Editorial

3 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Trait Improvement

by Fernando Martínez-Moreno, María Belén Picó, María José Díez and Magdalena Ruiz

Agronomy 2023, 13(4), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13041113 - 13 Apr 2023

Viewed by 916

Genetic resources hold the key to adapting crops to a changing climate; they are a source of many new alleles that can be used in plant breeding to improve already-existing cultivars [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

9 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation and Identification of Stable Chickpea Lines for Yield-Contributing Traits from an Association Mapping Panel

by Philanim Wungmarong Shimray, C. Bharadwaj, B. S. Patil, S. Mukesh Sankar, Neeraj Kumar, Sneha Priya Pappula Reddy, Tripti Singhal, Venkatraman Hegde, Swarup K. Parida, Manish Roorkiwal, Rajeev K. Varshney and Preeti Verma

Agronomy 2022, 12(12), 3115; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12123115 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1792

Abstract

An association mapping panel consisting of 380 genotypes of chickpea was evaluated for three different years, including 2014–2015, 2015–2016 and 2016–2017, for yield-contributing parameters, including the seed number and seed weight. The AMMI analysis presented mainly concentrated on the seed weight and seed [...] Read more.

An association mapping panel consisting of 380 genotypes of chickpea was evaluated for three different years, including 2014–2015, 2015–2016 and 2016–2017, for yield-contributing parameters, including the seed number and seed weight. The AMMI analysis presented mainly concentrated on the seed weight and seed number, which are the two most important yield-contributing traits. The genotypes contributed 93.08% of the total variance, while the interaction effect was comparatively low, with 4.1% for the two traits. AMMI biplot analysis identified IG5986, IG5982, ILC6025 and ICCV14307 as desirable genotypes for the seed weight and IG5893, ILC6891 and IG5856 for the seed number. Identifying stable genotypes would help in strategic planning for yield improvement through component trait breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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15 pages, 4624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of a Wheat-Dasypyrum breviaristatum Chromosome Addition and Its Derived Progenies Carrying Novel Dasypyrum-Specific Gliadin Genes

by Chengzhi Jiang, Wenxi Jiang, Min Liu, Hongjin Wang, Ennian Yang, Zujun Yang and Guangrong Li

Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12071673 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1356

Abstract

The construction of the 28-chromosome karyotype of Dasypyrum breviaristatum was undertaken using multicolor non-denaturing fluorescent in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) and Oligo-FISH painting protocols. A novel wheat-D. breviaristatum line D2138 contained 44 chromosomes including a pair of D. breviaristatum 6V^bS.2V^b [...] Read more.

The construction of the 28-chromosome karyotype of Dasypyrum breviaristatum was undertaken using multicolor non-denaturing fluorescent in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) and Oligo-FISH painting protocols. A novel wheat-D. breviaristatum line D2138 contained 44 chromosomes including a pair of D. breviaristatum 6V^bS.2V^bL translocation chromosomes. Individual F₂ and F₃ progenies of a cross between D2138 with wheat lines CM62, MY11 and JM22, respectively, were characterized using ND-FISH and molecular markers. A relatively high chromosome alteration rate within wheat and D. breviaristatum 6V^bS and 2V^bL was observed in the three progeny populations, suggesting that chromosome 6V^bS.2V^bL has a gametocidal-like gene. The different types of translocation and deletion lines allowed localization of D. breviaristatum-specific gliadin coding genes on sub-telomeric regions of 6V^bS by PCR and acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The positive effect of the D. breviaristatum 6V^bS on agronomic and quality characters was also demonstrated. The new wheat-D. breviaristatum 6V^bS and 2V^bL translocation lines will be useful as novel germplasm for breeding purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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18 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Macro- and Microscopic Characterization of Components of Resistance against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in a Collection of Spanish Bread Wheat Cultivars

by Rafael Porras, Cristina Miguel-Rojas, Alejandro Pérez-de-Luque and Josefina C. Sillero

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051239 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1977

Abstract

Yellow (stripe) rust, caused by the biotrophic fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), stands as the most serious wheat disease worldwide, affecting approximately 88% of world wheat production. Even though yellow rust generally develops in cool humid weather conditions, the [...] Read more.

