Search Results (494)

White lupin improvement is challenged by the need to select for low seed content of total quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) when crossing low-alkaloid (sweet-seed) with bitter-seed (landrace) material. This study, which focused on 45 international landraces and 142 broadly sweet-seed breeding lines, aimed at (a) assessing the ability of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to distinguish broadly sweet-seed from bitter-seed material and, possibly, lines with particularly low QA content within broadly sweet-seed material; and (b) comparing landrace and breeding material in terms of the composition and amount of QA compounds. QA content was analyzed using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method. NIRS analyses were performed either on whole-seed samples or ground samples. The range of variation for total QA was 95–990 mg/kg among breeding lines and 14,041–37,321 among landraces. NIRS was able to discriminate broadly sweet-seed from bitter-seed material when using flour samples, non-destructive 10-seed samples, and even individual whole seeds (with <1% misclassification). It was unable to identify material with particularly low QA content. Landrace and breeding line germplasm differed in the proportions of individual QAs. Patterns of geographical variation for total QA content of landraces were identified. Our results can contribute to define an efficient NIRS-based pipeline to select for low total QA content. Full article

Nigeria’s aquaculture sector, which has been dominated by the production of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), has held considerable potential to improve national food security, support livelihoods, and contribute to economic growth. Although Nigeria has been ranked among the world’s leading producers of farmed catfish, a persistent fish supply deficit that exceeds 2.5 million metric tons annually has been reported. This gap has been sustained by factors such as low productivity, genetic decline, inadequate hatchery systems, and limited export competitiveness. A comprehensive perspective is presented in this review, in which findings from recent researches, field surveys, and stakeholder consultations have been synthesized. The dominance of hybrid species such as Heteroclarias, which has been driven by consumer demand due to fast growth and large body size, is highlighted. Additionally, ecological and genetic concerns resulting from unregulated breeding are emphasized. Major systemic constraints, which include poor broodstock management, weak hatchery infrastructure, low technical capacity, and poor supply chain governance, have also been identified. A strategic approach involves modernizing fish breeding programs by developing a robust and active Fish Breeding Community of Practice (FCoP), enhancing physical infrastructure, improving data collection and management, standardizing germplasm exchange procedures, and increasing the number and capacity of fish breeders and technicians in breeding programs. Identifying traits preferred by farmers and end-users ensures that fish breeding is demand-driven and inclusive. Building capacity in genomic resources to implement an accurate predictive platform for performance assessment will significantly shorten the breeding cycle and increase the rate of genetic progress. This will be complemented by the adoption of modern aquaculture technologies, such as recirculating aquaculture systems, and the development of institutional frameworks for production, certification, and traceability schemes. Capacity development, which should be promoted through collaboration among academic institutions, industry actors, and government agencies, has been recommended. The alignment of aquaculture expansion with environmental sustainability, improved biosecurity, and habitat protection has been considered critical. By outlining strategies for innovation, investment, and policy reform, this review provides a roadmap through which Nigeria’s catfish industry can be transformed into a globally competitive and sustainable sector. Full article

Drought stress is a major constraint in eggplant cultivation, limiting growth, physiological performance and yield. Solanum relatives may provide alleles for improving drought tolerance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of cultivated, wild and interspecific eggplant genotypes under water stress to identify drought-tolerant genotypes. Four-week-old plants of three Greek eggplant cultivars—S. macrocarpon (cultivated), S. dasyphyllum (wild), and three S. melongena × S. dasyphyllum hybrids—were grown under full and deficit irrigation and assessed for 10 agronomic and 7 physiological traits. Genotype, irrigation level and their interaction significantly affected most traits. Eggplant showed greater sensitivity under water stress with reductions in 9 agronomical traits, such as leaf number (12.9–15.8%), plant height (15.4–25.1%), LAI (47.7–55.4%), root (32.1–46.6%) and plant biomass (31.4–38.6%). S. dasyphyllum and S. macrocarpon maintained relative growth and physiological stability through different mechanisms, indicating enhanced drought tolerance. S. dasyphyllum exhibited reduction only in leaf number (11.5%), plant height (17.8) and LAI (23.9%), while S. macrocarpon exhibited reduction only in leaf length (18.1%) and LAI (55.0%). Interspecific hybrids displayed intermediate responses and heterosis under control (−22.2 to 66.6%) and stress (−29.8 to 81.5%) conditions. These findings support the use of wild or cultivated germplasm in breeding drought-resilient eggplant cultivars and rootstocks and enhancing crop sustainability. Full article

Aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FUMs) are among the most prevalent and toxic mycotoxins affecting maize production globally. In Mexico, their co-occurrence poses a significant public health concern, as maize is not only a dietary staple but also predominantly grown and consumed at the household level. This review examines the multifactorial nature of AFs and FUMs contamination in Mexican maize systems, considering the roles of maize germplasm, agricultural practices, environmental conditions, and soil microbiota. Maize landraces, well-adapted to diverse agroecological zones, exhibit potential resistance to AFs contamination and should be prioritized in breeding programs. Sustainable agricultural practices and biocontrol strategies, including the use of atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains, are presented as promising interventions. Environmental factors and soil characteristics further influence fungal proliferation and mycotoxin biosynthesis. Advances in microbiome engineering, biological breeding approaches, and predictive modeling offer novel opportunities for prevention and control. The synergistic toxicity of AFs and FUMs significantly increases health risks, particularly for liver cancer, highlighting the urgency of integrated mitigation strategies. While Mexico has regulatory limits for AFs, the lack of legal thresholds for FUMs remains a critical gap in food safety legislation. This comprehensive review underscores the need for biomarker-based exposure assessments and coordinated national policies, alongside multidisciplinary strategies to reduce mycotoxin exposure and enhance food safety in maize systems. Full article

Polygonatum has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a functional food due to its richness in bioactive compounds and nutritional value. However, comprehensive assessments of the nutritional quality of cultivated Polygonatum germplasm resources remain limited. In this study, 40 Polygonatum germplasms from ten provinces were analyzed for key nutritional components on a dry-weight basis, including polysaccharides, total dietary fiber, vitamin C, protein, and mineral elements. Multivariate analyses (correlation analysis, PCA, membership function scoring, and hierarchical clustering) were applied to comprehensively rank their nutritional quality. Substantial variation was observed across accessions, indicating high genetic diversity. Among them, Polygonatum cyrtonema samples from Huaihua (Hunan), Lu’an (Anhui), Hezhou (Guangxi), and Lishui (Zhejiang), as well as Polygonatum kingianum from Baoshan (Yunnan), exhibited the highest overall nutritional quality, with polysaccharide content exceeding 20%, and the total dietary fiber and total ash contents greater than 24% and 3%, respectively. This study indicates that the substantial variation observed among different Polygonatum germplasm resources increases the likelihood of identifying accessions with high levels of nutritional components, thereby providing a valuable reference for the future industrial development and utilization of Polygonatum as both a medicinal and edible plant resource. Full article

Corylus avellana L. is a rare and endangered species in Kazakhstan, included in the national Red Book. The results of morphological and genetic characterization of the sole known natural population of C. avellana in the Western Kazakhstan region are presented in this study. Sixty wild accessions were evaluated based on tree and leaf morphological traits using standard descriptors in accordance with Bioversity International guidelines. Genetic diversity was assessed using ten nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 120 alleles were detected across the nuclear loci, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 9 to 16 and an average of 12. The mean effective number of alleles (Ne) per locus was 3.862. A high level of intraspecific polymorphism was observed, with an average observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.70. The population showed considerable genetic diversity, as highlighted by a mean Shannon’s diversity index of 1.526. STRUCTURE, PCoA, and phylogenetic analyses confirmed strong differentiation between the wild Kazakh population and the cultivated hazelnut germplasm. Due to the lack of viable seeds, in vitro conservation was initiated using vegetative shoots. A two-step disinfection protocol, involving Plant Preservative Mixture and mercuric chloride, significantly improved explant survival, enabling successful establishment of an aseptic in vitro collection. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies and show the potential of biotechnological approaches for safeguarding Kazakhstan’s only natural C. avellana population. Full article

