Search Results (1,705)

Pleurotus ostreatus is a widely cultivated edible fungus in China, renowned for its rich nutritional composition and diverse medicinal compounds. However, the quality of the currently published P. ostreatus genomes remained suboptimal, which limited in-depth research on its evolution, growth, and development. In this study, we conducted a chromosome-level genome assembly of the monokaryotic basidiospore strain PC80. The assembled genome spanned 40.6 Mb and consisted of 15 scaffolds. Ten of these scaffolds contained complete telomere-to-telomere structures. The scaffold N50 value was 3.6 Mb. Genome annotation revealed 634 carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) family genes. Through collinearity analysis, we further confirmed that the PC80 genome exhibited higher completeness and greater accuracy compared to the currently published genomes of P. ostreatus. At the matA locus of PC80, three hd1 genes and one hd2 gene were identified. At the matB locus, seven pheromone receptor genes and two pheromone precursor genes were detected. Further phylogenetic analysis indicated that three of these pheromone receptor genes are likely to have mating-specific functions. This complete genome assembly could provide a foundation for future genomic and genetic studies, facilitate the identification of key genes related to growth and developmental regulation, and promote technological innovations in P. ostreatus breeding and efficient utilization. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a versatile plant with significant medicinal, industrial, and recreational applications. Its therapeutic potential is attributed to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, whose production is influenced by environmental factors, such as radiation, temperature, and humidity. Radiation, for instance, is essential for photosynthetic processes, acting as both a primary energy source and a regulator of plant growth and development. This review covers key factors affecting C. sativa cultivation, including photoperiod, light spectrum, cultivation methods, environmental controls, and plant growth regulators. It highlights how these elements influence flowering, biomass, and cannabinoid production across different growing systems, offering insights for optimizing both medicinal and industrial cannabis cultivation. Studies indicate that photoperiod sensitivity varies among cultivars, with some achieving optimal flowering and cannabinoid production under extended light periods rather than the traditional 12/12 h cycle. Light spectrum adjustments, especially red, far-red, and blue wavelengths, significantly impact photosynthesis, plant morphology, and secondary metabolite accumulation. Advances in LED technology allow precise spectral control, enhancing energy efficiency and cannabinoid profiles compared to conventional lighting. The photoperiod plays a vital role in the cultivation of C. sativa spp., directly impacting the plant’s developmental cycle, biomass production, and the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. The response to photoperiod varies among different cannabis cultivars, as demonstrated in studies comparing cultivars of diverse genetic origins. On the other hand, indoor or in vitro cultivation may serve as an excellent alternative for plant breeding programs in C. sativa, given the substantial inter-cultivar variability that hinders the fixation of desirable traits. Full article

Bamboo gene science has witnessed significant advancements over the past two decades, driven by breakthroughs in gene cloning, marker-assisted breeding, sequencing, gene transformation, and gene editing technologies. These developments have not only enhanced our understanding of bamboo’s genetic diversity and adaptability but also provided critical tools for its genetic improvement. Compared to other crops, bamboo faces unique challenges, including its long vegetative growth cycle, environmental dependency, and limited genetic transformation efficiency. Then, the launch of China’s “Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic” initiative in 2022, supported by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, has opened new opportunities for bamboo gene science as well as for bamboo production systems. This policy framework has spurred research into bamboo genetic regulation, fiber-oriented recombination, and green separation technologies, aiming to develop sustainable alternatives to plastic. Future research directions include overcoming bamboo’s environmental limitations, improving genetic transformation efficiency, and deciphering the mechanisms behind its flowering. By addressing these challenges, bamboo genetic science can enhance its economic and ecological value, contributing to global sustainability goals and the “dual-carbon” strategy. Full article

