 1986; Atsmon, 1989) which contribute to the raise in seed yield. Genetic basis of heterosis of seed yield is due to the factors other than heterosis per se like the improved parental lines for spike density, highly female spikes, earliness, short stature, etc (Atsmon, 1989). Heterosis was mainly manifested in parental lines of contrasting morphological characters like dwarf plant type with condensed nodes, cup shaped leaves in pistillate lines vs normal tall plant type, elongated nodes, flat leaves in male lines (Lavanya et al., 2006). Per se performance and average heterosis in dwarf x tall crosses were higher to the parents involving moderately tall x tall and tall x

VP-1, the first stable pistillate line

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

dwarf crosses. Heterosis for seed yield was correlated with heterosis for main spike length and capsules / primary spike when one of the parents was tall. The first generation hybrid between Kruglik 5 and Sanguineus gave 1400 -1900 kg/ha higher seed yield than both the parents in erstwhile USSR (Moshkin, 1986). Heterosis has increased up to 18-23 percent when parents were of diverse origin and upon emasculation of pistillate lines. Heterosis breeding gained its momentum due to the identification of pistillate lines and suitable male lines. VP-1 is the first stable pistillate line developed in Gujarat from the segregation of a double cross between F2 of JHB 48 (JP 5 x 26006) x JHB 67 (TSP 10R x 719/1) with distinct morphological characters like green stem, triple bloom, cup shaped leaves, condensed nodes, long primary spike with spiny capsules (Lavanya et al.,2006). Development of stable pistillate lines from S-type is based on selection from late order of revertants. Selfed plants of the second and third orders of reversion yielded more number of pistillate plants than sibbed pistillate and selfed first order revertants. Selfed plants of the 10th order of reversion yielded nearly all pistillate plants in their progenies. Several pistillate lines viz., SKP 4, LRES 17, DPC 9, DPC 13, DPC 14, SKP 120, MCP 1-1, JP 58 etc., were developed using VP-1 source of pistillate expression (Lavanya et al.,2006). The hybrid GCH 3 was an instant success due to its high yielding ability (88% yield increase over S-20), drought resistance, medium maturity (140-210 days) and high oil content (46.6%). Though the hybrid was released for irrigated castor growing areas, it became popular even in rainfed castor growing areas. Due to its early maturity Gujarat farmers of Mehsana district were able to take up castor as a kharif crop followed by a second crop of either wheat or summer pearl millet wherever irrigation facilities were available. However, the major demerit is its shattering habit. This problem was overcome in another early maturing hybrid GAUCH-1 (VP-1 x VI-9) with drought escape mechanism and 16% yield increase over GCH 3. This hybrid had undergone extensive testing under All India Coordinated Research Project on Dryland Agriculture and was found to posses efficient root system than the varieties under receding moisture conditions (Reddy et al., 1999). Due to its attractive morphological characters viz., green stem, nonshattering, long, compact spike and good yield, this hybrid also became popular among farmers.

113

Another hybrid GCH 2 (VP-1 x JI 35) was released in 1985 for irrigated areas of Gujarat with tolerance to root rot, 13% yield increase over GAUCH 1. The hybrid has spikes with interspersed male flowers increasing the number of capsules in higher order spikes (Lavanya et al.,2006). The research efforts initiated during the latter part of 70's resulted in the development of first wilt resistant hybrid GCH 4 (VP-1 x 48-1) released in 1986 for commercial cultivation in entire castor growing areas of the country (Lavanya et al., 2006). It is superior in yield over GAUCH 1 (13%) and GCH 2 (9%). It is well adapted to both rainfed and irrigated castor growing regions of the country. This hybrid, when grown as a horticultural crop under intensive cultivation with high inputs near riverbanks of Khisurpuri regions of Ahmedabad district, gave a seed yield of more than 9 tonnes/ha

which is still a world record (Lavanya et al., 2006). Susceptibility of VP-1 to Fusarium wilt led to efforts on diversification of pistillate source through conventional and mutation breeding approach. Three early duration, high yielding hybrids viz., DCH 32, DCH 177, DCH 519, suitable for rainfed and irrigated conditions were developed from DOR, Hyderabad. DCH 177 (DPC 9 x DCS 9) and DCH 519 (M 574 x DCS 78) involved wilt resistant parents and resistant to Fusarium wilt. Among the 14 hybrids released so far in the public sector system, GCH-4 is high yielding (1200-2200 kg/ha), suitable for rainfed and irrigated conditions, tolerant to wilt and still the most popular hybrid even after 24 years of release. It is now being replaced by the latest high yielding hybrid GCH-7 (3000 kg/ha) which is resistant to both Fusarium wilt and reniform nematode complex (Table 1).

Table 1. Salient features of castor hybrids recommended for different regions Hybrid

Year of Release

Mean Seed Yield (kg/ha)

Areas Recommended

Salient Features

GCH 3

1976

1540 (I)

Gujarat

Heavy branching, dark brown seed with black spot

GAUCH-1

1976

-1520 (I)

Irrigated areas of Gujarat, rainfed areas of southern India

Early maturing hybrid with drought escape mechanism

GCH 2

1986

-1750 (I)

Irrigated areas of Gujarat

Tolerant to root rot

GCH 4

1988

1200 (R) 2200 (I)

Both rainfed and irrigate areas, all over country

Resistant to leafhoppers, tolerant to Fusarium wilt

GCH 5

1997

1800(R) 2800 (I)

Rainfed and irrigated areas of Gujarat

Red, double bloom, medium duration (120-180 days), semi spiny, wilt tolerant.

DCH 32

1998

1030 (R) 2460 (I)

Rainfed areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa

Red, triple bloom, spiny, early duration (90-150 days), resistant to jassids

GCH 6

1999

1300 (R) 2300 (I)

Rainfed and irrigated late kharif regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra

Red, single bloom, spiny, medium duration (120-180 days), Tolerant to Macrophomina root rot

TMVCH 1

1999

1180 (R)

Rainfed areas of Tamil Nadu

Red, triple bloom, spiny, resistant to jassids

DCH 177

2000

1550 (R) 2130 (I)

Rainfed areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa

Red single bloom, spiny, early duration (90-150 days), Resistant to Fusarium wilt, both parents are resistant to wilt

RHC 1

2000

900-1200 (R) 3000-3200 (I)

Rainfed and irrigated areas of Rajasthan

Mahogany, triple bloom, spiny, medium duration (100-180 days), resistant to jassids

PCH 1

2001

1500 (R) 2000 (I)

Rainfed areas of Andhra Pradesh

Tolerant to wilt, resistant to jassids.

DCH 519

2006

1740(R) 2130 (I)

Both rainfed and irrigated areas

Green, triple bloom, spiny, resistant to Fusarium wilt, leaf hoppers and both parents are resistant to wilt.\

GCH 7

2006

3000 (I)

Irrigated areas of Gujarat

Resistant to nematode-wilt complex

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114

Among the latest hybrids released, YRCH 1 hybrid is suitable for cultivation in rain-fed areas of Tamil Nadu while PCH-111 and PCH-222 are suitable for rainfed castor growing areas of Andhra Pradesh. Castor, being a commercial crop in Gujarat, 43 private seed companies registered 88 hybrids for commercial sale since the last five years (agri.gujarat.gov.in). Among the public and private sector hybrids, GCH-4 occupies a major share of the private castor seed market (up to 50-60%). This is mainly due to the popularity of GCH-4 hybrid among farmers, easy access to the parental lines of GCH-4 and standard seed production technology developed. Many of the private companies though still depend on VP-1 for generation of experimental hybrids. More than 95% of the castor growing area in Gujarat is occupied by castor hybrids and the rise in productivity is spectacular from 350 to 1970 kg/ha (Damodaram and Hegde, 2010).

DCH-177, Early Duration (110 days to maturity), wilt resistant hybrid

Seed Production Technology Success of any seed production technology depends on the availability of pure, stable parental lines, heterotic hybrid combination and standard seed production technology. The cross-pollinated nature of the crop and complexity of sex and its high sensitivity to genotype-environment interactions (climate, nutrition, management, etc.) further make seed production in castor complicated. Stages of seed production like foundation, certified hybrid seed production in castor are highly season bound to exploit the environmental sensitive nature of the parental lines. Foundation seed production of both female and male lines is done in summer season while the certified hybrid seed production is sown as an early

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

rabi crop from September second fortnight to October second fortnight. Initial delays in popularization of castor hybrids were mainly associated with inherent problems like low genetic purity in commercial hybrids. This was attributed with the instability of parental lines, improper rouging and insufficient isolation distance leading to poor seed quality and rejection of seed lots by certifying agencies prior to 2002-03 (Lavanya et al.,2006). The breakthrough in successful cultivation of castor hybrids was mainly possible due to the interventions in seed production technology leading to availability of high quality hybrid seed to the farmers. Major success in hybrid breeding technology is the significant modifications in the seed production technology by increasing isolation distance from 150 to 300m, and imposing refined method of seed production technology of the pistillate lines in place of conventional method of seed production (Lavanya and Solanki, 2010, Zaveri, 2009). The conventional or traditional method of maintenance of pistillate plants relies upon maintaining 20 to 25% monoecious or revertant plants as a pollen source resulting in high proportion of monoecists, 40-65% early revertants in certified hybrid seed under extreme conditions (Ramachandram and Ranga Rao, 1988; Prabakaran et al., 2009). This leads to high cost of rouging and low genetic purity in the female line. Sowing season for conventional method is recommended as kharif or post rainy season. The estimated loss by adopting conventional method of seed production owing to rejection of seed lots based on the low genetic purity was nearly 100 crores of rupees to the seed producing farmers in Gujarat alone during the last two decades. he method has been modified or refined by allowing the environmentally sensitive interspersed staminate flowers (ISF) as the pollen source in summer season with an isolation distance of 1000m (Ramachandram and Rangarao, 1978; Prabakaran et al., 2009). There is a spectacular improvement in seed production programmes due to the implementation of refined method of maintenance of pistillate line and doubling of isolation distance (150 m to 300 m) for certified hybrid seed production The mean percent rejection of seed lot in GCH-4, during 1992-2002 was 43% (971.6q) of the total seed lot which reduced to 29.5% (3130.7q) in 2003-08 after the implementation of 300 m

115

isolation distance in 2002-03. (Zaveri, 2009). A study conducted by Navbharat Seeds, Gujarat using 17 lots of GCH-4 for grow out test indicated that rejection of seed lots in modified method has

significantly reduced to 5.9% compared to 23.5% in conventional method (Lavanya and Solanki, 2010),(Table 2).