Helleborus orientalis L. is a valuable winter-flowering and understory landscape plant, but its application and breeding are hindered by poor heat tolerance and the lack of a robust germplasm evaluation system. In this study, 51 Helleborus L. hybrid individuals obtained through manual open pollination were evaluated using coefficient of variation (CV), Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′), correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis to assess genetic diversity and ornamental value based on 17 phenotypic traits. The results showed rich phenotypic diversity among the hybrids. Quantitative traits showed CV ranging from 9.48% to 37.99% and H′ between 0.77 and 1.51, with flower count and leaf length being the most variable. Qualitative traits had H′ values from 0.52 to 1.55, with sepal color showing the highest diversity. Significant correlations were detected among heat tolerance, pest resistance, leaf and petiole length, as well as plant and flower form. PCA extracted six principal components accounting for 74.50% of cumulative variance. Cluster analysis classified the 51 germplasms into five groups. Using the AHP model, a comprehensive evaluation system was established, and 13 elite individuals were selected for variety rights application and characterization. This study provides a reference for establishing DUS test guidelines and advancing breeding and utilization of Helleborus L. Full article

Angulyagra polyzonata is a significant freshwater snail species in southern China. However, its wild resources have sharply declined due to overfishing. To assess the current status of germplasm resources in the Guangxi region, during this study, we first successfully developed nine pairs of primers that enable the amplification of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers (SSRs) with trinucleotide and tetranucleotide repeat sequences (PIC values ranging from 0.662 to 0.861) using transcriptomic data. Then, these designed primers were tested and applied for the genetic investigation of selected wild populations of the species. Finally, a genetic diversity analysis was conducted based on 12 wild populations (360 individuals) in Guangxi. After 798,244 SSR loci were screened out via high-throughput sequencing, the results showed that dinucleotide repeats accounted for the highest proportion (47.64%), mainly consisting of (AC/GT)n repeat units. Among the SSR loci in A. polyzonata, microsatellite loci with 5 to 20+ repeats are the most abundant. All nine selected and tested SSR loci significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.001) and had heterozygote deficiency (average inbreeding coefficient of F = 0.390), indicating widespread inbreeding. The fixation index among populations was high (average Fst = 0.175), with 73% of the genetic variation occurring within populations and 27% between populations. Gene flow (Nm) was generally restricted (most population pairs had Nm < 1), with the (Tiandeng) TD and (Long’an) LA populations showing the smallest differentiation (Fst = 0.017), and the (Qinnan) QN and (Yinhai) YH populations showing the greatest differentiation (Fst = 0.409). UPGMA clustering and structure analysis (K = 2) divided the 12 populations into two subgroups. Overall, our research suggests that the genetic diversity of the wild population of A. polyzonata in the Guangxi region has declined. Thus, prioritizing the protection of highly genetically diverse populations, such as the LA population, is urgently needed. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of A. polyzonata resources in Guangxi. Full article

Durum wheat is a vital wheat species cultivated worldwide for human consumption, ranking second to bread wheat. The Ethiopian durum wheat allele pool shows wide gene diversity; however, limited improvement work has been done to exploit this diversity. Thus, this study aimed to assess the genetic variability, heritability, and interrelationship among different phenotypic traits in 210 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) using an alpha lattice design with two replications. The analysis of variance revealed a significant difference for all the measured traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters, which reflects that the existing range of variability within the genotypes was not only due to the varying influence of genotype but also the environment. A correlation analysis disclosed that grain yield was positively related to the traits of plant height and 1000-kernel weight, suggesting that selecting these traits could enhance yield. Path analysis revealed that days to booting, maturity, and 1000-kernel weight directly affect grain yield. Among the measured traits, early developmental traits revealed higher broad-sense heritability. The findings of this study highlight high genetic diversity among Ethiopian durum wheat genotypes, opening up opportunities to integrate these materials into future wheat-breeding programs through introgression with other germplasm sources in Ethiopia and beyond. Full article

