Search Results (506)

Globally, Central Asian wild fruit forests are critical repositories of wild fruit germplasm resources and provide essential ecosystem services. However, their habitats are facing escalating degradation risks driven by climate warming, shifting precipitation regimes, and intensifying anthropogenic disturbances. Accurately quantifying climate-driven spatiotemporal variations in habitat suitability for keystone wild fruit tree species is therefore an essential prerequisite for formulating targeted conservation and management strategies in arid and semi-arid landscapes. In this study, we applied the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to simulate the current (2000–2020 baseline) and future (2030s, 2050s, 2070s) potential suitable habitats of two dominant wild fruit tree species, Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) M.Roem. and Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., in the Ili Valley, a core distribution area of Central Asian wild fruit forests in northwestern China. We integrated rigorously screened species occurrence records with key environmental predictors and characterized future climate conditions using three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs; SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585) spanning low to high radiative forcing levels. The model exhibited excellent predictive performance (AUC > 0.85), confirming the robustness and reliability of our habitat suitability simulations. Elevation and annual precipitation were identified as the dominant environmental variables governing habitat suitability for both species, highlighting the critical role of terrain–hydroclimate interactions in maintaining viable dryland refugia for wild fruit forests. Under the baseline climate scenario, the total area of suitable habitats reached 24.014 × 10³ km² for Malus sieversii and 18.990 × 10³ km² for Prunus cerasifera. Future climate projections revealed a consistent and significant contraction trend in suitable habitats for both species, with the magnitude of habitat loss escalating with increasing radiative forcing and longer projection time horizons. Specifically, under the high-emission SSP585 scenario by the 2070s, the suitable habitat area is projected to decline by 7.579 × 10³ km² for Malus sieversii and 9.883 × 10³ km² for Prunus cerasifera relative to the baseline. Our findings delineate climate-vulnerable hotspots of wild fruit forests and provide a robust spatial scientific basis for prioritizing in situ conservation, targeted habitat restoration, and anthropogenic disturbance regulation to support the long-term persistence of these irreplaceable wild fruit germplasm resources under accelerating global climate change. Full article

To clarify nutritional characteristic differences in mature seeds among flax germplasm resources, 30 accessions (YY01–YY30) were used as materials. Crude protein, 17 hydrolyzed amino acids, 37 fatty acids, crude fat, and mineral elements (Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg) were determined via the Kjeldahl method, amino acid analyzer, gas chromatograph, Soxhlet extraction, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, followed by statistical analysis. Results showed crude protein ranged 12.07–23.97 g/100 g (coefficient of variation, CV = 10.41%), with YY-30, YY-02, and YY-05 as high-protein germplasm (>23 g/100 g); lysine had the highest CV (28.57%) among essential amino acids, EAA, and YY-26’s EAA/total amino acid, TAA, (41.59%) met Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization, FAO/WHO standards. α-Linolenic acid (average 33.6%, max 40.3% in YY-15) was the main functional fatty acid, strongly positively correlated with linoleic acid (R² = 0.9983, p < 0.0001). Crude fat ranged 28.49–40.22% (CV = 7.26%), with YY-26, YY-22, and YY-27 as high-oil germplasm. Fe had the largest CV (16.68%) among the four mineral elements, with YY-30 having the highest Fe content (58.94 mg/kg); in addition, Ca was weakly positively correlated with Mg (p = 0.02). The screened high-quality germplasm and the clarified nutritional differences among flax germplasm resources provide a scientific basis for flax breeding and the development of flax-based functional foods. Full article