Yellow (stripe) rust, caused by the biotrophic fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), stands as the most serious wheat disease worldwide, affecting approximately 88% of world wheat production. Even though yellow rust generally develops in cool humid weather conditions, the expansion of new races adapted to warmer climates threatens zones where severe P. striiformis epidemics were infrequent, such as Andalusian wheat cropping areas. In order to characterize yellow rust resistance mechanisms in Spanish germplasm, our study evaluated 19 Spanish bread wheat cultivars against P. striiformis under controlled conditions for percentage of disease severity (DS) and infection type (IT). From this visual evaluation, 74% of evaluated cultivars showed resistant responses against P. striiformis infection with only five cultivars considered susceptible. Subsequently, macroscopic and microscopic components of resistance were identified through image analysis and histological studies, respectively, in six selected cultivars. Macroscopic parameters such as total pustule area and total affected area (%), together with microscopic parameters such as early-aborted and established microcolonies regarding plant cell death responses (%), and microcolony length (µm), were identified as capable of differentiating cultivars quantitatively. Thus, these parameters could be used as a basis for screening resistant responses in future breeding programs, complementary to physiology, genetic and biochemical studies of plant-Pst interaction. Finally, our study seems to be the first macroscopic and microscopic characterization of P. striiformis infection in a collection of Spanish bread wheat cultivars in controlled conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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14 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Characterization and Agronomic Evaluation of Drought Tolerance in Ten Egyptian Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars

by Mohamed A. Emam, Amal M. Abd EL-Mageed, Gniewko Niedbała, Samah A. Sabrey, Ahmed S. Fouad, Tarek Kapiel, Magdalena Piekutowska and Soad A. Mahmoud

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051217 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2731

Abstract

This investigation was carried out for genetic characterization and determination of drought tolerance of ten Egyptian cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), namely Misr 1, Misr 2, Gemmiza 9, Gemmiza 10, Gemmiza 11, Gemmiza 12, Shandawel 1, Giza 168, Giza 171, and [...] Read more.

This investigation was carried out for genetic characterization and determination of drought tolerance of ten Egyptian cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), namely Misr 1, Misr 2, Gemmiza 9, Gemmiza 10, Gemmiza 11, Gemmiza 12, Shandawel 1, Giza 168, Giza 171, and Sids 14. These cultivars were grown in two winter seasons: 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 at the experimental farm Fac. of Agric., Suez Canal Univ., Ismailia, Egypt, under two watering regimes: normal (100%) and stress (50% FC) conditions. Six agronomic traits and five tolerance indices, namely stress tolerance (TOL), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), yield stability index (YSI), and drought susceptibility index (DSI), were used to evaluate the impact of drought stress. The results reflected Giza 171, Misr 2, and Giza 168 as precious germplasm for breeding of high-yielding drought-tolerant wheat. A highly significant positive correlation was recorded between yield under normal and stress conditions on the one hand and each of MP and GMP on the other hand. In addition, YSI appeared engaged in a highly significant positive correlation with yield under drought conditions only. TOL and DSI appeared insignificantly correlated with yield. Therefore, MP and GMP were reflected as the first runners among indices suitable to distinguish the high-yielding cultivars under drought conditions. At the molecular level, five primers of Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers were able to resolve and characterize the studied cultivars, which reflected SCoT as a potent gene-targeting molecular marker, able to characterize and resolve genetic diversity in wheat at the cultivar level using few primers. Therefore, SCoT is a time-efficient molecular marker, and it can efficiently replace indices in characterization of drought-tolerant genotypes with a high confidence level and reasonable cost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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21 pages, 386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Genetic Resources in a Potato Breeding Program for Chip Quality

by Roberto Ruiz de Arcaute, Ana Carrasco, Felisa Ortega, Marta Rodriguez-Quijano and José M. Carrillo

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051142 - 09 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of experimental advanced breeding clones as parental genotypes to transmit agronomic and quality traits to their progenies in breeding programs. A half diallel set of crosses (excluding reciprocals) with six parents was assayed [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of experimental advanced breeding clones as parental genotypes to transmit agronomic and quality traits to their progenies in breeding programs. A half diallel set of crosses (excluding reciprocals) with six parents was assayed in field trials for three years; four of the parents were Solanumtuberosum subsp. tuberosum cultivars, and two of them were advanced breeding clones that included genes from S. tuberosum subsp. andigenum with immunity to PVY virus and good agronomic performance. However, no information was available about the behavior of these clones as parental materials for quality traits, such as potato chip quality. The diallel mating design allowed us to discover their ability to transmit agronomic and quality traits to their offspring. Significant effects on general combining ability and specific combining ability were found for plant maturity, only general combining ability effects for specific gravity were found, and interactions of both general combining ability and specific combining ability with the environment for the chip color trait were found. However, no genetic effects were detected for yield. Where general combining ability significant effects were found, additive genetic effects are predominant; thus, so for those traits, it would be possible to use these genotypes as parents to obtain improved progenies. Such abilities were not found in the advanced breeding clones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

24 pages, 384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Algerian Saharan Maize Populations for Tolerance under Drought and No-Nitrogen Stresses

by Meriem Riache, Pedro Revilla, Rosa Ana Malvar, Abderahmane Djemel, Azeddine Chemlal and Mohamed Mefti

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051123 - 06 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1995

Abstract

Increasing drought incidence and infertile soils require the improvement of maize for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) under drought conditions. The objectives were to assess tolerance and genetic effects of Algerian populations under no-nitrogen and water stress. We evaluated a diallel among six Algerian [...] Read more.