Currently, in the context of the emphasis on introducing a reduction in mineral fertilization and the increase in pressure on sustainable agriculture, magnesium fertilization and the use of biostimulants are becoming an alternative tool to increase the quality of potato tuber yield. This study aimed to assess the impact of potato genotype, cultivation technology, and long-term storage on the susceptibility of tubers to enzymatic browning. Two edible potato varieties were examined: the early ‘Wega’ and the mid-early ‘Soraya’. It was demonstrated that the varieties maintained their characteristic browning susceptibility consistent with their breeding descriptions. The ‘Wega’ variety exhibited decreasing browning susceptibility immediately after harvest; however, after 6 months of storage, its susceptibility significantly increased, exceeding that of the ‘Soraya’ variety. Additionally, the application of magnesium fertilization (90 kg ha⁻¹) and biostimulant treatment (3 L ha⁻¹) most effectively reduced the oxidative potential of the tubers, thereby decreasing browning susceptibility. This is due to a significant change in the concentration of organic acids responsible for enzymatic browning processes. A decrease in the content of chlorogenic acid by 9.4% and 8.4% and an increase in the content of citric and ascorbic acid by 11.1%, 5.3%, and 13.6% were achieved. Storage significantly affected the chemical composition of the tubers. An increase in chlorogenic (7.3%) and citric (5.8%) acids and a decrease in ascorbic (34%) acid content were observed. These changes correlated with the intensification of browning, with the increase in chlorogenic acid and the decrease in ascorbic acid having the greatest influence. The results indicate that the technology based on supplementary fertilization and biostimulation improves the quality of potato raw material without a significant increase in production costs. Further research on varieties with different vegetation lengths and those intended for food processing and starch production is advised. Full article

Fruit size is an important agronomic trait affecting the yield and commercial value of melon and a key trait selected for during domestication. In this study, two respective melon accessions (large-fruited M202008 and small-fruited M202009) were crossed, and developed biparental mapping populations of the F₂ generation (160 and 382 plants) were checked across two subsequent experimental years (2023 and 2024). The phenotypic characterization and genetic inheritance analysis showed that melon fruit size is modulated by quantitative genetics. Bulked segregant sequencing analysis (BSA-seq) identified a stable and effective quantitative trait locus (QTL, named Cmfs) controlling fruit size, localized to a 3.75 Mb region on chromosome 9. To better delineate the main-effect Cmfs locus, co-dominant polymorphic molecular markers were developed in this genetic interval, and genotyping was performed within the F₂ mapping populations grown across two years. QTL analysis of the phenotypic and genotypic datasets delimited the major-effect Cmfs locus interval for fruit length [2023: logarithm of odds (LOD) value = 6.16, 16.20% phenotypic variation explained (PVE); 2024: LOD = 5.44, 6.35% PVE] and fruit diameter (2023: LOD value = 5.48, 14.59% PVE; 2024: LOD = 6.22, 7.22% PVE) to 1.88 and 2.20 Mb intervals, respectively. The annotation analysis across the melon genome and comparison of resequencing data from the two parental lines led to the preliminary identification of MELO3C021600.1 (annotated as cytochrome P450 724B1) as a candidate gene related to melon fruit size. These results provide a better understanding for further fine mapping and functional gene analysis related to melon fruit size. Full article

This review focuses on CRISPR genome editing technology, particularly its application in the study of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (M. rosenbergii). It first elaborates on the basic principles and mechanisms of CRISPR–Cas9 technology, base editors, and prime editors. Then, it explores the application of this technology in M. rosenbergii breeding, including improving growth rate, enhancing disease resistance, and sex control. Additionally, it introduces the progress of genome editing technology in M. rosenbergii, epidemiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic techniques, analyzes the opportunities and challenges it faces, reviews the historical evolution, and looks ahead to future development directions. CRISPR technology has brought new opportunities to the research and industrial development of M. rosenbergii, but it also needs to address numerous technical and safety challenges. Full article