Table 2. Genetic purity of GCH-4 using VP-1 produced by conventional and refined method Genetic Purity (%)*

Conventional Method

Refined Method

No. of lots

Accepted+/ Rejected

No. of lots

Accepted+/ Rejected -(%)

95+

17.6

11.8

90-95+

41.2

76.5

85-90+

17.6

5.9

<85**-

23.5

5.9

Total

76.5

94.1

Source: GOT results of 17 lots of GCH-4 of Navbharat Seeds

Future Outlook Development of cryptic hybrids as in maize was proposed in a recent paper on castor (Liv et al., 2012). Clean Genome Technology for developing castor hybrids with a claim of very high productivity need to be seen for its field performance. Indian castor researchers both in

private and public need to be alert for these advanced technologies and competition that is likely to arise from China and Brazil. Short and medium duration kharif hybrids with Botrytis resistance are likely to enhance the area under rainfed castor not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in non-traditional areas such as Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Short duration hybrids targeting

DCH-519, medium duration (120-130 days to maturity), wilt resistant hybrid released for both rainfed and irrigated castor growing regions

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116

Lavanya C and Solanki S S. 2010. Crop improvement of castor: The challenges ahead. In Hegde D. M. (Ed). 2010. Research and development in castor: present status and future strategies. Indian Society of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad. 36-55 pp.

primary spike alone may also have potential in Orissa and other North Eastern States fitting in to the cropping system after kharif. There is a tremendous scope of exploiting available genetic diversity to develop new parental lines with stable sex expression to achieve higher levels of heterosis.

Lavanya, C. 2002. Sensitivity and variations of sex expression in response to environmental changes in castor. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, 62(3): 232-237.

Challenge of lepidopteron pests particularly semilooper, spodoptera and the capsule borer haunts the future of castor expansion. The Directorate of Oilseeds Research has initiated research on developing markers for biotic and abiotic challenges with a hope to develop Marker Assisted Hybrids in the near future. Castor being non-edible crop, exploitation of novel approaches including transgenic approach for developing new generation hybrids is worth-while exploring. Diversifying sources of wilt resistance and drought tolerance in parental lines shall be a priority. Castor seed oil (45-55%) has a unique fatty acid, ricinoleic acid (80-90%) which is indispensable in the manufacture of more than 250 industrial products (Suresh, 2009). However, industrial recovery of ricinoleic acid hovers around 85-87 percent in hybrids. There is a need to focus research on developing parental lines of castor hybrids with higher recovery of ricinolic acid adding industrial value. Developing CMS based hybrids and low ricin hybrids need a fresh look based on demand and available resources.

Lavanya, C. and Gopinath, V. 2008. Study on inheritance of morphological characters and sex expression in pistillate lines of castor. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, 68: 275-282. Lavanya, C., Anjani, K. and Gangarao, N.V.P.R. 2006. Crop improvement. In: D.M. Hegde (Ed.). Research Achievements in Castor. All India Coordinated Research Project on Castor. Directorate of Oilseeds Research, pp.8-37. Lavanya, C., Murthy, I.Y.L.N., Nagaraj G. and Mukta, N. 2012. Prospects of castor (Ricinus communis L.) genotypes for biodiesel production in India. Biomass and Bioenergy, 39, April 2012, 204-209. (2012), doi:10.1016 /j.biombioe.2012.01.008. Liv S. Severino,* Dick L. Auld, Marco Baldanzi, Magno J. D. Cândido, Grace Chen, William Crosby, Tan D., Xiaohua He, P. Lakshmamma, C. Lavanya, Olga L. T. Machado, Thomas Mielke, Máira Milani, Travis D. Miller, J. B. Morris, Stephen. A. Morse, Alejandro A. Navas, Dartanhã J. Soares, Valdinei Sofiatti, Ming L. Wang, Maurício D. Zanotto, and Helge Zieler. A Review on the Challenges for Increased Production of Castor. Agron. J. 104:853-880(2012) Moshkin, V.A. 1986. Castor. Oxonian Press Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. p.315.

Genetic purity of parental lines, maintenance breeding, testing new parental lines for seed production systems with current challenges of changing temperature and moisture regimes are the key factors for hybrids success.

Prabakaran, A.J., Lavanya, C., Suresh, G. and Dinesh Kumar, V. 2009. Guidelines for quality seed production in castor. Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, p.55. Ramachandram, M. and Ranga Rao, V. 1978. Maintenance and manipulation of varieties, parental lines. Seed Production in Castor. Directorate of Oil seeds Research, Hyderabad, pp.39-45.

References Ankineedu, G. and Ganga Prasada Rao, N. 1973. Development of pistillate castor. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. 33: 416-422. Atsmon, D. 1989. Castor. In: G. Robbelen, R.K. Downey and A. Ashri (Eds). Oil Crops of the World. McGraw Hill, New York, pp.348-447.

Raghuram Reddy, P., Maruthi Sankar, G.R., Vanaja, M., Hanumantha Rao, C., Venkateswarlu, S. and Eastin, J.D. 1999. Heritability and character association in castor (Ricinus communis L.) under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Indian Journal of Dryland Agriculture Research and Development, 14 (2) : 54-63.

Damodaram, T. and Hegde, D.M. 2010. Oilseeds Situation in India : A Statistical Compendium. Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad.

Shiffriss, O. 1960. Conventional and unconventional systems controlling sex variations in Ricinus, Journal of Genetics, 57: 573-578.

Classen, C.E. and Hoffman, A. 1950. The influence of the pistillate character in castor and its possible utilization in the production of commercial hybrid seed. Agronomy Journal, 42:79-82.

Suresh, G. 2009. Value Addition and Diversified Uses of Castor. Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad. Weiss, E.A. 1971. Castor, Sesame and Safflower. NeDA. New York.

Hegde D. M. (Ed). 2010. Research and development in castor: present status and future strategies. Indian Society of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad. 36-55 pp.

Zaveri, P.P. 2009. Castor Hybrid Seed Production. Availability and Economics. Presented in 'Seminar on Castor Hybrid Seed Production' organized by Gujarat State Seed Produces Association, Ahmedabad. Pp.31-38.

Kulkarni, L.G. and Ramanamurthy, G.V. 1977. Castor. ICAR. New Delhi, p.105.

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Upcoming

Events Event Date

Event Name

Venue

Weblink

July 9-12, 2013

4th Workshop on the Molecular Aspects of Seed Dormancy and Germination

University Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris, France

http://www.congres.upmc.fr/parisisss2013/

Jul 16 2013

ICAR 85th Foundation Day

New Delhi

http://www.icar.org.in/ en/node/6016

July 16-17, 2013

4th Annual Crop World India 2013

Holiday Inn, International Airport Mumbai, India

http://www.cropworld-india.com/

August 16-17, 2013 The 50 Pact "Renewing Borlaug's Promise"

Shinde Auditorium, NAAS Complex, New Delhi, India

http://www.cimmyt.org/en/cimmytevents/the-50-pact-renewing-borlaug-spromise

August 19-22, 2013 Borlaug Global Rust Initiative 2013 Technical Workshop

Taj Palace Hotel- New Delhi, India

http://www.globalrust.org/traction

August 23-25, 2013 Grain Tech India 2013 Bengalore International Exhibition Center - Bangalore, India

http://graintechindia.com/

September 8-14, 2013

12th International Wheat Genetics Symposium (IWGS)

Pacifico Yokohama Yokohama, Japan

http://www2.convention.co.jp /iwgs12/index.html

Sept. 16, 2013 December 6, 2013

32nd International Vegetable Training Course (IVTC) "Vegetables: From Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

AVRDC's Research and Training Station Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom,

http://avrdc.org/?page_id=1439

September 17-19, 2013

2013 International Modern Agriculture Exhibition Modernagri 2013

Shanghai World Expo No. 2 Pavilion -Shanghai, China

http://www.modernagri.cn/

September 24-26, 2013

Global AgInvesting Asia 2013

Singapore, Singapore

http://www.globalaginvesting.com /conferences

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

118

Honors & Awards Nuziveedu Seeds conferred with 'Agriculture Leadership Award 2012'

uziveedu Seeds Limited (NSL), the leading Indian Seeds company has been conferred with Agriculture Leadership Award 2012 for its pioneering work in the area of agriculture extension which has positively impacted the lives of large

number of farmers and rural economy of the country. The prestigious award instituted under the Chairmanship of Prof. M S Swaminathan, the Father of India's Green Revolution, was presented to Nuziveedu Seeds at a function in New Delhi. Speaking about the award, Mr. M. Prabhakar Rao, CMD, Nuziveedu Seeds Limited said, "It is a great honour for our Company to receive this prestigious award.We are both humbled as well as excited. The awards celebrate the spirit of innovation and leadership, which are also the inherent traits of Team NSL. It feels extremely satisfying to consistently deliver innovative products to empower farmers and at the same time, contributing to the economic growth of rural Indians through research, technology and quality seeds to the farmers in our country". NSL had earlier won this award for the year 2009. The company provides more than 340 hybrid seeds and varieties of 30 field crops and vegetables and its modern technologies to Indian farmers. The Agriculture Leadership Awards were started in 2008 to recognise the leadership roles played by individuals and institutions, in empowering lives of farmers and rural masses and partnering inclusive growth through instilling progressive agricultural practices. The awards are presented in the areas of Policy, research, extension, farming, industry, environment, innovation, entrepreneurship, CSR, development and state leaderships.

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

119

s c i t s i Stat Statistics

Seeds & Agricultur e Statistics

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

121

PHA-46

G.COT. HYBRID-10 (GHH-662)

G.COT-16 (G (B)-20)

G.COT-17 (GH-BHV-46)

PKV-HYB-3 (CAHH-468)

ANKUR-651

DHB-105

MARU VIKAS (RAJ-HH-16)

NBHB-11

JKHY-2

LDH-11

SRUTHI

OM SHANKAR) (CSHH-29

DHH-11

KASHINATH (NFHB-109)

ANKUR-09 (WHH-09)

COTTON (KAPAS)

Name of Hybrid Variety

COTTON (KAPAS)

Crop Name

15-05-1998

09-09-1997

01-05-1997

19-07-1996

01-01-1996

Year of Notification

401(E)

647(E)

360(E)

524(E)

1(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

ANKUR SEED PVT.LTD.,27 ,NEW COTTON MARKET LAYOUT, NAGPUR- 4440018(M.S.) INDIA;

NATH AGRO RESEARCH FOUNDATION NATH SEED LTD.., AURANGABEAD-431 005

AGRICULTURAL STATION UAS, DHARWAD.

CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR COTTON RESEARCH REGIONAL STATION,SIRSA-125005

CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR COTTON RESEARCH REGIONAL STATION COIMBATORE-641003

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY ,LUDHIYANA

AGRICULTURE RESEARCH STATION,KHANDWA;

M/S .NAVBHARAT SEEDS PVT.LTD.,4 ,SARVODAYA COMMERCIAL CENTRE , 13, SALAPOSE ROAD ,AHMEDABAD-380001

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION RAJASTHAN AGRIL. UNIVERSITY,SRIGANAGNAGAR-335 001

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION DHARWAD.

ANKUR AGRIL. RESEARCH LABORATORY 27, NEW COTTON MARKET LAYOUT, NAGPUR-440 018 (M.S.).

ALL INDIA COORDINATED COTTON, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PUNJAB KRISHI VIDYAPEETH, AKOLA.

MAIN COTTON RESEARCH STATION, G.A.D., SURAT-395 007.

MAIN COTTON REASEARCH STATION, G.A.U., SURAT-395 007.

MAIN COTTON RESEARCH STATION ,G.A.U.;SURAT -395 007

COTTON RESEARCH STATION, MAHBOOB BAUGH FARM, M.A.U., PARBHANI-431401.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

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122

RCH-2

LAHH-4 (A 13)

MCU-12 (TCH-1025)

SVPR-3

PARBHANI-316 (GANGA)

VICH-9

G COT.18

NCS-145-BUNNY (NCHH-145)

VICH-5

HHH-223

PHULE-492 (RHH-0492)

PHULE-388 (RHB-388)

VARALAXMI

JAYALAXMI (DCH-32)

COTTON (KAPAS)

03-01-1983

21-08-1975

04-09-2002

15-11-2001

02-02-2001

13-09-2000

03-04-2000

AAH-1 08-06-1999 (DESI COTTON HYBRID-1)

COTTON (KAPAS)

15-05-1998

Year of Notification

AJIT (LHH-144)

Name of Hybrid Variety

COTTON (KAPAS)

Crop Name

2(E)

440

937(E)

1134(E)

92(E)

821(E)

340(E)

425(E)

401(E)

Notification No.

MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH,RAHURI;

MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH, RAHURI

CCS HAU, HISSAR ,HARAYANA

Source : Seed Net Portal

VIKRAM SEEDS LIMITED, 209, ASHWAMEGH AVENUE,NR.MITHAKHALI UNDER BRIDGE, MAYURE COLONY ,NAVARNGAPURA, AHMEDABAD

NUZIVEEDU SEEDS LIMITED, SUBEEJ HOUSE, 6/12, BRODIPET, GUNTUR-522002.

REGIONAL COTTON RESEARCH STATION, GAU,JUNAGARH;

VIKRAM SEED PVT.LTD.,209,ASHWAMEGH AVENUE NEAR MITHAKHALI UNDERBRIDGE, MAYUR COLONY NAVARANGPURA,AHMEDABAD-380 009

COTTON RESEARCH SCHEME, M.A.U., PARBHANI-431402,MAHARASHTRA;

COTTON RESEARCH STATION ,SRIVILLIPUTHUR

DEPARTMENT OF COTTON,TAMILNADU AGRI,UNIVERSITY, COIMBTORE-3

R.AR.S.,LAM, GUNTUR-34;

RASI SEEDS COMPANY LTD., P.BOX NO . 30273 KAMARAJANAR ROAD, ATTUR-636102, SALEM (DT)-TAMILNADU;

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BREEDING, CCS HARAYANA AGRICULTURAL UNIERSITY, HISSAR;

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY ,LUDHIYANA;

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

123

NHB-80

SAVITRI (RHR-253)

HYBRID CSHH-243

AAH-1 (DESI COTTON HYBRID-1) (M)

AAH-1 (DESI COTTON HYBRID-1) (F)

AAH-1 (DESI COTTON HYBRID-1) (R)

COTTON (KAPAS)

KIRAN (CNH-36)

COTTON (KAPAS)

KCH-1

CICR HH-1 (KIRTI)

COTTON (KAPAS)

JAYASHAKTI (DDH-2)

COTTON (KAPAS)

Sankar-4 (Hybrid-4)

LAM HYBRID-1

COTTON (KAPAS)

G.COT HYBRID-8

COTTON (KAPAS)

NHH-390

NHH-44

COTTON (KAPAS)

PKV HY-2 (AHH-468)

Name of Hybrid Variety

COTTON (KAPAS)

Crop Name

08-06-1999

08-05-2008

01-01-1980

01-01-1984

01-01-1982

21-09-1974

17-08-1993

04-11-1992

31-07-1989

01-12-1988

09-04-1985

03-01-1983

Year of Notification

425(E)

S.O. 1108(E)

S.O.566(E)

615(E)

814(E)

599(E)

1135(E)

295(E)

2(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF COTTON RESEARCH, REGIONAL STATION SIRA, HARYANA - 125 055.

R.A.R.S. NANDYAL (AP).

CICR, POST BAG NO. 225, GPO NAGPUR -440001.

CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR COTTON RESEARCH, POST BAG NO. 125, GPO, NAGPUR - 440001.

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION, DHARWAD FARM- 580007.

REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL RES. STATION, LAM, GUNTUR-522 034(OR)

MAIN COTTON RESEARCH STATION, GUJARAT AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, SURAT.

COTTON RESEARCH STATION, NANDED, MARATHAWADA AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY, PARBHANI.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

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124

BARH AVARODHI (IET-11295)

PHB-71

APHR-1

APHR-2

KARNATAKA RICE HYBRID-2

PADDY (DHAN)

KARNATAKA RICE HYBRID-1

PADDY (DHAN)

DRRH-3 (DRRH-44) (IET-19543)

PADDY (DHAN)

COR-46 (TNAU BPHR 831293)

NHH-44 (AC-738)(M)

COTTON (KAPAS)

PADDY (DHAN)

NHH-44 (BN-1)(F)

COTTON (KAPAS)

CORH-1

JAYALAXMI (DCH-32) (SB-425 YF)(M)

COTTON (KAPAS)

PADDY (DHAN)

JAYALAXMI (DCH-32) (DS-28)(F)

Name of Hybrid Variety

COTTON (KAPAS)

Crop Name

15-05-1998

17-09-1997

09-09-1997

01-05-1997

01-01-1996

29-01-2010

09-04-1985

03-01-1983

Year of Notification

401(E)

662(E)

647(E)

360(E)

1(E)

211(E)

295(E)

2(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

REGIONAL RESEARCH STATION, VC FARM, MANDYA-571 405, UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, GKVKCAMPUS, BANGALORE- 560065.

AGRIL.RESEARCH STATION MATUTERU-534 122

AGRIL .RESEARCH STATION,MARUTERU-534122;

PIOONER OVERSEAS CORPORATION 8-2-674/2/B/4/31, FLOOR, BANJARA HILLS ROAD NO. 13, HYDERABAD-500 043.

CROP RESEARCH STATION GHAGHRAHAT,N.D. UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, KUMARGANJ(FAIZABAD) (U.P.)

PADDY BREEDING STATION ,TAMILNADU,AGRI. UNIVERSITY,COIMBTORE-641003;

SCHOOL OF GENETICS. TNAU, COIMBATORE-641-003

V.C. FARM, MANDYA-571405 (KARNATAKA) (UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, BANGALORE-560065.

DIRECTORATE OF RICE RESEARCH, RAJENDERNAGAR, HYDERABAD - 500 030

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

125

PANT SANKAR DHAN-1

GURJARI

NARENDRA SANKAR DHAN-2

CO-47 (IET-14298)

ADT-44

PARAG-401 (PBNR-90-3-401)

VIVEK DHAN-62 (IET-14621)

6201 (CPA 103)

HYBRID 6444 (IET-16434,HRI-120)

PUSA RH-10

VNR2245 (IET20716)(VNR 204)

VNR2355 PLUS (IET20735) (VNR 202)

TULSI (IET-7614)

CR DHAN 701 (IET 20852)(CRHR32)

PRH-122 (A-Line)

PADDY (DHAN)

Name of Hybrid Variety

PADDY (DHAN)

Crop Name

25-04-2006

16-03-2012

01-12-1988

16-03-2012

15-11-2001

02-02-2001

13-09-2000

08-06-1999

Year of Notification

599(E)

S.O. 456(E)

1135(E)

S.O. 456(E)

1134(E)

92(E)

821(E)

425(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

CENTRAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE,CUTTACK-753006 (ORISSA)

DIRECTORATE OF RICE RESEARCH, RAJENDRANAGAR, HYDERABAD-30.

VNR SEEDS PVT.LTD. VILLAGE: GOMCHI, NEAR NANDANVAN, PO: TENDUA, DIS.: RAIPUR (CG) 492099

VNR SEEDS PVT.LTD. VILLAGE: GOMCHI, NEAR NANDANVAN, PO:TENDUA, DIST: RAIPUR (CG) 492099

INDIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE ,NEW DELHI-110012;

HYBRID RICE IN INTERNATIONAL LTD., 8-1-364, TALICHOWKI, HYDERABAD-500 008(AP);

HYBRID RICE INTERNATIONAL LTD. - 8-1-364/30, TOLICHOWKI, HYDERABAD-500 008 (AP).

VIVEKANANDA PARVATIYA KRISHI ANUSANDHAN SANSTHAN, (ICAR), ALMORA-263 601 (UP).

UPLAND PADDY RESEARCH SCHEME, MARATHWADA AGRIL. UNIVERSI, PARBHANI 431 402 (M.S.).

DIRECTOR, TAMIL NADU RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, ADUTHURAI.

TAMILNADU, AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY;COIMBTORE - 641003.