To establish standardized DNA fingerprinting and molecular identification systems for mandarin citrus, we analyzed 69 mandarin accessions via fluorescent SSR capillary electrophoresis to construct DNA molecular fingerprints and unique molecular identity cards. Eighteen highly polymorphic SSR primer pairs were screened, yielding 239 genotype calls and 147 alleles. The number of amplified alleles per primer pair ranged from 4 to 18, with polymorphic information content (PIC) values varying from 0.411 to 0.650. Ten core primer pairs were further selected, achieving a discrimination rate of 65.2% (45 out of 69 accessions distinguished). Utilizing these fluorescent SSR markers, we established DNA molecular fingerprints and unique molecular identity cards for all 69 accessions. Among them, 45 accessions possessed unique fingerprints, whereas the remaining 24 indistinguishable accessions were clustered into six groups. Each cluster contained both wild (4 accessions total) and cultivated (20 accessions total) resources with high genetic similarity, which merits further investigation. This study provides a practical foundation for the authentication, conservation, and genetic relationship analysis of mandarin germplasm resources and establishes a technical framework for standardizing mandarin variety identification. Full article

Seed size-related traits are pivotal determinants of yield and appearance quality in peanut breeding programs. This study aimed to (1) investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of 120 peanut accessions (including landraces, cultivated varieties, and introduced germplasm) through genome-wide resequencing, and (2) identify key genomic regions and candidate genes associated with seed size-related traits using Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and haplotype analysis. The population relationship and the evolution of peanuts using a large-scale single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset generated from the genome-wide resequencing of 120 peanut accessions was explored. GWAS and haplotype analysis were employed to identify regions and candidate genes associated with seed size-related traits. GWAS and haplotype analysis identified a novel region associated with HSW and SW on chr14, and a haplotype that was more dominant in HSW and SW. Two candidate genes were screened by combining LD decay distance, SNP variation information and gene function annotations. Full article

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most devastating diseases of cereal crops worldwide, causing yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Traditionally associated with warm and humid climates, FHB has increasingly affected cooler and drier regions, including the Volga region of Russia—a major grain-producing area once considered low-risk. In this three-year field study, we evaluated FHB resistance in 50 winter rye accessions under natural infection and artificially enriched infectious backgrounds using high-virulence Fusarium strains from the Volga region. Post-invasive resistance to FHB was generally weak across the tested germplasm. Nevertheless, considerable variability in FHB damage was observed among accessions. Accessions showing the lowest overall FHB severity were identified as promising donors for breeding programs. Specific resistance sources to individual Fusarium species were identified, notably Fusarium sporotrichioides—previously regarded as a weak pathogen but demonstrated here as a serious food safety threat. No significant positive correlation was found between FHB severity and mycotoxin levels, confirming these as partially independent traits; several accessions maintained low mycotoxin content despite severe symptoms. Our study highlights the necessity of multi-environment screening with local pathogen strains and endorses pyramiding approaches for durable FHB resistance in winter rye breeding. Full article

Disease resistance breeding is an important direction for the genetic improvement of Chinese cabbage. The traditional elite variety ‘Yutian Baojian’ Chinese cabbage is highly regarded for its tall cylindrical head with a pointed tip, tightly twisted wrapper leaves, and sweet taste. However, long-term cultivation has led to a significant decline in its resistance to clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. To restore clubroot resistance while maintaining its desirable horticultural traits, this study used the clubroot-susceptible ‘Yutian Baojian’ as the recurrent parent and the resistant donor ‘Shaocai’, which carries the CRd resistance gene, to develop backcross populations. Using marker-assisted selection (MAS), plants were comprehensively screened based on foreground selection with markers tightly linked to the CRd gene, background selection with 73 genome-wide polymorphic markers, and phenotypic evaluation of horticultural traits, including plant height, plant spread, head shape, and soluble solids content. In the BC₁ population, three individuals showing high genetic similarity were selected. From the BC₂ population, four elite individuals were obtained, exhibiting 99.32% genetic similarity, stable clubroot resistance, and typical horticultural characteristics. Furthermore, three homozygous resistant inbred lines (BC₂S₂) with the ‘Yutian Baojian’ phenotype were developed. These results enrich the clubroot-resistant germplasm resources of Chinese cabbage and provide an effective MAS-based strategy for the precise improvement and germplasm innovation of local cultivars. Full article