Introduction: Scattering of kernels due to angular dehiscence is a key bottleneck in mechanized harvesting of oilseed rape. Materials and Methods: In this study, a dual-track “genotype–phenotype” screening strategy was established by innovatively integrating high-throughput KASP molecular marker technology and a standardized random collision phenotyping system for the complex quantitative trait of angular resistance. Results: Through the systematic evaluation of 634 oilseed rape hybrid progenies, it was found that the KASP marker S12.68, targeting the cleavage resistance locus (BnSHP1) on chromosome C9, achieved a 73.34% introgression rate (465/634), which was significantly higher than the traditional breeding efficiency (<40%). Phenotypic characterization screened seven excellent resources with cracking resistance index (SRI) > 0.6, of which four reached the high resistance standard (SRI > 0.8), including the core materials NR21/KL01 (SRI = 1.0) and YuYou342/KL01 (SRI = 0.97). Six breeding intermediate materials (44.7–48.7% oil content, mycosphaerella resistance MR grade or above) were created, combining high resistance to chipping and excellent agronomic traits. For the first time, it was found that local germplasm YuYou342 (non-KL01-derived line) was purely susceptible at the S12.68 locus (SRI = 0.86), but its angiosperm vascular bundles density was significantly increased by 37% compared with that of the susceptible material 0911 (p < 0.01); and the material 187308 (SRI = 0.78), although purely susceptible at S12.68, had a 2.8-fold downregulation in expression of the angiosperm-related gene, BnIND1, and a 2.8-fold downregulation of expression of the angiosperm-related gene, BnIND1. expression was significantly downregulated 2.8-fold (q < 0.05), indicating the existence of a novel resistance mechanism independent of the primary effector locus. Conclusions: The results of this research provide an efficient technical platform and breakthrough germplasm resources for oilseed rape crack angle resistance breeding, which is of great practical significance for promoting the whole mechanized production. Full article

Reproductive efficiency is a critical determinant of productivity and profitability in sheep farming. Traditional selection methods have largely relied on phenotypic traits and historical reproductive records, which are often limited by subjectivity and delayed feedback. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), including video tracking, wearable sensors, and machine learning (ML) algorithms, offer new opportunities to identify behavior-based indicators linked to key reproductive traits such as estrus, lambing, and maternal behavior. This review synthesizes the current research on AI-powered behavioral monitoring tools and proposes a conceptual model, ReproBehaviorNet, that maps age- and sex-specific behaviors to biological processes and AI applications, supporting real-time decision-making in both intensive and semi-intensive systems. The integration of accelerometers, GPS systems, and computer vision models enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring, leading to earlier detection of reproductive events and greater breeding precision. However, the implementation of such technologies also presents challenges, including the need for high-quality data, a costly infrastructure, and technical expertise that may limit access for small-scale producers. Despite these barriers, AI-assisted behavioral phenotyping has the potential to improve genetic progress, animal welfare, and sustainability. Interdisciplinary collaboration and responsible innovation are essential to ensure the equitable and effective adoption of these technologies in diverse farming contexts. Full article

The primary worldwide variables limiting plant development and agricultural output are the ever-present threat that environmental stressors such as salt (may trigger osmotic stress plus ions toxicity, which impact on growth and yield of the plants), drought (provokes water stress, resulting in lowering photosynthesis process and growth rate), heavy metals (induced toxicity, hindering physiological processes also lowering crop quantity and quality), and pathogens (induce diseases that may significantly affect plant health beside productivity). This review explores the integrated effects of these stressors on plant productivity and growth rate, emphasizing how each stressor exceptionally plays a role in physiological responses. Owing to developments in technology that outclass traditional breeding methods and genetic engineering techniques, powerful alleviation strategies are vital. New findings have demonstrated the remarkable role of nanoparticles in regulating responses to these environmental stressors. In this review, we summarize the roles and various applications of nanomaterials in regulating abiotic and biotic stress responses. This review discusses and explores the relationship between various types of nanoparticles (metal, carbon-based, and biogenic) and their impact on plant physiology. Furthermore, we assess how nanoparticle technology may play a role in practices of sustainable agriculture by reducing the amount of compounds used, providing them with a larger surface area, highly efficient mass transfer abilities, and controlled, targeted delivery of lower nutrient or pesticide amounts. A review of data from several published studies leads to the conclusion that nanoparticles may act as a synergistic effect, which can effectively increase plant stress tolerance and their nutritional role. Full article