Increasing drought incidence and infertile soils require the improvement of maize for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) under drought conditions. The objectives were to assess tolerance and genetic effects of Algerian populations under no-nitrogen and water stress. We evaluated a diallel among six Algerian maize populations under no-nitrogen vs. 120 kg/ha N fertilization and drought vs. control. Variability was significant among populations and their crosses for NUE under drought. Additive genetic effects could be capitalized using the populations BAH and MST, with high grain nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE). The most promising crosses were SHH × AOR with no-nitrogen supply under both water regimes for NUtE, AOR × IGS, under water stress for partial factor productivity (PFP), and well-watered conditions with nitrogen supply for protein content; AOR × IZM for agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (AE) under water stress; and AOR × BAH for grain nutrient utilization efficiency (NUtE) under well-watered conditions with nitrogen. These parents could be promising for developing drought-tolerant or/and low nitrogen hybrids to improve these traits. Maximum heterosis could be exploited using those populations and crosses. Reciprocal recurrent selection could be used to take advantage of additive and non-additive gene effects found based on estimations of genetic parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

24 pages, 4251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Divergence among Sweet Pepper Landraces Assessed by Agro-Morphological Characterization as a Biodiversity Source

by Eva Martínez-Ispizua, Ángeles Calatayud, José Ignacio Marsal, Rubén Mateos-Fernández, María José Díez, Salvador Soler, José Vicente Valcárcel and Mary-Rus Martínez-Cuenca

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030632 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2478

Abstract

Traditional vegetable varieties constitute an important reservoir of biodiversity, so recovering, cultivating, and correctly classifying these landraces is part of key global heritage for the future of food security. In this study, 17 traditional pepper varieties from the Valencian Community (Spain) were characterized [...] Read more.

Traditional vegetable varieties constitute an important reservoir of biodiversity, so recovering, cultivating, and correctly classifying these landraces is part of key global heritage for the future of food security. In this study, 17 traditional pepper varieties from the Valencian Community (Spain) were characterized using 14 quantitative and 30 qualitative conventional morphological descriptors, including plant, flower, and fruit traits, in two ripening stages: green and red. As a result, landraces were grouped based mainly on their fruit morphology (G1: thin and elongated; G2: thick and robust; P-49: ball pepper). During a second trial, the preservation of the described characteristics was checked, and the number of fruit produced per plant was determined. From the acquired information, the most desirable traits that could be of interest for cultivation and harvesting practices were established, including erect growth habit, dense branching, big leaves, and uniformity and low persistence of fruit. Additionally, based mainly on fruit size and fruit wall thickness traits, the varieties with the highest potential to be marketed as fresh, P-37 (from G2), P-41, and P-72 (from G1), were determined. The ungrouped P-49 variety is an optimal candidate for industry processes because of its small size and robust fruit wall. The importance of phenotyping studies for preserving plant varieties is emphasized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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22 pages, 2493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Heat Tolerant Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) by Utilizing Plant Genetic Resources

by Svenja Bomers, Eva M. Sehr, Eveline Adam, Philipp von Gehren, Karin Hansel-Hohl, Noémie Prat and Alexandra Ribarits

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030612 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3049

Abstract

Climate change and its extreme heat waves affect agricultural productivity worldwide. In the cultivation of beans, heat stress during the reproductive phase may lead to complete crop failures, as recently was documented for runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) in Austria. Developing better [...] Read more.

Climate change and its extreme heat waves affect agricultural productivity worldwide. In the cultivation of beans, heat stress during the reproductive phase may lead to complete crop failures, as recently was documented for runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) in Austria. Developing better adapted varieties utilizing plant genetic resources is of utmost importance in such conditions. Our study aimed at identifying heat tolerant accessions and developing associated genetic markers for their application in marker assisted selection. For this, we assessed the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of 113 runner bean genotypes (101 of Austrian origin) grown in the glasshouse under heat stress conditions during two years. In particular three accessions showed a higher yield than the reference variety Bonela under heat stress in both years. The phenotypic data complemented with genetic data based on 1190 SNPs revealed high performing pure genotypes that may serve as good candidates to be included in breeding programs. In addition, the genome-wide association analysis resulted in 18 high quality SNPs that were subsequently used for the calculation of an estimated heat tolerance using the MassARRAY^® system. Overall, our study represents first steps towards breeding heat tolerant runner bean to withstand global warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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17 pages, 1914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advantage of Multiple Pods and Compound Leaf in Kabuli Chickpea under Heat Stress Conditions

by Tuba Eker, Hatice Sari, Duygu Sari, Huseyin Canci, Mehmet Arslan, Bilal Aydinoglu, Hilal Ozay and Cengiz Toker

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030557 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2928

Abstract

Heat-related traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) play a crucial role in reducing the harmful effect of heat stress, as the increase in heat stress is predicted to occur in the coming years due to global warming as a result of climate [...] Read more.

