Editorial

4 pages, 204 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops

by Edyta Paczos-Grzęda, Volker Mohler and Sylwia Sowa

Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122258 - 11 Dec 2023

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A continuously changing climate has negatively impacted agriculture and threatened food security worldwide [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 4367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping and Candidate Gene Prediction of qPL7-25: A Panicle Length QTL in Dongxiang Wild Rice

by Sanfeng Li, Yuchun Rao, Penggen Duan, Zhonghao Wang, Ping Hu, Ruoqian Yu, Chenxi Luo, Mengna Tang, Caolin Lu, Yuexing Wang and Yijian Mao

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1623; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081623 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1100

Abstract

Panicle length (PL) is an important trait closely related to rice yield. More than 200 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for PL have been identified, but only a few can be used for breeding. Dongxiang wild rice contains many excellent genes, and mining favorable [...] Read more.

Panicle length (PL) is an important trait closely related to rice yield. More than 200 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for PL have been identified, but only a few can be used for breeding. Dongxiang wild rice contains many excellent genes, and mining favorable PL-related QTL from DXWR is helpful for rice variety improvement. Here, we report a QTL analysis for PL using a recombinant inbred line population consisting of 143 individuals derived from a cross between Dongxiang wild rice and indica cultivar Guangluai 4. A total of four QTL (qPL1-37, qPL4-26, qPL7-25, and qPL8-4) for PL were identified and located on chromosomes 1, 4, 7, and 8. Among them, qPL7-25 showed the largest F-value of 32.32 and 16.80, and the QTL explained 18.66% and 13.06% of the phenotypic variation of Dongxiang wild rice in Hangzhou and Hainan, respectively. QTL mapping was performed using a population of 1800 individuals derived from the crossing of NIL-qPL7-25 and GLA4. qPL7-25 was located between two InDel markers, InDel-24591 and InDel-24710, in a 119 kb region containing 14 predicted genes. Using Sanger sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis, we propose that LOC_Os07g41200 is probably a new allele of the well-known GL7 gene, which affects grain length and appearance quality in rice. These results provide new insights into the use of molecular marker-assisted selection for breeding high-yielding and high-quality rice varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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19 pages, 1603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Productivity and Stability Evaluation of 12 Selected Avena magna ssp. domestica Lines Based on Multi-Location Experiments during Three Cropping Seasons in Morocco

by El hadji Thiam, Eric N. Jellen, Eric W. Jackson, Mark Nelson, Will Rogers, Ayoub El Mouttaqi and Ouafae Benlhabib

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081486 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 944

Abstract

Avena magna (2n = 4x = 28) is a tetraploid oat with a very high protein content compared to the hexaploid common oat, A. sativa (2n = 6x = 42). The wild type of A. magna originates from Morocco; its domestication has been [...] Read more.

Avena magna (2n = 4x = 28) is a tetraploid oat with a very high protein content compared to the hexaploid common oat, A. sativa (2n = 6x = 42). The wild type of A. magna originates from Morocco; its domestication has been achieved only within the past 25 years. The present study aimed to evaluate the productivity potential of an A. magna ssp. domestica collection of 11 advanced lines and a control variety, ‘Avery’. Twelve trials were conducted during three cropping seasons at four, three, and five locations and revealed significant differences among the accessions. Data on twelve agro-morphological characters and two disease traits were collected, and they confirmed the presence of variability in this oat germplasm set. Mean grain yield was 30.76 q/ha and varied from site to site, ranging from 6.89 q/ha at Bouchane_19 to 85.5 q/ha at Alnif_21. Across experimental sites, plant height ranged from 48.93 to 120.47 cm; thousand kernel weight from 32.83 to 49.73 g; and harvest index from 20.43 to 31.33%. Line AT6 was relatively tolerant of BYDV and crown rust infections, based on disease severity scoring at the heading stage. According to AMMI analysis, 78% of the grain yield variability was due to the environment factor and 4% was explained by the genetic factor. Among the highest-yielding lines, AT5 and ATC were relatively unstable. Line AT5 was more productive at the elevated site of El Kbab_19, and ATC performed better at the oasis location of Alnif_21 under irrigation. Line AT7 showed the most stable behavior; it was high yielding across the five environments and exceeded the general mean of the experiments. The A. magna ssp. domestica lines proved their suitability for cultivation under local farming conditions. Their nutritional quality, especially their high protein content, makes them good candidates for further testing in the Moroccan breeding program and for integration into local cropping systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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13 pages, 2324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Statistical Multivariate Methods for the Selection of High-Yielding Rapeseed Lines with Varied Seed Coat Color

by Agnieszka Łopatyńska, Joanna Wolko, Jan Bocianowski, Adrian Cyplik and Katarzyna Gacek

