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Genetics and Breeding of Ornamental Plants
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Genetics and Breeding of Ornamental Plants

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 3455

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yiwei Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environmental Horticulture Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
Interests: utilization and genetic breeding of ornamental plant germplasm resources; integrated multi-omics analysis of the formation mechanisms of important traits; construction of efficient detection systems for aroma and color
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Farhat Abbas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Interests: aroma and color compounds; biosynthesis pathway; regulatory mechanism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ornamental plants are vital in enhancing the esthetics of gardens, landscapes, and urban green spaces, contributing to environmental improvement, and promoting ecological balance. This Special Issue will cover a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, the genetic basis of floral traits, the application of genomics and multiomics approaches in breeding programs, and the improvement of floral quality, color, scent, and senescence. The contributions will encompass fundamental and applied research, exploring diverse aspects such as genetic diversity, gene function, gene expression, genetic mapping, marker-assisted selection, and transgenic technologies. We are particularly interested in studies that utilize cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying these traits and to develop innovative breeding strategies.

Dr. Yiwei Zhou
Dr. Farhat Abbas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Genes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ornamental plants
  • genetics
  • genomics
  • breeding
  • multiomics
  • floral quality
  • flower color
  • floral scent
  • flower senescence

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 4059 KiB  
Article
Phenotypic Characterization and Marker–Trait Association Analysis Using SCoT Markers in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) Germplasm
by Fenglan Wang, Xiuzhe Chen, Zifeng Huang, Lisha Wei, Jun Wang, Shuang Wen, Yang Liu and Yiwei Zhou
Genes 2025, 16(6), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16060664 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Background: Chrysanthemum is an economically important ornamental species whose genetic diversity assessment forms the foundation for effective breeding programs. Methods: Phenotypic characterization of 12 traits (7 quantitative and 5 qualitative traits) was conducted alongside SCoT marker analysis to assess genetic diversity and perform [...] Read more.
Background: Chrysanthemum is an economically important ornamental species whose genetic diversity assessment forms the foundation for effective breeding programs. Methods: Phenotypic characterization of 12 traits (7 quantitative and 5 qualitative traits) was conducted alongside SCoT marker analysis to assess genetic diversity and perform marker–trait association analysis in 65 chrysanthemum accessions. Results: Quantitative traits showed 14.81–26.43% variation (peduncle length most variable), while qualitative traits exhibited Shannon–Weiner indices of 0.23–2.28 (flower color most diverse). Phenotypic analyses consistently grouped accessions into two clusters. SCoT markers generated 160 bands (159 polymorphic; 6.957 bands/marker) with high PIC values (0.408–0.896). Molecular analyses also revealed two genetic groups, though with partial discordance to phenotypic clusters. Eight significant marker–trait associations were identified, linking SCoT28/3/30/31/35/20/14/36 to flowering duration, plant height, peduncle diameter, flower color, and pest resistance traits. Conclusions: The study revealed substantial diversity in local chrysanthemum germplasm, with SCoT markers effectively capturing genetic variation. While phenotypic and molecular groupings showed partial mismatch, identified marker–trait associations (e.g., SCoT28 linked to flowering duration) provide practical tools for marker-assisted breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Ornamental Plants)
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13 pages, 1956 KiB  
Article
ECE-CYC1 Transcription Factor CmCYC1a May Interact with CmCYC2 in Regulating Flower Symmetry and Stamen Development in Chrysanthemum morifolium
by Yi Yang, Ming Sun, Cunquan Yuan and Qixiang Zhang
Genes 2025, 16(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16020152 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 808
Abstract
Background: The attractive inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium, its capitulum, is always composed of ray (female, zygomorphy) and disc (bisexual, actinomorphy) florets, but the formation mechanism remains elusive. The gene diversification pattern of the ECE (CYC/TB1) clade has been speculated to correlate with [...] Read more.