Heat-related traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) play a crucial role in reducing the harmful effect of heat stress, as the increase in heat stress is predicted to occur in the coming years due to global warming as a result of climate change. The advantage of multiple pods per peduncle and compound (imparipinnate) leaf traits in kabuli chickpea has not been properly revealed under heat stress conditions. We, therefore, want (i) to provide insight into the advantage of multiple pods and compound leaf traits over single pod per node and simple (unifoliolate) leaf traits, and (ii) to determine the highest direct and indirect effects of agro-morphological traits on seed yield in chickpeas under rainfed conditions with prevailing heat stress. With a delayed sowing time, the plants were subjected to heat stress of more than 43 °C in flowering and pod setting stages under field conditions. According to the number of pods per node and leaf shape, plants were evaluated for yield and yield components, and were divided into six groups, namely (i) single-pod and compound leaf, (ii) single-pod and simple leaf, (iii) double-pods and compound leaf, (iv) double-pods and simple leaf, (v) multi-pods and compound leaf, and (vi) multi-pods and simple leaf. Plants with multi-pods and compound leaf traits had the highest seed yield, followed by plants with double-pods and compound leaf, while plants with single-pod and simple leaf had the lowest yield. The number of seeds and pods per plant, 100-seed weight, and leaf shape were the highest determinants of seed yield under heat stress conditions. It was concluded that multi-pods per peduncle and compound leaf traits had an obviously incontrovertible advantage in kabuli chickpeas under heat stress conditions. The plant shapes that nature has evolved for millions of years, which are mostly found in wild plants, have been proven by the current study to have a better fitness ability than plants shaped by human hands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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12 pages, 949 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Fruit Composition of Eggplant Lines with Introgressions from the Wild Relative S. incanum: Interest for Breeding and Safety for Consumption

by Elena Rosa-Martínez, Ana M. Adalid-Martínez, Maria Dolores García-Martínez, Giulio Mangino, Maria Dolores Raigón, Mariola Plazas, Pietro Gramazio, Jaime Prohens and Santiago Vilanova

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020266 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2750

Abstract

The wild species Solanum incanum has been used as a donor parent for the development of a set of eggplant introgression lines (ILs), which are of interest for breeding for stress tolerances and relevant morpho-agronomic traits but could also be useful for breeding [...] Read more.

The wild species Solanum incanum has been used as a donor parent for the development of a set of eggplant introgression lines (ILs), which are of interest for breeding for stress tolerances and relevant morpho-agronomic traits but could also be useful for breeding for fruit quality, due to the generally higher content in health-promoting compounds of S. incanum. The use of eggplant ILs with introgressions from S. incanum requires ensuring that glycoalkaloids levels are below safety limits. We evaluated 25 fruit composition traits, including proximate composition, sugars, acids, phenolics, glycoalkaloids, and minerals in a set of 16 eggplant ILs with S. incanum, both parents and the F₁, grown under two environments (open field and screenhouse). The results demonstrated that the parents were significantly different regarding most fruit composition traits. Large variation was found among the 16 ILs for all traits analyzed and a strong influence of the environment accounted for the variation of 17 out of the 25 traits evaluated. Although the S. incanum parent produced fruits with high levels of glycoalkaloids, the 16 ILs showed mean values of total glycoalkaloids below the currently accepted safety limit for human consumption (200 mg kg⁻¹ fresh weight). Overall, the ILs produced fruits that are safe for consumption, with nutritional and functional quality similar to the recipient parent. Furthermore, six putative QTLs were detected spread over chromosomes 3 for crude protein, 5 for malic and total acids, and 7 for chlorogenic acid and solamargine, and potential candidate genes were spotted for most of them, which provide new relevant information for eggplant breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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18 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resistance to Leaf and Yellow Rust in a Collection of Spanish Bread Wheat Landraces and Association with Ecogeographical Variables

by Fernando Martínez-Moreno, Patricia Giraldo, Cristina Nieto and Magdalena Ruiz

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010187 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1884

Abstract

A collection of 84 bread wheat Spanish landraces were inoculated with three isolates of leaf rust and one of yellow rust at the seedling stage in controlled conditions. The latency period of leaf rust on the susceptible landraces was also assessed. An extended [...] Read more.

