Germplasm collections of major crops include thousands of accessions whose agronomic evaluation is prevented by high costs, while their molecular characterization is getting increasingly affordable. This study aimed to assess the consistency between alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) landrace diversity measures relative to adaptation pattern, eleven morphophysiological traits, and four genotyping strategies

Sex determination in papaya plants is a practice of great importance, given the greater commercial interest in hermaphrodite plants. This process is laborious, requiring plant three to five seedlings per hill since the sex types are identified by the flowers four months after planting. The objective of the present study was to perform sexing on papaya seeds through molecular markers by collecting a

White bulb colors of onion (Allium cepa L.) are determined by the C and I loci which control the so-called recessive and dominant white bulb colors, respectively. To identify the causal gene responsible for the I locus, a combined approach of bulked segregant analysis and RNA-Seq was used in the present study. A total of 68 contigs containing homozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between

In response to the new requirements of the sugar-energy sector, sugarcane breeding programs are addressing the selection of clones for different purposes, e.g., sucrose production, ethanol production for first-generation (1G) and second-generation (2G) biofuels. Consequently, agronomic variables such as fiber content, sucrose content and biomass yield, become more relevant in the selection process

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a crop that has high potential to be used for bioenergy generation. The objective of this study was to introgression of the bmr6 allele in elite lines of biomass sorghum and to obtain experimental “brown midrib” hybrids. Three genetic materials belonging to the Embrapa Maize and Sorghum Breeding Program were used. Two backcross programs were conducted separately, in which

The study of the potential of a plant population makes the selection of a breeding program more efficient, allowing satisfactory genetic gains and identifying the potential of this population, among others, for advances in generations. The genetic potential of Eucalyptus benthamii is still poorly studied. This species has relevant characteristics for increasing productivity, frost tolerance and, mainly

The wild relatives of crops represent a rich reservoir of genes for introducing resilience to climate change into cultivated crops. To introgress genes from Sinapis alba, a wild relative of Brassicaceae, into Brassica juncea, a cultivated member of this family, we initially produced somatic hybrids between the two species and then produced a large number of backcross populations involving the two somatic

Few resistance genes providing defence against the major fungal diseases septoria tritici blotch (STB), septoria nodorum blotch, leaf rust (LR), and an emerging wheat blast disease have been identified in durum wheat. We identified sixteen fungal disease-associated QTL through genome-wide association mapping of 180 inbred lines sampled from a durum wheat Composite Cross-population. Two STB resistance-associated

The consequences of recurrent drought events compared with a single drought and its interaction with deliberate selfing, compared with open-pollination on post-stress recovery, persistence, and drought memory, are not understood in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). A long term study was started by creating 25 selfed (S1) and 25 open-pollinated progeny of orchardgrass in 2012. Populations were studied

Distant hybridization can enrich the genetic background and diversity of crops by combining different species, and integrate the favorable parental traits or create heterosis. In the present study, intergeneric hybridization was performed between radish and turnip and between radish and Chinese kale by hand emasculation followed by tissue culture of putative hybrid seeds. A total of three and one hybrids

In the maize producing regions of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), compounding effects of genotype-by-environment interaction have necessitated breeding maize for outstanding performance and stability across varying environments. This study was conducted to assess the performance and stability of late-maturing cultivars and their respective hybrids evaluated under contrasting environments in the tropical

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L. Walp) is an important grain legume for human and livestock nutrition, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae), is one of the most widespread and destructive insect pests of cowpea and host-plant resistance is an effective approach to minimize the pest damage at seedling stage. This study was aimed at identifying resistant sources

Little attention has been paid to indigenous plum accessions and their distribution in many parts of Iran despite their importance as genetic resources and sources of germplasm. In this study, we used morphological and pomological characteristics to elucidate the phenotypic diversity of 79 autochthonous plum (Prunus domestica L.) accessions. Significant differences were observed among the accessions

Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum kahawae destroys about 80% of the crop on susceptible Coffea arabica cultivars if no control is applied. Resistance to CBD is governed by three genes: T, R that are dominant, and the recessive k in varieties Hibrido de Timor, Rume Sudan (RS), and K7 respectively. The marker for the T-gene had earlier been identified. The study

Multi-environment testing at five locations for rust and late leaf spot (LLS) resistance with 41 introgressed lines (ILs) bred using marker-assisted backcross breeding in the genetic background Spanish-type groundnut varieties identified significant genotype, and genotype × environment interactions (GEI) for LLS disease resistance and yield parameters. Significant GEI effects suggest the need to identify

