Exploring Emerging Technologies for Conservation and Improvement of Horticultural Genetic Resources

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2)".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2024 | Viewed by 5118

Special Issue Editors

Department of Industrial Plant Science and Technology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
Interests: genetic diversity; molecular markers; plant genetic resources; population genetics; genomics; next generation sequencing
Department of Industrial Plant Science and Technology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
Interests: genetic diversity; molecular markers; plant genetic resources; population genetics; genomics; next generation sequencing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Horticultural crops include fruits, nuts, vegetables, spices, condiments, beverages, medicinal and ornamentals plant species. They play important roles in sustaining and reviving rural economies. However, global climate change and its consequences is causing challenges for horticultural crop productivity. This, in turn, is leading to the emergence of new technologies. These are not only for improving the cultivation practices but also for developing new cultivar varieties which will allow researchers to improve the horticultural crops productivity. The sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources can help in the development modern horticultural varieties which will allow humanity to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

It is very important that we develop strategies for effective conservation and sustainable use of horticultural genetic resources, something which will allow scientists to improve nutritional security and food safety for human health. In general, horticultural crops show tremendous variation in species diversity. Hence, the conservation of the horticultural genetic pool is very challenging. Thus, this Special Issue hopes to contribute by reviewing emerging technologies which can be used to effectively conserve and improve modern varieties for the sustainable utilization of horticultural plant genetic resources (PGR).

Dr. Jong-Wook Chung
Dr. Sebastin Raveendar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • conservation
  • genetic diversity
  • germplasm
  • horticultural crops
  • molecular marker
  • plant genetic resources (PGR)

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1241 KiB  
Article
Lily Database: A Comprehensive Genomic Resource for the Liliaceae Family
by Manosh Kumar Biswas, Sathishkumar Natarajan, Dhiman Biswas, Jewel Howlader, Jong-In Park and Ill-Sup Nou
Horticulturae 2024, 10(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10010023 - 25 Dec 2023
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Abstract
The Lily database is an online genomic resource which is composed of a Korean Lily germplasm collection, transcriptome sequences, molecular markers, transcription factors (TFs) and DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) data. A total of ~0.23 gb of RNA-sequencing data were used for gene identification, [...] Read more.
The Lily database is an online genomic resource which is composed of a Korean Lily germplasm collection, transcriptome sequences, molecular markers, transcription factors (TFs) and DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) data. A total of ~0.23 gb of RNA-sequencing data were used for gene identification, marker development and gene expression analysis. As a result, 103,929 genomic, 47,863 EST-SSR, 20,929 SNP and 1213 COS-marker were developed. A total of 1327 TF genes were identified and characterized. This is the first unique, user-friendly, genomic resource database for Lilium species. It is a relational database based on a ‘three-tier architecture’ that catalogs all the information in a MySQL table and a user-friendly query interface and data visualization page developed using JavaScript, PHP and HTML code. The search parameters are highly flexible; users can retrieve data by using either single or multiple search parameters. Data present in this database can be used for germplasm characterization, gene discovery, population structure analysis, QTL mapping, and accelerating lily variety improvements. Full article
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17 pages, 10770 KiB  
Article
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Dahlia imperialis (Asteraceae): Comparative Analysis and Phylogenetic Relationships
by Shan-De Duan, Yang Liu, Li-Hong Hao, Di-Ying Xiang, Wen-Bin Yu, Juan Liang, Duan-Fen Chen and Shan-Ce Niu
Horticulturae 2024, 10(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10010007 - 20 Dec 2023
Viewed by 773
Abstract
The genus Dahlia has approximately 40 species; however, the complete chloroplast genome has been reported only for one species. Due to this lack of information on the chloroplast genomes, the phylogenetic relationships within the Dahlia genus remain unclear. Therefore, the present study sequenced [...] Read more.
The genus Dahlia has approximately 40 species; however, the complete chloroplast genome has been reported only for one species. Due to this lack of information on the chloroplast genomes, the phylogenetic relationships within the Dahlia genus remain unclear. Therefore, the present study sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of D. imperialis for the first time. This genome was 152,084 bp long with a typical quadripartite structure and a GC content of 38.45%. A total of 134 genes were annotated in the genome, including 86 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 2 pseudogenes. The detailed analysis identified UUA as the most frequently used codon and found 62 intergenic repeat sequences and 157 SSR loci in the D. imperialis genome. Phylogenetic analysis based on 49 chloroplast genomes showed that Dahlia was a monophyletic group, with D. imperialis positioned at the base of this clade. Network evolution and gene flow analysis unveiled extensive hybridization events within the Heliantheae alliance, especially in Dahlia. Thus, the comprehensive analysis of the complete chloroplast genome of D. imperialis enriches the information on the genetic resources of the Dahlia species, provides valuable information for reconstructing their phylogeny, and reveals the evolutionary dynamics of the Dahlia chloroplast genome. Full article
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Review

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23 pages, 1359 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Horticultural Crops through Genome Editing: Applications, Benefits, and Considerations
by Melvin A. Daniel, Raveendar Sebastin, Ju-Kyung Yu, Maria Packiam Soosaimanickam and Jong Wook Chung
Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080884 - 03 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2043
Abstract
Genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool for accelerating crop improvement in horticultural crops by enabling precise modifications to their genetic makeup. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the applications, methodologies, and potential impacts of genome editing in horticulture. The review [...] Read more.
Genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool for accelerating crop improvement in horticultural crops by enabling precise modifications to their genetic makeup. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the applications, methodologies, and potential impacts of genome editing in horticulture. The review focuses on three major genome editing tools in horticulture, CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs. The underlying mechanisms, applications, and potential challenges associated with each tool are discussed in detail. CRISPR-Cas9, being a versatile and widely used system, has the potential to enhance traits such as disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, nutritional content, and yield in horticultural crops. TALENs and ZFNs, although less commonly used, offer alternative options for targeted DNA modifications, and have demonstrated success in specific applications. We emphasize the potential benefits of genome editing in horticulture, including improved crop productivity, quality, and nutritional value. However, challenges such as off-target effects, delivery methods, and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed for the full realization of this technology’s potential. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing insights into the opportunities and complexities associated with harnessing genome editing for enhanced traits in horticultural crops. By navigating these challenges, genome editing can contribute to sustainable advancements in horticulture, benefiting both producers and consumers worldwide. Full article
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