A collection of 84 bread wheat Spanish landraces were inoculated with three isolates of leaf rust and one of yellow rust at the seedling stage in controlled conditions. The latency period of leaf rust on the susceptible landraces was also assessed. An extended collection of 149 landraces was planted in three locations in field trials to evaluate the naturally occurring leaf and yellow rust severity. Several landraces (36) were resistant to one leaf rust isolate at the seedling stage, but only one was resistant to all three isolates. Landraces resistant to PG14 leaf rust isolate originated from areas with higher precipitation and more uniform temperatures. Many resistant landraces were from the north-west zone of Spain, a region with high precipitation and uniform temperatures. Results from the field trials also confirmed this trend. Landraces from the north-west also possessed a longer latency period of leaf rust, an important component of partial resistance. Regarding yellow rust, 16 landraces showed a lower disease severity in the seedling tests. Again, the resistant landraces mostly originated from areas with higher precipitation (especially in winter) and more uniform temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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16 pages, 1576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Selection of Sweet-Waxy Corn Ideotypes Appealing to Hybrid Seed Producers, Growers, and Consumers in Thailand

by Abil Dermail, Aphakorn Fuengtee, Kamol Lertrat, Willy Bayuardi Suwarno, Thomas Lübberstedt and Khundej Suriharn

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010087 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3483

Abstract

Multi-trait selection helps breeders identify genotypes that appeal to divergent groups of preferences. In this study, we performed simultaneous selection of sweet-waxy corn hybrids on several traits covering the perspectives of consumers (taller kernel depth, better eating quality), growers (early maturity, shorter plant [...] Read more.

Multi-trait selection helps breeders identify genotypes that appeal to divergent groups of preferences. In this study, we performed simultaneous selection of sweet-waxy corn hybrids on several traits covering the perspectives of consumers (taller kernel depth, better eating quality), growers (early maturity, shorter plant stature, and high ear yield), and seed producers (high flowering synchrony, acceptable seed yield, and good plant architecture). Three supersweet corn lines and 8 waxy corn lines were intercrossed to generate 48 F1 hybrids according to North Carolina Design II, and these genotypes were laid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications across 2 seasons between 2017 and 2018. A sensory blind test on sweetness, stickiness, tenderness, and overall liking was conducted to assess the eating quality of steamed corn samples. Two methods of simultaneous selection, namely unweighted selection index and overall rank-sum index (ORSI), were applied to rank crosses, following all targeted groups of preferences. Genetic parameters and genetic gain were estimated to evaluate the effectiveness of those selection methods. Both approaches had similar patterns of preferable realized gain on each given trait and could identify similar top five crosses with only slight order changes, implying that these methods were effective to rank genotypes according to given selection criteria. One of the tested crosses, 101L/TSC-10 × KV/mon, consistently had the highest unweighted selection index in the dry (7.84) and the rainy (7.15) seasons and the lowest ORSI (310), becoming a promising candidate as synergistic sweet-waxy corn hybrid appealing to consumers, growers, and seed producers. The expected ideotypes of sweet-waxy corn hybrid are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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16 pages, 1844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Bush yam (Dioscorea praehensilis Benth) as a Source of Agronomic and Quality Trait Genes in White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) Breeding

by Adeyinka S. Adewumi, Paterne A. Agre, Paul A. Asare, Michael O. Adu, Kingsley J. Taah, Jean M. Mondo and Selorm Akaba

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010055 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3040

Abstract

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is an important food security crop in the tropics and subtropics. However, it is characterized by a narrow genetic base within cultivated and breeding lines for tuber yield, disease resistance, and postharvest traits, which hinders the yam breeding progress. [...] Read more.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is an important food security crop in the tropics and subtropics. However, it is characterized by a narrow genetic base within cultivated and breeding lines for tuber yield, disease resistance, and postharvest traits, which hinders the yam breeding progress. Identification of new sources of desirable genes for these traits from primary and secondary gene pools is essential for this crop improvement. This study aimed at identifying potential sources of genes for yield and quality traits in a panel of 162 accessions of D. praehensilis, a semi-domesticated yam species, for improving the major yam species, D. rotundata. Significant differences were observed for assessed traits (p < 0.05), with D. praehensilis genotypes out-performing the best D. rotundata landraces for tuber yield (23.47 t ha⁻¹), yam mosaic virus (YMV) resistance (AUDPC = 147.45), plant vigour (2.43) and tuber size (2.73). The study revealed significant genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic (PCV) coefficients of variance for tuber yield, YMV severity score, and tuber flesh oxidation. We had also a medium-to-high broad-sense heritability (H²b) for most of the traits except for the dry matter content and tuber flesh oxidation. This study identified some promising D. praehensilis genotypes for traits such as high yield potential (WNDpr76, CDpr28, CDPr7, EDpr14, and WNDpr63), resistance to YMV (WNDpr76, CDpr7, EDpr14, CDpr28, and EDpr13), high dry matter content (WNDpr76, CDpr28, and WNDpr24), low tuber flesh oxidation (WNDpr76, CDpr5, WNDpr31, CDpr40, and WNDpr94) and high number of tubers per plant (WNDpr76, CDpr7, CDpr68, CDpr29, and CDpr58). These genotypes could, therefore, be employed in breeding programmes to improve the white Guinea yam by broadening its genetic base. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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13 pages, 1108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Ripening-Related Quality Traits of Long Shelf Life Tomatoes as Influenced by Water Deficit and Short-Term Postharvest Storage

by Joan Casals, Aurora Rull and Jordi Giné-Bordonaba

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2304; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112304 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

The diversity preserved within the European long shelf life tomato landraces (LSL) is a unique source to design high quality tomato products better adapted to changing environmental conditions and, thereby, to reduce food losses. The adaptation of LSL to water deficit (WD) management [...] Read more.