Unlocking the potential for adaptability across different conditions or environments of under-characterized local bread wheat from Serbia and Bulgaria remains critical for resilient breeding. This study aimed to assess the diversity and potential for adaptability of 76 accessions (35 from Serbia and 41 from Bulgaria) by integrating molecular and agro-morphological approaches. Plant height ranged from 101.1 cm in Bulgarian cultivars to 130.1 cm in Serbian landraces, while the flowering time varied from 134.9 days in Bulgarian cultivars to 139.7 days in Serbian landraces. SSR markers detected 446 alleles (mean 9.49 per locus; PIC = 0.646), with Serbian landraces exhibiting the highest allelic richness (7.23 alleles per locus) and 106 private alleles. Bayesian clustering and UPGMA analyses revealed clear genetic differentiation between Serbian and Bulgarian accessions, with Serbian landraces showing higher admixture and substructure. Principal coordinate analysis confirmed these patterns and highlighted the intermediate positions of pre-Green Revolution Serbian cultivars. The local wheat germplasm harbors high genetic diversity and potential for adaptability, particularly for traits critical to environmental resilience. These findings underline the value of local wheat germplasm as a resource for developing sustainable breeding and conservation strategies. Full article

Background: Given the need to optimize Panax notoginseng cultivation, screen high-quality germplasm, and clarify its insufficiently elucidated genetic–phenotype–quality associations (e.g., saponin accumulation), this study was conducted. Methods: Agronomic traits were measured, saponin accumulation was determined via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and comprehensive performance was evaluated through integrated cluster analysis and fuzzy membership function assessment; additionally, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genetic diversity analysis was conducted to explore the genetic basis of trait variations. Results: Agronomic traits exhibited coefficients of variation (CVs) of 2.95–18.12%, with primary root length showing the highest variability. Phenotypic cluster analysis divided the materials into three groups. Group I (“Miaoxiang No.1”, “Dianqi No.1”, “Miaoxiang Kangqi No.1”) was characterized by tall plants, sturdy stems, heavy roots, and long/large leaves. Saponin determination results revealed significant differences in notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rd, and total saponins among cultivars (order: “Zijing” > “Dianqi No.1” > original cultivar > “Miaoxiang Kangqi No.1” > “Miaoxiang No.1” > “Miaoxiang No.2”), with “Zijing” having the highest total saponin accumulation (18.13%); no significant difference was observed in ginsenoside Rg1 accumulation. The GATK initially identified 16,329,600 SNPs, and 115,930 high-quality SNPs were retained after Samtools filtration. SNP-based Neighbor-joining (NJ) clustering grouped the cultivars into three categories, with the original cultivar clustered alone as one category. Through comprehensive evaluation, three superior germplasm lines (“Miaoxiang Kangqi No.1”, “Miaoxiang No.1”, “Dianqi No.1”) were identified. A significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) was found between compound leaf petiole length and saponin accumulation. Conclusions: This integrated analytical strategy clarifies the links between genetics, phenotype, and quality, providing a scientific foundation for P. notoginseng germplasm screening and facilitating future molecular breeding efforts. Full article

Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is a crop valued for both medicinal and edible purposes, and exhibits rich genetic diversity. However, research into its germplasm resources remains understudied, and molecular breeding efforts lag behind. To bridge this gap, this study employed an integrated approach, combining the analysis of 23 phenotypic traits (17 qualitative and 6 quantitative) with genotyping using 19 polymorphic SSR markers. This combined strategy was applied to 53 accessions collected across 16 Chinese provinces to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and marker–trait associations. Phenotypic analysis revealed high diversity, with the Shannon diversity index (I) ranging from 0.09 to 1.15 for qualitative traits and from 1.45 to 1.79 for quantitative traits. Tuber traits exhibited the highest variability (with a CV up to 71.45%), indicating significant potential for yield improvement. Principal component analysis distilled phenotypic variation into eight principal components (accounting for 73.13% of the cumulative variance), and elite germplasm (e.g., DP24, DP52) was selected for breeding based on this analysis. Stepwise regression prioritized eight core evaluation traits (e.g., flowering rate, tuber length). SSR markers amplified 80 alleles (mean 4.211/locus), showing moderate genetic diversity (He = 0.529, PIC = 0.585). Population structure analysis divided accessions into two subpopulations, correlated with geographic origins: Group 1 (northern/southwestern China) and Group 2 (central/eastern China), reflecting adaptation to local climates and human selection. Association analysis identified 10 SSR loci significantly linked (p < 0.01) to key traits, including YM07_2 (flowering, R² = 13.94%), YM37_2 (leaf margin color, R² = 19.03%), and YM19_3 (leaf width, R² = 19.34%). This study establishes a comprehensive genetic framework for Chinese yam, offering molecular tools for marker-assisted breeding and strategies to conserve high-diversity germplasm, thereby enhancing the utilization of this orphan crop. Full article