NDUA & T. KUMARGANJ FAIZABAD;

MAIN RICE RESEARCH STATION ,GUJRAT AGRICULTURAL UNIVVERSITY ,NAWAGAM-387540 MATAR.DISTT. KHEDA;

GB PANT UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, PANTNAGAR;

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

126

AJAY (CRHR-7) (IET-18166) 20-09-2006

CO 4

Hybrid-6129 (IET 18815)

DRRH-2 (IET -18076) (DRRH -20)

PADDY (DHAN)

05-11-2005

05-10-2007

26-07-2012

02-02-2001

15-05-1998

PADDY (DHAN)

15-05-1998

6201 (PA 103) (Hybrid)

KARNATAKA RICE HYBRID-2 (IR 58025A)(KRH-2)

PADDY (DHAN)

05-11-2005

PADDY (DHAN)

DRRH-2 (DR 714-1-2-R)

PADDY (DHAN)

05-11-2005

KARNATAKA RICE HYBRID - 2 (KMR - 3R) (KRH-2)

DRRH-2 (IR 68897B)

PADDY (DHAN)

05-11-2005

PADDY (DHAN)

DRRH-2 (IR 68897A)

PADDY (DHAN)

25-04-2006

KARNATAKA RICE HYBRID - 2 (IR 58025B)(KRH-2)

PRH-122 (R-Line)

PADDY (DHAN)

25-04-2006

Year of Notification

PADDY (DHAN)

PRH-122 (B-Line)

Name of Hybrid Variety

PADDY (DHAN)

Crop Name

1566(E)

1703(E)

1708(E)

1572(E)

401(E)

1566(E)

599(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

DIRECTORATE OF RICE RESEARCH, HYDERABAD-500 030.

BAYER BIOSCIENCE PVT. LTD., (FORMERLY HYBRID RICE INTERNATIONAL PVT. LTD.), 8-1-39, TOLICHOWKI, HYDERABAD - 500 008 (A.P.)

CENTRE FOR PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, COIMBATORE - 641 003.

C.R.R.I. CUTTACK - 753 006 (ORISSA)

HYBRID RICE INTERNATIONAL LTD., 8-1-364/30, TOLICHOWKI, HYDERABAD-500 008 (AP).

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, GKVK CAMPUS, BANGALORE-560065.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

127

KARNATAKA RICE HYBRID-1 (IR 9761-19-IR) (KRH-1)

DRRH-2 (VPRI 93-287R)

PARAS

HIM-128

PADDY (DHAN)

MAIZE (MAKKA)

Varun Dhan

PADDY (DHAN)

PAU-201

PADDY (DHAN)

KARNATAKA RICE HYBRID - 1 (IR 58025 B) (KRH-1)

AJAY (CRHR-7) (IET-18166)-R Line

PADDY (DHAN)

AJAY (CRHR-7) (IET-18166)-B Line

PADDY (DHAN)

KARNATAKA RICE HYBRID - 1 (IR 58025 A) (KRH-1)

AJAY (CRHR-7) (IET-18166)-A Line

PADDY (DHAN)

27P11 (IET19766)

Name of Hybrid Variety

PADDY (DHAN)

Crop Name

19-02-1980

01-01-1996

05-11-2005

01-01-1996

10-01-2008

08-05-2008

20-09-2006

25-03-2011

Year of Notification

470

1(E)

1566(E)

1(E)

S.O. 72(E)

S.O. 1108(E)

1572(E)

632(E)

Notification No.

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA.

Source : Seed Net Portal

CHAUDHUARY SARWAN KUMAR, HIMACHAL KRISHI VISHVAVIDYALAYA, RESEARCH SUB-STATION, KATRAIN, DISTT. KULLU AND RICE AND WHEAT RESEARCH STATION, MALAN, DISTT. KANGRA (H.P.)

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA

PHI SEEDS PRIVATE LIMITED, HYDERABAD-500 082.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

128

RAJENDRA HYBRID MAKKA-2

DEWAKI COMPOSITE MAKKA

KMH-1

DECCAN HYBRID MAKKA-1

GANGA-11

TRISHULATA

KH-5981

KH-5991

3058 (Y-1402-K)

JKMH-2492

PRO-303 (3461)

MMH-69

HIM-129 (EHF-1121)

PARKASH (JH-3189)

MAIZE (MAKKA)

Name of Hybrid Variety

MAIZE (MAKKA)

Crop Name

09-09-1997

01-05-1997

16-08-1991

01-12-1988

14-01-1982

01-01-1996

Year of Notification

647(E)

360(E)

527(E)

1135(E)

19(E)

1(E)

Notification No.

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA. Source : Seed Net Portal

VIVEKANANDA PARVATIYA KRISHI ANUSANDHAN SANSTHAN, ALMORA-263 301.

MAHARASHTRA HYBRID SEEDS CO. LTD., B-4, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, JALNA

PROAGRO SEED COMPANY LTD., 498, V.V. NAGAR, HMT LAYOUT GANGANAGAR EXTN., BANGALORE-560032.

J. K. AGRI-GENETICS, NO. 20, PAIGAH COLONY, BEHIND ANAND THEATRE, S.P. ROAD, SECUNDERABAD-500 003.

PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION, 283, 8TH CROSS, I BLOCK, R.T.NAGAR, BANGALORE-560032

KANCHAN GANGA SEED COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED.

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION, AMBERPET, HYDERABAD- 500013.

CO-ORDINATING UNIT OF ALL INDIA, CO-ORDINATED MAIZE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.

MAIZE RESEARCH STATION, AMBERPET, HYDERABAD, A.P. AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY.

TIRHU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, RAJENDRA AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY BIHAR DHOLI, MUZAFFARPUR-843121.

TIRHUT COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, RAJENDERA AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY, BIHAR, DHOLI (MUZAFFARPUR) PIN-843 121.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

129

DMH-1

PUSA EARLY HYBRID MAKKA-2 (EH-203492)

PRO-311 (4640)

BIO SEED-9681

MMH-133

COH-3

KH-9541

PAC-701 (ICI-701)

PAC-705 (ICI-705)

32-A09 (X-1174WV)

4210 (PRO-316)

VIVEK HYBRID-4 (FH-3049)

HHM-1 (HKH-1082)

HHM-2 (HKH-1071)

JH-3459

PUSA EARLY HYBRID MAKKA-3 (AH-58)

MAIZE (MAKKA)

Name of Hybrid Variety

MAIZE (MAKKA)

Crop Name

02-02-2001

03-04-2000

08-06-1999

15-05-1998

09-09-1997

17-09-1997

09-09-1997

Year of Notification

92(E)

340(E)

425(E)

401(E)

647(E)

662(E)

647(E)

Notification No.

IARI, RESEARCH STATION, KARNAL. Source : Seed Net Portal

SENIOR MAIZE BREEDER, DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BREEDING, PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA-141004.;

MAIZE SECTION, CCS HAU, RRC KARNAL.

MAIZE, SECTION, CCS HAU, RRS KARNAL.

VIVEKANANDA PARVATIYA KRISHI ANUSANDHAN SANSTHAN,(ICAR) ALMORA-263 301.(U.P.)

PROAGRO SEED COMPANY LTD., 498, V.V. NAGAR, HMT LAYOUT GANGANAGAR EXTN., BANGALORE-560032.

PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION K.J., 25 KAVINAGAR, GHAZIABAD-201002. INDIA.

ITC ZENECA LIMITED 309, RAHEJA CHAMBERS MUSEUM ROAD, BANGALORE-560001

KANCHAN GANGA SEED COMOPANY PVT. LTD.6-3-1089/G/15, RAJBHAVAN ROAD, SOMAJIGUDA, HYDERABAD-500482

DERECTORATE OF SCHOOL OF GENETICS, TNAU, COIMBATORE-641003.

MAHARASHTRA HYBRID SEED CO. LTD., JALANA-431203.

BIO SEED RESEARCH INDIA PVT LTD. 116-117, SOMDUTT CHAMBERS, 11, BHIKAJI CAMA PLACE, NEW DELHI-110066.

PROAGRO SEED COMPANY LTD., 498, V.V. NAGAR, HMT LAYOUT GANGANAGAR EXTN., BANGALORE-560032.

IARI, NEW DELHI-110012.

ALL INDIA CO-ORDINATED MAIZE IMPROVEMENT AGRICULTURE RESEARCH STATION PROJECT, ARABHAVI.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

130

VIVEK MAIZE HYBRID-9 (FH-3077)

JKMH-175

VIVEK HYBRID-5

SEEDTEC-740 (SEEDTEC-2324)

SHAKTIMAN-1

DMH-2

NAC-6002

Vivek Maize Hybrid-27 (FH3288)

Malviya Hybrid Makka-2) (V-33

COH(M)-4

Vivek Sankul Makka-31 (VL-103)

BH-40625 (DHM-117)

BH-1620 (DHM-113)

BH-1576 (DHM-111)

MCH 36(DKC 9099)

Bisco 855 (Bisco Bhim)

MAIZE (MAKKA)

Name of Hybrid Variety

MAIZE (MAKKA)

Crop Name

25-03-2011

07-02-2011

29-01-2010

08-05-2008

25-08-2005

05-10-2007

05-04-2002

04-09-2002

15-11-2001

02-02-2001

Year of Notification

S.O. 632(E)

S.O. 283(E)

S.O. 211(E)

S.O. 1108(E)

1177(E)

1703(E)

937(E)

1134(E)

92(E)

92(E

92(E)

Notification No.

BISCO BIO SCIENES PVT. LTD, SECUNDERABAD. Source : Seed Net Portal

MONSANTO INDIA LIMITED, NO. 44/2A, VASANT BUSINESS PARK II FLOOR, BELLARY ROAD NH-7, HEBBAL BANGALORE - 560 092

A.R.I. RAJENDERNAGAR, HYDERABAD

VIVEKANANDA PARVATIYA KRISHI ANUSANDHAN SANSTHAN (ICAR), ALMORA - 263601, UTTARAKHAND

DEPARTMENT OF MILLETS, CPBG, INAU,COIMBATORE-1

DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS & PLANT BREEDING, INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, B.H.U., VARANASI - 221 005.

VIVEKANANDA PARVATIYA KRISHI ANUSANDHAN SANSTHAN (ICAR), ALMORA - 263 601, UTTRAKHAND.

UAS, RRS, VC FARM, MANDYA.

AGRICULTUAL RESEARCH STATION, ARABHAVI591318 (UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, DHARWAD).

N.D.U.A.T. KUMARGANJ, FAIZABAD, U.P.

BISCO SEEDTEC PVT. LTD., 31-4A, BHARANI COMPLEX, MINISTER ROAD, SECUNDERABAD-500003(AP)

VPKAS (ICAR), ALMORA-263601(UP).

