Ajwain is the second most important seed spice crop in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is grown as rainfed crop in vertisols. The crop is sown usually during July to September as a rainfed crop. There is a need for identifying suitable high yielding genotypes adaptable to rainfed vertisols. In view of this, fourteen genotypes were evaluated for their performance in rainfed vertisols for four years. The uniqueness of the rainfed environment which varies with year to year was taken as advantage and Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis was used to understand the complex genotype x environment (GE) interactions. Further AMMI Stability Values and Genotype Selection Index (GSI) were worked out for the genotypes. Stability when assessed should be reliable. Genotype Selection Index (GSI) due to its nature of combining the estimated the stability measure and yield data, gave more useful information for selection and recommendation. The most desirable genotypes for selection of both stability and high grain yield were genotype 3 (LTa-26) followed by genotype 2 (LTa-25).

The present study was undertaken for three years to evaluate thirteen promising genotypes from India for both yield and diosgenin content. Maximum yield was recorded in genotype LFC-103 (584.1 kg ha -1 ) followed by HM-348 (542.8 kg ha -1 ). The diosgenin content in the studied genotypes varied significantly, similar observations were recorded with the diosgenin productivity. Local cultivar recorded significantly highest diosgenin content (0.92 %). The highest diosgenin productivity was recorded with UM-364 (3.97 kg ha -1 ) followed by NDM-119 (3.91 kg ha -1 ). The superiority of these genotypes can be attributed to their wide adaptability and robust growth under rainfed conditions.

Grafting is a simple method of propagation in which desired rootstocks are obtained to induce vigor, precocity, enhanced yield and quality, better survival under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Grafting reduced the dependency upon chemicals required to treat the soil borne diseases and has opened new vista in organic farming of vegetables. Grafting is the popular technology among vegetable growers and researchers to develop resistance in the crops or improve tolerance to biotic and environmental stresses in the various crops mentioning solanaceous and cucurbitaceous crops. The technology of grafting is potential in promoting the cultivation of vegetables in customized and fragile agricultural-ecosystem. It is a alternative tool which is rapid in case of relatively slow breeding methodology and useful in sustainable horticulture which takes low input for future agriculture system. Further, inventions in mechanized and robotic grafting have given a fillip to this novel eco-friendly approach. Mechanization will considerably reduce the cost of grafted seedling production in the future.

Pradesh (India) to identify potential genotypes for twelve quantitative traits among fifty three genotypes of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the twelve characters indicating the presence of genetic variability among the genotypes. Among fifty three genotypes, the genotype Meghalaya Local recorded maximum plant height, plant spread and number of primary branches per plant. Whereas, the genotype IHR 2900 recorded the earliest for days to 50 per cent flowering and days to 50 per cent ripening. However, the maximum red ripe fruit yield was recorded in genotype IHR 4611. Meghalaya Local recorded maximum number of fruits per plant, whereas, California Wonder was recorded maximum fruit length, fruit width and fruit weight. The genotype IHR 3478 recorded highest number of seeds per fruit, whereas, the genotype IHR 4604 recorded highest 1000 seed weight. The characters showing wide range of variation provide an ample scope for selecting superior types and the selected genotypes can be used in further breeding programme.

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