Malavika Dadlani - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Malavika Dadlani

The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of fruit retention and seed position in frui... more A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of fruit retention and seed position in fruit on the seed yield and seed quality in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir.) cv. Pusa Hybrid 1 during summer 2008 and 2009, Seed Production Unit, IARI, New Delhi. Among two methods of fruit retentions, one fruit per vine (T1) showed superiority over two fruits per vine (T2) in fruit development and seed yield attributes, viz. fruit weight (4.46 kg), fruit length (22.35 cm), fruit width (20.53 cm), cavity size, filled seeds (473.50), total number of seeds per fruit (479.42), 100 seed weight (14.67 g) and seed yield per fruit (70.44 g). Similarly, T1 over T2 were highly significant for germination (94.27 %), total seedling length (32.76 cm), seedling dry weight (51.01 mg), vigour index- I (3032.24), vigour index- II (4721.10) and low moisture content. Within the fruit, middle segment showed highest number of filled seed (166.40), total number of seed (175.70), germination (90.64 %),...

Seed Science and Technology

Development of new plant varieties is key to sustainable agriculture, specially given that climat... more Development of new plant varieties is key to sustainable agriculture, specially given that climate change poses newer challenges with uncertainties of production ecosystems. However, to accrue the full genetic potential of a variety, it is essential to maintain the variety in true-to-type, as it was released for commercial use. The methodology adopted to maintain the genotypic constitution of a variety through the series of multiplication (generations) is known as variety maintenance or maintenance breeding. Its successful implementation needs a thorough understanding of the breeding methodology, varietal characteristics, and the influence of the environment on them. Though specific procedures of variety maintenance are followed for each crop group, which are based on their flowering, pollination behaviour and other essential traits, the basic principles are based on the mode of pollination (self- or cross-pollinated) and genetic constitutions.

Seed Science and Technology, 2023

Seed germination and dormancy are vital components of seed quality; hence, understanding these pr... more Seed germination and dormancy are vital components of seed quality; hence, understanding these processes is essential for a sound seed production system. The two processes are closely interrelated and regulated, both by genetic as well as environmental factors. While dormancy provides an inherent mechanism aimed at the survival of the plant species to withstand adverse external conditions by restricting the mature seed from germinating, the ability of the dehydrated seed to remain viable and produce a vigorous seedling upon hydration under favourable conditions is the key to the survival and perpetuation of the plant species. In addition, quality seed is expected to result in timely and uniform germination under favourable field conditions after sowing to establish a healthy crop stand. Therefore, in seed technology, dormancy is not considered a desirable trait in the seed lots used for sowing. Thus, to achieve the highest germination percentage, understanding the factors controlling these two interlinked and contrasting processes is vital. In seed testing and seed trade, knowledge of seed germination and dormancy is needed for a reliable assessment of seed quality and its planting value, and to make right decisions. Though much is yet to be understood, the present status of knowledge on these aspects has made significant advances, especially in genetic control, molecular mechanism, and physiological and environmental factors influencing germination and dormancy. The

Seed Science and Technology, 2023

Seed Science and Technology, 2023

Storage is an essential component of seed programmes, which primarily aims at maintaining the hig... more Storage is an essential component of seed programmes, which primarily aims at maintaining the high-quality standards of the seed from harvest till the time of sowing the crop in the next or successive seasons. In addition to this, seeds are also stored for longer durations to maintain stocks for seed trade at national and international levels as per market demands and as a buffer against crop failures in times of natural calamities or other exigencies, to maintain seeds of the parental lines for hybrid seed production in one or more seasons, to conserve active genetic stocks for breeding purposes, and to maintain germplasm for long term use. Seeds of most of the agriculturally important species are categorised as orthodox or desiccation-tolerant. Their longevity increases with decrease in storage temperature and the relative humidity of the storage environment (or seed moisture content). However, notwithstanding the constitutional differences among plant species concerning seed longevity, being a living entity, every seed undergoes deteriorative changes during storage, even in dry stores, primarily in terms of germination and vigour due to physiological deterioration, and changes brought by the presence of the pests and pathogens. A good seed programme aims at maintaining the high planting value of the seed in terms of purity, germination, vigour, and seed health during storage by taking care in seed handling, controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the store (or seed moisture in case of hermetically sealed containers), and following good sanitation M. Dadlani (✉)

