Search Results (351)

Genetically modified (GM) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are gaining attention as tools for innovation in the food sector, health applications, and industrial processes. LAB have long been used safely due to their GRAS/QPS status, making them suitable for improving fermentation and synthesizing specific and beneficial metabolites. Advances in genomics and gene editing have significantly expanded the available tools, ranging from classical mutagenesis to site-specific recombination, homologous recombination in non-coding regions, CRISPR-based systems, and food-grade chromosomal integration. These approaches enable the insertion of desired genes and the development of engineered strains with tailored functionalities. GM-LAB are also being studied as live delivery systems for therapeutic molecules, including cytokines, hormones, antimicrobial peptides, and vaccine antigens. Engineered strains of Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus spp. have yielded promising outcomes in applications such as mucosal immunization, modulation of inflammatory and metabolic responses, and inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. From an industrial perspective, several studies highlight their potential for cost-effective recombinant protein production and the synthesis of high-value metabolites through fermentation. However, within the European Union, their use is subject to stringent regulatory oversight, requiring comprehensive molecular and environmental risk assessments, careful evaluation of horizontal gene transfer, and a preference for markerless chromosomal integrations. Despite these constraints, GM-LAB offer significant potential to improve food quality, sustainability, and human health. Full article

Hordeum brevisubulatum ‘Mengnong No. 2’ is a new forage variety developed using traditional group selection breeding techniques. It features notable advantages in plant height, tillering capacity, and overall biomass yield. However, key molecular breeding techniques such as molecular marker identification and genetic manipulation have yet to be established for this variety, limiting improvements in important traits. Consequently, we assessed the biomass of ‘Mengnong No. 2’ against ‘Mengnong No. 1’, the most widely cultivated variety in the central and western regions of Inner Mongolia, China. We report that fresh forage, dry forage, and seed yields of ‘Mengnong No. 2’ increased by 20.6%, 31.78%, and 34.35%, respectively, compared with the control variety, indicating broad prospects for its application and promotion. To enable rapid identification of ‘Mengnong No. 2’ during its promotion and to prevent production losses caused by variety admixture, we used three screened SSR primer pairs (GST25, GST37, GST127) to construct a DNA fingerprint for five H. brevisubulatum varieties, including ‘Mengnong No. 2’. With the percentage of polymorphic bands exceeding 95%, these profiles enabled precise identification of the ‘Mengnong No. 2’ variety. Furthermore, callus regeneration in H. brevisubulatum represents a bottleneck for directed molecular breeding techniques such as genetic transformation and gene editing. Accordingly, we selected the inflorescences of ‘Mengnong No. 2’ as explants and investigated the callus induction and regeneration capacity of inflorescences at different developmental stages. We found that explants at the spikelet primordia differentiation stage exhibited the highest callus induction and regeneration efficiencies, reaching 62.7% and 72.8%, respectively. The resulting embryogenic callus lines can serve as recipients for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or gene gun bombardment, facilitating the development of subsequent high-efficiency genetic transformation and gene-editing systems. The SSR-based variety identification system and the highly efficient regeneration technology using inflorescence-derived callus established in this study lay a solid foundation for the development of a molecular breeding system for ‘Mengnong No. 2’. Full article

With global warming and climate change, drought stress is nowadays a threatening problem for growing vegetable crops worldwide. The introduction of more resilient and less water-demanding varieties is a key aspect for sustainable vegetable production, especially in Mediterranean countries where water availability for agricultural uses is progressively decreasing. This review highlights different mechanisms of tomato plant, as one of the most important crops of the Mediterranean countries, which are activated at physiological, biochemical and molecular levels in response to drought. With regard to the root system architecture modification, osmotic adjustments, and hormonal and antioxidant regulations are discussed. For vegetative organs, plant architecture, leaf morphology adjustments and stomatal regulation are described. Major genetic traits related to drought stress, along with responsive genes, are listed. The metabolic pathways, which determine the tolerance to drought stress, are reported and their related molecular markers used for the molecular-assisted selection (MAS) are listed. Novel growing systems and techniques which can improve efficiency for mitigating drought are highlighted; in addition, different breeding methods, both conventional and new gene-editing ones, are mentioned. Full article

