Search Results (160)

Stilbocrea banihashemiana Bolboli, Tavakolian & Mostowf. is an emerging pathogen causing canker and dieback in a broad range of fruit and ornamental trees in Iran, and its distribution is expanding across the country. Extensive surveys conducted over five consecutive years (2019–2023) yielded 88 isolates of S. banihashemiana from multiple hosts, including different fig (Ficus caricae L.) cultivars, as well as loquat (Eryobotria japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.), pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), and walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees, across eight distinct regions of southern Iran. Species identification was performed morphologically and molecularly by employing the S. banihashemiana-specific primer pair TEF-Sb1 and TEF-Sb3. The genetic diversity of the S. banihashemiana population of isolates was assessed using eight inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers. The UPGMA dendrogram demonstrated broad genetic variability among the isolates, with similarity coefficient values spanning from 0.46 to 1.00. This wide range indicates the presence of multiple divergent genotypes within the population, rather than a single dominant lineage. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) grouped the 88 isolates into three distinct genetic clusters that partially corresponded to geographic origin and host species. Pathogenicity assessment of 53 selected isolates from various hosts and geographic origins on detached fig shoots demonstrated highly significant variability in aggressiveness among isolates originating from different host species and geographically distinct regions. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) combined with heatmap-based clustering of the aggressiveness dataset clearly separated the isolates into four distinct groups, ranging from highly to less aggressive. A susceptibility assessment of 10 fig cultivars using the ex-type-isolate of S. banihashemiana revealed that the pathogen caused internal lesions and wood discoloration in all cultivars. Based on statistical analysis, the cultivars were classified into three groups: susceptible (cv. ‘Siah’), moderately susceptible (‘Brown Turkey’, ‘C8-M’, ‘C8-F’, ‘Dehdez’, ‘Gilasi’, ‘Payves’, ‘Shah-Anjeer’ and ‘Sabz’), and less susceptible (‘Matti’). High genetic variability, multiple-host association, and partial geographic structure indicate that in Fars Province S. banihashemiana’s population structure and epidemiology are complex, with high adaptive potential. This complexity may influence disease spread, management strategies, and long-term evolutionary trajectories. Full article

Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval, 1833) is one of the most destructive insect pests in Egypt and worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of exposure to a magnetic field (MF) of 180 milliTesla on the developmental phases of S. littoralis, as well as malform, reproductivity, and genomic DNA mutagenicity. The obtained results concluded that the exposure of S. littorelis to MF significantly affected the malformation and mortality rates in both larvae and pupae. The MF extended the duration of the pupal stage from approximately 0.8 to 5.9 days compared to the untreated pupae. The adult emergence percentages decreased to 68.0 and 74.0% upon exposure to a magnetic field for 60 and 40 min, respectively. The female fecundity decreased by increasing the exposure duration, yielding (7–10), (6–10), and (3–8) mass eggs per female upon exposure intervals of 20, 40, and 60 min, respectively. Meanwhile, the hatchability percentage diminished with prolonged exposure time, recording 77%, 60%, and 53% for MF exposure durations of 20, 40, and 60 min, respectively, compared to 91% hatchability in the control trial. The genetic characterization employing inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers disclosed genetic mutagenicity, exhibiting a similarity matrix range from 61.6% to 74.1% for larvae, 59.8% to 68.5% for adults, and 36.2% to 49% for pupae, indicating genetic alteration in treated insects. Hence, these findings highlight the implications and prospective application of a magnetic field of 180 milliTesla as a unique approach in integrated S. littoralis control frameworks. Full article

Ancient olives are considered a major resource of gene pool, adapted across ages to ever changing environments. The ancient ‘Mehras’ olive is the only cultivar inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Of Humanity as recognized for its longevity and historical significance. However, detailed genetic and phenotypic analyses are still missing. Nineteen ‘Mehras’ accessions were collected from northern Jordan and subjected to inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker analysis and to a set of phenotypic parameters (leaf, fruit, and stone). ISSR analysis revealed similarity values ranging between 0.53 and 1.00, indicating moderate to high genetic diversity. Bayesian clustering and dendrogram analyses identified two major genetic clusters with limited admixture, indicating extended clonal propagation in addition to the transport of planting material. Phenotypic parameters revealed tangible variation among accessions, with major influence of fruit and stone traits followed by leaf traits. Strong correlations were observed between key traits, including fruit width and flesh thickness, while an inverse relationship was observed between flesh and stone percentages. Multivariate analysis further revealed clear separation among investigated accessions. The Mantel test showed a moderate correlation between genetic and phenotypic distances. Spatial analysis suggested weak geographic structuring of diversity, indicating exchange of plant material. ‘Mehras’ olive harbors structured genetic and phenotypic diversity influenced mainly by adaptation and traditional cultivation practices. These findings provide a foundation for conservation, breeding, and sustainable utilization of this ancient and culturally significant cultivar. Full article