Seed Science and Technology, 2023

India being an agriculture-dominant country produces more than 500 million tons of crop residues ... more India being an agriculture-dominant country produces more than 500 million tons of crop residues annually. These residues are used as animal feed, for thatching of homes, and as a source of domestic and industrial fuel. A large portion of unused crop residues are burnt in the fields primarily to clear the left-over straw and stubbles after the harvest. Nonavailability of labour, high cost of residue removal from the field and increasing use of combines in harvesting the crops are main reasons behind burning of crop residues in the fields. Burning of crop residues causes environmental pollution, is hazardous to human health, produces greenhouse gases causing global warming and results in loss of plant nutrients like N, P, K and S. Therefore, appropriate management of crop residues assumes a great significance. Recent research efforts have developed conservation agriculture-based crop management technologies which are more resource-efficient than the conventional practices. The conservation agriculture practices can make efficient use of crop residues. However, information about their use is scanty. This bulletin will fill the gap and will generate awareness about such technologies. The bulletin provides comprehensive information about the generation of crop residues every year in the country and the extent of their on-farm burning along with their environmental impacts. It is perhaps the first attempt in the country towards identification of the competing uses of crop residues and suggesting their management options gainfully. The bulletin has also mentioned the research and policy issues related to their safe and sustainable management at local and regional scales.

India Studies in Business and Economics

Science, technology and innovation (STI), targeted to solve both generic and location-specific ch... more Science, technology and innovation (STI), targeted to solve both generic and location-specific challenges, are key drivers for transforming agri-food systems. These can transform the sustenance and low return livelihood to a profitable and respectable occupation for smallholder farmers, while motivating, attracting and empowering youth and women in agriculture. A paradigm shift is needed to: i) increase productivity, profitability, inclusiveness and efficiency of human engagement, ii) achieve complete nutrition security, iii) address the challenges of climate change, iv) adopt environment-friendly sustainable practices, and v) establish efficient farmer-market linkages. To achieve the desired goals, this chapter highlights effective pathways for: i) scaling innovations by combining ITK, conventional methods, and adopting NextGen cutting edge technologies evolved nationally or internationally, ii) enduring STI through a Gold Class education system, and iii) leveraging strong public-p...

Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, 2004

Characterization of 32 Indian rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties cultivated in different agro-ecosy... more Characterization of 32 Indian rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties cultivated in different agro-ecosystems was undertaken, using biochemical marker system i.e. total soluble protein profile and isoenzymes. The average similarity index, average heterozygosity values for polymorphic loci and marker index were 0.77, 0.79 and 3.73 respectively. The protein and isoenzyme marker systems in combination generated 35 polymorphic markers (63.6%) out of a total of 55 bands. The probability of obtaining an identical match by chance between two varieties was 9 x 10-2, indicating that biochemical markers reveal only a moderate level of polymorphism. The uniformity and stability of these markers were assessed in the Nucleus and Breeder seed samples of one aromatic (Pusa Basmati-1) and one non-aromatic (Pusa 44) variety. The possible application of these markers for DUS (distinctness, uniformity and stability) testing for the grant of plant variety protection is discussed.