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050992 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1870

Abstract

A crucial aim for rapeseed breeders is increasing the seed yield through improving yield- and silique-related traits. In this research, traits including the number of seeds per silique, silique length, silique width, and thousand-seed weight combined with seed coat color were investigated. Yellow-seeded [...] Read more.

A crucial aim for rapeseed breeders is increasing the seed yield through improving yield- and silique-related traits. In this research, traits including the number of seeds per silique, silique length, silique width, and thousand-seed weight combined with seed coat color were investigated. Yellow-seeded lines of oilseed rape have a thinner seed coat, lower fiber content, and higher protein and oil content than traditional varieties. Hybrids of yellow- and black-seeded Brassica napus, which combine the advantages of both types of seeds, are tested for their suitability in breeding. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess a population of 78 doubled haploid lines with different seed coat colors to select genotypes connecting a light color of seeds with good yielding characteristics. Multivariate methods such as analysis of variance, correlation analysis, regression analysis, canonical variate analysis, Mahalanobis distances, and estimation of gene effects were used. The results showed that all tested genotypes were significantly different regarding all five studied traits. The multidimensional analyses gave an accurate overview of the relationship between the examined features. The color and weight of seeds were considered the most important for breeding rapeseed with better seed properties. Although a negative correlation between these two characteristics occurs quite commonly, it was not present in our plant material, which allowed us to select lines with a-light seed color and high thousand-seed weight, which is a significant achievement. As a result, two doubled haploid lines were chosen as valuable breeding material for creating oilseed rape varieties with improved biochemical characteristics of seeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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16 pages, 2441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity of Korean Black Soybean (Glycine max L.) Germplasms with Green Cotyledons Based on Seed Composition Traits

by Ji Yun Lee, Hyun Jo, Chang Ki Son, Jeong Suk Bae and Jeong-Dong Lee

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020406 - 09 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1457

Abstract

The demand for black soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) with green cotyledons is increasing because of their health benefits. Therefore, it is important to understand the genetic diversity of black soybean germplasms and to develop a new soybean cultivar. This study aimed [...] Read more.

The demand for black soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) with green cotyledons is increasing because of their health benefits. Therefore, it is important to understand the genetic diversity of black soybean germplasms and to develop a new soybean cultivar. This study aimed to evaluate genetic diversity among 469 black soybean germplasms with green cotyledons based on seed composition traits. Twenty seed composition traits were analyzed to conduct correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis, which indicated that black soybean germplasms were divided into four clusters. Black soybean germplasms in cluster 1 had higher crude fat, lutein, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents, but lower cyanidin-3-glucoside content than those in clusters 2 and 3. However, germplasms in clusters 2 and 3 had the highest cyanidin-3-glucoside content. Moreover, germplasms in cluster 1 had significantly higher palmitic acid content than those in clusters 2 and 3. Germplasms in clusters 2 and 3 had relatively high α-linolenic acid content. Germplasms in cluster 4 had the highest oleic acid content. This study highlights the genetic diversity of black soybean germplasms with different seed composition traits, and the results of this study can be beneficial for soybean breeding programs, enabling them to develop new black soybean cultivars with green cotyledons and improved seed composition traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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12 pages, 1032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Searching for Novel Oat Crown Rust Resistance in Diploid Oat Avena strigosa Schreb. Reveals the Complexity and Heterogeneity of the Analyzed Genebank Accessions

by Sylwia Sowa, Volker Mohler and Edyta Paczos-Grzęda

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020296 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1254

Abstract

Crown rust, one of the most destructive diseases of oat, regularly occurs worldwide and leads to significant yield losses. The constant evolution of the Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae pathogen causes a rapid decline in the effectiveness of currently used crown rust resistance [...] Read more.