Juniperus communis is the juniper with the widest geographical distribution, owing to its high ecological valence. Nevertheless, there is only a limited number of studies of its phenotypic and molecular variability. In this study, we coupled leaf essential oil (EO) composition with molecular and environmental data to better understand this species’ distribution and variability in the central Balkans. EOs were obtained by simultaneous hydrodistillation and extraction, and analysed using GC coupled with MS and FID detectors. For molecular analysis, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) using five primers were analysed. Three chemotypes were most abundant in the study area: sabinene, an intermediate chemotype, and α-pinene. Several additional chemotypes were also identified. In total, 118 compounds present above 0.05% were detected and identified. Monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the EO composition (43.8–79.1%). Multivariate analyses showed separation of populations from north to south. ISSRs yielded 78 polymorphic bands. Three genetic pools could also be identified that roughly correspond to this distribution, though data is not completely congruent with chemophenetic. Results indicate high genetic diversity, with high gene flow between populations, but also certain differentiation of populations. Full article

Background: Differentiating plant species is complex, complicated by morphological similarities that confound species’ delineation. For hundreds of years, researchers have used herbarium specimens to study plant morphology, and over the last forty years, these samples have also served as material for molecular phylogenetic research. Taxonomists have alternately split and combined morphotypes of Pediomelum tenuiflorum for two centuries. With samples of P. tenuiflorum from across its distribution, this research aimed to (1) infer a robust phylogeny using molecular data, i.e., gene sequences from chloroplast and nuclear genomes; (2) assess genetic diversity using molecular markers, specifically Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs); (3) provide evidence to support the taxonomic placement and possible splitting of P. tenuiflorum; and (4) identify consistent morphological characteristics using a correlation matrix to distinguish among the morphotypes. Results: Striking morphological differences among the individuals of P. tenuiflorum from across the species’ distribution resulted in more than two morphotypes. Phylogenetic data suggest hybridization is occurring among genetically and morphologically distinct members of P. tenuiflorum and with other species in the genus Pediomelum, whereas ISSR results indicate detectable genetic variation but do not resolve discrete clusters. This study reports the first ISSR markers used to assess genetic diversity in Pediomelum species. Conclusions: Morphological and genetic variation exist across individuals of P. tenuiflorum but not in monophyletic groups that support splitting the morphotypes into multiple species. Future investigations into chromosome numbers might reveal polyploidization in the lineage, and phylogenies estimated from low-copy nuclear genes could elucidate hybridization pathways. Full article

Proiphys amboinensis has considerable potential as a commercial ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage, distinctive flowers, and long flowering period. This study established an in vitro micropropagation protocol and evaluated the genetic fidelity of regenerated bulblets using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers and flow cytometry. Twin-scale explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) for 12 weeks. Bulblet formation efficiency ranged from 60.00 ± 16.33% to 70.00 ± 11.55%, with no significant differences among treatments. A significant increase in bulblet number was observed at 1.0 mg/L BA compared with the control and 0.5 mg/L BA; however, bulblet fresh weight did not differ significantly among these treatments. Sucrose concentrations (30–90 g/L) had no significant effects on bulblet weight and diameter. Root induction was evaluated using indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at concentrations of 0–1.0 mg/L, with 0.5 mg/L IBA identified as the optimal treatment. Following acclimatization, regenerated bulblets exhibited high survival rates (90–100%). ISSR and flow cytometric analyses revealed no detectable genetic variation, with a consistent genome size between regenerated bulblets and the mother plants, indicating high genetic uniformity. The protocol provides a micropropagation system for P. amboinensis with high genetic fidelity, supporting its commercial and research potential. Full article

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is an economically important crop that accounts for approximately 20% of global sugar production. The success of future breeding programs depends on the effective utilization of existing genetic resources. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 192 sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) genotypes, including commercial cultivars and accessions obtained from the USDA gene bank, using SCoT and ISSR molecular markers, and to identify potential genetic resources for sugar beet breeding programs. In this study, a total of 192 sugar beet genotypes, including 187 accessions from the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) gene bank and 5 commercial cultivars, were evaluated for genetic diversity using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 68 scorable bands were obtained from five SCoT and three ISSR primers, and all bands were found to be polymorphic (100% polymorphism). Parameters such as polymorphic information content (PIC), Nei’s genetic diversity, and Shannon’s index indicated a high level of variation within the gene pool, with SCoT markers being more informative than ISSR markers. Dendrogram analyses based on Nei’s genetic distance revealed that the populations were separated into two main groups, while the sub-clusterings contained broad genetic variation. STRUCTURE analysis identified four (K = 4) populations for the SCoT data and three (K = 3) populations for the ISSR data; the inclusion of a high number of individuals in the admixture population indicated extensive gene flow. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed both homogeneous groups and differentiated genotypes contributing to within-population diversity. The results demonstrate that the combined use of SCoT and ISSR markers provides powerful and complementary tools for assessing genetic diversity in sugar beet. The findings provide a solid scientific basis for the development of new, high-yielding and high-quality sugar beet cultivars as well as for the conservation of existing genetic resources. Molecular data constitute an important reference for guiding sugar beet breeding programs and for the effective utilization of genetic resources. 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

