Ananta Sarkar

Bio: Ananta Sarkar is an academic researcher from Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The author has contributed to research in topics: Yield (engineering) & Nutrient. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 24 publications receiving 454 citations. Previous affiliations of Ananta Sarkar include National Academy of Agricultural Research Management & Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute.

Detection of stable QTLs for grain protein content in rice (Oryza sativa L.) employing high throughput phenotyping and genotyping platforms

Abstract: Lack of appropriate donors, non-utilization of high throughput phenotyping and genotyping platforms with high genotype × environment interaction restrained identification of robust QTLs for grain protein content (GPC) in rice. In the present investigation a BC3F4 mapping population was developed using grain protein donor, ARC10075 and high-yielding cultivar Naveen and 190 lines were genotyped using 40 K Affimetrix custom SNP array with the objective to identify stable QTLs for protein content. Three of the identified QTLs, one for GPC (qGPC1.1) and the other two for single grain protein content (qSGPC2.1, qSGPC7.1) were stable over the environments explaining 13%, 14% and 7.8% of the phenotypic variances, respectively. Stability and repeatability of these additive QTLs were supported by the synergistic additive effects of multi-environmental-QTLs. One epistatic-QTL, independent of the main effect QTL was detected over the environment for SGPC. A few functional genes governing seed storage protein were hypothesised inside these identified QTLs. The qGPC1.1 was validated by NIR Spectroscopy-based high throughput phenotyping in BC3F5 population. Higher glutelin content was estimated in high-protein lines with the introgression of qGPC1.1 in telomeric region of short arm of chromosome 1. This was supported by the postulation of probable candidate gene inside this QTL region encoding glutelin family proteins.

Identifying superior feed barley genotypes using GGE biplot for diverse environments in India

Abstract: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important feed purpose cereal grown under diverse production conditions and harsh environments. The present investigation was carried out to study performance of advanced breeding lines and identify superior genotypes of feed barley using multienvironment trial data from All India Coordinated Wheat and Barley Improvement Programme (AICW&BIP). Ninety three experimental genotypes and five released cultivars were tested across eleven locations during four years. Grain yield and other agronomic traits were analyzed. Stability and genotype superiority for grain yield and other traits were determined using genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis.The result showed that environment and genotype contributed 32.9 to 67.4% and 4.7 to 20.4% of the total variation, respectively.The genotype × environment interaction contributed 27 to 44% of total variation. The experimental genotypes showed arrays of variation for grain yield in each year, with mean values ranging from 2.12 to 5.36 t/ha. Twelve experimental genotypes were identified, which were either superior or equal performance to the best check based on their high yield and stability across environments. The locations Varanasi, Kanpur,Vijapur and Durgapura discriminated the genotypes more than other sites for grain yield and agronomic traits. The findings provided valuable information on wide adaptation of feed barley genotypes, which could be useful for barley improvement programmes.

Assessment of resistance to Fusarium wilt disease in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm

Abstract: Inherently low genetic yield potential and susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses contribute to low productivity in sesame. Development of stress resistant varieties coupled with high yield is the viable option to raise the genetic yield ceiling. 35 sesame germplasm accessions obtained from diverse agro-climatic regions of India were screened both under natural field and greenhouse conditions to identify disease reaction to the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum spp. sesami. Pathogen was isolated from infected plants and identified fungus inoculum was used to confirm disease reaction. All the accessions displayed some percent infection rate and none could be described as immune. Accessions NSKMS 260, NSKMS-267, NSKMS-261 and TMV-3 were found to be resistant with infection rates of 13.1, 14.6, 15.1 and 15.7% respectively. Accessions RT-54, TMV-4, and NSKMS-115 were found to be moderately resistant. Rest others were found to be moderately susceptible or susceptible or highly susceptible with infection percent ranging from 44.7% to 94.11%. Of all the susceptible ones, TKG-22 and VRISV-1 showed severe infection percent of about 94.1 and 92.3 respectively. Though all the accessions studied were categorized into various classes based on percent disease infection, statistically there is no significant difference in majority of the accessions except NSKMS accessions 260, 261 and 267 and TMV-3. The accessions identified in the present study may be considered in crop improvement programmes involved in developing wilt resistant varieties, however further efforts need to be concentrated on identifying highly resistant genotypes with the inclusion of vast germplasm in screening procedures.

