Search Results (436)

Although cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is well established in eggplant, CMS-based interspecific hybrids with allied species have not yet been reported or studied. In this study, five previously developed CMS-based interspecific F₁ hybrids between eggplant and Solanum aethiopicum Group Aculeatum (=S. integrifolium) and Group Gilo (=S. gilo), together with their parental lines, were morphologically evaluated for 67 seedling, vegetative, floral, and fruit traits, and their heterosis for vegetative growth was studied. Male fertility was assessed based on anther morphology and pollen viability, while female fertility was evaluated through backcrosses to both parents. The hybrids exhibited predominantly intermediate phenotypes and clustered distinctly from parental lines as confirmed by principal component analysis. Remarkable heterosis was observed for most growth-related traits, indicating favorable nuclear–cytoplasmic interactions despite the use of CMS eggplant lines as maternal parents. All hybrids showed complete male sterility, characterized by non-viable pollen and pronounced anther homeotic alterations, the latter indicating CMS-related effects on male fertility. Female fertility was severely reduced, likely due to meiotic irregularities, as evidenced by the failure of most attempted backcrosses. However, successful recovery of BC₁ progeny after backcrossing one CMS-based F₁ hybrid to S. gilo demonstrates partial reproductive compatibility and provides a genetic bridge for CMS introgression into S. gilo. These results indicate that CMS systems are suitable for eggplant interspecific crosses aimed at vigorous rootstock production and CMS cytoplasm introgression into allied germplasm. Full article

The goal of this study was to elucidate the genetic and molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying agronomic traits in elite alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Through the analysis of 44 varieties and lines, we measured 19 yield-related traits and performed transcriptome sequencing to investigate the factors driving yield variation. The results indicated extensive variation in agronomic traits among the tested accessions, with the coefficients of variation (CVs) ranging from 7.85% to 42.66%, suggesting substantial potential for genetic improvement. Correlation analysis revealed that seed yield was significantly and positively correlated with the number of reproductive branches and inflorescences at maturity, whereas early vegetative growth was negatively correlated with 100-seed weight. The 44 accessions were categorized into three clusters: Cluster II (the largest group) exhibited balanced traits; Cluster I showed vigorous early growth but low pod yield; and Cluster III was characterized by the highest pod and branch numbers. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained 65.88% of the total variation (first six components), identifying GNS31 and GNS43 as the superior and inferior genotypes, respectively. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling detected the highest number of differentially expressed genes (10,089 DEGs) in pod tissues, with 66% being upregulated. Functional enrichment analyses (GO and KEGG) highlighted that varietal differences were primarily enriched in secondary metabolism, lipid metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. Notably, within the auxin pathway, the SAUR and GH3 families displayed significant tissue-specific expression in pods. Full article

In aquaculture and in laboratory settings, the development of sustainable and functional feeds is crucial in order to promote fish welfare, growth, and reproductive performance. Among natural dietary supplements, spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), a blue-green microalga rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidant molecules, represents a promising bioactive ingredient capable of influencing both physiological and behavioral traits. A 32-week longitudinal study was conducted on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to evaluate the effects of spirulina supplementation (5%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) compared to a standard diet. Parameters related to survival, growth, reproductive fitness, and reproductive behavior were assessed in vivo and supported by a morphometric analysis of the gonads. Supplementation with 5% improved survival rate and the Body Condition Index, while 25% supplementation increased survival, enhanced reproductive behavior and spawning success (140% egg production vs. control), and supported optimal gonadal development and gamete maturation timing. Higher percentages of spirulina (50–100%) seem to cause nutritional imbalance, impairing health and reproductive fitness. This study demonstrates that moderate spirulina supplementation (5–25%) supports health, reproductive physiology, and behavior in zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. These results highlight the potential of spirulina as a functional supplement for precision nutrition approaches, with implications for fish welfare, reproductive performance, and aquaculture sustainability. Full article