Lavender has been cultivated in Bulgaria for over a century. The high essential oil content and quality of Bulgarian lavender varieties have established the country as a leading global producer. Studies into the crop’s genetic diversity are essential for selecting varieties best suited to specific environmental conditions, maximizing resilience and yield. Therefore, identifying appropriate genetic markers to monitor lavender diversity is a key prerequisite for developing effective crop selection strategies, particularly in response to the challenges posed by global climate change. In this study, we evaluate the versatility of markers for assessing genetic diversity of lavender genotypes. A total of 96, 97 and 96 bands were recorded using the 13 Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT), 13 Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and 14 Cis-Element Aligned Polymorphism (CEAP) primers, respectively. All amplification programs used were successful in the studied genotypes. Additionally, four informative primers of each marker system were applied for assessment of the within-field genetic variability in two lavender plantations from Bulgaria. This is the first report on the combined use and comparison of CEAP, SCoT and ISSR primers in lavender genotypes in Bulgaria. Full article

Ficus carica L. is a fruit crop of notable nutritional and economic value. The ‘Xinjiang Zaohuang’ cultivar, rich in flavonoids, also holds considerable medicinal potential. To address the constraints of conventional propagation for mass production, this study developed an efficient and genetically stable generation protocol using healthy sprouted branches. MS medium was identified as the most effective basal medium for shoot growth. The highest adventitious bud induction rate (89.67%) and the greatest mean bud number (6.29) were achieved when explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 6-BA and 0.1 mg/L IBA. In the organogenesis process, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) promoted direct shoot formation with minimal callus intervention compared to naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The optimal combination for shoot elongation was 0.1 mg/L 6-BA and 0.01 mg/L IBA, which produced morphologically uniform shoots. For rooting, an IBA concentration of 1 mg/L was optimal, achieving a 96.7% success rate. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis confirmed the genetic stability of all regenerated plants. These findings establish a reliable technical framework for the large-scale propagation of this valuable fig cultivar. Full article

Rivomarginella morrisoni (Gastropoda: Marginellidae) is a narrowly distributed freshwater snail inhabiting drainage basins of central and southern Thailand. To clarify patterns of genetic differentiation across its range, 45 individuals from 11 sites across eight river basins were analyzed using two dominant molecular markers: sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). SRAP primers produced higher polymorphic information content (PIC) values than ISSR primers (0.35 vs. 0.27). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed strong population structure, with 80.29% of the genetic variation occurring among populations and 19.71% within populations Population differentiation statistic (PhiPT) = 0.803, p < 0.001). Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) consistently separated central and southern populations, and STRUCTURE supported K = 2 as the most likely number of clusters. Similarly, principal component analysis (PCA) of morphological traits also distinguished specimens into two groups corresponding to these geographic regions, confirming region-specific divergence. Overall, the genetic and morphological patterns indicate restricted gene flow among basins and a clear separation between central and southern lineages of R. morrisoni. This study provides the first molecular evidence of population structure in this species and offers important baseline information for future taxonomic, ecological, and conservation research on freshwater marginellid snails. Full article

Sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata (L.) Börner) is a genetically and ecologically diverse submerged macrophyte, notable for its versatile reproductive characteristics, with a broad global distribution, excluding only the Arctic and Antarctic regions. This cosmopolitan species remains underexplored genetically in Lithuania compared to some other European regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the state and distribution of genetic diversity across Lithuanian river populations. We analyzed genetic variation in ten riverine populations using both simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and intersimple sequence repeats (ISSR). Genetic distances between genotypes and populations, as revealed by SSR markers, correlated with those determined using ISSR markers, confirming consistency across the two marker systems. STRUCTURE analysis revealed the presence of two distinct genotype pools. Our study demonstrated that the majority of genetic variation resides within populations, with an F_ST value of 0.212 (SSR) and a Φ_PT value of 0.352 (ISSR). These findings suggest high genetic differentiation among populations. The absence of a relationship between genetic diversity and hydrochemical or hydromorphological parameters at plant collection sites suggests that the population structure of this species is shaped primarily by evolutionary and/or demographic mechanisms, rather than by local environmental hydrochemical conditions. Overall, this study revealed high within-population genetic diversity and underlying genetic structure in S. pectinata populations across Lithuanian rivers. Full article