Background/Objectives: Downy mildew, caused by Peronosclerospora and Sclerophthora species, is a major constraint to maize production in tropical and subtropical regions, with yield losses of 30–100%. This systematic review synthesised evidence on methods used to screen maize for downy mildew resistance and assessed their effectiveness, reliability, and associated markers. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and CAB Abstracts were searched (last searched 22 October 2025) for English-language studies (1990–2025) evaluating phenotypic or molecular screening methods. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 framework. Narrative synthesis was conducted following a protocol registered on the Open Science Framework. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, predominantly from India and Cambodia. Spreader row systems (seven studies) and conidial spray inoculation (six studies) were the most common field methods, while the glasshouse sandwich technique generated the highest disease pressure. Cross-method correlations were strong (r = 0.92–0.99), and heritability estimates ranged from 0.50 to 0.97. QTL mapping identified resistance loci on chromosomes 2, 3, and 6, with chromosome 6 stable across multiple pathogen species. Evidence certainty was moderate for method effectiveness and low for molecular markers. Conclusions: Established phenotypic screening methods reliably discriminate resistant germplasm; however, standardised protocols, broader geographic validation, and independent molecular marker confirmation are needed. Full article

The Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing guidelines for mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) offer a standardized framework for new variety assessment. Although these guidelines are essential for variety management, the actual efficiency and breeding value of the 31 specified DUS characteristics in improving yield potential remain largely underexplored and lack systematic validation. To address this critical research gap, 180 genetically diverse mung bean accessions were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis. The results revealed intrinsic relationships among characteristics and identified key variation dimensions centered on “plant morphology”, “pod characteristics”, and “seed characteristics”. Cluster analysis classified the 180 accessions into four distinct clusters. Cluster 2, in particular, offers a clear selection reference for breeding materials targeting high-yield and quality. The DTOPSIS (Dynamic Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) multi-criteria decision-making model was applied, with index weights assigned using an objective weighting method. Following systematic evaluation, Yingge 2 was identified as an outstanding phenotype. Breeders may refer to its quantitative characteristics in subsequent breeding cycles. Linear regression analysis was employed to construct a yield prediction model, identifying leaf greenness, pod number per plant, and hundred-grain weight as three core DUS characteristics with statistically significant effects on final yield (p < 0.05). This study performed a systematic, multi-dimensional analysis and comprehensive evaluation of mung bean germplasm resources based on DUS characteristics, with the aim of identifying key yield-related DUS traits, screen elite germplasm for high-yield breeding, and providing a theoretical basis and practical reference for the efficient improvement and selective breeding of new mung bean varieties. Full article

Screening potato germplasm for low nitrogen (LN) tolerance is essential for improving nitrogen use efficiency and agricultural sustainability. A set of 156 potato genotypes from diverse sources—including the International Potato Center (CIP), the National Potato Germplasm Repository (CAAS), and varieties and lines bred by the Qinghai Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences—was evaluated under optimal (60 mmol·L⁻¹) and low (3 mmol·L⁻¹) nitrogen conditions using tissue culture. Nine traits related to growth, nitrogen accumulation, and nitrogen use efficiency were measured. Under LN stress, nitrogen physiological efficiency (NPE), uptake efficiency (NUpE), and utilization efficiency (NUE) increased, while most growth-related traits declined. Considerable variation was observed in fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), nitrogen accumulation (NA), and NUE, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.38 to 0.40 under LN and 0.17 to 0.42 under ON. Principal component analysis identified NA and NUpE as the primary contributors to phenotypic variation. Based on comprehensive D-values from cluster analysis, the genotypes were classified into five tolerance groups: Type I—(strong low-nitrogen tolerant (13 accessions); Type II—low-nitrogen tolerant (66 accessions); Type III—moderate low-nitrogen tolerant (36 accessions); Type IV—low-nitrogen sensitive (24 accessions); and Type V—highly low-nitrogen sensitive (17 accessions). Physiological validation revealed two distinct adaptive strategies: a nitrogen conservation strategy (Type I), characterized by high NA and nitrogen content (NC) alongside moderate physiological efficiency, and an efficiency-driven compensation strategy (Types II, IV, and V), marked by low NA and NC but high physiological efficiency. The congruence between multivariate clustering and subsequent physiological measurements confirms that this classification effectively captures genotypic differences in low nitrogen tolerance. Thirteen highly LN-tolerant genotypes—including PIMPERNEL, Favorita, and Spunta—were identified as promising genetic resources for breeding nitrogen-efficient potato cultivars. This tissue culture-based screening method provides a practical tool for evaluating nitrogen tolerance in plants and supports sustainable potato production under limited nitrogen availability. Full article