J.K. AGRI-GENETICS.(A DIVISION OF J.K. INDUSTRIES LTD.) 20, PAIGEH COLONY, S.P. ROAD, SECUNDERABAD-5000003.

VIVEKANANDA PARVATIYA KRISHI ANUSANDHAN SANSTHAN (ICAR). ALMORA-263601(UP).

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

131

Bisco 555 (Bisco Ujala)

Bisco 111 (Bisco 840)

CO 6

BIO-9682

HISHELL (MCH 42)

MLBH-267 (MH-425)

MLBH-285 (MH-518)

NANDI-30 (MH-515)

SABURI (MH-483, RHRBH-8924)

X-6 (MH-140)

RBH-30

GHB-183

X-7

JKBH-26 (MH-595)

GHB-316 (MH-670)

GK-1004 (MH-662)

MAIZE (MAKKA)

PEARL MILLET

Name of Hybrid Variety

MAIZE (MAKKA)

Crop Name

15-05-1998

17-09-1997

09-09-1997

01-05-1997

01-01-1996

01-02-2013

10-09-2012

26-07-2012

25-03-2011

Year of Notification

401(E)

662(E)

647(E)

360(E)

1(E)

312 (E)

S.O. 2125(E)

S.O.1708(E)

S.O. 632(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

GANGA AGRI SEEDS LTD.1406-BABUKHAN ESTATE, BASHIR BAGH, HYDRABAD-500001.

GUJARAT AGRIL. UNIVERSITY, JAMNAGAR.

J.K. AGRI-GENETICS,(A DIVISION OF J.K. INDUSTRIES LTD.) 20,PAIGAH COLONY,S.P.ROAD BEHIND ANAND THEATRE SECUNDRABAD-500003.

SCHOOL OF GENETICS TNAU COIMBATORE-641003.

MILLET RESEARCH STATION, GUJARAT AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY JAMNAGAR-361006.

RAJASTHAN AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY, AGRIL, RESEARCH STATION, DURGAPURA JAIPUR.

TAMILNADU AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY, COIMBATORE-641003.

MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH RAHURI 413722, DISTT. AHMEDNAGAR.

NEW NANDI SEEDS CORPORATION 6741 RELIEF READAHMEDABAD-380001.

MAHENDRA HYBRID SEED CO. LTD,;A-10, OLD MIDC,;JALNA 431203

MAHENDRA HYBRID SEEDS CO. PVT. LTD., A-10, OLD MIDC, POST BOX 52, JALNA-431203.

MONSANTO INDIA LIMITED

BIOSEED RESEARCH INDIA PVT. LTD., JUBILEE HILLS, ROAD NO. 14, HYDERABAD - 500 003

TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, COIMBATORE - 641 003, TAMIL NADU

BISCO BIO SCIENCES PVT. LTD, SECUNDERABAD.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

132

PROAGRO NO-1 (FMH-3)

PUSA-605 (MH-564) NANDI-8 (MH-741) NANDI-32 (MH-773)

PUSA-415 (MP-739) MLBH-505 (MH-793, MLBH-44) HHB-94 RHB-90 (MH-463) 7688 (MH 795) PROAGRO 9443 (MH-846) 02-02-2001 NANDI-35 (MH-889) PROAGRO 9445 (MH 882, PB 112) RHB-121 (MH-892) COH (Cu) 8

PEARL MILLET

15-11-2001

02-02-2001

13-09-2000

03-04-2000

26-10-1999

08-06-1999

15-05-1998

PAC-903 (ICI-903, MH-552) 15-05-1998

PEARL MILLET

15-05-1998

Year of Notification

7686 (MH-643, XM-631)

Name of Hybrid Variety

PEARL MILLET

Crop Name

1134(E)

92(E)

821(E)

340(E)

1050(E)

425(E)

401(E)

Notification No.

CENTRE FOR PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS, TNAU, COIMBATORE-641003. Source : Seed Net Portal

RAJASTHAN AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, AGRICULTURE RESEARCH STATION, DURGAPURA, JAIPUR-302018.

PROAGRO SEED COMPANY LTD., 8-1-39, TOLICHOWKI, HYDERABAD-500008

NEW NANDI SEEDS CORPORATION, 6741, RELIEF ROAD, OPPOSITE BIJLIGHAR, AHMEDABAD-380001.

PROAGRO SEED COMPANY LTD, 8-1-39, TOLICHOWKI, HYDERABAD-500008.

PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION, 8-2-674/2/B/4/3, ROAD NO 13, BANJARA HILLS, HYDERABAD-500034(AP).

RAU, ARS, DURGAPURA JAIPUR.

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BREEDING , CCS HAU, HISSAR.

MAHENDRA HYBRID SEEDS CO. LTD., A-10, OLD MICD., JALNA. 431 203.

IARI, NEW DELHI.

M/S NEW NANDI SEED CORPORATION, 6741, RELIEF ROAD, OPP. BIJLIGHAR, AHMEDABAD-380001.

M/S NEW NANDI SEEDS CORPORATION 6741, RELIE ROAD, OPP. BIJIGHAR, AHMEDABAD-380001.

IARI NEW DELHI-110012.

PROAGRO SEED COMPANY LIMITED 8-1-39, TOLICHOWKI, HYDERABAD-500 008

ITC ZENECA LIMITED. 309, RAHEJA CHAMBERS MUSEUM ROAD, BANGALORE 560001.

PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION, 8-2-674,2/B/4/3, ROAD NO. 13, BANJARA HILLS, HYDERABAD-500034.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

133

X-4

PUSA-763 (BD-763)

PUSA-46

GHB-27

MBH-118

X-5 (UCH-9)

PEARL MILLET

BJ-104 (KM-1)

PEARL MILLET

KBH-1

PHB-14

PEARL MILLET

PHB-10

PEARL MILLET

BD-111

NHB-5

PEARL MILLET

HYBRID BAJRA NO.3

PEARL MILLET

CJ-104

HYBRID BAJRA NO.2

PEARL MILLET

HYBRID BAJRA NO.1

Name of Hybrid Variety

PEARL MILLET

Crop Name

09-04-1985

08-07-1983

03-01-1983

29-05-1982

14-01-1982

19-02-1980

19-12-1978

02-02-1976

24-09-1969

Year of Notification

295(E)

499(E)

2(E)

371(E)

19(E)

470

786

4045

Notification No.

MAHARASHTRA HYBRID SEEDS CO. LTD. JALNA.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Source : Seed Net Portal

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

134

NAPIER GRASS CULTURE-4

86M64(MSH 203)

MH 1540(86M64)

MH 1541(86M53)

PEARL MILLET

HB-5

PEARL MILLET

PHB-2168

MLBH-104 (MH-351)

PEARL MILLET

EKNATH-301

PEARL MILLET

NHB-3

ICMH-423

PEARL MILLET

PUSA-23

PEARL MILLET

MBH-110

PHB-47

PEARL MILLET

HHB-45

Name of Hybrid Variety

PEARL MILLET

Crop Name

07-02-2011

29-01-2010

08-05-2008

01-01-1977

19-12-1978

01-01-1974

22-11-1991

01-01-1988

18-09-1987

18-11-1985

24-07-1985

Year of Notification

S.O. 283(E)

S.O. 211(E)

S.O. 1108(E)

793(E)

10(E)

834(E)

832(E)

540(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION, 3RD FLOOR, BABUKHANS MILLENNIUM CENTRE, 6-3-1099-1100, RAJ BHAWAN ROAD, SOMAJIGUDA, HYDERABAD - 500 082.

PIONEER OVERSEAS CORPORATION, 3RD FLOOR, BABUKHANS MILLENNIUM CENTRE, 6-3-1099-1100, RAJ BHAWAN ROAD, ROMAJIGUDA, HYDERABAD - 500 082.

AICRP ON FORAGE CROPS, DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, VELLAYANI, KERALA.

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA

MAHENDRA HYBRID SEEDS CO. (P) LTD.JALNA.

NATH SEEDS LIMITED, PAITHAN ROAD, AURANGABAD431005 (MAHARASHTRA).

ALL INDIA COORDINATED MILLETS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (AICPMIP), COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, PUNE-411005, MAHARASHTRA.

IARI, NEW DELHI.

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA (PUNJAB).

H. A. U. HISSAR, HARYANA.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

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135 15-11-2001

19-12-1978 17-08-1991

24-09-1969 24-09-1969 01-01-1986 01-01-1978

SORGHUM (JOWAR) VASANT-1

SORGHUM (JOWAR) CSH-13R

SORGHUM (JOWAR) CSH-1

SORGHUM (JOWAR) CSH-2

SORGHUM (JOWAR) DSH-1 (SPH-196)

SORGHUM (JOWAR) MSH-37

15-05-1998

SORGHUM (JOWAR) PAC-501 (ICI-501)

SORGHUM (JOWAR) ADILABAD SORGHUM HYBRID-1

09-09-1997

SORGHUM (JOWAR) CSH-16 (SPH-723)

08-06-1999

09-09-1997

SORGHUM (JOWAR) MLSH-296 (MLSH-14)

SORGHUM (JOWAR) JKSH-22 (JKSH-161)

01-05-1997

SORGHUM (JOWAR) PUSA CHARI HYBRID 106 (PCH-106)

26-07-2012

Year of Notification

01-01-1996

CO 9

Name of Hybrid Variety

SORGHUM (JOWAR) CSH-15 R (SPH-677)

PEARL MILLET

Crop Name

4045

786

527(E)

1134(E)

425(E)

401(E)

647(E)

360(E)

1(E)

S.O.1708(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR SORGHUM, RAJENDRANAGAR, HYDERABAD - 500030.

REGIONAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH STATION, PALEM-509215, DIST.-MAHABOOBNAGAR.

J.K. AGRI-GENETICS.(A DIVISION OF J.K. INDUSTRIES LTD.) 20, PAIGEH COLONY, S.P. ROAD, BEHIND ANAND THEATRE, SECUNDERABAD-5000003.

ITC ZENECA LIMITED, BANGALORE-560001.

NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR SORGHUM(NRCS) RAJENDRA NAGAR, HYDERABAD-500030.

MAHENDRA HYBRID SEEDS CO. LTD.,A-10, OLD MIDC, JALNA-431203.

INDIAN AGRIL. RESEARCH INSTITUTE, NEW DELHI-110012.

NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR SORGHUM R. NAGAR HYDERABAD-30.;2. PAV, RAHURI.