Crown rust, one of the most destructive diseases of oat, regularly occurs worldwide and leads to significant yield losses. The constant evolution of the Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae pathogen causes a rapid decline in the effectiveness of currently used crown rust resistance genes, so new ones are urgently needed. In this study, 39 accessions of Avena strigosa Schreb. from ten countries gathered from the Polish National Genebank were evaluated at the seedling stage for crown rust reaction using a detached leaf assay and five isolates of P. coronata with diverse virulence profiles. Ten plants of each accession were tested, and 28 diverse infection profiles (IPs) were defined. One hundred and sixty-eight out of 390 plants revealed an IP of unidentified resistance. Thirty-eight (97%) of the accessions studied showed a heterogeneous infection pattern, none of the accessions displayed homogeneous susceptibility, and one (51887) was homogeneously resistant to all races used. The obtained results confirmed the complexity and heterogeneity of the accessions gathered in the genebanks. A. strigosa preserved as complex populations could be a valuable source of resistance to crown rust and potentially other pathogens. The variability of the analyzed populations was ascertained by a detailed diversity analysis of the transformed resistance/susceptibility data. The averaged resistance rating for the genebank specimens available in the databases may be an obstacle in revealing the beneficial alleles of genes hidden among the plants representing accessions preserved as complex populations. Potential donors of effective resistance may be discovered even in accessions with general susceptibility, which is a promising alternative at a time when making new collections of wild and weedy accessions is under threat from agricultural practice and climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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13 pages, 4479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Pakistani Potato Genotypes Using Retrotransposon-Based Markers

by Asim Mehmood, Peter M. Dracatos, Linta Maqsood, Qudsia Yousafi, Abrar Hussain, Muhammad J. Jaskani, Muhammad W. Sajid, Muhammad S. Haider and Muhammad M. Hussain

Agriculture 2023, 13(1), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010185 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1625

Abstract

Molecular germplasm characterization is essential for gathering information on favorable attributes and varietal improvement. The current study evaluated the genetic divergence and population structure of 80 potato genotypes collected from Punjab, Pakistan, using polymorphic retrotransposon-DNA-based markers (iPBS). A total of 11 iPBS primers [...] Read more.

Molecular germplasm characterization is essential for gathering information on favorable attributes and varietal improvement. The current study evaluated the genetic divergence and population structure of 80 potato genotypes collected from Punjab, Pakistan, using polymorphic retrotransposon-DNA-based markers (iPBS). A total of 11 iPBS primers generated 787 alleles with a mean value of 8.9 alleles per primer, of which ~95% were polymorphic across the 80 genotypes. Different variation attributes, such as mean expected heterozygosity (H = 0.21), mean unbiased expected heterozygosity (µHe = 0.22), and mean Shannon’s information index (I = 0.32), showed the existence of sufficient genetic diversity in the studied potato genotypes. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation within the population was higher (84%) than between populations (16%). A neighbor-joining tree was constructed based on the distance matrices that arranged the 80 genotypes into five distinct groups, and the genotypes FD61-3 and potato 2 had the highest genetic distance. A STRUCTURE analysis corroborated the dendrogram results and distributed the 80 genotypes also into five clusters. Our results determined that retrotransposon-based markers are highly polymorphic and could be used to evaluate genetic diversity between local and exotic potato genotypes. The genotypic data and population structure dissection analysis reported in this study will enhance potato varietal improvement and development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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16 pages, 4200 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Comparative Fruit Morphology and Anatomy of Wild Relatives of Carrot (Daucus, Apiaceae)

by Dariusz Kadluczka and Ewa Grzebelus

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122104 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2728

Abstract

Fruit morphological and anatomical characteristics are essential in the taxonomy of Apiaceae. Daucus L. is one of the most important genera of the family Apiaceae, as it contains the cultivated carrot, a crop of great economic importance, and about 40 wild species that [...] Read more.

Fruit morphological and anatomical characteristics are essential in the taxonomy of Apiaceae. Daucus L. is one of the most important genera of the family Apiaceae, as it contains the cultivated carrot, a crop of great economic importance, and about 40 wild species that could serve as potential sources of genetic diversity for crop improvement. However, the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships among these species have not yet been fully clarified. In this study, we comparatively investigated the fruit morphology and anatomy of 13 Daucus taxa and four closely related non-Daucus species using light and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the taxonomic value of these characteristics. A wide range of variations was observed in the fruit morpho-anatomical characteristics across the taxa and revealed several diagnostically valuable features, thus proving to be taxonomically useful. For Daucus, the observed differences included the fruit size (2.1–8.4 mm), shape (from ellipsoid to oblong), and weight (0.079–1.349 g/100 fruits), as well as the fruit surface sculpturing and some anatomical characteristics, i.e., the presence/absence and size of vittae, the shape and size of vascular bundles, and the shape of exocarp cells. This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationships among the genus Daucus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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13 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Ability and Testcross Performance for Carotenoid Content of S₂ Super Sweet Corn Lines Derived from Temperate Germplasm

by Worawan Wasuwatthanakool, Bhornchai Harakotr, Yaowapha Jirakiattikul, Khomsorn Lomthaisong and Khundej Suriharn