Although fitness-related traits are expected to be under strong selection, traits related to reproduction are often quite variable within plant populations. We used data from two large greenhouse experiments to quantify phenotypic, genetic, and environmental variation, as well as genetic tradeoffs that might help explain the maintenance of within-population variation in four traits related to sexual or vegetative reproduction in tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima). The goldenrod population exhibited high levels of both phenotypic and genetic variation for capitulum (flower head) number and size, seed production, and rhizome growth. Significant negative genetic correlations were present between the number of capitula and size of capitula—but only at high-nutrient levels—and between seed production and rhizome growth when nutrients were more limiting. In total, negative genetic correlations may act to maintain variation in fitness-related traits in goldenrod populations—a phenomenon we suspect may be shared by other herbaceous plant species as their populations experience variation in environmental factors, such as nutrient levels, among sites or over the course of ecological succession within a site. Full article

This study aimed to provide the first characterization of the traditional farming systems and meat quality traits of the Black Alpine pig (BAP), an ecotype under recovery originating in the Italian Central Alps, reared under real, actual conditions. Productive and reproductive data were collected through on-farm visits from six BAP farms located in Northern Italy. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and backfat samples from BAPs were collected in the same farms and analyzed for color, tenderness, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile. For exploratory purposes and to provide a descriptive benchmark of commercial pork (CP) quality, loin samples were purchased from the retail market. PLS-DA served as a discriminant model between BAP and CP meat samples on a multivariate data matrix. BAP farming was characterized as an en plein air system with high outdoor access and reliance on natural vegetation. BAPs showed high rusticity and slow growth. The LD muscle was characterized by a firm texture, an intense dark-red color, and a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, reflecting traditional rustic meat features associated with the interaction between dietary, environmental, and genetic factors. Our preliminary results provided novel insights into BAP farming practices and meat quality, supporting the maintenance of this genetic resource through traditional farming and the preservation of biodiversity in alpine livestock, offering exploratory evidence of the current BAP farming system. Full article

In animals and humans, nutrients influence signaling cascades, transcriptional programs, chromatin dynamics, and mitochondrial function, collectively shaping traits related to growth, immunity, reproduction, and stress resilience. This review synthesizes evidence supporting nutrient-mediated regulation of DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and mitochondrial biogenesis, and emphasizes their integration within metabolic and developmental pathways. Recent advances in epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), single-cell multi-omics, and systems biology approaches have revealed how diet composition and timing can reprogram gene networks, sometimes across generations. Particular attention is given to central metabolic regulators (e.g., PPARs, mTOR) and to interactions among methyl donors, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements that maintain genomic stability and metabolic homeostasis. Nutrigenetic evidence further shows how genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) in loci such as IGF-1, MSTN, PPARs, and FASN alter nutrient responsiveness and influence traits like feed efficiency, body composition, and egg quality, information that can be exploited via marker-assisted or genomic selection. Mitochondrial DNA integrity and oxidative capacity are key determinants of feed conversion and energy efficiency, while dietary antioxidants and mitochondria-targeted nutrients help preserve bioenergetic function. The gut microbiome acts as a co-regulator of host gene expression through metabolite-mediated epigenetic effects, linking diet, microbial metabolites (e.g., SCFAs), and host genomic responses via the gut–liver axis. Emerging tools such as whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing, EWAS, integrated multi-omics, and CRISPR-based functional studies are transforming the field and enabling DNA-informed precision nutrition. Integrating genetic, epigenetic, and molecular data will enable genotype-specific feeding strategies, maternal and early-life programming, and predictive models that enhance productivity, health, and sustainability in poultry production. Translating these molecular insights into practice offers pathways to enhance animal welfare, reduce environmental impact, and shift nutrition from empirical feeding toward mechanistically informed precision approaches. Full article

