Morphological and Genetic diversity among farmers’ varieties of urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) Hepper of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Agro-Ecosystem

Abstract

The extent of morphological variation among farmers’ varieties of urdbean was assessed using 21 DUS and 9 agronomic parameters. A set of 56 farmers’ varieties collected from different parts of the Andaman Islands were assessed for genetic diversity. Cluster analysis assigned farmers’ varieties into groups on the basis of agronomic performance rather than their origin and was identified 9 homogeneous clusters, it was able to separate 56 farmers’ varieties based on morphological and agronomic traits. Using cluster analysis by unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method and grouping of all farmers’ varieties exhibited the presence of wide genetic diversity by the formation of 9 clusters. Cluste- I had maximum number of farmers’ varieties i.e. 26 while, cluster VIII had only one (ANFVU-11-29). The pattern of distribution of farmers’ varieties into clusters assigned on the basis of agro-morphological performance and demonstrating that geographical isolation may not be the only factor causing genetic diversity. Intra cluster distance analysis revealed that minimum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster I. The maximum inter cluster distance has to be found in cluster VIII and IX. Therefore, it was concluded that more emphasis should be given on cluster I, II, VIII and IX for selecting farmers’ varieties as parents for crossing with the farmers’ varieties of cluster I which may produce new recombinants with desired traits.

A new species of Gomphostemma (Lamiaceae) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

“…As part of a conservation program, Gomphostemma andamanensis is presently under ex‐situ conservation at Dhanikhari Experimental Garden‐cum‐Arboretum (DEGCA), Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, an excellent center for collection and ex‐situ as well in‐situ conservation of wild species in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Singh et al, 2014; Singh, Ekka, et al, 2021; Singh & Murugan, 2014; Singh, Ranjan, et al, 2021).…”

“…The ANIs comprise a unique region of rich plant diversity in India with a high rate of endemism and constitutes a recognized hotspot of biodiversity (Singh et al, 2014; Singh, Dwivedi, et al, 2020; Singh, Ekka, et al, 2020, 2021; Singh & Misra, 2020; Singh & Ranjan, 2021; Singh, Ranjan, et al, 2021). The genus Gomphostemma has previously been represented in the ANIs by the single species G. javanicum (Naik et al, 2020; Pandey & Diwakar, 2008; Singh et al, 2014; Singh, Ekka, et al, 2021). According to Bongcheewin et al (2022), G. javanicum belongs to the Glabrous group.…”

Life history traits of cycad blue butterfly, Luthrodes pandava Horsfield (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) on cycad hosts in an Island ecosystem

“…To date, no accounts of L. pandava 's life history traits are available on any preferred host species from India, including ANI. Despite the fact that ANI are well‐known as biodiversity hotspots (Singh et al, 2014; Singh, Dwivedi, et al, 2020; Singh, Ekka, et al, 2020, 2021; Singh & Misra, 2020; Singh & Ranjan, 2021; Singh, Ranjan, et al, 2021), the invasive arthropod herbivore pose severe threats to the native Cycads by L. pandava (Purti et al, 2022). It considerably requires information on the biological and ecological parameters of L. pandava which linked to extinction risk.…”

“…The ANIs are situated in the tropical belt and frequently battered by tropical rains during both Southwest monsoons (May–September) and North‐East monsoon (October–December). The majority of the rainfall (76%) is received during Southwest Monsoon, 22% during the North‐East monsoon and the rest during summer season (Singh et al, 2014; Singh, Ekka, et al, 2021). Also, a species of the genus Zamia (Zamiaceae) is reported here for the first time in Indian Island's serving as an alternative host plant and offered as larval food influences fecundity.…”

A new variety of Commelina L.(Commelinaceae) from Eastern Ghats of Peninsular, India

“…India is an assemblage of diversified phyto‐geographical provinces with hot spots of plant diversity (Singh et al 2014, 2021, Sivaramakrishna and Yugandhar 2020, Singh and Ranjan 2021, Sivaramakrishna et al 2021). Systematic explorations of Commelinaceae are scarce in India (Hooker 1875, 1892, Beddome 1880, Clarke 1881, Kumar and Deodikar 1941, Barnes 1946, Karthikeyan et al 1989, Rao 1997).…”