Two-line hybrid rice breeding relies on photoperiod-/thermosensitive genic male sterile (P/TGMS) lines with reliable fertility transition across different environments. The fertility of japonica P/TGMS lines is intricately regulated by photoperiod and temperature, making it more challenging to breed japonica sterile lines with stable sterility than indica sterile lines. This complexity is one of the primary reasons the breeding and promotion of two-line japonica hybrid rice has lagged behind that of indica hybrid rice. Here, we report on Yun1032S, a novel japonica P/TGMS line bred in the low-latitude plateau. It was bred by crossing Peiai 64S, the famous P/TGMS line with the largest application area in China, with Yungengyou 1, a plateau japonica variety noted for its excellent cold tolerance and disease resistance. Yun1032S exhibited stable sterility and female-parent traits favorable for two-line seed production. The elite combination YLY7706 (Yunliangyou7706), derived from a cross between Yun1032S and Yungenghui7501, showed a stable and competitive yield and strong disease resistance in the 2022–2023 Yunnan provincial regional trials. To analyze the genetic basis of phenotypes, we performed whole-genome resequencing and functional loci analysis of the parents and found that they carry a great number of superior alleles, which account for their yield and disease-resistant performance. To assess the breeding value of Yun1032S, we analyzed heterosis of a new batch of combinations derived from Yun1032S and identified a new combination, Jian3, with greater yield potential than YLY7706. These findings not only enhance the breeding of japonica P/TGMS lines but also provide direction for future pairing of two-line hybrid combination breeding. The study presents innovative concepts that further integrate genomics with traditional breeding techniques. Ultimately, Yun1032S marks a significant milestone in japonica P/TGMS line breeding technology, opening new avenues for the development of the two-line system. Full article

Minor legume crops, including mung bean (Vigna radiata), cowpea, and adzuki bean, are crucial for global food security and sustainable agriculture, yet their genetic improvement has been hindered by narrow germplasm resources and lagging breeding technologies. This article systematically reviews the strategy of integrating polyploid breeding with mutagenic breeding as an innovative pathway to overcome the genetic bottlenecks of minor legumes. It focuses on insights gained from model plants and major legume crops like soybean and alfalfa regarding polyploid advantages and efficient mutagenesis techniques. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth analysis of the unique challenges and adaptation barriers encountered when transferring these paradigms to minor crops. Using mung bean as a representative case study, this review highlights specific challenges, including the creation of stable polyploid germplasm, the elucidation of complex regulatory mechanisms in polyploid genomes, and the technical bottlenecks in gene mapping and functional validation. The review also outlines future directions involving the integration of cutting-edge technologies—such as multi-omics, high-throughput phenomics, and gene editing—to establish a holistic research framework of “germplasm innovation-gene mapping-designer breeding”. This integrated approach aims to advance the breeding practices of minor legumes into a new era of precision design. 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

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

Temperate grain legumes, including faba bean, field pea, chickpea, lentil, and grass pea, are important food and forage crops in the cereal-based cropping system in the Nile Valley and Red Sea region countries. Despite their importance, local production remains insufficient, and the countries are forced to import to narrow the demand gaps. Emerging diseases, such as faba bean gall disease and several viruses (Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus, Chickpea chlorotic stunt virus, Faba bean necrotic yellows virus, and Pea seed-borne mosaic virus), are on the rise due to climate variability, changes in farming systems such as monocropping, reduced crop rotations, limited knowledge about the pathogens, and absence of varieties with good levels of resistance. This review synthesizes research achievements in the region and identifies focus areas, primarily resistance breeding, characterization of pathogen populations, developing efficient screening techniques, investigations of mixed virus infections, advancement of pathogen diagnostic techniques, and developing agroecologically based disease management strategies to reduce economic impacts of new and re-emerging diseases. Moreover, research collaboration and information exchange among countries in the region are essential to mitigate the growing threat of emerging legume diseases. Full article

