Search Results (181)

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) production is increasingly threatened by fungal diseases under conditions of intensive horticulture and ongoing climate change. In southeastern Kazakhstan, symptoms associated with Alternaria spp. have become more frequent in commercial orchards; however, molecularly confirmed data on the pathogen associated with these symptoms remain limited. This study aimed to identify, using multigene molecular phylogenetic analysis, an Alternaria isolate obtained from infected apple leaves and fruits, to confirm its pathogenicity experimentally, and to compare the susceptibility of apple cultivars to this pathogen. For molecular identification, nucleotide sequences of four genetic markers—the ITS region of rDNA, SSU, tef1-α, and RPB2—were obtained by PCR and sequencing. The sequences were compared with reference data from the GenBank database using BLASTn, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the maximum likelihood method based on a concatenated dataset of the four loci. The isolate KZ17 clustered within the A. alternata clade, with the broader node uniting this group with A. gossypina and A. longipes receiving a bootstrap value of 78%. A total of 20 fungal isolates were obtained from 112 symptomatic apple leaf and fruit samples. Among them, one representative isolate, KZ17, was selected for multilocus molecular identification and pathogenicity testing. The pathogenicity of isolate KZ17 was confirmed in inoculation experiments on apple microshoots under controlled conditions. Artificial inoculation of detached leaves and ripe fruits of 14 apple cultivars revealed significant cultivar-dependent differences in susceptibility. Lesion diameters ranged from 12.3 ± 0.20 to 19.2 ± 0.35 mm on detached leaves and from 15.0 ± 1.2 to 30.0 ± 2.4 mm on ripe fruits. The least susceptible cultivars were ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Zaman’, and ‘Maksat’, whereas ‘Voskhod’, ‘Saltanat’, and ‘Kamila’ showed the greatest susceptibility. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). This study provides the first multigene-based confirmation of the association of A. alternata with apple leaf and fruit lesions in southeastern Kazakhstan and demonstrates cultivar-dependent differences in susceptibility to this pathogen. These findings contribute to improved pathogen diagnostics, germplasm screening for resistance, and the development of plant protection strategies for commercial apple orchards. Full article

Prolificacy and coat color are key economic traits influencing sheep production. This study evaluated a reduced panel of 48 SNPs previously associated with these traits and assessed its applicability to locally adapted Brazilian sheep breeds. A total of 1152 samples from 15 breeds, conserved in situ at conservation nuclei and ex situ in the Brazilian Animal Germplasm Bank, were genotyped. Allelic, genotypic, and haplotypic frequencies were estimated to compare genetic variability between in situ and ex situ populations. Additionally, linkage disequilibrium (LD) among SNPs within GDF9, a key gene associated with prolificacy, was evaluated across local breeds, revealing strong LD among specific markers. The results highlight the importance of the FecG^E (GDF9) variant for prolificacy in hair sheep, confirming the presence of mutant allele E in prolific breeds, such as Santa Inês and Morada Nova, and identifying, for the first time, a high frequency of such allele in the Brazilian Blackbelly, which provides new insights into the genetic basis of this prolific hair breed. Other prolificacy-related genes, BMP15 and BMPR1B, appear to have no functional role in locally adapted breeds, as initially hypothesized, considering genetic differences among European and tropical sheep. Allelic and genotypic variation in ASIP, MC1R, TYRP1, and MITF genes reflected differences between wool and hair sheep and between local and commercial breeds. Overall, the results indicate that the germplasm bank effectively preserves in situ diversity. In conclusion, the reduced SNP panel efficiently genotyped Brazilian sheep for prolificacy and coat color SNPs, confirming which markers are present and segregating in these breeds. However, its utility could be improved by removing markers of limited relevance in the targeted breeds. Full article