The genus Polygonatum encompasses numerous species with complex phenotypes, necessitating robust molecular markers for accurate species identification and superior germplasm screening. This study identified and developed SSR markers based on transcriptome analysis of three Polygonatum species to assess the genetic diversity of Polygonatum resources. The results showed that a total of 43,217 SSR loci were detected, and 31,703 primer pairs were successfully designed. Characterization of SSR motifs revealed mono-nucleotide repeats (SNRs) were the most frequent (59.45%). Unigenes containing SSRs were annotated across seven databases. In KEGG, 222 pathways were assigned, with genes annotated to carbohydrate metabolism being the most abundant. To validate and apply these markers, 100 primer pairs covering all eight SSR locus types were tested across 21 Polygonatum accessions. Of these, 49 polymorphic markers were identified, revealing high genetic diversity, with average expected heterozygosity (He) and polymorphism information content (PIC) values of 0.763 and 0.718, respectively, alongside significant population differentiation (Fst = 0.307). Cluster analysis grouped 21 accessions into three groups, which correlated with certain agronomic traits. Nine core markers were selected that effectively distinguished six species and intraspecific groups. Notably, the FB-9 marker, associated with polysaccharide biosynthesis, effectively discriminated among six Polygonatum species and also distinguished distinct germplasm resources within P. kingianum var. grandifolium. Overall, the transcriptome-derived SSR markers validated in this study constitute valuable resources for gene function analysis, population genetics research, and variety identification and genetic improvement of Polygonatum. Full article

Screening superior hosts is critical for artificial cultivation of Cistanche deserticola Y.C.Ma. However, intraspecific trait variation and host suitability of its emerging host Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt remain unsystematically evaluated. In this study, 31 A. canescens individuals with diverse morphotypes and parasitic statuses were selected from over 300 seedlings. After post-transplant assessment, 17 representative A. canescens genotypes were selected and cutting-propagated. Their genetic, phenotypic and photosynthetic traits were systematically analyzed by multiple approaches, with a multi-indicator evaluation system built by correlation analysis and entropy-weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution)(TOPSIS). The results showed that the Internal Transcribed Spacer(ITS) sequences of the selected genotypes had an approximate length of 644 bp, exhibiting an average GC contents of 58.35%. A total of 22 haplotypes were detected, indicating high genetic diversity. In this study, superior host genotypes were defined as those with relatively excellent growth potential and stable, efficient photosynthetic performance. NP3.13, P3.1 and NP2.23 were recognized as promising candidate host genotypes with potential for C. deserticola cultivation, and their host suitability was indirectly inferred from their relatively superior growth and photosynthetic traits. This study not only provides valuable candidate germplasm resources and a scientific basis for optimizing the cultivation of C. deserticola, but also furnishes methodological support for elite genotypes screening in other plant species by the established evaluation framework. Full article