DEPARTMENT OF MILLETS, CENTRE FOR PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, TAMIL NADU, COIMBATORE - 641 003.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

136

RHC-1

GCH-3 (JHB-67)

GAUC-1 (VHB-44)

CH-1

GCH-4

SHITLA JYOTI (DVR-2)

CASTOR (REHRI)

BHENDI

TMVCH-1

CASTOR (REHRI)

DEEPAK (DCH-177)

DEEPTI (DCH-32)

CASTOR (REHRI)

GCH-5 (SHB-145)

CASTOR (REHRI)

GCH-6 (JHB-665)

GUJARAT CASTOR-2

CASTOR (REHRI)

01-01-2007

PBW-527

WHEAT (GEHON)

15-11-2001

01-01-1988

19-12-1978

02-02-1976

04-09-2002

13-09-2000

26-10-1999

08-06-1999

15-05-1998

09-09-1997

01-01-1996

08-05-2008

SORGHUM (JOWAR) SPH-1567

Year of Notification 02-02-2005

Name of Hybrid Variety

SORGHUM (JOWAR) Gujarat Fodder Sorghum

Crop Name

1135(E)

10(E)

786

937(E)

821(E)

1050(E)

425(E)

401(E)

647(E)

1(E)

S.O. 1108(E)

122(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF VEGETABLE RESEARCH, 1 GANDHI NAGAR NARIA, PB NO 5002, PO BHU, VARANASI-221005(UP)

CASTOR BREEDER, ARS, MANDOR, JODHPUR.

DIRECTORATE OF OILSEEDS RESEARCH, RAJENDRANAGAR, HYDERABAD-500 030.

MAIN CASTOR AND MUSTARD RESEARCH STATION, GUJRAT AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, SARDAR-KRUSHINAGAR.

OILSEEDS RESEARCH STATION TINDIVANAM.

DIRECTORATE OF OILSEEDS RESEARCH, RAJENDRA-NAGAR HYDRABAD-500 030

GAU, S.K. NAGAR- 385 506.

MAIN CASTAR AND MUSTARD RES. STN., GAU, S.K. NAGAR-385 506.

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA

SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR L.)

FORAGE RESEARCH PROJECT, GUJARAT AGRIL. UNIVERSITY, ANAND - 388110

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

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137

ARKA JEET

ARKA RAJHANS

DURGAPURA MADHU

VEMANA (K-134)

GG-7 (GUJARAT GROUNDNUT-7, J-38)

VRI (GN 5)

MUSK MELON

GROUNDNUT (MUNG PHALLI)

SINDHUR (C.A.-960)

CHILLIES

PUNJAB HYBRID

PANT C-1

CHILLIES

MUSK MELON

SWARNA AJAY (HABH-3)

BRINJAL

GUJARAT MUSKMELON-3(GMM-3)

ANAND BOTTLE GOURD 1 (ABG 1)

BOTTLE GOURD

MUSK MELON

PHULE PRIYANKA (RHRBGH-1)

BITTER GOURD

ARKA HARITA (MSH 96)

GUJARAT OKRA HYBRID-2

BHENDI

CHILLIES

PHULE KIRTI RHROH-4 (HYBRID)

Name of Hybrid Variety

BHENDI

Crop Name

15-11-2001

01-01-1996

21-09-1974

26-11-1986

01-01-1983

25-04-2006

16-03-2012

19-12-1978

14-01-1982

28-11-2006

16-03-2012

19-04-2001

26-12-2008

19-04-2001

Year of Notification

1134(E)

1(E)

566(E)

867(E)

597(E)

S.O.456(E)

19(E)

2035(E)

S.O.456(E)

348(E)

2978(E)

348(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

REGIONAL RESEARCH STATION, VRIDDHAHALAM - 606001.

MAIN GROUNDNUT RESEARCH STATION, GUJARAT AGRIL, UNIVERSITY JUNAGADH CAMPUS, JUNAGADH-362001.

AGRICULTURAL RESEAR4CH STATION KADIRI.

IIHR, BANGLORE - 560 080.

DEPARTMENT OF VEGETABLE CROPS, LANDSCAPING AND FLORICULTURE

MAIN VEGETABLE RESEARCH STATION, ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, ANAND - 388 110

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH, BANGALORE.

HORTICULTURE AND AGRO FORESTRY RESEARCH PROGRAMME, (ICAR RESEARCH COMPLEX FOR EASTERN REGION), PLAUNDU, RANCHI - 10

MAIN VEGETABLE RESEARCH STATION ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, ANAND

VEGETABLE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, MPKV, RAHURI-413722, DISTT AHMEDNAGAR.

VEGETABLE RESEARCH STATION, JUNAGADH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, JUNAGADH - 362 001.

VEGETABLE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, MPKV, RAHURI - 413 722 DISTT. AHMEDNAGAR.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

138

CO (GN 4, CULTURE

SNIGDHA

SNEHA

AK-159

KPMR-400 (INDRA)

KPMR-522 (JAY)

PPH-4

KUFRI KANCHAN

ANAND PUMPKIN 1 (AP1)

DEEPTHI

ORT (M 2-4 PRABATI)

ORT (M 6-2 ANURADHA)

MANUSREE

MKH-11 HYBRID

NARI-6

GROUNDNUT (MUNG PHALLI)

PEAS (MATAR)

PIGEON PEA (ARHAR)

POTATO

PUMPKIN

RIDGE GOURD KERALA

TORIA

SNAKE GOURD

SAFFLOWER (KUSUM/KARDI)

Name of Hybrid Variety

GROUNDNUT (MUNG PHALLI)

Crop Name

02-02-2001

15-05-1998

25-04-2006

04-09-2002

15-11-2001

25-04-2006

16-03-2012

15-11-2001

01-01-1996

15-11-2001

04-09-2002

15-11-2001

Year of Notification

92(E)

401(E)

597(E)

937(E)

1134(E)

597(E)

S.O.456(E)

1135(E)

1(E)

1134(E)

937(E)

1134(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

NIMBKAR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NARI) P.O. BOX 44, PHALTAN-415 523 (MAHARASHTRA).

MAHARASHTRA SEEDS CO.LTD. JALANA 431 203 (M.S.), INDIA.

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION, KAU, MANNUTHY - 680 651

R&M PROJECT, O.U.A.T.

R & M PROJECT O.U.A.T.

DEPARTMENT OF OLERICULTURE, COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE, AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, THRISSUR, KERALA- 680 656.

MAIN VEGETABLE RESEARCH STATION ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, ANAND

CENTRAL POTATO RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SHIMLA (H.P.) 171 001 CENTRAL POTATO RESEARCH INSTITUTE, SHIMLA (H.P.) 171 001

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BREEDING PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA.

CHANDER SHEKHAR AZAD UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, KANPUR-208002

CROP RESEARCH UNIT (OILSDEEDS), AKOLA-444 104.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, VELLAYANI.

CENTRE FOR PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS, TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY, COIMBATORE-641003.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

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139

NARI-NH-1 (PH-6, NON-SPINY HYBRID)

VL SOYA-21

MACS-450

PARBHANI SONA (MAUS-47)

PRASAD (MAUS-32)

PANT SOYA-1092

AHILYA-4 (NRC-37)

HARA SOYA

JS-93-05 (JAWAHAR SOYBEAN 93-05)

PRATIKAR (MAUS-61)

PREATISHTHA (MAUS-61-2)

SAMRUDHI (MAUS-71)

PKVSH-27

SUNGENO-85

PAC-1091

DSH-1

SOYBEAN (BHAT) ALMORA(UP).

SOYBEAN (BHAT)

SUNFLOWER (SURYAMUKHI)

Name of Hybrid Variety

SAFFLOWER (KUSUM/KARDI)

Crop Name

15-05-1998

01-01-1996

04-09-2002

02-02-2001

13-09-2000

08-06-1999

01-01-1996

04-09-2002

Year of Notification

401(E)

1(E)

937(E)

92(E)

821(E)

425(E)

1(E)

937(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

MAIN RESEARCH STATION, UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE, DHARWAD-580005.

ITC ZENECA LIMITED 309, RAHEJA CHAMBERS MUSEUM ROAD, BANGALORE-560001

HINDUSTAN AGRIGENETICS LTD. 805, MEGHDOOT, 94 NEHRU PLACE NEW DELHI- 110009

CROP RESEARCH UNIT, (OILSEEDS), P.K.V., AKOLA (M.S.).

SOYABEAN RESEARCH SCHEME, MARATHWADA AGRIL. UNIVERSITY, PARBHANI-431 402 (MS).

SOYABEAN RESEARCH SCHEME, MARATHWADA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PARBHANI.

SEED PRODUCTION UNIT, JNKVV, JABALPUR.

SEED PRODUCTION UNIT, JNKVV, JABALPUR-482 002 (M.P.).

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS, HIMACHAL PRADESH KRISHI VISHVA VIDYALAYA, PALAMPUR-176 061(HP).

NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR SOYBEAN, INDORE-452017

DIRECTORATE OF EXPERIMENT STATION, GBPUA & TECH, PANTNAGAR-263 145.

AICRP ON SOYBEAN, MARATHWADA AGRIL. UNIVERSITY, PARBHANI-431 402 (MS).

MARATHWADA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PARBHANI-431 402 (MAHARASHTRA).

AGHARKAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE, MACS, G.G. AGARKAR, ROAD, PUNE-411004.

VIVEKANANDA PARVATIYA KRISH ANUSANDHAN SHALLA,

NIMBARKAR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NAR-1), PHALTAN-415 323, MAHARASHTRA.

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

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140

MLSFH-47 (AH-11-34)

KBSH-44

MSFH-10

PSFH-118

CO 2

SUNFLOWER (SURYAMUKHI)

26-07-2012

04-02-2004

01-12-1988

28-01-2003

02-02-2001

13-09-2000

Year of Notification

Note : The list is based on available information and may not be complete.

TCSH-1

Name of Hybrid Variety

SUNFLOWER (SURYAMUKHI)

Crop Name

S.O.1708(E)

161(E)

1135(E)

100(E)

92(E)

821(E)

Notification No.

Source : Seed Net Portal

DEPARTMENT OF OILSEEDS, CENTRE FOR PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS, TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, COIMBATORE.

PAU, LUDHIANA.

MAHARASHTRA HYBRID SEEDS CO.LTD. JALNA.