Lupinus is recognized as a nutrient-dense legume rich in protein, raw fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids, contributing significantly to human nutrition and health. In Ecuador, the Andean Crops and Plant Genetic Resources program of INIAP maintains a germplasm bank comprising 257 uncharacterized accessions. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical composition of ten promising sweet Lupin genotypes (L. mutabilis) exhibiting good agronomic characteristics, resistance and/or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, superior grain quality and significantly reduced seed alkaloid content in experimental trails. These genotypes were compared with two accessions of L. albus and L. angustifolius used as control genotypes. Except for carbohydrate content, L. mutabilis genotypes exhibited similar or superior nutritional profiles compared to genotype controls with high protein (44.7%), fat (19.91%), and ash (4.16%) contents and reduced alkaloid concentrations, notably, two genotypes LmAnds16 and LmFRs43 with 0.04%. However, it exhibited the highest polyphenol (8.84 mg·g⁻¹) and flavonoid (0.67 mg·g⁻¹) concentrations and antioxidant activity for ABTS (19.94 µmol TE·g⁻¹) and FRAP (300.30 µmol TE·g⁻¹) on a dry weight basis (DW). These results are important for the generation of new varieties of Lupinus focused on its nutritional quality and to produce nutraceutical and functional foods. Full article

This study characterized 58 Phaseolus spp. accessions conserved in the INIA–Amazonas Germplasm Bank (Peru) using an integrated agromorphological, physicochemical, and microstructural approach. Significant variability was observed among vegetative, reproductive, and seed-related traits, reflecting the broad phenotypic diversity of Andean germplasm. Cluster analysis identified groups with contrasting agronomic characteristics, particularly regarding plant height, number of pods per plant, and seed weight. Physicochemical analyses revealed significant differences in colorimetric parameters, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity among accessions. Darker-seeded accessions generally exhibited higher phenolic contents and greater antioxidant capacity. In addition, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, rheological analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed differences in molecular composition, starch functionality, and granule morphology among accessions. Overall, the evaluated germplasm exhibited substantial phenotypic and biochemical diversity, underscoring its potential value for breeding programs and food-related applications. These findings contribute to the conservation, sustainable utilization, and valorization of native bean genetic resources. Full article

Wild vanilla populations with high aromatic potential and morphological affinity to Vanilla odorata have been identified in Oaxaca, Mexico. This study employed morphologic and molecular taxonomic approaches to characterize plant material collected from the field and subsequently maintained under uniform conditions at the Tecnológico Nacional de México Tuxtepec campus germplasm bank. Morphological characterization of the three populations was conducted, and genetic analyses of 155 accessions (2365 SNPs) were performed using Genotyping by Sequencing. The morphological analyses revealed clear differences in vegetative and reproductive traits among the studied accessions. Phylogenetic and STRUCTURE analyses identified three groups within the V. odorata-like clade: a pure group, and two hybrid groups involving V. odorata and V. insignis or V. cribbiana. These findings reveal a high level of phenotypic and genetic diversity within wild vanilla populations from Oaxaca and suggest that hybridization may have played an important role in the evolutionary history of the group. Furthermore, the results challenge the current taxonomic circumscription of Vanilla odorata, indicating that its taxonomic identity and evolutionary origin require re-evaluation. This study provides new insights into the diversification and taxonomy of aromatic wild vanilla species in Mesoamerica. Full article

Temperature and humidity are the key environmental factors affecting the storage life of seeds. To explore the feasibility and factors influencing ultra-dry storage of Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis seeds, the seeds were dehydrated to six different moisture contents (0.92–6.12%) and stored for one year. The effects of moisture content, packaging method, storage temperature, and pre-humidification method on the viability of ultra-dry seeds were systematically investigated using an orthogonal experimental design. The germination energy, relative electrical conductivity (REC), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline (Pro), total soluble sugar content, and fatty acid composition were determined. The results showed that moisture content and pre-humidification had significant effects on seed germination energy and vigor (p < 0.01). The germination energy of ultra-dried seeds was significantly negatively correlated with REC and MDA contents (p < 0.01) and significantly positively correlated with Pro content (p < 0.01). Based on the comprehensive indices, the optimal combination for seed germination energy was: 4.24% moisture content, self-sealing bag packaging, room temperature (25 °C) storage, and 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG) pre-humidification. Under the optimal moisture content (4.24%), the total sugar content of seeds was the lowest, while the fatty acid unsaturation index and oleic acid content were higher than those in the other treatments. Therefore, appropriate ultra-dry treatment can effectively maintain the seed vigor of P. kesiya var. langbianensis, and its protective effect is closely related to reducing membrane lipid peroxidation, accumulating proline, and regulating fatty acid unsaturation. This has important implications for forest seed conservation and germplasm management, particularly for long-term ex situ preservation of tree seeds in gene banks, supporting reforestation and biodiversity restoration efforts. Full article