Pigs play a vital role in global food security as a major source of animal protein. Enhancing growth and reproductive traits is of great economic importance to the swine industry. To systematically identify genetic determinants underlying key economic traits, we performed an integrative multi-omics analysis in a population of 1624 Duroc pigs, focusing on backfat thickness (BF), loin muscle area (LMA), and total teat number (TTN). Our genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified twenty-one significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—fourteen for BF, three for LMA, and seven for TTN. Candidate genes located within 1 Mb of these SNPs, such as ZC3HAV1L and FAM3A for BF, PTGR2 for LMA, and VRTN and ABCD4 for TTN, were further investigated. Functional genomic annotations revealed that genetic variants near the significant SNPs were enriched in tissue-specific enhancer elements, implying regulatory potential. Transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) further supported the candidate genes such as ABCD4 and YLPM1 for TTN and predicted several putative functional mutations that may affect transcription factor binding sites. This study demonstrates the power of integrative genomics to prioritize candidate genes and causal variants for animal complex traits, offering valuable resources for future precision breeding in pigs. Full article

The objectives of this study were to select Thai rice that are tolerant at the seedling stage and investigate their growth, physiological and yield responses at the reproductive stage in comparison with the standard salt-tolerant Pokkali (PK). Twenty-two local, commercial and improved Thai rice genotypes along with PK and salt-susceptible IR29 were evaluated at the seedling stage for salt tolerance using a 15 dS m⁻¹ saline solution with five replications. Ten selected genotypes were grown in pots with four replications and exposed to a 15 dS m⁻¹ saline level from early booting to the flowering stage. During the grain-filling stage, salt treatments decreased from 15 to 12 dS m⁻¹ and were sustained at this level until harvest. The experimental design for both experiments was a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Based on the physiology of flag leaves, almost all genotypes exceled in the protection of chlorophyll, relative water content (RWC), membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, the photosynthesis, growth and grain yield of all were dramatically reduced. The rice genotypes exhibited varying degrees of osmotic adjustment (OA), ranging from 1.598 to 2.541 MPa. The cultivar RD73 and line TSKC1–144, which were genetically improved from KDML105 by the introgression of a salt-tolerant QTL/gene from PK, showed the least reduction in grain yield (60 and 53% reduction, respectively) along with PK (60%). Among the five Thai local rice varieties, Go Main Surin (GMS) showed the least reduction in grain weight (58%), total plant dry weight (28%) and green leaf dry weight (1%), while Khao Gaew (KG) and Leuang Puang Tawng (LPT) were the most reduced. PK and RD73 showed a high level of tolerance at both the seedling and reproductive stages. In contrast, KG and LPT, which exhibited high tolerance at the seedling stage, showed high susceptibility in growth, yield and most physiological traits. On the other hand, TSKC1–144 was sensitive at the seedling stage but showed increased tolerance at the reproductive stage. This result implies that suitable cultural practices should be performed to obtain the best field conditions for growing rice genotypes having different levels of salt tolerance at the seedling and reproductive stages. Future research should focus on molecular characterization of tolerance mechanisms of the promising local genotypes and the potential to use them as tolerance gene donors. Full article

Alpine habitats, characterized by their high degree of environmental heterogeneity and harsh climatic conditions, support a diverse array of plants with unique adaptive strategies. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation of these adaptive strategies, as well as their intrinsic links to species diversification, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the evolution of life history traits, fruit characteristics, and variation in the karyotype of alpine species, and their roles in shaping their adaptability to high-altitude environments. We performed a comprehensive analysis of trait diversification, adaptive trait evolution, and their associations with environmental factors in the genus Meconopsis on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Our results revealed that ancestral floral traits were characterized by solitary inflorescences and blue-purple pigmentation, features that have re-evolved at multiple points throughout the evolutionary history of the genus. We found that increased ploidy levels promoted perennial growth and semelparity (single-time fruiting), suggesting that life history strategies and fruiting frequency are strongly coupled. Furthermore, karyotypic variation and abiotic factors such as altitude, soil pH, and climate were found to accelerate the evolution of a perennial fruiting reproductive strategy. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution of adaptive traits in alpine plants and reveal how these species adjust their life history strategies in response to environmental pressures. Our findings enhance our understanding of resource allocation trade-offs in plants in extreme environments and shed light on the relationship between species diversification and adaptive evolution in alpine ecosystems. Full article

Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) is a prominent aquaculture species in Europe; however, the repercussions of growth-oriented selective breeding on reproductive performance under industrial conditions have not been adequately characterised. The present study evaluated the influence of divergent Best Liner Unbiased Prediction (BLUP)-based selection for low growth (LG) (n = 49; mean weigh ± SD = 842 ± 189 g) and high growth (HG) (n = 50; mean weight ± SD = 1127 ± 407 g) on spawning quality throughout the commercial mass-spawning season. A number of significant differences were detected between the genetic lines. The LG broodstock produced substantially higher oocyte yields and numbers of fertilised eggs (26% and 25% increases, respectively), indicating greater quantitative reproductive output. In contrast, the HG line exhibited marginally higher fertilisation, egg viability, and hatching rates, indicative of enhanced early developmental efficiency. Despite these contrasting patterns, both lines exhibited similar numbers of viable eggs, larvae, and comparable larval survival. These findings demonstrate that selection for growth impacts reproductive traits through different pathways: The selection of HG results in an enhancement of developmental performance, while the selection of LG leads to an optimisation of egg production. Across the spawning period, oocyte yield was identified as the primary driver of overall spawn quality. The findings of this study offer pertinent insights into the optimisation of broodstock management and the enhancement of sustainability and efficiency in gilthead seabream aquaculture. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an Andean pseudocereal of high nutritional value and remarkable phenotypic diversity, recognized as a strategic crop for food security under increasing climatic variability. In this study, the agromorphological diversity of 158 accessions cultivated in the Andean–Amazonian region of Peru was evaluated with the aim of identifying superior materials for conservation and breeding programs. The experiment was conducted using an augmented design that included three check cultivars (INIA 415 Pasankalla, INIA 420 Negra Collana, and Blanca Juli). Diversity in eleven qualitative traits was quantified using the Shannon–Weaver (H′) and Nei (He) indices, whereas twelve quantitative traits were analyzed through principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering. The results revealed substantial intra- and inter-accession variability, with He values ranging from 0.21 to 0.76 and H′ values from 0.40 to 1.79, reflecting marked differences in growth habit, panicle morphology, stem pigmentation, and tolerance to Peronospora variabilis and Epicauta spp. Multivariate analyses identified three contrasting groups and enabled the selection of outstanding accessions, including UNTRM-367-1149, UNTRM-367-1107, UNTRM-367-1078, UNTRM-367-1079, UNTRM-367-1081, UNTRM-367-1095, and UNTRM-367-1104, characterized by high yield potential, favorable reproductive architecture, early or intermediate maturity, and low downy mildew severity. These accessions represent promising genetic resources for developing quinoa varieties adapted to transitional Andean–Amazonian environments, contributing to improved crop productivity and resilience. Full article

Genome editing using site-directed nucleases (SDNs), particularly with the CRISPR/Cas9 system, has emerged as a powerful platform for aquaculture innovation, enabling precise, heritable, and non-transgenic modifications that enhance productivity, sustainability, and animal welfare. This review synthesizes molecular, regulatory, ecological, and societal perspectives to highlight global advances in genome-edited fish and their transition from laboratory research to field applications. To date, over forty aquatic species have been successfully edited to improve traits such as growth, disease resistance, pigmentation, and reproductive control. Notably, market-approved SDN-1 fish lines, including mstn-knockout red seabream and Nile tilapia, and lepr-edited tiger puffer and olive flounder, have demonstrated improved productivity; however, publicly available welfare data remain limited. These examples illustrate how product-based SDN-1 regulatory frameworks in Japan, Argentina, and Brazil enable commercialization while ensuring biosafety. Nonetheless, limited field trials and regulatory heterogeneity continue to hinder global harmonization. Major challenges include the development of standardized welfare metrics, assessment of multigenerational stability, evaluation of ecological risks, and transparent data sharing. To address these gaps, a structured reporting checklist is proposed to guide consistent molecular validation, welfare assessment, biosafety containment, and data transparency. Genome editing through SDN-based precision, coupled with ethical governance, represents a crucial step toward sustainable, resilient, and publicly trusted aquaculture systems. Full article

