Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution最新文献

Hops (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae) is a dioecious perennial climbing plant with its economic significance lying in the female inflorescences known as cones. Hop plays a crucial role in beer production, imparting bitterness, flavor, aroma and antimicrobial protection. Moreover, hops’ bioactive components offer health-promoting effects. In Chile, hops were likely introduced by German settlers around 1850 and have thrived in favorable local agroclimatic conditions. The country’s hop production has experienced steady growth in recent years, driven by the burgeoning national craft beer industry. The demand for novel and local hop genotypes has emerged to enhance the value of local beer production. Recently discovered hop ecotypes in Southern Chile exhibited distinct morphological differences and, through the utilization of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based techniques, revealed clearly a unique genotype differing from the screened European cultivars. The genetic analysis, employing a highly polymorphic single amplification product, proved to be a powerful tool for characterizing the feral hops and supports further investigations. The identified genetic variability within previously unexplored Chilean hop germplasm, particularly when compared to European cultivars, offers valuable insights that can foster the development of distinctive and innovative beers.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on growth, productivity and mineral contents of chickpeas in pot experiment. The experiment was set in three levels of AMF (50 g, 100 g, and 150 g). Host growth stages of chickpea cultivars had increased positively with the AMF inoculation. Nitrogen concentrations in the rhizospheric soil of Parbath-98 and Noor-2019 cultivars were high (870 mg/kg and 2570 mg/kg, respectively) at low level of AMF inoculum, which indicated the absorption of nitrogen from soil effected inversely. Elemental analysis of chickpea all three cultivars showed good absorption of phosphorus; i.e., 1.50 mg/kg, 0.34 mg/kg, and 2.21 mg/kg at 150 g AMF inoculum. The results of AMF root colonization, spore densities, proximate and elemental analysis revealed that at 150 g AMF inoculum provision, effective outcomes of these indicators seen compare to 50 g and 100 g. The elevated root colonization along spore densities were observed at maximum level of AMF inoculum in all three cultivars of chickpea. The highest AMF root colonization of 66.10% in Dashat-98 directly affected its proximate concentrations. Interaction of AMF with plant proximate and elemental at p < 0.05, a significant association was observed in the absorption of nutrients. Morphologically identified genera of AMF (Glomus, Gigaspora Sclerocystis, and Acaulospora) were in the size range of 33–265 µm in which Glomus was highly abundant. Thirteen AMF taxa were confirmed molecularly by universal AMF primers. It was concluded that AMF inoculum influenced chickpea productivity and a study need in the agricultural fields to explore the diversity of AMF.

Graphical Abstract

This study provides taxonomic significance of palyno-morphology in context of identifying floral diversity and their pollen types in herbaceous plants of Lesser Himalayan region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan). The consideration of taxonomic correlations enhances the accuracy of plant identification and classification was crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecological research in this mountainous region. The current work was aims to explored the microscopic pollen grains morphological features using light and scanning electron microscopic tools. Microscopic research included 17 selected species belonging to different plant families that were collected, submitted to ISL Herbarium and then their pollen grains were acetolyzed. The most abundant pollen shape observed was oblate-spheroidal (six species) followed by sub-oblate (four species) and sub-prolate in three species. The maximum exine thickness was noted in Gerbera gossypoina (4.75 µm) and minimum in Allium jacequemongtii (2.00 µm). Mesocolpium distance was measured highest for Gerbera gossypina (18 µm) and lowest for Ageratum houstonianum (10.40 µm). Pollen exine wall stratification was examined of striate, reticulate, echinate regulate and perforate types. The highest pollen fertility was estimated for Plantago lenceolata (92%). The maximum P/E ratio index was calculated for Arabis alpina (1.30). This microscopic pollen bioimaging variations were analyzed using statistical clustering PAST 3 software that provided in-depth data variance. This study of herbaceous flora contributes to the pollination biology for the further systematic observation to fill the knowledge gaps for accurate identification by visualizing classical microscopic taxonomic characters.