Background: Reliable and non-invasive methods for assessing welfare in poultry are essential for improving evidence-based welfare monitoring and advancing management practices in commercial production systems. The iris-to-pupil (IP) ratio, previously validated by our group in primates and cattle, reflects autonomic nervous system balance and may serve as a physiological indicator of stress in laying hens. This study evaluated the utility of the IP ratio under field conditions across diverse commercial layer housing systems. Materials and Methods: In total, 296 laying hens (Lohmann Brown, n = 269; White Leghorn, n = 27) were studied across four locations in Canada housed under different systems: Guelph (indoor; pen), Spring Island (outdoor and scratch; organic), Ottawa (outdoor, indoor and scratch; free-range), and Toronto (outdoor and hobby; free-range). High-resolution photographs of the eye were taken under ambient lighting. Light intensity was measured using the light meter app. The IP ratio was calculated using NIH ImageJ software (Version 1.54p). Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and linear regression using GraphPad Prism (Version 5). Results: Birds housed outdoors had the highest IP ratios, followed by those in scratch systems, while indoor and pen-housed birds had the lowest IP ratios (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses of birds in Ottawa and Spring Island farms confirmed significantly higher IP ratios in outdoor environments compared to indoor and scratch systems (p < 0.001). The IP ratio correlated weakly with ambient light intensity (r² = 0.25) and age (r² = 0.05), indicating minimal influence of these variables. Although White Leghorn hens showed lower IP ratios than Lohmann Browns, this difference was confounded by housing type; all White Leghorns were housed in pens. Thus, housing system but not breed was the primary driver of IP variation. Conclusions: The IP ratio is a robust, non-invasive physiological marker of welfare assessment in laying hens, sensitive to housing environment but minimally influenced by light or age. Its potential for integration with digital imaging technologies supports its use in scalable welfare assessment protocols. Full article

Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis is extensively found in China, where the annual precipitation ranges from 400 to 800 mm. It is the most dominant species in natural sea buckthorn forests and the primary cultivar for artificial ecological plantations. Additionally, it exhibits significant nutritional and medicinal value, making it a renowned eco-economic tree species. Despite extensive research into its ecological functions and health benefits, the mitochondrial genome of this widespread species has not yet been published, and knowledge of the mitochondrial genome is crucial for understanding plant environmental adaptation, evolution, and maternal inheritance. Therefore, the complete mitochondrial genome was successfully assembled by aligning third-generation sequencing data to the reference genome sequence using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform and Nanopore Prometh ION technologies. Additionally, the gene structure, composition, repeat sequences, codon usage bias, homologous fragments, and phylogeny-related indicators were also analyzed. The results showed that the length of the mitochondrial genome is 454,489 bp, containing 30 tRNA genes, three rRNA genes, 40 PCGs, and two pseudogenes. A total of 411 C-to-U RNA editing sites were identified in 33 protein-coding genes (PCGs), with higher frequencies observed in ccmFn, ccmB, nad5, ccmC, nad2, and nad7 genes. Moreover, 31 chloroplast-derived fragments were detected, accounting for 11.86% of the mitochondrial genome length. The ccmB, nad4L, and nad7 genes related to energy metabolism exhibited positive selection pressure. The mitochondrial genome sequence similarity between H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis and H. tibetana or H. salicifolia was 99.34% and 99.40%, respectively. Fifteen shared gene clusters were identified between H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis and H. tibetana. Phylogenetically, the Rosales order showed close relationships with Fagales, Fabales, Malpighiales, and Celastrales. These findings provide fundamental data for exploring the widespread distribution of H. rhamnoides subsp. sinensis and offer theoretical support for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms within the Hippophae genus and the selection of molecular breeding targets. Full article

Bract coloration in ornamental plants is a complex trait governed by diverse pigments (chlorophylls, anthocyanins, betalains, and carotenoids), their biosynthetic pathways, and regulatory networks. While previous research has primarily focused on floral pigmentation, studies on bract coloration—particularly in species where bracts serve as the primary ornamental feature—have received less attention until recent advances. This review synthesizes current understanding of bract color diversity, pigment biochemistry, and molecular regulation in key species including Bougainvillea, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Anthurium andraeanum, Curcuma alismatifolia, and Zantedeschia hybrida. Anthocyanins predominantly contribute to red-to-purple hues, while betalains generate red, purple, or yellow coloration through differential accumulation of betacyanins and betaxanthins. Developmental color transitions are mediated by chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid dynamics. The spatiotemporal regulation of pigment accumulation involves coordinated interactions between key structural genes (CHS, DFR, ANS for anthocyanins; DODA, CYP76AD1 for betalains), transcription factors (MYB, bHLH, WRKY), and plant growth regulators (BAP, GA, MeJA). Despite these advances, significant knowledge gaps remain in genetic inheritance patterns, epigenetic regulation, cross-pigment pathway crosstalk, and environmental modulation. Future research directions should integrate multi-omics approaches, wild germplasm resources, and gene-editing technologies to develop novel breeding strategies for bract color improvement. Full article