The diversity preserved within the European long shelf life tomato landraces (LSL) is a unique source to design high quality tomato products better adapted to changing environmental conditions and, thereby, to reduce food losses. The adaptation of LSL to water deficit (WD) management practices and their postharvest keeping ability can be used as tools to concomitantly enhance fruit quality and sustainable production. In this study, we investigated the effect of WD conditions and the plant growing environment (open field vs. tunnel) on quality traits of two genotypes of the Penjar LSL variety (modern hybrid (MV) and landrace (LR)). Changes in ripening-related quality traits (fruit ethylene production, respiration rate, firmness, color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and the content of antioxidants, as well as specific sugars and acids) in response to the different preharvest factors were evaluated at the time of harvest and after a short period of storage (30 days), following actual commercial practices. Significant differences among genotypes were encountered for most quality traits at the time of harvest and higher intra- and inter-environment heterogeneity was observed in the LR than in the MV genotype. In general, Penjar tomatoes exhibit a low physiological activity (ethylene production, 0.56–1.33 µL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹, respiration rate: 0.015–0.026 mg CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) at harvest. In both genotypes, WD increased to a different extent the fruit external color (redness, lightness) as well as the sensory (SSC) and nutritional (antioxidant capacity) fruit profiles. By contrast, the growing environment had little impact on most fruit quality traits. Postharvest storage only led to a slight reduction in the fruit respiration and ethylene production, lower sugars and acids content, enhanced color and no firmness changes. Overall, the results from this study demonstrate that selecting the appropriate genotypes is the most important step towards the design of high-quality LSL tomatoes, while WD and short-term storage can be used by farmers as a strategy to differentiate the product quality in specific market niches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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14 pages, 1737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Variability in Root System Architecture of Spanish Triticum turgidum L. Subspecies and Analysis of the Presence of a MITE Element Inserted in the TtDro1B Gene: Evolutionary Implications

by Juan M. González, Rodrigo Cañas, Alejandra Cabeza, Magdalena Ruiz, Patricia Giraldo and Yolanda Loarce

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2294; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112294 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1597

Abstract

We analysed nine traits of the root system of 223 genotypes of Triticum turgidum (2n = 4x = AABB) subspecies dicoccoides, dicoccum, turgidum, durum and polonicum, finding a large intra and interspecific variability in both the number and size [...] Read more.

We analysed nine traits of the root system of 223 genotypes of Triticum turgidum (2n = 4x = AABB) subspecies dicoccoides, dicoccum, turgidum, durum and polonicum, finding a large intra and interspecific variability in both the number and size of roots, as well as in their spatial distribution. We studied the presence of an incomplete MITE (Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable Element) inserted in the TtDro1B gene, which is present in some genotypes of dicoccoides, dicoccum, and turgidum, but not in polonicum and the 97.9% of the durum accessions. Comparison between genotypes shows that genotypes with the MITE element have smaller and shallower roots. Since Aegilops is considered to be the donor of the wheat B genome, the presence of the same MITE element was analysed in 55 accessions of the species Aegilops speltoides, searsii, bicornis and longissima, and in no case was it detected. We propose that after the emergence of T. turgidum subsp. dicoccoides, the insertion of the MITE element probably occurred in a single plant. Subsequent domestication resulted in genotypes of dicoccum with and without the MITE element, which after selection gave rise to the subspecies turgidum, and durum and polonicum, respectively. The MITE element can be used to differentiate turgidum from the durum and polonicum with high reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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23 pages, 2400 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Crop Wild Relatives Crosses: Multi-Location Assessment in Durum Wheat, Barley, and Lentil

by Noureddine El Haddad, Miguel Sanchez-Garcia, Andrea Visioni, Abderrazek Jilal, Rola El Amil, Amadou Tidiane Sall, Wasihun Lagesse, Shiv Kumar and Filippo M. Bassi

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2283; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112283 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3670

Abstract

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are a good source of useful alleles for climate change adaptation. Here, 19 durum wheat, 24 barley, and 24 lentil elites incorporating CWR in their pedigrees were yield tested against commercial checks across 19 environments located in Morocco, Ethiopia, [...] Read more.