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101561 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1844

Abstract

Understanding the impact of gene action and combining ability on targeted traits in a hybrid breeding program is imperative. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic effect and combining ability of S₂ super sweet corn lines on carotenoid content. [...] Read more.

Understanding the impact of gene action and combining ability on targeted traits in a hybrid breeding program is imperative. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic effect and combining ability of S₂ super sweet corn lines on carotenoid content. Twenty S₂ lines were crossed with two hybrid testers by using the line × tester mating design. Regarding parents, forty hybrids and two commercial checks were evaluated for carotenoid content across two different growing seasons between 2019 and 2020. The result indicated that the non-additive gene action governed the inheritance of carotenoid content. Several promising S₂ lines for individual carotenoids were identified; only L₂₀ possessed different and positive GCA values for all observed carotenoids. Moreover, genotype T₂ was a promising tester to identify superior lines for creating biofortified sweet corn hybrids. Testcross hybrids with satisfactory performance, desirable SCA estimates, and involving at least one of the pairwise parents with positive and high GCA were successfully defined. Hybrid T₂ × L₂₀ had high lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and total carotenoids contents (ranging from 12.58 to 74.01 µg/g of dry weight), whereas hybrid T₂ × L₉ showed the highest content of β-carotene (4.19 µg/g of dry weight). We propose that high GCA and line at least one of the pairwise parents be included in indirect selections for the hybrid breeding of high-carotenoid sweet corn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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15 pages, 3056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) and Multiplex PCR Reactions in Resistance Breeding of Maize (Zea mays L.)

by Aleksandra Sobiech, Agnieszka Tomkowiak, Jan Bocianowski, Bartosz Nowak, Dorota Weigt, Danuta Kurasiak-Popowska, Michał Kwiatek, Sylwia Mikołajczyk, Janetta Niemann and Katarzyna Szewczyk

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091412 - 07 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2596

Abstract

Cultivated maize (Zea mays L.) is the oldest and one of the most important crop species in the world. Changing climatic conditions in recent years, warm weather, expansion of acreage and intensification of maize cultivation have resulted in an increase in the [...] Read more.

Cultivated maize (Zea mays L.) is the oldest and one of the most important crop species in the world. Changing climatic conditions in recent years, warm weather, expansion of acreage and intensification of maize cultivation have resulted in an increase in the threat posed by diseases caused by, among others, Fusarium fungi. Breeding success in all plant species is determined by access to starting materials with possible high genetic diversity also in terms of disease resistance. Identification of parental combinations that produce offspring that are high-yielding and resistant to Fusarium, among other diseases, is one of the costliest steps in breeding programs. We used maize lines which, as a result of five-year field observations, were divided into resistant and susceptible to F. verticillioides. It is known that resistance to fusarium is a trait strongly dependent on environmental conditions. Due to the fact that the years of observation of the degree of infestation were hot and dry, the resistance of some lines could result from favorable environmental conditions. In view of the above, the aim of this study was to analyze the genetic basis of the resistance of these lines and to correlate molecular analyses with field observations. Comprehensive field and molecular analyses will allow the selection of reference lines that will be resistant to fusarium in the field and, at the same time, will have pyramidized resistance genes. Such lines can be used for crossbreeding to obtain fusarium-resistant varieties. In addition, an attempt was made to develop Multiplex PCR conditions for faster identification of the analyzed markers. As a result of the analyses, it was found that the resistance of the studied maize lines was correlated with the number of molecular markers identified in them. Both field and laboratory analyses have shown that the best line that can be used for crossbreeding as a source of fusarium resistance genes is the line number 25. It has a resistance level of 8–9 on the nine-point COBORU scale. In this line, as a result of molecular analyses, 10 out of 12 markers were identified (SSR 85, Bngl 1063, Bngl 1740, Umc 2082, Bngl 1621, Umc 2059, Umc 2013, SSR 93, SSR 105, STS 03) related to fusarium resistance genes, which may be the reason for such a high resistance to this pathogen. Similarly, 9 markers were identified for line number 35 (SSR 85, Bngl 1063, Bngl 1740, Umc 2082, Bngl 1621, Umc 2059, Umc 2013, SSR 93, STS 03). This line, however, was characterized by a slightly lower resistance at the level of 7–8. Line 254 turned out to be the least resistant, as the resistance was at the level of 4–5, and the number of identified molecular markers was 5. Lines numbered 25 and 35 can be successfully used as a source of fusarium resistance genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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12 pages, 2943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential Function of SiLOX4 on Millet Discoloration during Storage in Foxtail Millet

