Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution最新文献

Malabar tamarind (Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N. Robson) is an important horticultural genetic resource having multifaceted uses and is being used as a flavouring agent besides being source of gamboge, seed fat and medicine in the humid tropics. Considering the increasing demand, reducing dependance on wild/ semi-wild population and promotion of cultivation is the need of the hour. Seedling progenies are known to have considerable variability of commercial significance. To identify the superior germplasm with desirable traits, systematic efforts are required. Though such screening from natural population could help in identifying superior genotypes, the data on various yield related traits could be misleading due to differences in the growing conditions of the natural stands. In the present study, the conserved germplasm was evaluated to understand the variations for leaf, fruit and seed morphological parameters apart from their harvesting patterns, yield traits, drying recovery etc. Results revealed that collections showed significant variations for these parameters and unique types viz. GG-05 with early harvesting season (late April onwards), thin peel (5.55 mm), longer pedicel (6.05 mm), and GG-04 with higher yield traits were identified. Further, collections UUF-01 and UUF-03 exhibited irregularity in bearing.

The advancement of Lathyrus through genetic enhancement and cultivar development faces challenges due to limited knowledge about their reproductive biology. Thus, the present study systematically investigates the reproductive biology, phenology, receptivity of stigma, germination and viability of pollen in Lathyrus sativus L. and L. cicera L. Experiments were carried out using 20 accessions of L. sativus and three accessions of L. cicera. Anther dehiscence and stigma receptivity were determined through microscopic observation and hydrogen peroxide test, respectively. Pollen viability was assessed through in vitro pollen germination and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) test. Flowers were found to be bisexual and protogynous, with self-pollination favored by the cleistogamous nature of flowers. Five flower-development and three pod-development stages were classified in both species. The timing of all stages differed significantly among the accessions studied. Stigma receptivity was observed to occur 2–4 days before anther dehiscence and persisted until flower wilting. The study reveals that L. sativus and L. cicera are primarily self-pollinated, underscoring the critical timing of emasculation for successful manual crossing in breeding, ultimately enhancing pod and seed set, and facilitating plant breeders in optimizing hybridization programs.

The Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), commonly referred to as Aonla, is a significant medicinal fruit tree native to India. Its homeland harbors a wide spectrum of genetic diversity, relevant to various desirable horticultural traits. Assessing genetic variability for varietal enhancement necessitates a comprehensive capture of both quantifiable and non-quantifiable morphological characteristics. In this study, 49 accessions were meticulously evaluated and characterized for 38 diverse qualitative and quantitative morphological traits. Commercial Aonla cultivars, primarily selected, typically exhibit a semi-spreading or spreading nature. The Aonla germplasm showcases notable discrepancies in morphological traits, spanning growth, flower, bark, and fruit characteristics, reflecting the diversity across its tree. Fruit aspect ratio, defining the relationship between diameter and length, serves as a crucial identifying feature. Variations in total soluble solids, ascorbic acids, pulp: stone ratio, pulp content, fruit dimensions, weight, circumference, and yield per plant were observed across genotypes and varied from 7.5–12.1°brix, 340.72–550.38 mg/100 g, 13.25–19.71, 13.50–42.35 g, 1.79–4.17 cm, 2.28–4.27 cm, 15.97–45.19 g, 7.04–13.44 cm, and 45.70–105.14 kg/tree, respectively. Genetic variability analyses suggest ample opportunities for selection, with correlation research elucidating important selection criteria. Path coefficient analysis identified traits with direct and indirect effects on yield per plant, while principal component analysis offered a comprehensive overview of variability among genotypes. Cluster analysis categorized genotypes into distinct groups, revealing valuable traits for achieving high fruit yield. Overall, the research underscored the importance of morphological traits in assessing Aonla diversity and their role in breeding programs aimed at enhancing quality and yield. The findings provided valuable insights for cultivar selection and future breeding efforts, contributing to the sustainable cultivation and utilization of Aonla germplasm.

Almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) is a major tree nut species and consumed worldwide. Morocco maintains a long-standing presence of domesticated almonds, hosting a secondary genetic diversity hotspot that demands safeguarding as an important resource for future almond breeding programs. Here, we assessed the pomological diversity of local Beldi almond ecotypes to detect elite trees based on nuts and kernels characteristics. A significant correlation was found among some studied variables. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for quantitative traits showed that two components explained 78.91% of the total variation and revealed that traits related to fruits contribute to a large proportion of the observed variability. Then, a comprehensive genetic study of 98 almond accession including 93 of the Beldi ecotype and five non-Moroccan cultivars by analyzing 12 Simple Sequence Repeats markers showed high Polymorphism Information Content. We used population structure and PCA to analyze the molecular variance and described the genetic diversity of the identified subpopulations. We identified five subpopulations with little genetic differentiation, but two subpopulations have high genetic diversity. These subpopulations represent promising genetic pools developing novel almond cultivars that can provide high yield in adverse conditions, thereby fostering profitable Moroccan breeding programs for sustainable almond agriculture.

The development of nutrient-dense chickpea cultivars is a promising way to cope with nutrient deficiency. No-tillage is a sustainable agricultural practice that can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on crop productivity. Developing biofortified chickpea cultivars under no-tillage system could optimize the benefits of this agricultural practice, enhancing both productivity and the grain nutritional quality. In this study, the genetic variability for protein, zinc, and iron content was assessed in a chickpea collection grown under no-tillage system in Morocco in order to select accessions with superior quality traits. Substantial genetic variation was recorded for protein (8.08–29.58%), zinc (11.04–35.02 mg/kg), and iron (17.04–86.58 mg/kg) contents. High heritability value was obtained for zinc content (65.83%) compared to protein (15.38%) and iron (10.7%) content, suggesting high potential selection gain for this trait. Conventional tillage yielded higher protein and iron contents, while no-tillage showed the higher zinc content. MGIDI allowed the selection of 22 chickpea accessions that could be used as donors for protein, zinc, and iron biofortification under no-tillage conditions.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), a native warm-seasonal crop in Africa, is being considered for genetic improvement for local bast fiber production. To expedite its genetic improvement through breeding, kenaf genotypes from Ghana were assessed for genomic diversity regarding their chromosomal composition and ploidy levels. To gain insight into the repetitive DNA fractions in kenaf, the organization of 5S and 35S rRNA genes, as well as telomeric signal patterns were studied by a molecular cytogenetic approach. Using multi-color fluorescent in situ hybridization, distinct rDNA loci and Arabidopsis-like telomere signal patterns were revealed. The 5S rRNA genes were conserved in kenaf and localized in interstitial regions of two chromosomes across all accessions. The 35S rRNA genes were variable across the kenaf accessions and localized at sub-terminal ends and rarely interstitially in eight or six chromosome arms. Telomeric signals were observed at terminal ends of all chromosomes and the chromosome configuration of Ghana kenaf accessions were each confirmed to be 2n = 2x = 36. Observed genomic instability in kenaf is discussed. This report provides cytogenetic insights into the genome organization of kenaf and variability of its breeding lines. Additionally, this study sets the basis for further research to analyze the repetitive DNA sequences and develop reference karyotypes to reveal genetic and evolutionary relationships between cultivated and wild Hibiscus species.

The edible flowers sector is expanding due to the popularity and uses in culinary recipes of different species. In particular, flowers of Ocimum basilicum L. and related taxa are increasingly used for their aromas and nutritional value. However, there is limited information regarding their morphological characteristics and molecular profiles, which are both important to perform a quality control of food, and to avoid contaminations. Hence, our aim was the study of three basil taxa (O. basilicum ‘Cinnamon’, O. basilicum ‘Blue Spice’, and the hybrid O. × africanum Lour.) to obtain data useful for taxa identification and to understand which traits could be linked to their chemodiversity. The plants were grown in a greenhouse starting from seeds. Flowers were collected at anthesis; the morphology of calyxes, corolla and pollen grains was characterized; DNA barcoding analyses were performed. All taxa were identified only as O. basilicum by molecular analyses, but two haplotypes were distinguishable. All taxa were identifiable due to the presence/absence of specific glandular trichomes, and by pollen size and number of colpi. ‘Cinnamon’ and O. × africanum showed more morphological affinities to each other, but histochemical analyses suggested the separation of the three taxa. Pollen grains from ‘Cinnamon’ had the smallest diameter in polar view and were hexacolpate, while ‘Blue Spice’ pollen showed the highest diameter with grains being hexacolpate/octacolpate, similarly to O. × africanum. Our interdisciplinary study provides the first information for authenticating these basil cultivars in packaged products for human consumption.