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are a good source of useful alleles for climate change adaptation. Here, 19 durum wheat, 24 barley, and 24 lentil elites incorporating CWR in their pedigrees were yield tested against commercial checks across 19 environments located in Morocco, Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Senegal. For each crop, the combined analysis of variance showed that genotype (G), environment (E), and genotype x environment (G×E) effects were significant for most of the traits. A selection index combining yield potential (G) and yield stability (G×E) was used to identify six CWR-derived elites for each crop matching or superior to the best check. A regression analysis using a climate matrix revealed that grain yield was mostly influenced by the maximum daily temperature and soil moisture level during the growing stages. These climatic factors were used to define five clusters (i.e., E1 to E5) of mega-environments. The CWR-derived elites significantly outperformed the checks in E1, E2, and E4 for durum wheat, and in E2 for both barley and lentil. The germplasm was also assessed for several food transformation characteristics. For durum wheat, one accession (Zeina) originating from T. araraticum was significantly superior in mixograph score to the best check, and three accessions originating from T. araraticum and T. urartu were superior for Zn concentration. For barley, 21 accessions originating from H. spontaneum were superior to the checks for protein content, six for Zn content, and eight for β-glucan. For lentil, ten accessions originating from Lens orientalis were superior to the check for protein content, five for Zn, and ten for Fe concentration. Hence, the results presented here strongly support the use of CWR in breeding programs of these three dryland crops, both for adaptation to climatic stresses and for value addition for food transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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14 pages, 730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Purple Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landraces in Northern Thailand

by Suksan Fongfon, Tonapha Pusadee, Chanakan Prom-u-thai, Benjavan Rerkasem and Sansanee Jamjod

Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2029; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102029 - 09 Oct 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3163

Abstract

Purple rice is a functional food with health benefits and industrial potentials. In northern Thailand, purple rice landraces are grown either as wetland or upland rice, in the lowlands and highlands, in small amounts along with the staple rice. This study examined diversity [...] Read more.

Purple rice is a functional food with health benefits and industrial potentials. In northern Thailand, purple rice landraces are grown either as wetland or upland rice, in the lowlands and highlands, in small amounts along with the staple rice. This study examined diversity of 37 accessions of purple rice collected from farmers with InDel cytoplasm markers for subspecies differentiation, 16 SSRs markers for within and between accessions variation, and selected grain quality features, namely, anthocyanin, iron, zinc, and gamma oryzanol content, when grown together as wetland rice. Most of the purple rice, originally grown as upland rice in both the lowlands and highlands, were identified as tropical japonica, except the wetland accessions from the lowlands that almost all belonged to the indica group. A high degree of genetic differentiation was found between the upland and wetland ecotypes, but none between those from the lowlands and highlands. A highland origin of the purple upland rice populations in the lowlands, possibly with adaptation to the upland rice cultivation of the tropical japonica, is suggested by the close genetic affinity between the highland and lowland populations of the upland ecotype. Grown in a much smaller area than the staple unpigmented rice, purple rice landraces are also less diverse genetically. Identification of purple rice landrace populations with exceptional anthocyanin and gamma oryzanol contents demonstrates that purple rice landraces can be a source of agronomically useful traits, while being an important cultural heritage, and contributing to the genetic diversity of the local rice germplasm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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17 pages, 19678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breeding for Prolificacy, Total Carotenoids and Resistance to Downy Mildew in Small-Ear Waxy Corn by Modified Mass Selection

by Supaporn Sukto, Khomsorn Lomthaisong, Jirawat Sanitchon, Sompong Chankaew, Shanerin Falab, Thomas Lübberstedt, Kamol Lertrat and Khundej Suriharn

Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091793 - 07 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2352

Abstract

The study aimed to improve the small-ear waxy corn populations for prolificacy, high total carotenoid content and resistance to downy mildew. Three cycles of modified mass selection were carried out for population improvement. Forty-four genotypes derived from eight C3 populations and six check [...] Read more.

The study aimed to improve the small-ear waxy corn populations for prolificacy, high total carotenoid content and resistance to downy mildew. Three cycles of modified mass selection were carried out for population improvement. Forty-four genotypes derived from eight C3 populations and six check varieties were evaluated for agronomic traits and yield at Khon Kaen and screened for downy mildew resistance in the rainy season 2020 at two experimental sites in Ban Phang district of Khon Kaen province. Fifty genotypes were clustered into six major groups based on color parameter (h°) and total ear number. Two selected groups (C and E) with two populations of small-ear waxy corn including Nei9008/BK-24-9-B and TY/TF-33-1-B were selected as they were resistant to downy mildew, prolific ears, and intense orange kernel color. Modified mass selection was effective for improvement of multiple traits in waxy corn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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11 pages, 864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Wild Relatives in Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum Desf.) Breeding Program: Adaptation and Stability in Context of Contrasting Environments in Tunisia

by Sourour Ayed, Imen Bouhaouel, Afef Othmani and Filippo Maria Bassi

Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1782; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091782 - 06 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2624

Abstract

In Mediterranean regions, the performance of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum Desf.) yield often varies due to significant genotype × environment interaction (GEI); therefore, yield stability is an important consideration in breeding programs. The aim of this research was to [...] Read more.