Background: The attractive inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium, its capitulum, is always composed of ray (female, zygomorphy) and disc (bisexual, actinomorphy) florets, but the formation mechanism remains elusive. The gene diversification pattern of the ECE (CYC/TB1) clade has been speculated to correlate with the capitulum. Within the three subclades of ECE, the involvement of CYC2 in defining floret identity and regulating flower symmetry has been demonstrated in many species of Asteraceae, including C. morifolium. Differential expression of the other two subclade genes, CYC1 and CYC3, in different florets has been reported in other Asteraceae groups, yet their functions in flower development have not been investigated. Methods: Here, a CYC1 gene, CmCYC1a, was isolated and its expression pattern was studied in C. morifolium. The function of CmCYC1a was identified with gene transformation in Arabidopsis thaliana and yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays were performed to explore the interaction between CmCYC1 and CmCYC2. Results: CmCYC1a was expressed at higher levels in disc florets than in ray florets and the expression of CmCYC1a was increased in both florets during the flowering process. Overexpression of CmCYC1a in A. thaliana changed flower symmetry from actinomorphic to zygomorphic, with fewer stamens. Furthermore, CmCYC1a could interact with CmCYC2b, CmCYC2d, and CmCYC2f in Y2H assays. Conclusions: The results provide evidence for the involvement of CmCYC1a in regulating flower symmetry and stamen development in C. morifolium and deepen our comprehension of the contributions of ECE genes in capitulum formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Ornamental Plants)
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14 pages, 3490 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Identification of Cultivars in Spray-Type Chrysanthemum Based on SSR Markers
by Manjulatha Mekapogu, So-Hyeon Lim, Youn-Jung Choi, Su-Young Lee and Jae-A Jung
Genes 2025, 16(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16010081 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1059
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium), a key ornamental and medicinal plant, presents challenges in cultivar identification due to high phenotypic similarity and environmental influences. This study assessed the genetic diversity and discrimination of 126 spray-type chrysanthemum cultivars. Methods: About twenty-three simple sequence [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium), a key ornamental and medicinal plant, presents challenges in cultivar identification due to high phenotypic similarity and environmental influences. This study assessed the genetic diversity and discrimination of 126 spray-type chrysanthemum cultivars. Methods: About twenty-three simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were screened for the discrimination of 126 cultivars, among which six SSR markers showed polymorphic fragments. Results: Results showed high polymorphism across six markers, with an average of 3.8 alleles per locus and a mean polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.52, indicating strong discriminatory efficiency. The average observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.72, reflecting significant genetic diversity within the cultivars. Cluster analysis using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) grouped the cultivars into seven clusters, correlating well with the PCA. Bayesian population structure analysis suggested two primary genetic subpopulations. Conclusions: These findings confirm SSR markers as an effective tool for the genetic characterization and precise discrimination of spray type chrysanthemum cultivars, offering significant applications in breeding, cultivar registration, and germplasm conservation. The SSR marker-based approach thus provides a reliable and efficient strategy to enhance the management and commercialization of diverse chrysanthemum germplasm collections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Ornamental Plants)
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16 pages, 19979 KiB  
Article
Overexpression of Cymbidium goeringii Cgo-miR159 Regulates Anther Dehiscence and Pollen Development in Arabidopsis and Tobacco
by Zihan Xu, Qian Liu, Yue Chen, Jinming Wang, Jianshuang Shen and Fengrong Hu
Genes 2025, 16(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16010035 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 940
Abstract
Background: MicroRNA159 (miR159) is a conserved miRNA found in various plant species. By regulating GAMYB-like transcription factors, miR159 is involved in diverse biological processes. Cymbidium goeringii, a significant traditional Chinese orchid, has unique flower shape and elegant fragrance. However, its development has [...] Read more.
Background: MicroRNA159 (miR159) is a conserved miRNA found in various plant species. By regulating GAMYB-like transcription factors, miR159 is involved in diverse biological processes. Cymbidium goeringii, a significant traditional Chinese orchid, has unique flower shape and elegant fragrance. However, its development has been several limited because of the low flower bud differentiation and the difficult reproduction. This research aims to provide guidance for the role of cgo-miR159 in reproductive organ development to enhance the ornamental and economic value of Cymbidium. Methods: In this study, miR159 was cloned and its expression was determined across different development stages and tissue types. The function of cgo-miR159 was identified using gene transformation in Arabidopsis and tobacco plants. Results: High expression levels of cgo-miR159 were detected in the leaves and stamens during reproductive growth and expression peaked during flower bud development when the flower was above 0.5 to 3 cm in length. In transgenic experiments, the ectopic expression of cgo-miR159 led to defective development in the stamens of model plants (Arabidopsis and tobacco), including earlier anther dehiscence and pollen deformity, which resulted in developmental abnormalities and reduced seeds count in fruits. Conclusions: In summary, cgo-miR159 affected the development of reproductive organs in model plants. This research complements previous studies on the function of miR159 and provide useful references for the genetic improvement of orchids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Ornamental Plants)
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