The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees in the Mediterranean region and represents an important genetic resource for both traditional and emerging production systems. Despite its agronomic and economic relevance, modern fig breeding remains limited, and large-scale phenotypic evaluations across Mediterranean germplasms are still scarce. The objective of this study was to assess phenotypic diversity and identify key agronomic traits relevant for fig breeding. A total of 257 female fig genotypes conserved in germplasm banks located in Spain, Turkey, and Tunisia were used. Over two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022), a total of 27 morphological, phenological, and pomological traits were assessed according to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) descriptors for fig (TG265/1), with 23 phenotypic traits retained for statistical analyses. Linear mixed models were used to estimate marginal means and to partition genetic and environmental variance, while multivariate analyses and trait correlations were employed to explore the structure of phenotypic diversity. The germplasm exhibits remarkable variation in productive type, reproductive behaviour, harvesting date, and fruit quality traits. Harvesting date spans nearly three months. Fruit weight ranges from 11.7 to 134.5 g, total soluble solids from 9 to 39 °Brix, and maturation index values reached high levels, indicating pronounced sweetness during fruit ripening. Most genotypes showed high skin scratch resistance, absence of cracking at maturity, and medium or small ostiole size, highlighting the presence of ideotypes specifically suited for fresh market production. Heritability estimates indicate strong genetic control of key traits, such as fruit weight, fruit size, and total soluble solids, highlighting their suitability for selection in breeding programs. Stakeholder prioritisation further confirmed the relevance of fruit size, sweetness, firmness, and ostiole characteristics, helping to identify best genotypes for breeding and agronomic purposes. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of Mediterranean fig germplasm as a reservoir of valuable agronomic and commercial traits and provides a robust phenotypic framework to support future breeding, conservation, and cultivar selection strategies. Full article

N. chui is an economically important marine fish species distributed along the coastal waters of China, renowned for its delicate flesh texture and high-quality dried swim bladder. However, its scientific name and taxonomic relationship with N. coibor have long remained controversial, hindering accurate resource assessment and germplasm management. To address this issue, we sequenced and annotated the first complete mitochondrial genome of N. chui (GenBank accession: PZ024444). The circular mitogenome is 16,504 bp in length and contains 37 typical genes, with gene arrangement, nucleotide composition (A + T content: 52.07%), and codon usage patterns consistent with general teleost characteristics. Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 concatenated protein-coding genes revealed that N. chui and N. coibor form a maximally supported monophyletic clade (bootstrap support = 100%), with a pairwise genetic distance of 0. These mitochondrial results strongly suggest that the two nominal taxa are very closely related and may represent the same species. However, formal taxonomic synonymy cannot be established on mitochondrial evidence alone and requires further evaluation through examination of type material and comparative morphological study. Gene-specific selection pressure analyses showed that most mitochondrial protein-coding genes were subject to purifying selection, with ATP8 exhibiting the highest mean ω among genes with ω < 1, whereas ND5 and ND6 showed elevated ω values that warrant cautious interpretation. This study provides essential mitochondrial genomic resources for future research on species delimitation, phylogeny, and conservation of this important sciaenid fish. Full article

Genes important for research and breeding plant varieties are crucial for the survival and development of human civilization. Seeds of cereal germplasm are maintained in gene banks (GBs) and grain viability of GB accessions must be regularly restored by seed multiplication. During related operations human errors may lead to contaminated or mislabeled accessions and resultant genotype non-authenticity. Such mistakes accumulate over time. In this report, 1412 lines derived from 289 accessions of 93 barley varieties, each obtained from several GBs, were analyzed. Five single seed progenies (SSPs) were usually harvested from an accession and their major genes conferring powdery mildew resistance were postulated. Twenty-two known resistance genes and 60 of their combinations were identified. Non-authentic genotypes contained different genes compared with genes present in other genotypes of the same variety. Based on these results we found at least 40 (13.8%) mislabeled and 102 (35.3%) heterogeneous accessions in which 276 lines (19.7%) carried non-authentic genotypes. Misrepresented varieties in GBs are a great problem for research projects, especially those focused on finding new (e.g., molecular) varietal characteristics, and in breeding programs as the required gene combination cannot be obtained. Full article