Plant Varieties and Seeds, 2000

Vegetos, 2012

Sixty Capsicum sp. genotypes from different parts of India were evaluated for variability on the ... more Sixty Capsicum sp. genotypes from different parts of India were evaluated for variability on the basis of 15qualitative and 20 quantitative characters using a randomized complete block design with 3 replications the and also with RAPD, SSR and ISSR markers to assess their genetic diversity. While the cluster analysis using a combination of 15qualitative and 20 quantitative characters grouped the genotypes in two major clusters, molecular analysis of these genotypes provided a power full tool by which their genetic structure could be characterized. The present investigation is carried out with an objective to develop a morpho-molecular tool kit for identification and authentication of capsicum genotypes for utilization in seed production chain and for establishment of intellectual property right. A morpho-molecular varietal identification system has been proposed with an objective to use as a tool in varietal identification program based on observations of morphological characters an...

Maize (Zea mays L.) is third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice in the world and has... more Maize (Zea mays L.) is third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice in the world and has multiple uses in food, feed and industrial sectors. In India, maize is cultivated throughout India under a wide range of agro-ecological conditions, both rainfed and irrigated. Rapid and uniform field emergence is essential to optimize stand establishment under all environmental conditions. The overall performance of the crop is based on the quality of the seed sown. High germination and vigour of the seed are important for uniform field emergence, better crop stand and high yield. Physiological constraints like poor germination and vigour, low seedling emergence and establishment result in uneven and low plant stand. Various seed treatments have been devised to improve the rate and uniformity of emergence as well as seed viability in a number of crop species [1-4]. Magnetic treatment is a non invasive physical stimulant used for improving vigour and field emergence in seeds. Numerous r...

Priming of seeds is a well-established technology to improve speed and uniformity of germination,... more Priming of seeds is a well-established technology to improve speed and uniformity of germination, however at the cost of a reduction in longevity of seeds. Furthermore, priming alone is not able to drastically improve the number of usable plants from a batch of seeds. Pregermination, in combination with selection of seeds showing the earliest germination, can improve the number of usable plants considerably. However, it is not easy to find a suitable separation method for every species. Two major obstacles for practical use of pregerminated seeds are storage of the seeds and finding a way of drilling them. The fluid drilling technique finds some solution to this problem. A breakthrough in the practical application of pregerminated seeds was the development of a method to re-induce desiccation tolerance in seeds after they had germinated.The effects of PEG incubation and Heat Shock are quite promising for both pregerminated seeds as well as primed ones. The role of LEAs, HSPs, sugars, BiP, compatible solutes etc. are important in the re-acquisition of desiccation tolerance. Most biophysical investigations concerning anhydrobiosis in plants have been focused on phenomena in the dried state. Considering that desiccation-sensitive organisms usually die when the water content is still relatively high [e.g. 0.5-2.0 (gH2O) (g dry weight) −1 ], future research should be aimed at mechanisms of protection that operate in this particular range of water contents. Pressing goals for future research are the understanding of the mechanism of protection by LEAs and HSPs in vivo, and how cells cope with membrane destabilization as a result of partitioned amphiphiles. Ideally, the relatively simple system of priming of seeds could be combined with methods to separate vigorous from lower vigor seeds. To reach this goal, more research needs to be done in characterizing seeds of high and low quality to allow separation before or after priming treatment.

Suggested citation IARI (2012) Crop residues management with conservation agriculture: Potential,... more Suggested citation IARI (2012) Crop residues management with conservation agriculture: Potential, constraints and policy needs. Indian Foreword India being an agriculture-dominant country produces more than 500 million tons of crop residues annually. These residues are used as animal feed, for thatching of homes, and as a source of domestic and industrial fuel. A large portion of unused crop residues are burnt in the fields primarily to clear the left-over straw and stubbles after the harvest. Non-availability of labour, high cost of residue removal from the field and increasing use of combines in harvesting the crops are main reasons behind burning of crop residues in the fields. Burning of crop residues causes environmental pollution, is hazardous to human health, produces greenhouse gases causing global warming and results in loss of plant nutrients like N, P, K and S. Therefore, appropriate management of crop residues assumes a great significance. Recent research efforts have de...