Xinjiang is the major cotton-producing region in China, and identifying core germplasm with disease resistance, high yield, and high seed index is of great significance for guiding local cotton production and breeding practices. Using 182 upland cotton germplasm accessions, we systematically investigated Verticillium wilt (caused by Verticillium dahliae) disease index, yield, and seed index in Kuitun, Xinjiang, during 2018–2019. Comparative analysis revealed that the germplasm from the Yellow River Ecological Region (YER) exhibited the strongest disease resistance but ranked second in yield, while the germplasm from the Northwest Inland Ecological Region (NWC) was susceptible to disease, yet had the highest yield, indicating great potential for further improving cotton yield in Kuitun. The Verticillium wilt index decreased, and yield increased with breeding periods. PCA and K-Means clustering divided germplasm into three clusters, with Cluster 0 being disease-resistant, high-yielding, and having a high seed index. Using the 20th percentile method, 20 core germplasm (11.0% of total) were selected, including disease-resistant and high-yield accessions, 3 disease-susceptible and high-yield accessions, and 6 disease-resistant and high seed index accessions. The results of this study provide important material support and a theoretical basis for the synergistic breeding of cotton with disease resistance, high yield, and high seed index in Xinjiang. Full article

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a significant vegetable crop, and its fruits tend to accumulate cadmium (Cd). The background value of soil Cd in the main pepper-producing area (southwest China) is relatively high, which results in a high risk of Cd contamination in pepper and its products in this area. Therefore, the cultivation of pepper varieties with low Cd accumulation is vital for ensuring food safety and the development of the pepper industry. A prior genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified the heavy-metal-transporting ATPase gene (CaHMA1) as a crucial gene that facilitates Cd accumulation in pepper fruits. Herein, three semi-thermal asymmetric reverse PCR (STARP) molecular markers (STARP1, STARP2, and STARP3) were designed according to three single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci (Chr02_154361710, Chr02_154362005, and Chr02_154367255) identified in the intronic region of CaHMA1. Subsequently, these STARP molecular markers were validated using 70 pepper core germplasms with known genotypes. The results indicated that the STARP markers exhibited an identity of over 95% with the corresponding SNP markers. By utilizing the aforementioned STARP markers, the pepper population was divided into two haplotypes (Hap) (Hap1 and Hap2). Under Cd stress, the average Cd content in the fruits of Hap2 pepper was 27.01% lower than that of Hap1. Collectively, these three STARP markers can rapidly and accurately identify the Cd accumulation capacity of pepper varieties with different haplotypes. Furthermore, 24 SNPs were additionally screened from 150 core SNPs according to the criteria of minor allele frequency (MAF) > 0.40, polymorphism information content (PIC) > 0.35, observed heterozygosity (OH) < 0.6, and uniform distribution across 12 chromosomes. These 24 SNPs were combined with the 3 SNPs from the STARP marker developed in the intron region of CaHMA1, and a pepper DNA fingerprinting map was successfully constructed. This DNA fingerprinting map achieved a 100% identification efficiency for 216 pepper germplasm accessions and was able to distinguish the Cd accumulation capacities among different pepper germplasm accessions. In conclusion, this study provides reliable STARP markers for the marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding of pepper varieties with low Cd accumulation. Moreover, the constructed DNA fingerprinting map possesses dual functions, identifying varieties and evaluating Cd accumulation traits that have high practical value in pepper breeding. 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

Carnation is one of the most popular ornamental flowers worldwide. Due to its high ornamental and economic value, breeding techniques have advanced rapidly, leading to the continuous emergence of new varieties. However, this has also resulted in issues such as synonymy and homonymy. Therefore, utilizing DNA fingerprinting for rapid and accurate variety identification can play a crucial role in germplasm identification and the resolution of intellectual property disputes. In this study, we performed reduced-representation genome sequencing on 50 carnation accessions to develop single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. After filtering, 82,584 high-quality SNPs were obtained. These SNPs were used to conduct principal component analysis, population structure analysis, and cluster analysis on the 50 carnation accessions. From these high-quality SNPs, 130 SNP loci were further selected and converted into Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers. Preliminary screening using 92 carnation accessions yielded 53 KASP markers, and a subsequent screening with 217 carnation accessions identified 45 core KASP markers. Using these core markers, a fingerprint database was successfully constructed for 309 carnation accessions, achieving a distinguishing power of 99.987%. This study employed SNP fingerprinting and genetic analysis for the screening and identification of carnations, broadening the genetic basis at the molecular level and supporting subsequent variety protection efforts, thereby providing a scientific basis for carnation selection and identification. Full article