by Qi Ma, Junjie Wang, Lu Cheng, Yaqiong Li, Qianxiang Zhang, Hongying Li, Yuanhuai Han, Xiaoxi Zhen and Bin Zhang

Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081283 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1786

Abstract

Millet color is an important index for consumers to assess foxtail millet quality. The yellow color of millet is mainly because of the accumulation of carotenoids, which are essential for human nutrition. However, the discoloration of millet during storage due to carotenoid degradation [...] Read more.

Millet color is an important index for consumers to assess foxtail millet quality. The yellow color of millet is mainly because of the accumulation of carotenoids, which are essential for human nutrition. However, the discoloration of millet during storage due to carotenoid degradation seriously reduces the nutritional and commercial value of millet products. The essential quality traits of millet discoloration during storage were analyzed using two foxtail millet varieties, namely 9806-1 and Baomihunzi. We observed that the millet discoloration was caused by carotenoid degradation during storage, and different genotypes exhibited different discoloration rates. The carotenoid reduction rate in 9806-1 (32.2%) was higher than that in Baomihunzi (10.5%). The positive correlation between carotenoid reduction and the expression of SiLOX protein indicated that SiLOX from foxtail millet played a major role in carotenoid reduction during storage. The expression profiles of the SiLOX gene family were analyzed at different grain maturing stages, from S1 to S3, in these two varieties to determine the key SiLOX genes responsive to millet discoloration in foxtail millet. The consecutively low expression of SiLOX2, SiLOX3, and SiLOX4 contributed to the low level of SiLOX protein in Baomihunzi. Furthermore, the undetectable expression of SiLOX4 in the later stage of maturation in Baomihunzi was associated with low discoloration, indicating that SiLOX4 might be a key gene in regulating the discoloration of millet. This study provided critical information on the mechanism of carotenoid degradation during millet storage and laid the foundation for further understanding of carotenoid metabolism in foxtail millet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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14 pages, 2657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

QTL-Seq Approach Identified Pi63 Conferring Blast Resistance at the Seedling and Tillering Stages of Thai Indigenous Rice Variety “Phaladum”

by Chaiwat Netpakdee, Sittiwut Mathasiripakorn, Arthit Sribunrueang, Sompong Chankaew, Tidarat Monkham, Siwaret Arikit and Jirawat Sanitchon

Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081166 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1917

Abstract

Rice blast (BL) caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is a fungal disease causing significant yield losses in rice production worldwide. To overcome the breakdown of resistance by the rapid adaptation of pathogens, identifying resistance (R) genes or QTLs in indigenous rice, which [...] Read more.

Rice blast (BL) caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is a fungal disease causing significant yield losses in rice production worldwide. To overcome the breakdown of resistance by the rapid adaptation of pathogens, identifying resistance (R) genes or QTLs in indigenous rice, which harbors the R genes that co-evolved with the local pathogen race, is necessary. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between RD6 and Phaladum (PLD) was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for BL resistance through a QTL-seq approach. A single QTL (qBLchr4) associated with BL resistance at the seedling and maximum tillering stages was mapped on the long arm of chromosome 4. Five genes, LOC_Os04g0616600, LOC_Os04g0617900 (OsGLP4-1), LOC_Os04g0619600 (OsRLCK161), LOC_Os04g0620800 (Pi63), and LOC_Os04g0621500, were considered the candidate genes representing qBLchr4. Subsequently, the Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers specific for the SNP variant and position of each gene were designed for validation in the mapping population. These markers showed the high phenotypic variance explained (PVE) values in all testing methods and/or environments, signifying the major effect of qBLchr4. Among these markers, the Pi63-KASP marker explained the highest and most stable phenotypic variation across all testing methods and/or environments, with 84.18%, 80.34%, and 23.43% in the upland short row (USR) method, Sila environment, and Mueang environment, respectively. Therefore, Pi63 was suggested to be the strongest candidate gene. These results represent the potential utility of future BL resistance breeding and/or pyramiding using marker-assisted selection (MAS). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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17 pages, 1555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Hunt for Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) Genotypes and Breeding Lines Resistance to South Indian Bruchid Strain