Aerides multiflorum Roxb. is an important ornamental and medicinal plant native to Asia. From the wild, plants are collected for their restorative and ornamental uses, resulting in the depletion of the population in the natural habitat. It is now included in the Red Data list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Genetic diversity among 12 randomly collected plants of A. multiflorum from different locations in Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India, was investigated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. For the assessment of genetic diversity, 40 primers (20 of each RAPD and ISSR) were tested, and out of these 16 RAPD and 19 ISSR primers amplified polymorphic bands. The RAPD primers amplified 101 markers (average 6.31 markers per primer), and 182 markers were amplified using ISSR primers (average 9.57 markers per primer). Individually, RAPD and ISSR showed 86.50% and 89.06% polymorphism, respectively. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averaging (UPGMA) clustering based on RAPD data grouped all plants into two major groups and placed the TA1 plant as an out-group, whereas in the case of ISSR, and combined RAPD and ISSR data, the plant KCA3 was identified as an out-group. The principal component analysis (PCA), based on combined RAPD and ISSR data, grouped all plants into three clusters. It was important to note that plants collected from nearby locations were grouped. The data identified a higher level of diversity among the members of this population, which indicates a fast-evolving population with a possibility of long-term survival if protected from external disturbances.

Cotton is a vital resource for the textile industry, but cold stress causes serious problems for it during germination and the early phases of seedling development. Both physiological and molecular strategies cotton employ to withstand cold stress are examined in this article. The antioxidant-mediated defense system, which uses both antioxidants that are enzymatic and those that are not to preserve cellular homeostasis, is one of the important areas. The study delves into the interplay between antioxidant defense systems and membrane integrity, as well as the function of cold-responsive molecules in stressful adaption. The review emphasizes the role that suitable solute, including sugars, and osmoprotectants play in improving cold tolerance. We discuss cold-induced hormonal regulation, focusing on ethylene, and the signaling functions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in triggering protective responses. Additionally, the synthesis of secondary metabolites like terpenoids and flavonoids as defense mechanisms under cold stress is highlighted. At the molecular level, we explore changes in gene expression and the role of microRNAs in growth regulation, alongside abscisic acid (ABA) in cold stress responses. Adaptation strategies, such as priming and acclimation, are reviewed, emphasizing gene expression changes and metabolic pathways during acclimation. In conclusion, we address methods to improve cotton's resistance to cold, such as biotechnological treatments, selection using markers for tolerance to cold genes, and breeding techniques. Additionally taken into consideration is the use of transcriptomic and proteomics analysis to pinpoint targets for enhancing cold tolerance. Through improved breeding and biotechnology techniques, cotton’s resistance to cold stress may be increased, as this thorough investigation reveals.

Chrysanthemums are important worldwide for their beauty and medicinal uses. This research analyzes the pollen morphology of 134 Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivars using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Key pollen characteristics such as shape, spine length, ornamentation, and aperture type were observed in detail, highlighting the effectiveness of SEM in species and cultivar identification based on pollen features. Multivariate analyses, including hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis, categorized the cultivars according to their pollen traits. Notable findings among Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivars included Punjab Gold with larger pollen size, IAH Red with an equatorial diameter of 25.14 μm, and Kundan distinguished by a spine length of 13.42 μm. These differences suggest environmental factors may influence the observed variation. Comparison with other Asteraceae members, using data from the PalDat database, underscored the distinctiveness of chrysanthemum pollen morphology, validating its use as a classification tool. Pollen morphology study is vital for understanding plant biology, including reproduction, biodiversity, ecological interactions, and environmental adaptation. The findings have practical applications in agriculture and horticulture, enhancing knowledge of plant taxonomy and classification.

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is an essential subsistence crop in Brazil, especially in the northeast, because of its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and genetic variability. However, achieving high productivity remains challenging due to anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum truncatum. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of Lima bean in Alagoas state and to identify anthracnose-resistant landraces. P. lunatus seeds were collected from local farmers in Alagoas between July 2017 and February 2018. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the characteristics of Lima bean smallholders, focusing on socioeconomic, cultural, and agroecological factors. Genetic characterization of P. lunatus involved phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA and morphology analysis based on agronomic descriptors. The interviews confirmed that P. lunatus landraces were cultivated under rustic management conditions in subsistence agriculture. Twenty-seven landraces from twelve municipalities were obtained, representing three morphotypes: Big Lima, Potato, and Sieva, with Potato and Sieva being predominant. Lima bean landraces were classified genetically into Mesoamerican gene pools I and II, with the Big Lima morphotype grouped within the Mesoamerican gene pool II. Additionally, some hybrid landraces were identified. Broad resistance to anthracnose was associated with the Mesoamerican gene pool I, highlighting their importance for genetic improvement initiatives. This is crucial given the varied etiological agents of anthracnose across northeast Brazil.

