The present study was conducted at the research farm of Dryland Agriculture Research Station, SKUAST-Kashmir during the kharif of 2019. Range of heterosis was calculated over standard check. The most desirable cross combinations viz., KDM-440 x KDM-914A (-5.879), KDM-440 x V-335 (-4.468), KDM-930 x V-351(-4.165), KDM-927A x V-335 (-3.986), CML-470 x KDM-914A (-3.808) for days to maturity, KDM-347 x V-351 (4.967) CML-470 x KDM-914A (4.610), CML-474 × V-351(-4.396), KDM-927 A x V-351 (-3.110), KDM-930 x V 335 (2.896) for number of kernel rows per cob, KDM-347 x V-351(-7.544), KDM-440 x V-351 (6.438), KDM-916A x KDM-914 A(6.117), CML-470 × V-351(5.992), CML-474 x V-335 (5.274) for number of kernels per row, KDM-340 x V-351 (3.966), KDM340 x KDM-914A (3.150), KDM-930 x V-351(3.165), KDM-440 x KDM-914 (3.556), KDM-347 x V-351(3.324) for 100-grain weight, KDM-347 x V351 (34.197), KDM-440 x V335 (28.933), CML470 x KDM-914A (29.380), KDM-895 x KDM914A (25.383), KDM927A x KDM-914A (19.549) for grain yield per plant were observed in the present study. The range of heterosis  over  standard check for days to maturity from -3.796 (CML-425 × KDM-914A) to (2.414) CML-474 × KDM-914A. The extent of heterosis for number of kernel rows per ear over standard check ranged from CML-470 x V-335(28.576) to KDM-916A × V -335(-2.143), for quantity of kernels per row maximum well known heterosis ranged from CML-470 × V-351 (19.079) to KDM-347 × V-351 (-15.132), for 100- grain weight, heterosis ranged from 22.3% for CML-470 x KDM-914 A  to -3.5% for KDM-916A × V-335. For grain yield per plant, heterosis ranged from 61.9% for CML-470 x K DM-914 A to 9.3% for KDM916A x V-335. Standard  heterosis for crosses CML -470 × KDM-914 A, CML-474 × V-351, KDM-440 × V-335 should be tested for multilocation to make valid conclusion related to their use in commercial maize cultivation.

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Superoxide Dismutase SODs are defense associated proteins that detoxify ROS and primarily serve as scavengers. They have been described in numerous plant species, but their in-depth characterization in Brassica rapa has not been reported. Therefore, the present investigation on genome wide study of SOD gene family was conducted to identify Br SOD genes, their domain-based organization, gene structure analysis, phylogenetic analysis, intron-exon structure of genes and expression analysis. The sequence characterization of Super oxide dismutase gene family in Brassica rapa , their syntenic associateship of conserved motifs and phylogenetic correlationship, prediction of cis -elements and determing the expression analysis in distinct tissues namely plant callus, root, stem, leaf, flower, and silique under abiotic conditions have been analysed using different software’s. The study on SOD gene family identified 17 Br SOD genes which were grouped into eight Br Cu-ZnSODs and nine Br Fe-MnSODs domain-based organization. Furthermore, the conserved character of Br SODs were confirmed by intron-exon organisation, motif arrangements and domain architectural investigations. Expression analysis using RNA Sequence data of different developmental stages proclaimed that genes were manifested in all six tissues with an exception of Br Cu-ZnSOD3, which was not manifested in roots; however, whose transcript was detected in all other tested tissues. The study has genome wide insight into the occurrence and functional specifications of Br SOD gene family in Brassica rapa that can be potentially utilized in breeding program for resilience to climate change and abiotic stresses tolerance Brassica variety.

A study was conducted in nine different topographical locations of Kashmir valley to know the perception of the farmers about climate change. Adaptation and mitigation strategies adopted by the farmers were also documented over a specified period viz., 1980-2019. Results from the observed data revealed warming trends in all seasons, however, winter and spring season temperatures have shown statistically significant increasing trends at the rate of 0.040C/year. Analysis of seasonal and annual precipitation data shows a decreasing trend at the rate of -4.5 mm/ year. The farmers in the study areas had perceived that the climate has changed for the last four decades. Increasing temperature, frequent droughts and less snowfall were the main visual parameters experienced by the farmers. About 30-35% of the farmers have adopted different strategies by default to mitigate ill effects of climate change. However, the majority of the farmers (70%) have not adopted any strategy to cope up with the impacts of climate change. Farmers (>90%) have stressed on provision for an early warning system, timely supply of inputs, provision of financial support and nutrients for soil enrichment as viable options to combat the ill effects of climate change.