ALL INDIA COORDINATED RESEARCH PROJECT ON SUNFLOWER UNI. OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES,GKVK BANGALORE-560065.

MAHENDRA HYBRID SEEDS CO.LTD, A-10/11,OLD MIDC AREA, JALNA-431203.(M.S.)

CENTRE FOR PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS, TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, COIMBATORE

BREEDER

NOTIFIED HYBRIDS RELEASED IN INDIA

NEWS

Kaveri Seed grows to record high on fundamentals

hares of Kaveri Seed 978.95 on the BSE . cotton, strong financial quarter, and the pick up interest in the stock.

hit an all-time high of Rs Improved demand for BT performance in the last in monsoon have revived

The stock closed at Rs 973.25, a gain of 2.8 per cent over the previous close. The stock gave over 100 per cent return in 2012. The company's net profit in the June quarter more than doubled to Rs 101 crore (Rs 47 crore), while income doubled to Rs 479 crore (Rs 241 crore). Earnings per share jumped to Rs 73.8 in the June quarter of 2012 against Rs 42.4 for last fiscal. The income derived from sale of seed business is exempt from income-tax, while the micro-nutrient division is subject to normal tax rates. This has enhanced the profitability of the company. Kailash Gandhi, Research Analyst, Walfort Financial Services, said the seed industry is poised for good growth and Kaveri Seed is well positioned to take full advantage of this. The company has a well-diversified product portfolio, a strong research and development team and pan-India presence to reap the benefit of growing demand for hybrid seeds, he said. Kaveri's seed portfolio includes maize, cotton, sunflower, pearl millet, sorghum and rice, while under vegetables it has tomatoes, okra, chillies and watermelon. The company's premier BT cotton hybrids launched a couple of years ago are market leaders. The hybrid seeds for red gram and paddy have also created niche for themselves. Source : bhaskarrao@kaveriseeds.in

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

GM argument heats up at meet

assionate arguments were heard for and against genetically modified (GM) technology in an event that was held on the sidelines of the CoP. Scientists from Europe and Africa presented their studies on the observed health effects of GM foods and the resistance that insects are developing towards GM varieties. Representatives of the GM industry offered counter-arguments and said the evidence presented in the papers was incorrect. Robin Mesnage, a scientist at the University of Caen in France was part of a study that found tumours developing in rats after they were fed Bt maize with and without a herbicide called Roundup. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We conducted research in a Bt maize field in South Africa and found that 71 percent of Bt maize crop contained pests," he said. Refuge crops, which were non-Bt crops, were advised to be planted along with Bt maize, but still resistance developed. A representative of the GMO industry disagreed with Prof Van Den Berg: "If the insects are developing resistance to GM then we are back to square one. It is like the beginning. So, if pesticide usage has decreased for some years then it is good.â&#x20AC;? Prof Van Den Berg also replied to the criticism of his findings by saying, "I agree we are going back to square one, but the bubble is going to burst pretty soon." With regard to Mr Mesnage's presentation, the GMO industry representative said, "These rats were anyway going to be affected by cancer and diseases because they had the predisposition. Your choice of rats is wrong. There are huge flaws in this study." Mr Mesnage replied, "This is not a carcinogenic study. But there were problems in liver and kidney. There is a whole body of evidence.â&#x20AC;? Another critic of Mr Mesnage's was a delegate from Egypt who said the study on rats "is totally wrong." He said he wrote to the editor of the journal that published the paper "and I have got replies from 24 professors who also think it is flawed." Pooja

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NEWS Bhatnagar, ICRISAT scientist, also criticised the paper. "When life is extended in rats, they inherently develop tumours," she said.

Namdhari's Innovations

amdhari Seeds announced release of tomato hybrids with high tolerance levels to TLVC, exceptional performance and qualities.

NS 538; NS 592 and NS 34 Research and Development (R&D) wing of Namdhari Seeds Private Limited (NSPL) got a new chunk in its armory with the inauguration of DiHaploid Laboratory and also the extension of its Molecular Biology Laboratory on 6th June, 2012. Both the laboratories of NSPL were inaugurated in the presence of Chairman & Managing Director Thakur Uday Singhji and other senior managers. The addition of Di-haploid technology will certainly boost the chances of NSPL in developing newer hybrids in lesser time. Compared to the earlier conventional technology, introduction of Di-haploid laboratory will save a lot of time, resources and particularly the breeding cycle duration can be reduced to 50 percent. Meanwhile, the extension of Molecular Biology Laboratory will help in generating more and more research outputs and the addition of new instruments to its department will help in producing newer hybrids. With this inauguration one can look forward to the commencement of Genetic Purity Analysis (GOT), Which will help in providing one with 100% true hybrids without any contamination. Other notable additions are the PCR Thermo Cycles for Molecular Biology lab and Incubators for Di-Haploid lab.

African Scientists visit Ankur Seeds, Nagpur

overnment Officials, Cotton Scientists, Entrepreneurs, Seed Producers, Academicians from Africa, visited the Ankur Seeds R&D Facilities as a part of an International Training Programme on 'Modern Cotton Production Technology' under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. These 32 Master Trainers from six African countries are participating in the training programme under

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

the 2nd Africa India Forum Summit, being conducted during Oct. 22-Nov. 3, 2012 at CICR, Nagpur. Dr. Damilola Emmanuel Eniaiyeju, Deputy Director, Crop Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Nigeria felt such visit could open new avenues for collaborations to initiate technology transfer and capacity building in the cotton growing African nations. Dr. Ashwin Kashikar, G.M., Ankur Seeds, Nagpur led the teams to the breeding support laboratories of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, Cytology, Tissue Culture, Entomology, Pathology, etc. The participants also had a glimpse of the polyhouses located near the labs. The visitors told during lab visit that such high standard research facilities are very much required in African countries, and will be of immense help to accelerate overall crop productivity. The visit to Ankur Seeds cotton fields was a delight to the scientists and technicians from Africa. Ms. Amoding Gladys, Cotton Breeder from Uganda informed that most of cotton cultivation in African countries is under rainfed conditions only, whereas Bt cotton is not allowed for growing in African nations. 'The training programmes, including such ideal field visits makes them learn a lot from India', she added. Dr. G.V. Umalkar, Executive President [R&D], Ankur Seeds took the lead and explained Indian cotton cultivation practices to the participants during the field visit. Seed Processing Plant, Ankur Seeds, located at Waigaon near Wardha is well equipped with modern machineries of seed processing where the African delegates were led to the Plant tour by Mr. Vaibhav Kashikar, Executive Director, Ankur Seeds. The delegates were shown the real time seed processing till the stage of automated packing of the commercial seed packets. Mr. Fauba Padacke, Director General Adjoint, Cotton Production, Chad [Africa], said that the African countries do not have such seed processing industries and so, not much of seed production takes place in these countries. Professional training for African agriculturists in cotton cultivation and processing is the need of the hour, he narrated. On behalf of all the participants from Africa, Dr. Damilola Emmanuel Eniaiyeju, Dy. Director, Crop Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Nigeria expressed thanks and gratitude to Shri M. G.

142

NEWS Shembekar, Managing Director, Ankur Seeds, Nagpur for kind hospitality rendered by him and his team. Source : research@ankurseeds.com

Rasi Inaugurates the Cell Biology Lab in Himalayas

egetable Division of Rasi Seeds Pvt. Ltd. is the fastest rising organization in the Indian seed industry under the brand name HyVeg. Another landmark was added on November 26, 2012, when Dr Ramasami â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CMD, RASI group of companies and CEO Dr Arvind Kapur, inaugurated Cell Biology Lab at their Research & Development Centre, Kullu Valley, HP (INDIA). Around a hundred guests participated in the inaugural ceremony at the premises of their Temperate Vegetables Breeding Station Kullu.

the R&D team of Kullu Headed by Dr D K Sharma. The staff constitutes here are 8 from breeding team, 5 from lab team and one from the production team. This research station is located in the foot hills of Himalayas at the height of 5000 feet AMSL. The main crops which are being bred here are cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, onion, radish, broccoli, knolkhol, beet root, turnip, red cabbage and spinach. These crops are highly cross pollinated, difficult to breed and more time consuming. To fasten the breeding programme, Rasi group of companies established cell biology lab for the production of double haploid plants for the development of inbreds in various vegetable crops. Through conventional breeding methods, it takes minimum 7-8 years for inbred line development, while with DH technology; inbreds can be developed in one to two years. All this will shorten the time period required for the development of hybrids in vegetable crops. Some vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, onion, carrot etc have very long seed to seed life cycle. This technology strengthens the breeding programme and will be a boon for these crops. Source : ramasami@rasi.in

ICAR Offers to Join Hands with Ankur Seeds

nkur Breeding Support Centre' located in Nagpur was inaugurated by the hands of Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR (Apex body of Agriculture) Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, New Delhi on 24th November 2012. The State-of-the-Art facilities developed by Ankur Seeds Pvt. Ltd., a Nagpur based company includes ultra-modern Laboratories of Molecular Biology, Tissue Culture, Genomics, Biochemistry, Pathology, Entomology, Cytology, and Seed Quality testing etc. covered on approx 60,000 Sq. ft. built up area. This facility is one of its kinds in Central India. This facility will be of immense importance for development of quality seeds as per changing requirements of farmers and will be a boon for the Breeders.

The occasion was attended by CFO- Mr Kalyana Sundaram, CPO- Baburaj V Nair, Head IARI Regional Station Katrain- Dr Chander Prakash, Dr Sarvanakumar, Ajay Dayal, Sandeep Chatrath, and

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Dr. Swapan Datta DDG, ICAR, Dr. C.D. Mayee, former Chairman, ASRB, New Delhi, Dr. Keshav Kranthi, Director, CICR, Nagpur, Dr. Ravi Dani ViceChancellor, Dr. PDKV, Akola were guests of honor for the function.

143

NEWS Citing that ICAR is looking for partners under the 12th five-year Plan which has just begun a six months ago; Dr. Ayyappan invited Ankur Seeds to work in collaboration with ICAR on the four major research platforms, viz., Biodiversity, Seeds, Borer Resistance Program across the crops and Genomics.

Dr. PDKV, Akola, Dr. V.J. Shivankar, Director, NRCC, Dr. Deepak Sarkar. Director, NBSS and LUP, Dr. S.K. Chattopadhyay, Director, CIRCOT, Mumbai, Prof. A.V. Khandekar, Dr. Ramesh Thakre, Scientists from CICR, Neri and various academic professionals were present.