Mentha (family—Lamiaceae), known as mint is a perennial aromatic herb rich in antioxidant phenolic compounds. Genus Mentha comprises around 30 species, many interspecific hybrids, and selected varieties. In Pakistan, five Mentha species have been found and utilized for essential oils, culinary applications, food and pharmaceuticals. Understanding plant diversity across species, ecosystems and genetic levels is a prerequisite for conserving and sustainably utilizing native plants, as outlined in international and national strategies. This study aimed to identify 10 different Mentha species based on morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding. Morphological traits, including leaf blade shape, leaf margin, leaf apex, and flower color, were assessed to identify species-specific characteristics. Quantitative analysis revealed significant variation in stem length (ranging from 20 to 65 cm), leaf area (15–45 cm²), and chlorophyll index (25–45 SPAD units). Molecular characterization involved DNA barcoding using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. The results revealed significant morphological diversity, classified into three distinct groups using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) analysis. ITS markers proved effective in assessing genetic diversity and phylogeny, confirming the species' identities with 95–100% similarity to Gene Bank sequences. Results indicated significant differences among the studied Mentha species, leading to their clustering into three distinct groups according to UPGMA analysis. This research highlights the importance of genetic characterization for conserving Mentha species and underscores the potential of DNA barcoding in overcoming the limitations of traditional taxonomic methods.

Millets, resilient and nutritionally rich crops, are increasingly recognized for their potential in sustainable agriculture. Ammonium transporter (AMTs) gene family significantly contribute to the absorption and transport of NH₄⁺ form of nitrogen in plants. The information about the structure and function of ammonium transporter genes in millet species is lacking. The millet crops such as pearl millet, proso millet, finger millet, sorghum, foxtail millet and green foxtail millet exhibit genetic variation in AMTs, which can be harnessed to improve NUE. Thus, genomic sequences of the six millet species were used and a total of 53 AMT genes were identified. Further, comprehensive analysis of chromosomal distribution, transmembrane structure prediction, presence of exons and introns, domain and motif organization, phylogeny, and synteny analysis were carried out. The phylogenetic analysis illustrated that millet AMTs belong to two subfamilies AMT1 and AMT2 (AMT2/AMT3/AMT4). Ka/Ks analysis showed that segmental duplications have contributed considerably in the evolution of millet AMTs. Phylogenetic classification of members of Poaceae using the amino acid sequences of AMT1.1 genes confirms the speciation patterns shown by matK gene sequence. Promoter analysis of millet AMTs showed presence of cis-elements related to light response, anaerobic induction, growth hormones, drought stress, biotic stress and several endogenous signals related to plant growth and development. This research provides insights into the structural and functional aspects of ammonium transporter genes in millets, and will serve as a foundation for utilizing AMTs for devising NUE strategies.

Graphical abstract

Citrus is one of the prominent horticultural crops that is highly consumed by people around the world. Being located near the equator, Indonesia has several mandarin citrus genotypes, including siam and keprok citrus, which remain poorly characterized. Hence, assessing of their genetic diversity will help us identify genotypes that possess important traits suitable for breeding programs. The objective of this study were to analyze the genetic diversity of Indonesia’s local mandarin citrus genotypes using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers and compare the robustness of those markers in genetic diversity analysis. Thirty-seven mandarin genotypes consisting of 7 siam cultivars, 28 keprok cultivars, and 2 cultivars derived from their hybridization, were subjected to genetic diversity analysis using 20 SSR and SCoT markers. The number of alleles detected by SCoT markers was higher than by SSR markers. SCoT markers accounted for 119 alleles, while SSR markers accounted for 99 alleles. The number of alleles at each locus detected by SCoT and SSR markers varied from 4 to 9 and 2 to 7, respectively. In addition, 15 SCoT and 13 SSR markers with Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values greater than 0.5 were identified, which indicated their potential as highly informative markers in citrus breeding programs. The phylogenetic tree and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) plot constructed from SSR and SCoT markers revealed differentiation between the siam and keprok cultivars. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) results indicated that there was greater genetic variation within populations than among populations, thus suggesting extensive cross-pollination in the citrus genotypes studied. The population structure, as indicated by the highest delta K value of K = 2 in SSR markers and K = 3 in SCoT markers, showed evidence of gene flow occurred among citrus populations. The findings have implication for future citrus breeding.