by Santhi Madhavan Samyuktha, Devarajan Malarvizhi, Irulappan Mariyammal, Adhimoolam Karthikeyan, Devina Seram, Manickam Dhasarathan, Sundarrajan Juliet Hepziba, Venugopal Sheela, Arumugam Thanga Hemavathy, Duraisamy Kavithamani, Shanmugam Kavitha and Natesan Senthil

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12071050 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2908

Abstract

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is an important short-season legume widely cultivated in Asia, particularly India. It is highly susceptible to bruchids and developing bruchid resistance is an important goal in mungbean breeding programs. In the present study, 52 mungbean genotypes were evaluated [...] Read more.

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is an important short-season legume widely cultivated in Asia, particularly India. It is highly susceptible to bruchids and developing bruchid resistance is an important goal in mungbean breeding programs. In the present study, 52 mungbean genotypes were evaluated for bruchid resistance based on the “no-choice test” and identified two highly resistant genotypes (V2802BG and V2709) with no adult emergence and seed damage. Further, these two resistant genotypes were crossed with six high-yielding bruchid susceptible cultivars (CO 5, CO 6, CO 7, CO 8, VBN 2, and VBN 3), and 12 independent F₁ populations were generated. Of these, one population derived from CO 6 × V2802BG was selected (based on the good combining ability of the parents) and forwarded to later generations to trace the bruchid-resistant lines. A total of 159 F_2:3 families were screened for bruchid resistance, and the results showed that seven families were highly resistant, whereas the remainder were resistant to highly susceptible. Further, those seven families were evaluated in F₄ and F₅ generations. As a result, five highly resistant lines (BSR-GG-1-49-3-1, BSR-GG-1-56-2-2, BSR-GG-1-160-5-3, BSR-GG-1-170-2-4, and BSR-GG-1-198-1-4) with good agronomic performances were identified. The newly developed lines could be tested in multi-location trials and then be utilized as a potential source of genetic material for improving the bruchid resistance in mungbean breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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11 pages, 1566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Polymorphisms of Chromosome 3A^m Containing Lr63 Leaf Rust Resistance Loci Reflect the Geographical Distribution of Triticum monococcum L. and Related Diploid Wheats

by Aleksandra Noweiska, Roksana Bobrowska and Michał Tomasz Kwiatek

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070966 - 05 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1956

Abstract

Wheat is one of the world’s crucial staple food crops. In turn, einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) is considered a wild relative of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and can be used as a source of agronomically important genes for breeding purposes. [...] Read more.

Wheat is one of the world’s crucial staple food crops. In turn, einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) is considered a wild relative of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and can be used as a source of agronomically important genes for breeding purposes. Cultivated T. monococcum subsp. monococcum originated from T. monococcum subsp. aegilopoides (syn. T. boeticum). For the better utilization of valuable genes from these species, it is crucial to discern the genetic diversity at their cytological and molecular levels. Here, we used a fluorescence in situ hybridization toolbox and molecular markers linked to the leaf rust resistance gene Lr63 (located on the short arm of the 3A^m chromosome—3A^mS) to track the polymorphisms between T. monococcum subsp. monococcum, T. boeticum and T. urartu (A-genome donor for hexaploid wheat) accessions, which were collected in different regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. We distinguished three groups of accessions based on polymorphisms of cytomolecular and leaf rust resistance gene Lr63 markers. We observed that the cultivated forms of T. monococcum revealed additional marker signals, which are characteristic for genomic alternations induced by the domestication process. Based on the structural analysis of the 3A^mS chromosome arm, we concluded that the polymorphisms were induced by geographical dispersion and could be related to adaptation to local environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

26 pages, 1291 KiB

Open AccessReview

Loving the Alien: The Contribution of the Wild in Securing the Breeding of Cultivated Hexaploid Wheat and Oats

by Volker Mohler, Edyta Paczos-Grzęda and Sylwia Sowa

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2060; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112060 - 27 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1307

Abstract

Cereal production is of strategic importance to the world economy. Although the primary aim of breeding programs is to develop cultivars with improved agronomic performance, including high grain yield and grain quality, as well as disease and lodging resistance, nowadays the adaptability to [...] Read more.