The Tanimbar Islands in Maluku Province, Indonesia, are a significant distribution center for Dioscorea alata L. However, exploration and morphological characterization of this species remain limited. This study aimed to (1) identify and analyze the morphological characteristics of local D. alata from the Tanimbar Islands and (2) determine the distinguishing characteristics for each D. alata accession observed. The exploration of D. alata was followed by ex-situ cultivation. Morphological characterization was conducted on 15 accessions using 16 morphological traits based on the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (1997) descriptors. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed two primary groups with a dissimilarity coefficient of 33%. Group one consisted of the DA-01 and DA-02 accessions, while all other accessions formed group two. Notably, accession DA-11 within group two displayed a 26% difference in morphological traits compared to other group members. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified 21 significant characteristics that contributed to 42.9% of the total diversity. Accession DA-01 exhibited unique characteristics such as tuber cracking, while DA-02 stood out for stem diameter and leaf width. Additionally, DA-13 displayed unique root positions on the tuber surface, DA-14 exhibited distinctive leaf apex coloration, and DA-15 showed a unique inner tuber skin color. This study underscores the morphological diversity of D. alata in the Tanimbar Islands, providing valuable insights into its genetic resources.

Soda grandis (Freitag, Vural & N. Adıgüzel) Akhani, from the Amaranthaceae family, is a halophyte plant with significant promise and genetic potential in agriculture, especially as a source of genes. It is narrowly distributed only in gypsum and marly soils and a critically endangered annual species endemic to Türkiye. The level and pattern of genetic diversity in 92 individuals from four natural populations of the species were investigated using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Physical and chemical analyses of soil samples and bioclimatic data of the study areas were conducted. At the species level, the percentage of polymorphic bands was 22.5%. Nei’s gene diversity was 0.085, and Shannon’s information index was 0.126. At populations level, the percentage of polymorphic bands = 2.12%, Nei’s gene diversity = 0.007, and Shannon’s information index = 0.011. The genetic differentiation coefficient indicated that the majority of the total genetic variability occurred among populations (91.9%). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 93% of the genetic variance was attributable to differences among populations, while the remaining 7% occurred within populations. The gene flow was very low (Nm = 0.044). The Mantel test revealed a significant, positive, and weak correlation between genetic and geographic distance (r = 0.296, p < 0.001). The dendrograms were created using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), and the results were supported through Principal Coordinate Analyses (PCoA). STRUCTURE analysis indicated three distinct genetic groups (ΔK = 3). Given the high genetic differentiation among populations, it is crucial to evaluate sub-speciation and implement in situ conservation efforts.

The genus Euphorbia L. characterizes a diverse and ubiquitous range of flowering plants across numerous habitats worldwide. The study aimed to resolve the taxonomic significance of seed morphology across 31 species within Euphorbia L. Qualitative and quantitative micro and macromorphological characteristics of seeds and caruncles were studied using both stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results of the study showed variation in seed characteristics such as size, shape, color, surfaces, and caruncle characteristics. These characteristics are often constant and useful in identification and classification in Euphorbia species. Seed surfaces represented variation from reticulate, gemmate, clavate, psilate, foveolate, verrucate, chinate, reticulate, baculate, scabrate, and striate among studied taxa. Additionally, rugose, reticulate, verrucose, acute, and scabrate surfaces were investigated in caruncle of studied taxa. Moreover, some taxa are caruncle free. The morphometric variation of the seeds among the studied taxa was analyzed using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and principal component (PCA) analyses. The dendrogram and plot results from the cluster and PCA analyses showed that Euphorbia taxa were grouped into two major clusters. Stereo and Scanning electron micrographs are provided for all known studied taxa.