Mutants with a bright green appearance due to wax synthesis or deposition defects have been reported in various plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, corn, and rice, but they are relatively rare in broccoli (a brassicaceae crop). Here, we describe SY03, a natural mutant of broccoli with a glossy green phenotype owing to epidermal wax deficiency. Genetic analysis indicated that the leaf luster trait of SY03 was controlled by a single recessive gene. By using the F₂ generation and combining bulked segregant analysis and molecular marker techniques, the candidate gene BoFAR3a, homologous to the Arabidopsis FAR gene, was identified within a 96.678 kb interval of chromosome C01. The A→G point mutation in exon 1 of the BoFAR3a coding sequence substitutes the canonical ATG start codon with GTG, which is predicted to abrogate or severely reduce translation initiation. RT-qPCR indicated that the expression levels of BoFAR3a were significantly decreased in the leaves of the glossy green phenotype mutant. Heterologous expression of BoFAR3a in A. thaliana restored the phenotype of A. thaliana mutant FAR3. The discovery of BoFAR3a is of great significance for breeding lustrous and commercially appealing broccoli varieties. This study systematically analyzed the molecular basis of the lustrous green phenotype in broccoli, providing new insights into the epidermal waxy regulatory network of cruciferous crops. In the future, the wax synthesis pathway can be precisely improved through gene editing technology, achieving a coordinated enhancement of the appearance quality and stress resistance of broccoli. Full article

Molecular genotyping is a key factor for plant breeding programming and plant variety protection (PVP). However, its potential still remains to be elucidated when considering ornamental plants like Petunia × hybrida. In this study, a petunia breeding clone collection, including sister line groups, was genotyped through double digest Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq), and its genetic diversity and structure were studied. In addition to estimating the high genetic similarity observed among sister lines, this approach allowed the unique discrimination of each clone too. Molecular results agreed with genealogy data, supporting the assessment of genotyping effectiveness. In addition, the minimal number of variants able to uniquely discriminate and/or correctly cluster the experimental lines was investigated. The loci number could be reduced to eight to achieve line discrimination, and a method to identify the specific variant sets is presented. Conversely, to preserve the original clustering with minor adjustments, one hundred loci were required and were obtained through minor allele frequency (MAF) filtering. Moreover, analysis of the chromosomal distribution of variants revealed a predominant accumulation in distal regions. Genetic analyses were repeated considering only variants located in coding sequences and results were in agreement with what previously observed, disclosing the potential of the expressed regions for genotyping purposes. Eventually, the applied approach enabled the investigation of SNPs within genes putatively involved in traits of interest. Our findings encourage the adoption of high-throughput and cost-effective sequencing techniques for petunia genotyping aimed at achieving PVP, supporting new variety registration, and developing marker-assisted breeding (MAB) and marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies. Full article

Climate change introduces a critical threat to global viticulture, compromising grape yield, quality, and the long-term sustainability of Vitis vinifera cultivation. Addressing these challenges requires innovative strategies to enhance grapevine resilience. The integration of multi-omics data, predictive breeding, and physiological insights into ripening and stress responses is refining our understanding of grapevine adaptation mechanisms. In parallel, recent advances in plant biotechnology have accelerated progress from marker-assisted and genomic selection to targeted genome editing, with CRISPR/Cas systems and other New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) offering advanced precision tools for sustainable improvement. This review synthesizes the major achievements in grapevine genetic improvement over time, tracing the evolution of strategies from traditional breeding to modern genome editing technologies. Overall, we highlight how combining genetics, biotechnology, and physiology is reshaping grapevine breeding towards more sustainable viticulture. The convergence of these disciplines establishes a new integrated framework for developing resilient, climate-adapted grapevines that maintain yield and quality while preserving varietal identity in the face of environmental change. Full article

Multi-generation intelligent breeding (MGIB) decision-making is a technique used by plant breeders to select mating individuals to produce new generations and allocate resources for each generation. However, existing research remains scarce on dynamic optimization of resources under limited budget and time constraints. Inspired by advances in reinforcement learning (RL), a framework that integrates evolutionary algorithms with deep RL was proposed to fill this gap. The framework combines two modules: the Improved Look-Ahead Selection (ILAS) module and Deep Q-Networks (DQNs) module. The former employs a simulated annealing-enhanced estimation of the distribution algorithm to make mating decisions. Based on the selected mating individual, the latter module learns multi-generation resource allocation policies using DQN. To evaluate our framework, numerical experiments were conducted on two realistic breeding datasets, i.e., Corn2019 and CUBIC. The ILAS outperformed LAS on corn2019, increasing the maximum and mean population Genomic Estimated Breeding Value (GEBV) by 9.1% and 7.7%. ILAS-DQN consistently outperformed the baseline methods, achieving significant and practical improvements in both top-performing and elite-average GEBVs across two independent datasets. The results demonstrated that our method outperforms traditional baselines, in both generalization and effectiveness for complex agricultural problems with delayed rewards. Full article