Nuziveedu Seeds MOU with Govt of U.P.

The D.G., ICAR also emphasized that Ankur Seeds can be one identified centre for many facilities in the area of phenotyping, Advance Training Centre at both, national and international levels for students who earn and learn, multi-location trials for various AICIPs, seed quality Referral Laboratory for seed testing, and so on. With an advice to the company for developing recipe for the farmers to take up intercropping practices, the chief guest of honor, Dr. Ayyappan said it is the day which will be cherished by him for long time. He also visited Research field and expressed Lab to Land Excellence at Ankur Seeds. He appreciated the vision, strategy and consistency of quality of research undertaken by Ankur. It's a synergy of Science and Commerce. Here problems of farmers are identified, solution is worked out at lab and quality material is given back for field use for ultimate benefit of farmers.

uziveedu Seeds believes that its success has been due to not only their superior products but also regular extension work done by the marketing and product development teams. The main objective of extension is to engage the farmers in practicing correct agronomic practices to derive maximum benefit from the seed. In this direction Nuziveedu Seeds participated with some State Governments initiated â&#x20AC;&#x153;Public Private Partnership (PPP)â&#x20AC;? projects particularly in the area of Extension education projects undertaken by the Company with the Government of Uttar Pradesh for Rice and Corn cultivation to popularize the new agronomic innovations developed by the Company for last year kharif season. The main objective of this MOU was to increase the productivity of corn and paddy in 25 districts of the states. With the satisfactory and successful results of the project the state Govt. has extended the partnership program for next five years and renewed agreement was signed on 6th November in Department of Agriculture, Lucknow, UP.

Mr. L.P. Aurangabadkar, R&D Director left for heavenly abode on 26th September, 2012. In his memory, an Auditorium was also inaugurated. All dignitaries highly appreciated the contribution of Mr. Aurangabadkar in the field of Agriculture in general and Ankur research in particular. Dr. Swapan Datta said Ankur was a seedling in the field of research when he last visited 3-4 years back, and has now become a big tree. Other guests of honor also highly appreciated facilities developed and the research projects undertaken by Ankur in their address to the august gathering.Dr. S.A. Nimbalkar, Ex Vice-Chancellor of

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Source : srekarreddy@nslindia.com

Syngenta eyes $25 billion sales by 2020

yngenta, the world's leading crop protection and seeds producer, is targeting to more than double

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NEWS its global sales to $25 billion dollar by 2020 and expects India business to grow at a similar pace, a top company official said.

North. Mape Advisory Group was the sole advisor to the shareholders of Century Seeds and executed the transaction, according to a statement.

Syngenta India BSE 0.00 percent had posted a revenue of about Rs 2,500 crore (nearly USD 0.5 billion) in 2011.

The acquisition is done by Groupe Limagrain's wholly-owned Indian subsidiary and is the second such buyout in the country's seeds sector in the past one year.Recently, it had acquired a 61.01 per cent stake in the Hyderabad-based BISCO Bio Sciences, a company engaged in corn seed market. The Century Seeds buyout strengthens Limagrain's vegetable seeds market presence in India.

“We achieved a sales of USD 11.3 billion in 2011. We are targeting USD 25 billion of sales by 2020. I expect India to grow at least as fast as Syngenta globally,” Syngenta Global Head Business Development Robert Berendes told. Noting that India is an “important market” for the company, he said the country needs to engage small-holding farmers through transfer of technology and access to markets for achieving higher productivity and ensuring food security. Berendes said the pace of transfer of technology in India needs to be accelerated.

South East Asia could be corn hub for Asia Pacific

ollowing the Philippines' success with genetically modified corn, Vietnam and Indonesia are set to clear commercial cultivation of GM corn making South East Asia a major animal feed production hub, according to Syngenta officials.

On the India business, Syngenta South-Asia Head Akshaya Kamath said the Indian operation had revenue of about Rs 2,500 crore in 2011, of which about Rs 1,000 crore each were from crop protection and exports while the remaining Rs 500 crore was from seed segment.

Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture hopes to “quickly introduce” genetically modified hybrids of corn next year, according to Pham Van Dhuc, Deputy DirectorGeneral in the Department of Crop Production, under the Ministry.

Asked about Syngenta's comments on the 10 yearmoratorium on all field trials of GM crops suggested by the Supreme Court's appointed technical expert committee, Kamath said: “It will certainly slowdown transfer of technology. This is a cause of concern.”

Addressing a group of journalists from the Asia Pacific, on a recent trip to Vietnam organised by Syngenta Asia Pacific, he said eight such hybrids have been field tested over the last two years and the Environment Ministry's clearance is awaited. “In 2013, hopefully farmers can grow them,” he said.

However, Kamath said: “the matter is sub-judice and we are hopeful that the Supreme Court and the government will take an objective and long-term view on this matter”. Syngenta India is conducting field trials on GM (genetically modified) corn but it does not sell BT cotton seeds.

Limagrain acquires Century Seeds

roupe Limagrain, an international French cooperative, acquired Delhi-based Century Seeds Pvt Ltd in an all cash deal for an undisclosed sum. Century Seeds is a privately held company run by professional breeders, and specializes in vegetable s e e d s s u c h a s c a u l i f l o w e r, c a b b a g e a n d tomatoes.The company has an extensive production and sales network in India, particularly in the

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Corn Stats : Corn is an important crop as it is a major source of animal feed. Over 1.2 million hectares of corn is under cultivation as compared with 730,000 hectares in 2001. More than 90 per cent of the area is under hybrid corn with yields ranging around 4.3 tonnes a hectare. Vietnam still imports over a million tonnes of corn annually to meet its domestic animal feed demand. The Government hopes to enhance the yield to 6-7.5 tonnes a hectare. Maize Displaces Rice : The rapid increase in corn acreage in the last decade is an indication that maize is winning the battle as compared with rice, the staple food. This is significant as corn imports are set to increase in the Asian region. To Syngenta and other major crop input multinationals, this is a significant announcement.

145

NEWS In the ASEAN, corn is cultivated over 8.5 million hectares with 70 per cent market share going to multinationals including Syngenta, Monsanto and Pioneer, apart from regional market leaders. According to Dr Hardeep Grewal, Head of Corn Marketing, Syngenta Asia Pacific, the next level of

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

development will be in introduction of biotech traits into the crop for pest and weed control. In the South East Asia, the Philippines is a significant success story in introduction of genetically modified corn. Vietnam is the next major market followed by Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

146

New Members ORDINARY MEMBERS

Chamunda Agro Services

Near Bus Stand, State Highway, Khedbrahma, Dist. S.K, Gujarat

Opp. Bank of Baroda, At & Post. Bodeli, (Alipura) Ta;Sankhed, Distt. Baroda Guj

Kisan Traders

Somnath Complex, B/h State Bank of India Khedbrahma-383255 (Guj)

Avkar Traders

Gayatri Pesticides

10. Shraddha Agro Centre Nagarpalika Shopping Complex, Near GEB Kaloi, Ta. Kaloi, Distt. Panchmahal

Umiya Fertilizers

11. Brahmani Ginning

At & Po. Jadar, Ta. Idar, Distt. Sabarkantha (Gujarat)

& Processing Plant At & Po. Kunvarva, Ta. Kankrej, Distt. Banaskantha-385550 (Guj)

Krushi Traders

12. Kisan Fertilizers

Shankheshwar Complex, Idar-383430 Distt. Sabarkantha (Gujarat)

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

Dharti Agro Centre Main Bazar, Suzan Shopping Centre, Panthawada Ta. Dantiwada (Guj)

Opp. Taluka Panchayat, Jawanpura,Idar-383430 Distt. Sabarkantha (Gujarat)

Jay Jalaram Seeds At & Po. Timbagam, Ta.Godhra, Distt. Panchmahal-381710 Gujarat

Sardar Chowk, Khedbrahma (Guj)

Shree Ganesh Traders

C/o Indian Agro Industries, B/h GIDC, At & Po. Mansa, Ta. Gandhinagar (Gujarat)

147

New Members ORDINARY MEMBERS

13. KTL Seeds Farm Pvt. Ltd.

18. Kalimata Seed Farm

Vill+ P.o. Hatgobindapur, Dist. Burdwan-714407 (W.B)

Vill. & P.o. Salepur (Panchmail) Arambagh, Hooghly-712616 (W.B)

14. B & V Agro Irrigation Co.

19. Vokkal Seeds

Plot No. A-508, Mahape, MIDC, T.T.C.Post, M.B. Park, Navi Mumbai-400710

No. 20, 3rd Main Road, 11th Block, 2nd Stage, BDA Layout, Nagarabhavi, Bangalore-560072

15. Manisha Biotech Seed Pvt. Ltd.

20. Bhatia Seeds Agrotech

G-3, Maya Apartment, Ahinsa Nagar, Aurangabad - 431001 (M.S)

Village-Nagla Roran, Indri, Karnal (Haryana)

16. Sood Seeds Co. Pvt. Ltd.

21. Green Vision Agritech

Sood Colony, Bazpur-262401 (U.K)

#8-85, Ankapur (Vill), Mandal Armoor, Dist. Nizamabad, A.P-503224

17. Taramaa Seed Company Vill- Balarampur, P.O. Hatbasantapur, P.S. Arambagh, Dist. Hooghly, Pin-712413 (W.B)

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

148

New Members ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

22. Guruprupa Traders

26. BASF India Limited

Opp. Bus Stop, Shop No.12, At 7 Po.Bodeli (Alipura)

402,4th Floor, Gowra Grand, Secunderabad-50003

23. Maa Traders

27 . CCR Agro Seeds Pvt. Ltd.

At. Ganjipura, Po. Targol, Ta. Sankheda Distt. Baroda (Guj)

Kuldeep Bhawan, Krishna Nagar, Hisar (Haryana)

24. Rabo India Finance

28. Bharat Seeds Corporation

GF/A-3-B, Ground Floor, Building No.9, Tower A, DLF Cyber City, Phase III, Gurgaon-122002

85, Indra Market, Old Subzi Mandi, Delhi-110007

25. Manisha Biotech Seed Pvt. Ltd.

29. New Ronak Seeds Corporation

G-3, Maya Apartment, Ahinsa Nagar, Aurangabad - 431001 (M.S)

Seed Times Oct. - Dec. 2012

58, Indra Market, Old Subzi Mandi, Delhi-110007

149

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