Duolang sheep, a meat–fat dual-purpose breed indigenous to Xinjiang, China, has been cultivated traditionally by the local Uyghur people for its prolificacy and precocious sexual maturity, while little research on the population structure and trait inheritance characteristics of Duolang sheep is available. This study employed whole-genome resequencing data from a cohort of 60 Duolang sheep to dissect their genetic population structure and genes related to reproductive traits. A total of 1565 Gb of high-quality data with an average depth of 14.06× was generated. After SNP calling and quality control, 31,300,060 SNPs were identified. Following linkage disequilibrium (LD)-based pruning, a total of 4,479,177 high-quality SNPs were retained for subsequent analyses. Based on these SNPs, the internal genetic structure of the Duolang sheep population was elucidated, with 14 kinship outliers detected through principal component analysis (PCA). Furthermore, LD decay analysis revealed that the r² declined below 0.1 at approximately 10 kb, indicating a relatively low level of selection pressure in the population. Within the population, Tajima’s D and iHS methods detected 517,218 and 82,534 candidate SNPs under selection, respectively, with 24,453 SNPs overlapping between the two methods. By splitting Duolang sheep into single-lamb (n = 29) and multiple-lamb (n = 12) subgroups according to litter size, 267,654 SNPs were identified by XP-CLR, while 184,179 SNPs suffering from selection were detected by F_ST and 62,150 by XP-EHH. Functional enrichment analysis of selected genes reveals the selection directions (domestication, growth, and reproduction) and related candidate genes in the Duolang sheep population, including ESRRA, ESRRB, OXT, FSHR, ESR2, GNRHR, and BMPR1B. This study provides the first comprehensive genomic landscape of Duolang sheep, elucidating genetic signatures of its adaptive traits. Full article

Multi-omics studies have multiplied associations, but many still lack causal resolution and a clear path to application. We present a practical roadmap built on four sequential steps: first, identify signals from genome-wide association studies; second, confirm these signals through regulatory colocalization and transcriptome-wide association analyses; third, integrate the evidence using network analyses and causal inference; and, fourth, test shortlisted candidates through functional and phenotypic validation. The roadmap is supported by three safeguards that make results reliable and reusable: containerized workflows that ensure end-to-end reproducibility, harmonization across batches with concise minimum-information records, and consistent identifier mapping with quality control across data layers. Across four classes of traits—growth and development, carcass and meat quality, reproduction, and environmental adaptation and resilience—we prioritize signals that remain robust across ancestries and environments, highlight modules with explicit regulatory support, and advance candidates that have already progressed to functional testing. Two application tracks follow from this process: integrating stable candidates into selection indices with context-dependent weighting, and recording and targeting mechanistic nodes for nutritional and management interventions. Taken together, this roadmap improves causal interpretability, strengthens cross-population robustness, and shortens the path from statistical association to genetic evaluation and industry uptake. Full article

Microplastic pollution poses growing risks to aquatic zooplankton, yet its impact on Daphnia magna life history remains incompletely understood. This study explored the influences of micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) on D. magna by exposing organisms to size- and concentration-varied microplastics, tracking microplastic distribution via fluorescence imaging. Results demonstrated significant microplastic-induced impairments in growth and reproduction. Gut microbiota analysis revealed microplastic-altered microbial communities, with functional prediction identifying disrupted glucose metabolism as a key driver of life-history changes. Intestinal structure observations further showed microplastic-accelerated aging. Collectively, our findings highlight that microplastic accumulation in D. magna disrupts gut microbiota and tissue integrity, ultimately impairing life-history traits. These alterations in growth and gut characteristics of D. magna may further propagate through the aquatic food web, potentially damaging the intestinal structure and function of plankton communities. Given the pivotal role of zooplankton in nutrient cycling and energy transfer, our findings underscore that microplastic-induced disruptions in key species like D. magna could threaten the stability and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Full article