The combination of Chinsurah Boro II (BT)-type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and Rf1, the main fertility restorer gene (Rf) for CMS-BT, has been extensively utilized for the production of three-line commercial japonica hybrid seeds. The identification of new Rf genes holds significance for the breeding of BT-type restorer lines, aiming to enhance the heterosis level of BT-type japonica hybrids. In the present study, ‘02428’, a wide-compatibility japonica variety, was observed to partially restore fertility to BT-type CMS lines. Genetic analysis revealed that ‘02428’ carries a dominant Rf gene, Rf21(t), responsible for the fertility restoration of BT-type CMS lines. Leveraging bulked segregant analysis (BSA) resequencing technology and molecular markers, the Rf21(t) locus was identified, and mapped within a candidate interval of 6–12.5 Mb on chromosome 2. Using the iso-cytoplasmic restorer populations, Rf21(t) was ultimately mapped to an interval of approximately 77 kb, encompassing 12 predicted genes, including LOC_Os02g17360, encoding a PPR-domain-containing protein and LOC_Os02g17380 (Rf2), a cloned Rf for Lead-rice-type CMS. A comparative sequence analysis, gene expression profiling and gene knockout experiments confirmed that LOC_Os02g17360 and LOC_Os02g17380 are the most likely candidates of Rf21(t). Furthermore, Rf21(t) showed the dosage effect on the fertility restoration of BT-type CMS lines. This newly identified Rf21(t) represents a valuable genetic resource for the breeding of BT-type japonica restorer lines. Our findings offer practical insights for breeders interested in advancing BT-type japonica hybrid development. Full article

Sperm membrane stability is a key factor in determining sperm viability and fertilization capability, with broad implications ranging from basic reproductive biology to livestock breeding practices. This comprehensive review examines the structural and functional mechanisms underlying sperm membrane integrity, including defensive barrier functions, potentiometric ion channel regulation, and motility modulation that collectively optimize sperm survival, motility, and fertilization potential. Environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, abnormal pH levels (outside the optimal 7.2–8.2 range), pathological conditions, and hormonal imbalances can compromise membrane stability by inducing oxidative stress and protein denaturation. Key regulatory proteins, notably NPC2 for cholesterol homeostasis, Flotillin proteins for lipid raft organization, and Annexin V for membrane repair mechanisms, demonstrate essential roles in maintaining structural integrity. In livestock reproduction, membrane stability research facilitates the optimization of cryoprotectant formulations and freezing protocols, resulting in 15–25% improvements in post-thaw sperm survival rates and enhanced artificial insemination success. These findings provide valuable insights for advancing assisted reproductive technologies and improving reproductive efficiency in animal husbandry. Full article

The domesticated species currently available in the market have been developed through the breeding of wild relatives. Breeding strategies using wild relatives with high genetic diversity are attracting attention as an important approach for addressing climate change and ensuring sustainable food supply. However, studies examining gene expression variation in multiple wild and domesticated species are limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the changes in gene expression associated with domestication. We performed a meta-analysis of public gene expression data of domesticated species of rice, tomato, and soybean and their presumed ancestral species using 21 pairs for rice, 36 pairs for tomato, and 56 pairs for soybean. In wild relatives, the expression of genes involved in osmotic, drought, and wound stress tolerance was upregulated, with 18 genes included in the top 5% of DW scores. In domesticated species, upregulated expression was observed in genes related to auxin and those involved in the efflux of heavy metals and harmful substances, with 36 genes included in the top 5% of DW scores. These findings provide insights into how domestication influences changes in crop traits. Thus, our findings may contribute to rapid breeding and the development of new varieties capable of growing in harsh natural environments. Hence, a new cultivation method called “de novo domestication” has been proposed, which combines the genetic diversity of currently unused wild relatives and wild relatives with genome editing technologies that enable rapid breeding. Full article