Legume Research - An International Journal, 2016

The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of fruit retention and seed position in frui... more A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of fruit retention and seed position in fruit on the seed yield and seed quality in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir.) cv. Pusa Hybrid 1 during summer 2008 and 2009, Seed Production Unit, IARI, New Delhi. Among two methods of fruit retentions, one fruit per vine (T1) showed superiority over two fruits per vine (T2) in fruit development and seed yield attributes, viz. fruit weight (4.46 kg), fruit length (22.35 cm), fruit width (20.53 cm), cavity size, filled seeds (473.50), total number of seeds per fruit (479.42), 100 seed weight (14.67 g) and seed yield per fruit (70.44 g). Similarly, T1 over T2 were highly significant for germination (94.27 %), total seedling length (32.76 cm), seedling dry weight (51.01 mg), vigour index- I (3032.24), vigour index- II (4721.10) and low moisture content. Within the fruit, middle segment showed highest number of filled seed (166.40), total number of seed (175.70), germination (90.64 %),...

Seed Science and Technology

Development of new plant varieties is key to sustainable agriculture, specially given that climat... more Development of new plant varieties is key to sustainable agriculture, specially given that climate change poses newer challenges with uncertainties of production ecosystems. However, to accrue the full genetic potential of a variety, it is essential to maintain the variety in true-to-type, as it was released for commercial use. The methodology adopted to maintain the genotypic constitution of a variety through the series of multiplication (generations) is known as variety maintenance or maintenance breeding. Its successful implementation needs a thorough understanding of the breeding methodology, varietal characteristics, and the influence of the environment on them. Though specific procedures of variety maintenance are followed for each crop group, which are based on their flowering, pollination behaviour and other essential traits, the basic principles are based on the mode of pollination (self- or cross-pollinated) and genetic constitutions.

Seed Science and Technology, 2023

Seed germination and dormancy are vital components of seed quality; hence, understanding these pr... more Seed germination and dormancy are vital components of seed quality; hence, understanding these processes is essential for a sound seed production system. The two processes are closely interrelated and regulated, both by genetic as well as environmental factors. While dormancy provides an inherent mechanism aimed at the survival of the plant species to withstand adverse external conditions by restricting the mature seed from germinating, the ability of the dehydrated seed to remain viable and produce a vigorous seedling upon hydration under favourable conditions is the key to the survival and perpetuation of the plant species. In addition, quality seed is expected to result in timely and uniform germination under favourable field conditions after sowing to establish a healthy crop stand. Therefore, in seed technology, dormancy is not considered a desirable trait in the seed lots used for sowing. Thus, to achieve the highest germination percentage, understanding the factors controlling these two interlinked and contrasting processes is vital. In seed testing and seed trade, knowledge of seed germination and dormancy is needed for a reliable assessment of seed quality and its planting value, and to make right decisions. Though much is yet to be understood, the present status of knowledge on these aspects has made significant advances, especially in genetic control, molecular mechanism, and physiological and environmental factors influencing germination and dormancy. The

Seed Science and Technology, 2023

Seed Science and Technology, 2023

Storage is an essential component of seed programmes, which primarily aims at maintaining the hig... more Storage is an essential component of seed programmes, which primarily aims at maintaining the high-quality standards of the seed from harvest till the time of sowing the crop in the next or successive seasons. In addition to this, seeds are also stored for longer durations to maintain stocks for seed trade at national and international levels as per market demands and as a buffer against crop failures in times of natural calamities or other exigencies, to maintain seeds of the parental lines for hybrid seed production in one or more seasons, to conserve active genetic stocks for breeding purposes, and to maintain germplasm for long term use. Seeds of most of the agriculturally important species are categorised as orthodox or desiccation-tolerant. Their longevity increases with decrease in storage temperature and the relative humidity of the storage environment (or seed moisture content). However, notwithstanding the constitutional differences among plant species concerning seed longevity, being a living entity, every seed undergoes deteriorative changes during storage, even in dry stores, primarily in terms of germination and vigour due to physiological deterioration, and changes brought by the presence of the pests and pathogens. A good seed programme aims at maintaining the high planting value of the seed in terms of purity, germination, vigour, and seed health during storage by taking care in seed handling, controlling the temperature and relative humidity of the store (or seed moisture in case of hermetically sealed containers), and following good sanitation M. Dadlani (✉)