Major historic olive tree cultivars around the Mediterranean originate from the Jordan area and possess a proven abiotic stress tolerance; however, they were unexplored from the diversity perspective. Therefore, historic olive tree accessions from three northern regions—Irbid (i), Jerash (J), and Ajloun (A)—were analyzed using DNA molecular markers to identify and study their genetic relationships and genetic structure. DNA molecular markers of inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) were used. A total of 3150 data entries (859 present and 2291 absent) were generated with fragment sizes ranging from 350 to 2000 bp. Data entries were evaluated with UPGMA and population genetic structure analysis. The results showed that similarity among the investigated sixty-three accessions ranged from 9% between J14 and i20 up to 100% between ‘J11’ and ‘J12’ and between A8 and A9. The discriminating power values for ISSR_807, ISSR_810, and ISSR_825 were 0.70, 0.61, and 0.83, respectively. A generated dendrogram showed ten major clades, while the genetic structure could resolve four unique genetic pools: one for Irbid, one for Jerash, and two for Ajloun. In addition, analysis of 19 phenotypic parameters covering leaf, fruit, stone, and flesh was able to confirm the molecular data. Phenotypic and ISSR data were analyzed using PCA, cluster, and Mantel tests. ISSR markers showed clear genetic differentiation among groups, whereas phenotypic traits displayed lower variation but a significant correlation with molecular diversity. Promising accessions with either pure or admixture genetic makeup were identified. The resolved genetic structure of the investigated historic olive accessions would open new frontiers for olive breeding and utilization, helping to overcome current production challenges and climate change limitations. Full article

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus L.) is an important perennial deciduous ornamental plant, featured by the daily flowering habit and a prolonged flowering period. However, the genetic relationships of the elite germplasmare largely unclear, which hampers the breeding programs of H. syriacus. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity andstructure of 46 cultivars by employing a combination of 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 5 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) polymorphicmarkers. On average, 1.251 effective alleles per locus were detected for the SSR markers, in contrast to 1.321 for ISSR. Consistently, these elite accessions were grouped into five clades when using either marker or a combination of both, albeit with some differences. In the combined topology, clade II contains three relatively less multiple-petaled accessions, “Notwoodone” and its branch mutant “Bricutts”, as well as H. syriacus var. Shigyoku. By contrast, “Duc de Brabant” and “Mindour1” are both pink multiple-petaled accessions in clade III, in addition to a solo single-petaled “Oiseau Bleu” in clade I. Clade V was the largest group of 34 accessions, which account for 73.9% of the evaluated Hibiscus varieties and cluster into six subclasses. Overall, these varieties have some morphological variances in both patterns and colors of flowers. They show similarities in subclass scale, as exemplified by “Lady Stanley” and its branch mutant, “America Irene Scott”. The distantly related varieties, like in clade I and clade V, would benefit for breeding new varieties of high-hybrid vigor. Together, we updated a pilot study of the genetic diversity andstructure in elite varieties of H. syriacus, which could provide new insights into marker-assisted selection and genetic breeding of new varieties. Full article

The Chinese holly (Ilex chinensis Sims.), an evergreen tree species native to China, is distributed mainly in regions south of the Qinling Mountains and Huai River. This research aimed to characterize the molecular profiles and genetic relationships of 40 Chinese holly genotypes via inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism markers. Genetic diversity analysis revealed that the ISSR markers detected 111 polymorphic bands from 13 primers, with a polymorphism rate of 88.10%. The analysis generated parameters such as the observed allele number (Na = 1.876), effective allele number (Ne = 1.461), Shannon’s information index (I = 0.271), and expected heterozygosity (H = 0.411). In comparison, the SCoT markers produced 65 polymorphic bands from the 6 primers, resulting in a 100% polymorphism rate, with Na = 2.000, Ne = 1.695, I = 0.393, and H = 0.575. Cluster analysis classified the 40 genotypes into two main clusters with genetic similarity coefficients of 0.69 (ISSR) and 0.55 (SCoT). The ISSR markers presented the greatest similarity between the ZSS and ZLS genotypes, whereas the ZZDH and ZWW genotypes presented lower similarity. Conversely, the SCoT markers identified ZZP and ZJDS as the most similar, with ZLJ and ZHX showing less similarity. These results provide a theoretical basis for hybrid breeding, germplasm innovation, and conservation strategies of Chinese holly in China. Full article