Drought is regarded as the most significant environmental factor affecting the productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) worldwide. The integration of maize landraces, conserved in germplasm bank collections, into elite breeding programs could increase the resilience of modern hybrids to drought and mitigate the genetic erosion identified within the genetic base of cultivated maize. In this study, seeds of fifteen Croatian maize landraces were exposed to four levels of drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) to evaluate the effect of drought on their seed germination and seedling root parameters. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among landraces (G) and applied drought stress treatments (PEG) for all traits, as well as a significant PEG × G interaction for all traits except germination potential. The application of the highest drought stress level, caused by a 20% PEG water solution, reduced germination percentage by 51%, germination potential by 99%, root length by 87%, root diameter by 26%, root area by 91% and root volume by 93% compared to the control. Three landraces, MAK7, MAK11 and MAK15, showing high germination potential, long roots and large root area and volume under drought conditions, were identified as pre-breeding candidates for possible reintroduction into modern breeding programs aimed at increasing drought tolerance. The applied method of PEG-induced drought effectively identified drought-tolerant landraces and can be used for rapid screening of drought tolerance in large numbers of genebank accessions conserved in genebanks. Full article

Passiflora germplasm represents an important genetic resource for improving fruit yield and quality in breeding programs targeting semi-arid environments. This study aimed to assess the phenotypic diversity, genetic parameters, and breeding potential of Passiflora accessions conserved in the Passion Fruit Active Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Semiárido. A total of 55 accessions, predominantly Passiflora cincinnata Mast., were evaluated using morphoagronomic descriptors related to plant, flower, and fruit traits. Quantitative data were analyzed using mixed linear models (REML/BLUP) to estimate genetic parameters, and multivariate analyses were applied to characterize phenotypic divergence. Substantial phenotypic variability was observed, particularly for fruit-related traits. Fruit weight ranged from 43.25 to 142.88 g, pulp weight ranged from 7.86 to 51.37 g, and pulp yield ranged from 17.06% to 40.27% among accessions. Broad-sense heritability estimates for key fruit traits were moderate to high, reaching 0.50 for fruit weight, 0.49 for pulp weight, and 0.36 for pulp yield, indicating favorable prospects for selection. Principal Component Analysis explained 66.0% of the total variation in the first two components, with fruit size, pulp-related traits, and seed number contributing most strongly to accession differentiation. Multivariate analyses consistently identified accessions 1 and 16 as superior for fruit weight and pulp yield, whereas accession 55 combined high fruit weight with elevated soluble solid content (up to 14.24 °Brix) but lower pulp yield. Overall, the observed variability highlights the relevance of Passiflora germplasm conserved under semi-arid conditions as a valuable resource for breeding programs focused on fruit yield, quality, and adaptation to water-limited environments. Full article

Coffea canephora is economically and socially important for small-scale agriculture in Northern Brazil. To identify genotypes adapted to Amazonian edaphoclimatic conditions, clones of the species have been evaluated across multiple locations in Amazonas. Introducing genetically selected materials into comparable environments may promote consistent productivity gains in the short and medium term. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of different C. canephora genotypes using microsatellite markers, which will support the development of superior genotypes adapted to Amazon conditions. A total of 43 C. canephora genotypes were analyzed. Leaves were collected for genomic DNA extraction and were standardized and amplified by PCR using microsatellite primers. Genotyping was performed via capillary electrophoresis, allowing for the determination of allele sizes. Genetic structure was inferred, and genetic diversity parameters were estimated. The average observed heterozygosity (H_O = 0.64) exceeded the expected heterozygosity (H_E = 0.53), and the average inbreeding coefficient (f = −0.19) indicated an excess of heterozygotes. The results revealed high genetic variability among the evaluated genotypes. These findings highlight the broad genetic diversity of C. canephora, reinforcing its potential as a genetic basis for selection and the development of cultivars adapted to the environmental conditions of the Amazon. Full article