Seed Science and Technology, 2023

India being an agriculture-dominant country produces more than 500 million tons of crop residues ... more India being an agriculture-dominant country produces more than 500 million tons of crop residues annually. These residues are used as animal feed, for thatching of homes, and as a source of domestic and industrial fuel. A large portion of unused crop residues are burnt in the fields primarily to clear the left-over straw and stubbles after the harvest. Nonavailability of labour, high cost of residue removal from the field and increasing use of combines in harvesting the crops are main reasons behind burning of crop residues in the fields. Burning of crop residues causes environmental pollution, is hazardous to human health, produces greenhouse gases causing global warming and results in loss of plant nutrients like N, P, K and S. Therefore, appropriate management of crop residues assumes a great significance. Recent research efforts have developed conservation agriculture-based crop management technologies which are more resource-efficient than the conventional practices. The conservation agriculture practices can make efficient use of crop residues. However, information about their use is scanty. This bulletin will fill the gap and will generate awareness about such technologies. The bulletin provides comprehensive information about the generation of crop residues every year in the country and the extent of their on-farm burning along with their environmental impacts. It is perhaps the first attempt in the country towards identification of the competing uses of crop residues and suggesting their management options gainfully. The bulletin has also mentioned the research and policy issues related to their safe and sustainable management at local and regional scales.

India Studies in Business and Economics

Science, technology and innovation (STI), targeted to solve both generic and location-specific ch... more Science, technology and innovation (STI), targeted to solve both generic and location-specific challenges, are key drivers for transforming agri-food systems. These can transform the sustenance and low return livelihood to a profitable and respectable occupation for smallholder farmers, while motivating, attracting and empowering youth and women in agriculture. A paradigm shift is needed to: i) increase productivity, profitability, inclusiveness and efficiency of human engagement, ii) achieve complete nutrition security, iii) address the challenges of climate change, iv) adopt environment-friendly sustainable practices, and v) establish efficient farmer-market linkages. To achieve the desired goals, this chapter highlights effective pathways for: i) scaling innovations by combining ITK, conventional methods, and adopting NextGen cutting edge technologies evolved nationally or internationally, ii) enduring STI through a Gold Class education system, and iii) leveraging strong public-p...

Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, 2004

Characterization of 32 Indian rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties cultivated in different agro-ecosy... more Characterization of 32 Indian rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties cultivated in different agro-ecosystems was undertaken, using biochemical marker system i.e. total soluble protein profile and isoenzymes. The average similarity index, average heterozygosity values for polymorphic loci and marker index were 0.77, 0.79 and 3.73 respectively. The protein and isoenzyme marker systems in combination generated 35 polymorphic markers (63.6%) out of a total of 55 bands. The probability of obtaining an identical match by chance between two varieties was 9 x 10-2, indicating that biochemical markers reveal only a moderate level of polymorphism. The uniformity and stability of these markers were assessed in the Nucleus and Breeder seed samples of one aromatic (Pusa Basmati-1) and one non-aromatic (Pusa 44) variety. The possible application of these markers for DUS (distinctness, uniformity and stability) testing for the grant of plant variety protection is discussed.