In Mediterranean regions, the performance of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum Desf.) yield often varies due to significant genotype × environment interaction (GEI); therefore, yield stability is an important consideration in breeding programs. The aim of this research was to explore the GEI pattern and yield stability of 24 promising durum wheat lines, selected by ICARDA in several African countries (seven elites, four commercial varieties, and 13 durum wheat wide crosses, generated by hybridization of elites and Triticum dicoccoides Koern. ex Schweinf., Triticum araraticum Jakubz, and Aegilops speltoides Tausch) against a Tunisian local check variety ‘Salim’. Yield assessment was conducted across six environments under rainfed conditions, at the field station of Kef in a semi-arid region during four cropping seasons (2014–2015, 2015–2016, 2016–2017, and 2017–2018) and in a sub-humid region at the station of Beja during two cropping seasons (2015–2016 and 2018–2019). The analysis of variance showed that the environment is the main source of variation of grain yield (72.05%), followed by the interaction environments × genotypes (25.33%) and genotypes (2.62%). The genotype × genotype by environment model (PC) based on grain yield identified a mega-environment including Kef (2016–2017 and 2017–2018) and Beja (2015–2016 and 2018–2019) and elite line 22 as a widely adapted genotype. Combined analysis, computed using the average grain yield of lines and the yield stability wide adaptation index (AWAI), showed that elite lines 9 and 23 (2.41 and 2.34 t·ha⁻¹, respectively), and wild relative-derived lines, 5, 1, and 10 (2.37, 2.31, and 2.28 t·ha⁻¹, respectively) were more stable and better yielding than the national reference (2.21 t·ha⁻¹). This finding supports the good yield potential of wild relative-derived lines. The five selections are recommended to be developed in multi-environments in several regions of Tunisia, especially in semi-arid area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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Review

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16 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Roles of Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion (MATE) Transporters in Regulating Agronomic Traits

by Yee-Shan Ku, Sau-Shan Cheng, Ming-Yan Cheung and Hon-Ming Lam

Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12040878 - 04 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2253

Abstract

Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporters are ancient proteins conserved among various kingdoms, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. In plants, MATEs usually form a large family in the genome. Homologous MATE transporters have different subcellular localizations, substrate specificities, and responses to external [...] Read more.

Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporters are ancient proteins conserved among various kingdoms, from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. In plants, MATEs usually form a large family in the genome. Homologous MATE transporters have different subcellular localizations, substrate specificities, and responses to external stimuli for functional differentiations. The substrates of MATEs in plants include polyphenols, alkaloids, phytohormones, and ion chelators. The accumulation of these substrates is often associated with favorable agronomic traits such as seed and fruit colors, the balance between dormancy and germination, taste, and stress adaptability. In crops, wild germplasms and domesticated germplasms usually have contrasting agronomic traits such as seed color, seed taste, and stress tolerance. MATE transporters are involved in the regulations of these traits. In this review, we discuss the uniqueness and significance of there being such a large family of MATEs in plants, their substrate diversity that enables them to be involved in various agronomic traits, and the allelic forms and the expression patterns of MATE that are associated with favorable agronomic traits in domesticated crops. The understanding on the roles of MATEs in regulating favorable agronomic traits in crops will provide hints for the selection of genes for molecular breeding that improve desirable traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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17 pages, 634 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plant Breeding and Management Strategies to Minimize the Impact of Water Scarcity and Biotic Stress in Cereal Crops under Mediterranean Conditions

by Néstor Pérez-Méndez, Cristina Miguel-Rojas, Jose Antonio Jimenez-Berni, David Gomez-Candon, Alejandro Pérez-de-Luque, Elias Fereres, Mar Catala-Forner, Dolors Villegas and Josefina C. Sillero

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010075 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

Wheat and rice are two main staple food crops that may suffer from yield losses due to drought episodes that are increasingly impacted by climate change, in addition to new epidemic outbreaks. Sustainable intensification of production will rely on several strategies, such as [...] Read more.

Wheat and rice are two main staple food crops that may suffer from yield losses due to drought episodes that are increasingly impacted by climate change, in addition to new epidemic outbreaks. Sustainable intensification of production will rely on several strategies, such as efficient use of water and variety improvement. This review updates the latest findings regarding complementary approaches in agronomy, genetics, and phenomics to cope with climate change challenges. The agronomic approach focuses on a case study examining alternative rice water management practices, with their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity for ecosystem services. The genetic approach reviews in depth the latest technologies to achieve fungal disease resistance, as well as the use of landraces to increase the genetic diversity of new varieties. The phenomics approach explores recent advances in high-throughput remote sensing technologies useful in detecting both biotic and abiotic stress effects on breeding programs. The complementary nature of all these technologies indicates that only interdisciplinary work will ensure significant steps towards a more sustainable agriculture under future climate change scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Genetic Resources for Agronomic Traits Improvement)

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