Understanding intraspecific functional trait variability (ITV) is crucial for elucidating plant functional strategies under environmental change. This study investigates the functional responses of 129 Mediterranean olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars conserved in the Worldwide Olive Germplasm Bank of Marrakech (WOGBM), focusing on three key leaf traits: specific leaf area (SLA), specific leaf water content (SLWC), and leaf area (LA). Substantial ITV was observed, with variability predominantly driven by cultivar differences and geographic origin. LA accounted for the highest within-cultivar variability (43.60%), followed by SLWC (31.67%) and SLA (17.92%). Geographic origin significantly influenced trait expression, with eastern Mediterranean cultivars exhibiting conservative resource-use strategies (high SLWC, low SLA, and LA), while western cultivars displayed acquisitive strategies (high SLA and LA, low SLWC). Principal component analysis further differentiated eastern and western cultivars, reflecting biogeographical and evolutionary influences. The relationship between LA and climatic variables suggests climate-driven selection, where cultivars from wetter regions develop larger leaves to optimize light capture and carbon assimilation, whereas those from drier environments exhibit smaller leaves to reduce water loss. These findings highlight a trade-off between resource acquisition and conservation, supporting the leaf economic spectrum at the intraspecific level. This study underscores the importance of ITV in olive diversification and adaptation, providing insights for breeding, conservation, and climate resilience. A trait-based approach proves valuable for exploring domestication processes and plant responses to environmental gradients. Full article

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is a small-grain cereal traditionally cultivated under low-input conditions, where locally adapted populations have contributed substantially to the maintenance of genetic diversity. Despite this importance, Greek rye germplasm has received limited attention at the molecular level. In the present study, 33 rye accessions, including gene bank landraces, locally cultivated populations and one commercial variety, were analyzed using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), start codon-targeted (SCoT), and exon-based amplified polymorphism (EBAP) markers. All three marker systems generated high proportions of polymorphic loci and comparable estimates of expected heterozygosity, indicating considerable genetic variability within the studied material. Multivariate analyses revealed moderate population structuring and consistently identified a small number of genetically divergent accessions, most notably T-492, K-163, and K-166. No clear clustering according to geographical origin was detected, as in most cases of landraces or local populations. Taken together, the results provide a detailed molecular overview of Greek rye germplasm—which has never been performed before for Greek rye genetic material—and offer a useful basis for conservation priorities and future pre-breeding efforts. Full article

Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO), caused by the vascular soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is one of the most devastating diseases of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean area. The adoption of tolerant genotypes is considered an efficient strategy to reduce its impact in the absence of effective chemical control. In the present study we assessed the response of seventy-seven olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.) to the defoliating pathotype of V. dahliae under controlled inoculation conditions. Five plants per cultivar were inoculated and compared with non-inoculated controls. Disease progression was monitored weekly for ten weeks and measured through three complementary parameters: Relative Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (RAUDPC), Final Mean Severity (FMS), and Percentage of Dead Plants (PDP). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD, correlation evaluation, and principal component analysis (PCA), were applied to classify cultivars into five susceptibility classes. Notable variability was observed among cultivars, with 7.8% classified as Highly Resistant (HR), 24.7% as Resistant (R), 46.8% as Moderately Susceptible (MS), and 20.8% as Susceptible (S) or Extremely susceptible (E). The cultivar Ghiacciolo showed the highest level of tolerance, displaying only slight symptoms and no statistically significant difference from the non-inoculated control, whereas ‘Carbuncion’, ‘Giogolino’, and ‘Pampagliosa’ exhibited more severe disease than the susceptible reference ‘Picual’. Strong correlations among RAUDPC, FMS, and PDP confirmed the consistency of the disease assessment framework, while PCA revealed distinct clustering patterns according to resistance level. Overall, these findings provide reliable evidence for the selection of olive cultivars suitable for areas vulnerable to V. dahliae. Full article