Plant Varieties and Seeds, 2000

Vegetos, 2012

Sixty Capsicum sp. genotypes from different parts of India were evaluated for variability on the ... more Sixty Capsicum sp. genotypes from different parts of India were evaluated for variability on the basis of 15qualitative and 20 quantitative characters using a randomized complete block design with 3 replications the and also with RAPD, SSR and ISSR markers to assess their genetic diversity. While the cluster analysis using a combination of 15qualitative and 20 quantitative characters grouped the genotypes in two major clusters, molecular analysis of these genotypes provided a power full tool by which their genetic structure could be characterized. The present investigation is carried out with an objective to develop a morpho-molecular tool kit for identification and authentication of capsicum genotypes for utilization in seed production chain and for establishment of intellectual property right. A morpho-molecular varietal identification system has been proposed with an objective to use as a tool in varietal identification program based on observations of morphological characters an...

Maize (Zea mays L.) is third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice in the world and has... more Maize (Zea mays L.) is third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice in the world and has multiple uses in food, feed and industrial sectors. In India, maize is cultivated throughout India under a wide range of agro-ecological conditions, both rainfed and irrigated. Rapid and uniform field emergence is essential to optimize stand establishment under all environmental conditions. The overall performance of the crop is based on the quality of the seed sown. High germination and vigour of the seed are important for uniform field emergence, better crop stand and high yield. Physiological constraints like poor germination and vigour, low seedling emergence and establishment result in uneven and low plant stand. Various seed treatments have been devised to improve the rate and uniformity of emergence as well as seed viability in a number of crop species [1-4]. Magnetic treatment is a non invasive physical stimulant used for improving vigour and field emergence in seeds. Numerous r...

Priming of seeds is a well-established technology to improve speed and uniformity of germination,... more Priming of seeds is a well-established technology to improve speed and uniformity of germination, however at the cost of a reduction in longevity of seeds. Furthermore, priming alone is not able to drastically improve the number of usable plants from a batch of seeds. Pregermination, in combination with selection of seeds showing the earliest germination, can improve the number of usable plants considerably. However, it is not easy to find a suitable separation method for every species. Two major obstacles for practical use of pregerminated seeds are storage of the seeds and finding a way of drilling them. The fluid drilling technique finds some solution to this problem. A breakthrough in the practical application of pregerminated seeds was the development of a method to re-induce desiccation tolerance in seeds after they had germinated.The effects of PEG incubation and Heat Shock are quite promising for both pregerminated seeds as well as primed ones. The role of LEAs, HSPs, sugars, BiP, compatible solutes etc. are important in the re-acquisition of desiccation tolerance. Most biophysical investigations concerning anhydrobiosis in plants have been focused on phenomena in the dried state. Considering that desiccation-sensitive organisms usually die when the water content is still relatively high [e.g. 0.5-2.0 (gH2O) (g dry weight) −1 ], future research should be aimed at mechanisms of protection that operate in this particular range of water contents. Pressing goals for future research are the understanding of the mechanism of protection by LEAs and HSPs in vivo, and how cells cope with membrane destabilization as a result of partitioned amphiphiles. Ideally, the relatively simple system of priming of seeds could be combined with methods to separate vigorous from lower vigor seeds. To reach this goal, more research needs to be done in characterizing seeds of high and low quality to allow separation before or after priming treatment.

Suggested citation IARI (2012) Crop residues management with conservation agriculture: Potential,... more Suggested citation IARI (2012) Crop residues management with conservation agriculture: Potential, constraints and policy needs. Indian Foreword India being an agriculture-dominant country produces more than 500 million tons of crop residues annually. These residues are used as animal feed, for thatching of homes, and as a source of domestic and industrial fuel. A large portion of unused crop residues are burnt in the fields primarily to clear the left-over straw and stubbles after the harvest. Non-availability of labour, high cost of residue removal from the field and increasing use of combines in harvesting the crops are main reasons behind burning of crop residues in the fields. Burning of crop residues causes environmental pollution, is hazardous to human health, produces greenhouse gases causing global warming and results in loss of plant nutrients like N, P, K and S. Therefore, appropriate management of crop residues assumes a great significance. Recent research efforts have de...

Legume Research - An International Journal, 2016