Agronomic performance of maize is subject to genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI), necessitating multi-environment evaluation to identify superior genotypes. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adaptation range of hybrids developed from crossing tropical with temperate maize lines for improving yield stability and select hybrids with broad and specific adaptation in five sites across

Common bunt (CB), caused by Tilletia caries and T. foetida, and dwarf bunt (DB), caused by T. controversa, are particularly destructive diseases of wheat grown under organic (low-input) production conditions and negatively affect both grain yield and quality. A total of 16 race specific bunt resistance genes have been proposed to date. Thereof, only Bt9 and Bt10 have been mapped so far. A mapping and

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important crop for starch production, and recently much effort has been directed towards improving its starch properties. Waxy cassava starch has some advantages over starch from other sources due to its neutral flavor and pasting properties. The genetic inheritance of the waxy starch phenotype is considered to be monogenic and recessive; however, it is possible

In the above-mentioned publication, an unfortunate mistake occurred in the title as the scientific name of maize should read: Zea mays L.. The original article has been corrected, and the proper title is also provided here.

The identification of stable and adaptable high yielding cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) and highly discriminative environments will be useful for elite cultivar development in South Africa. Two statistical models, the Additive main effects multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and the genotype, genotype by environment biplot analysis have been used extensively to identify superior genotypes and

Sclerotinia rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a devastating disease on oilseed rape and mustard worldwide. While the focus to effectively control yield losses from Sclerotinia has been on locating stem resistance, resistance to leaf and to early (cotyledon) stage resistance to this pathogen are also important, both not only limiting additional plant damage, but also inoculum

Conventional American cultivars of coffee are no longer adapted to global warming. Finding highly productive and stable cultivars in different environments without neglecting quality characteristics has become a priority for breeders. In this study, new Arabica F1 hybrids clones were compared to conventional American varieties in seven contrasting environments, for yield, rust incidence and volume

Pollen genotype selection for genes expressed in both the haploid and diploid phases of the plant life cycle can lead to correlated responses detectable in the sporophyte. Here, Impact of pollen selection for heat tolerance was assessed in segregating population of maize. Two subsets of F1 were made among which one was self-fertilized with heat treated pollen grains while other set by normal pollen

Salinity stress is the most prominent stress impacting rice productivity worldwide. In the past, several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for salinity tolerance had been identified in rice, however their utilization in rice breeding programs is largely confounded due to the unwanted linkage drag associated with the QTL region. Thus, it is strongly desirable to delimit the QTL region to a least possible

In common bean breeding programs, experiments are conducted in different environments to select plants with high potential for inbred lines extraction and/or recombination. The occurrence of genetic and/or statistical unbalance is common in these experiments. Moreover, there may be (co)variance between genetic and non-genetic effects when treatments are assessed in different environments. Our aim was

In winter oilseed rape shoot elongation before winter is considered as a critical component of the complex trait winter hardiness. Genotypes with an enhanced shoot length before winter are very much prone to frost damage. However, it is not known to which extent shoot elongation before winter is related to vernalization requirement. Shoot length measured 3 months after sowing of winter oilseed rape

Plant breeders evaluate large numbers of breeding lines/accessions and measure various traits in the field in order to identify and select elite genotypes with high yield. Therefore, information on highly correlated yield-related traits and simple high-throughput methods to predict grain yield would be useful for rice breeders. The objective of this study was to examine the usefulness of various traits

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a forage legume of great interest because of its role in milk production schemes. Although it has the potential to be cultivated in different edaphoclimatic regions, the fodder production in tropical regions is limited. The objectives of this study were to perform phenotypic and molecular characterization of alfalfa germplasm, to examine the relationship between dissimilarity

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major disease of wheat in many wheat-growing regions affecting wheat yield and quality. Glenn is arguably the most FHB-resistant spring wheat cultivar in the USA. To decipher the genetics of FHB resistance in Glenn, a population of 112 recombinant inbred lines was developed from the cross Glenn × MN00261-4 and evaluated for various FHB related traits at multiple locations

The doubled haploid system is the fastest way of hybrid variety production and plays an important role in breeding programs and developmental studies. The most commonly used methods of haploid induction, leading to haploid plants in vitro through the plant tissue/cell culture, are named as the in vitro -based (IVB) methods. These methods have been established in many of the important crops, such as

The genus Cynodon includes species that have huge potential to produce high-quality fodder, for grazing and hay production. In perennial forage breeding, selection should be performed based on repeated measurements in the same individual over time, which maximizes the selective efficiency. Thus, the objectives of this study were to estimate the coefficients of repeatability and optimal number of measures