Ridge-Furrow Mulching Systems—An Innovative Technique for Boosting Crop Productivity in Semiarid Rain-Fed Environments

Abstract: Increasing food demands by a growing human population require substantial increases in crop productivity. In rain-fed arid and semiarid areas where the water supply is limited, an increase in the precipitation use efficiency (PUE) is the key to reach this goal. This chapter examines the scientific basis of a ridge-furrow mulching system (RF system) for increasing PUE, and summarizes the effects of this system on crop performance, microclimates, soil attributes, and environmental sustainability. Studies have shown that using crop straw, plastic film, or gravel–sand materials to mulch the soil surface significantly reduces the evaporation of soil moisture, increases water availability to crop plants, and decreases soil erosion caused by wind and water. Plastic mulching increases topsoil temperature during cool spring, promoting plant growth; during hot summer, straw mulching can moderate soil temperature, preventing the topsoil from reaching temperatures that inhibit plant growth. Ridge furrows with plastic mulching on the ridges and crop straw covering the furrows channel water to the furrows, and enhance soil water infiltration and water availability to the crop. Microclimates under mulched ridges and furrows favor soil microbial activity, increase soil biodiversity, and improve environmental benefits. The effectiveness of ridge-furrow systems is reflected in increased crop yields (20–180%) compared with that of the conventional-flat planting. Although more research is required to document physiochemical strengths, technique details and potential drawbacks, and more importantly to define long-term sustainability, we strongly suggest that RF systems are an innovative approach for increasing crop water availability, improving soil productivity, and enhancing food security for arid and semiarid rain-fed areas.

Recent advances in mulching materials and methods for modifying soil environment

Abstract: The global temperature has been increasing over the years due to climate change that, directly or indirectly, affects water and energy consumptions in the agriculture sector. The application of mulching practices reduces soil evaporation, conserves soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, controls soil structure and temperature, influences soil micro-organisms, and is aesthetically pleasing. This study has reviewed 189 published research papers, which described the effects of various mulching materials and methods on soil and environment that influence crop productivity. This paper describes the extent of influence of different mulching materials and methods on the hydrothermal environment of soils. It is imperative to know the processes that control soil environments under various mulching conditions and the effects of mulching materials on crop yield, productivity and water use efficiency. These issues of mulching are the prime concerns of this review study. Plastic mulching materials have a greater importance than the organic ones to control soil environment and increase crop yield. But, the organic mulching materials are inexpensive and environment friendly. The selection of an appropriate mulching material is, however, guided by crop type, crop management practices and climatic conditions. Future research is needed on the effects of low-cost biodegradable mulching materials on microclimate modifications, soil biota, soil fertility, crop growth and crop yields.

Soil mulching significantly enhances yields and water and nitrogen use efficiencies of maize and wheat: a meta-analysis.

Abstract: Global crop yields are limited by water and nutrient availability. Soil mulching (with plastic or straw) reduces evaporation, modifies soil temperature and thereby affects crop yields. Reported effects of mulching are sometimes contradictory, likely due to differences in climatic conditions, soil characteristics, crop species, and also water and nitrogen (N) input levels. Here we report on a meta-analysis of the effects of mulching on wheat and maize, using 1310 yield observations from 74 studies conducted in 19 countries. Our results indicate that mulching significantly increased yields, WUE (yield per unit water) and NUE (yield per unit N) by up to 60%, compared with no-mulching. Effects were larger for maize than wheat, and larger for plastic mulching than straw mulching. Interestingly, plastic mulching performed better at relatively low temperature while straw mulching showed the opposite trend. Effects of mulching also tended to decrease with increasing water input. Mulching effects were not related to soil organic matter content. In conclusion, soil mulching can significantly increase maize and wheat yields, WUE and NUE, and thereby may contribute to closing the yield gap between attainable and actual yields, especially in dryland and low nutrient input agriculture. The management of soil mulching requires site-specific knowledge.