Cereal production is of strategic importance to the world economy. Although the primary aim of breeding programs is to develop cultivars with improved agronomic performance, including high grain yield and grain quality, as well as disease and lodging resistance, nowadays the adaptability to changing environmental conditions seems to be an extremely important feature. The achievement of these breeding objectives in diploid cereal species such as rice, barley, or maize is straightforward. The genetic improvement of polyploid crops such as hexaploid wheat and oats for increased crop production is highly demanding. Progenitor species and wild relatives, including taxa at lower ploidy levels, have preserved a high degree of useful genetic variation. The world’s genebank collections of wheat and oat germplasm provide extremely rich resources for future breeding and utilization. This review highlights the immense potential of cultivated wild relatives as donors of genes for a wide range of biotic and abiotic traits and their impact on wheat and oat breeding. This review covers methods allowing access to these genetic resources, and it highlights the most (and most recently)-exploited related species for gene introgression in wheat and oats. Further, it will also deal with the impact of genomics and cloned genes on the advanced discovery, characterization, and utilization of genetic resources in these two cereals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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14 pages, 556 KiB

Open AccessReview

Portuguese Castanea sativa Genetic Resources: Characterization, Productive Challenges and Breeding Efforts

by Megan Braga, Susana de Sousa Araújo, Hélia Sales, Rita Pontes and João Nunes

Agriculture 2023, 13(8), 1629; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13081629 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1440

Abstract

Chestnuts are multipurpose trees that grow mainly in the Northern Hemisphere due to their aptitude for fruit and wood production. These trees are vastly significant for the economy and wildlife. The widespread distribution of these trees demonstrates their genetic adaptability to many environmental [...] Read more.

Chestnuts are multipurpose trees that grow mainly in the Northern Hemisphere due to their aptitude for fruit and wood production. These trees are vastly significant for the economy and wildlife. The widespread distribution of these trees demonstrates their genetic adaptability to many environmental conditions. The main varieties of European chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) cultivated in Portugal, their productive challenges and breeding and biotechnological efforts developed over the last decades are described. This paper highlights the efforts focused on the improvement of varieties and rootstocks through selection and hybridization of European chestnut with the Asian species Castanea crenata Siebold and Zuccarini and Castanea mollissima Blume, which are resistant to ink disease, which have been the foundation of the Portuguese chestnut breeding programs. Breeding and biotechnological efforts developed over the last decades, focused on ink disease and chestnut blight resistance, are described. The potentialities of this research to stimulate the competitiveness of bioeconomy-based knowledge and innovation in the productive chestnut sector is also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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14 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use of the Polish Germplasm Collection of Nicotiana tabacum in Research and Tobacco Breeding for Disease Resistance

by Anna Czubacka

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12121994 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1572

Abstract

The Polish germplasm collection of Nicotiana tabacum was started in the 1920s. Up to now, more than eight hundred accessions originating from different regions of the world have been gathered in the collection. It includes valuable breeding lines and obsolete cultivars, among them [...] Read more.

The Polish germplasm collection of Nicotiana tabacum was started in the 1920s. Up to now, more than eight hundred accessions originating from different regions of the world have been gathered in the collection. It includes valuable breeding lines and obsolete cultivars, among them cytoplasmic male-sterile lines. Numerous cultivars are rich sources of features desired in tobacco breeding. Therefore, the accessions are continually characterised in terms of their various features, one of the most important of which is disease resistance. Much research is being done to explain the nature of resistance and its genetic basis. Moreover, cultivars with good agronomic characteristics are used in wide hybridisation, being recipients of resistance genes from wild species or are genetically modified with transgenes conditioning resistance. The biological diversity of cultivars also allows a proper selection of plant material for pathogen studies, while the large number of the accessions facilitates research into the conditions for long seed storage. Numerous examples of the use of Polish tobacco germplasm in research and breeding, specifically in disease resistance, have been presented in this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops)

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