The success of invasive species relies heavily on the production, dispersal and genetic composition of propagules. For range expanding species, breeding strategy and level of reproductive investment will strongly influence their capacity to establish and invade new areas. A hermaphroditic lifestyle provides the advantage of increasing the number of seed bearing individuals within a population while a dioecious habit may enable more rapid adaptation to new environments, improve resource use efficiency, fecundity and dispersal. Pittosporum undulatum, a tree native to coastal areas of southeastern Australia, has many characteristics of an invasive species within and beyond its native range. A previous study detected a male bias within invasive populations, with a high proportion of fruit deriving from female-only trees, leading to recommendations for the removal of ‘matriarch’ trees as a simple management technique. We expanded that study and investigated breeding systems of different populations of P. undulatum by assessing tree density, gender, resource availability and fruit load of 871 individuals in seven native and seven invasive populations. All populations comprised either females (47%) or hermaphrodites. No male-only trees were observed within the study. More females produced more fruit than hermaphrodites, especially in the native site. This could not be attributed to environmental differences between sites. These data support the current management practices of targeting the removal of females as a simple method for containing invasions given the benefits of reducing the workload and spreading limited management resource. Our work highlights the value in understanding the breeding strategy employed by focal invasive species as a means of developing improved and more targeted control methods. Full article

Diaporthe amygdali Delacr. is a phytopathogenic fungus of considerable agronomic importance, responsible for branch canker in almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A. Webb) and peach (Prunus persica L.) trees. It represents a major phytosanitary threat to almond cultivation in Europe, particularly in Mediterranean regions. Almond is currently among the most rapidly expanding perennial crops, with cultivated areas increasing as a result of the introduction of new cultivars and the adoption of improved agronomic practices. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify fungal pathogens from infected almond samples collected in France through multilocus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, tef1-α, his3, tub2, cal genes) combined with morphological characterization; evaluate the susceptibility of 18 almond genotypes, using ‘Ferragnès’ and ‘Texas’ as reference standards for susceptibility and tolerance, respectively; and compare three field inoculation methods. All isolates were identified as D. amygdali. The varietal screening identified marked differences in resistance among the tested cultivars. In particular, ‘Ferrastar’, ‘R1877’, ‘R1413’, and ‘R1542’ exhibited high levels of resistance, whereas ‘Tuono’, ‘Guara’, and ‘R1568’ showed susceptibility comparable to that of ‘Ferragnès’, which was used as the susceptible control. Among the inoculation methods evaluated, the mycelial plug technique proved to be the most consistent and reliable, outperforming both conidial suspension inoculation and the toothpick method coated with mycelium. These findings further confirm the genetic resistance of the cultivars ‘Ferrastar’ and ‘Ardèchoise’ to branch canker across different growing conditions, supporting their suitability for use in breeding and genetic improvement programs. Full article

Calonectria ilicicola (anamorph: Cylindrocladium parasiticum) is a globally important soil-borne fungal pathogen, causing Cylindrocladium black rot (CBR) in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and red crown rot (RCR) in soybeans (Glycine max), two legume crops central to global food security. Under favorable conditions, these diseases can cause yield losses of 15–50%, with severe epidemics causing substantial economic damage. A defining feature of C. ilicicola is its production of melanized microsclerotia that persist in soil for up to seven years, complicating long-term disease management across major production regions worldwide. The recent spread of RCR into the U.S. Midwest highlights the adaptive potential of the pathogen and underscores the urgency of updated, integrated control strategies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on disease symptoms, pathogen biology, the life cycle, isolation techniques, and molecular diagnostics, with particular emphasis on recent genomic and multiomics advances. These approaches have identified key virulence-associated genes and core pathogenicity factors, providing new insights into host–pathogen interactions and enabling more targeted resistance breeding through marker-assisted selection and the use of wild germplasm. We critically evaluate integrated disease management strategies, including host resistance, chemical and biological control, cultural practices, and physical interventions, highlighting their complementarities and limitations. By integrating classical pathology with emerging molecular and ecological innovations, this review provides a comprehensive background for developing more effective and sustainable management approaches for CBR and RCR. Full article