Background/Objectives: Paspalum nicorae Parodi is a native subtropical grass species with promising agronomic attributes, such as persistence, drought and cold tolerance, and rapid establishment. However, the species remains underutilized in breeding programs due to the absence of well-characterized germplasm and limited studies on its genetic variability and agronomic potential. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters, predict genotypic values, and identify superior ecotypes with desirable forage traits, integrating stability and adaptability analyses. Methods: A total of 84 ecotypes were evaluated over three consecutive years for twelve morphological and forage-related traits. Genetic parameters, genotypic values, and selection gains were estimated using mixed models (REML/BLUP). Stability was assessed through harmonic means of genotypic performance, and the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was applied to identify ecotypes with balanced performance across traits. Results: Substantial genetic variability was detected for most traits, particularly those related to biomass accumulation, such as total dry matter, the number of tillers, fresh matter, and leaf dry matter. These traits exhibited medium to high heritability and strong potential for selection. Ecotype N3.10 consistently showed superior performance across productivity traits while other ecotypes, such as N4.14 and N1.09, stood out for quality-related attributes and cold tolerance, respectively. The application of the MGIDI index enabled the identification of 17 ecotypes with balanced multi-trait performance, supporting the simultaneous selection for productivity, quality, and adaptability. Comparisons with P. notatum suggest that P. nicorae harbors competitive genetic potential, despite its lower level of domestication. Conclusions: The integration of REML/BLUP analyses, stability parameters, and ideotype-based multi-trait selection provided a robust framework for identifying elite P. nicorae ecotypes. These findings reinforce the strategic importance of this species as a valuable genetic resource for the development of adapted and productive forage cultivars in subtropical environments. Full article

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc), is a devastating disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), leading to vascular necrosis and plant death. This study evaluated 120 chickpea genotypes under natural infection field conditions during spring sowing in southeastern Kazakhstan, assessing disease incidence (DI) and severity (DS) to identify resistant germplasm. Molecular screening using eight SSR markers linked to Foc-1, Foc-2, Foc-3, and Foc-5 loci detected resistant alleles in 18, 26, 19, and 42 genotypes, respectively. The correlation between molecular marker data and phenotypic resistance evaluations confirmed UBC-170 (Foc-2) and TA-194 (Foc-5) as the most predictive diagnostic markers (p < 0.01). Ten genotypes showed complete disease resistance (DI < 5%, R), corresponding to the resistant control (cultivar “WR-315”), with confirmed presence of multiple Foc resistance genes. The results of this study revealed valuable genetic resources for marker-assisted breeding programs aimed at developing Fusarium wilt-resistant chickpea cultivars adapted to Central Asian agroclimatic conditions. Full article

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a key legume crop of global economic and nutritional importance, yet its cultivation in Kazakhstan is constrained by a narrow genetic base and exposure to stress-prone environments. To characterize the diversity available for breeding and conservation, 27 accessions (22 kabuli and 5 desi) were evaluated for phenotypic and molecular diversity to assess its potential for use in breeding programs. Seven agronomic traits were assessed, including plant height, the first pod’s height, the number of main stems per plant, and seed yield components. The collection showed considerable variability across traits, with the plant height ranging from 37 to 75 cm and hundred-seed weight ranging from 21 to 42 g. Strong positive correlations between the number of fertile nodes, number of seeds per plant, and yield per plant (r > 0.83) highlighted their utility as indirect selection criteria. Genotyping with 28 SSR markers revealed 110 alleles (mean 3.9 ± 0.4 per locus) with moderate polymorphism (PIC = 0.493 ± 0.089). Loci CaM00495 and TAI71 were highly informative (PIC > 0.804), while two accessions showed low polymorphism, indicating genetic uniformity. Population structure analysis grouped accessions into four highly admixed clusters. Overall, Kazakh chickpea germplasm exhibits substantial phenotypic and genetic diversity under optimal conditions, providing valuable preliminary data for selecting parental lines for future breeding programs, which should include targeted stress screening to evaluate resilience. Full article