In partnership with the University of California—UCDavis, this study intends to develop downy mildew-resistant grape cultivars with good agronomic traits. Hence, the goals of this research were to estimate the genetic parameters, via REML/BLUP, of variables related to downy mildew resistance in a population composed of 63 interspecific hybrids and to select promising clones on the basis of genotypic

The upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm lines BARBREN-713, having the Renbarb1 and Renbarb2 quantitative trait loci (QTL), and LONREN, carrying the Renlon QTL, have introgressed resistance to reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveria). Stunting has been observed in the LONREN source of resistance when subjected to heavy nematode pressure but not for BARBREN-713. To

The interspecific hybridization was performed between five tulip cultivars, including ‘Judith Leyster,’ ‘World’s Favorite,’ ‘Heart of Poland,’ ‘Crispa Fabio’ and ‘Jumbo Pink,’ and five wild species, including Tulipa thianschanica Regel, T. sinkiangensis Z. M. Mao, T. altaica Pall. ex Spreng, T. buhseana Boiss. and T. schrenkii Regel., to explore the cross-compatibility between tulip cultivars and wild

Contamination of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) in grains continues to be a problem in outcrossing plants like rye, especially in years of favorable infection (cold, rainy) conditions. The problem is not the yield loss, but the contamination of the grains by toxic alkaloids leading to strict critical values within the European Union. This study was conducted to (1) partition the variation of genotype,

Asian soybean rust (ASR) is one of the most important diseases in soybean and is responsible for large economic losses. However, the use of tolerant genotypes is a sustainable strategy to address this issue. The aims of this study were to evaluate the tolerance to ASR across agronomic traits and to characterize the genetic control of the tolerance to this disease. We evaluated 257 inbreed lines from

The use of iron-efficient rootstocks can be a sustainable way to enhance iron (Fe) fruit content in tomato. A hybrid tomato variety was grafted on a genotyped population of recombinant inbred lines derived from Solanum pimpinellifolium, and compared with self- and non-grafted controls under low iron (5.2 µM) growing conditions. Rootstock effects on total fruit yield, fruit [Fe] and yield Fe content

Cassava is widely consumed in many areas of Africa, including Ghana, and is a major part of most household diets. These areas are characterized by rampant malnutrition, because the tuberous roots are low in nutritional value. Provitamin A biofortified cassava varieties have been developed by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, but adoption of these varieties in Ghana will largely

Efficient production and use of doubled haploid lines can greatly accelerate genetic gains in maize breeding programs. One of the critical steps in standard doubled haploid line production is doubling the haploid genome using toxic and costly mitosis-inhibiting chemicals to achieve fertility in haploids. Alternatively, fertility may be spontaneously restored by natural chromosomal doubling, although

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola is a serious pest in rice affecting production in many rice growing areas. Natural host resistance is an attractive control strategy because the speed of the parasite's life cycle and the broad host range it attacks make other control measures challenging. Although resistance has been found in the domesticated African rice Oryza glaberrima and the wild

After drought, a major challenge to smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa is low-fertility soils with poor nitrogen (N)-supplying capacity. Many challenges in this region need to be overcome to create a viable fertilizer market. An intermediate solution is the development of maize varieties with an enhanced ability to take up or utilize N in severely depleted soils, and to more efficiently use

Protein content is a key quality trait for the potato starch industry. The objective of this study was to identify allele-specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for tuber protein content in cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at the tetraploid level. We analysed 496 full-sib F1 clones in a 3-year field trial to dissect the complex genetic architecture of soluble tuber protein content. Genotypic

Wild relatives of tomato possess effective means to deal with several pests, among which are a variety of insects. Here we studied the presence of resistance components against Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Myzus persicae, Frankliniella occidentalis, and Spodoptera exigua in the Lycopersicon group of Solanum section Lycopersicon by means of bioassays and comprehensive metabolite profiling. Broad spectrum

Usually, mapping studies in potato are performed with segregating populations from crosses between highly heterozygous diploid or tetraploid parents. These studies are hampered by a high level of genetic background noise due to the numerous segregating alleles, with a maximum of eight per locus. In the present study, we aimed to increase the mapping efficiency by using progenies from diploid inbred

Plant breeding collects, induces and rearranges genetic diversity followed by selection. Breeding may contribute to diversity in farmers' fields or significantly reduce it. History has numerous examples of both. The diversity of many crops have gone through domestication, dispersal and modernization bottlenecks. Between these major decreasing processes, diversity has picked up through different evolutionary

A marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) program was undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa to improve grain yield under drought-stress in 10 biparental tropical maize populations. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the performance of C1S2-derived hybrids obtained after three MARS cycles (one cycle of recombination (C1), followed by two generations of selfing (S2), and to study yield

Yield under drought stress is a highly complex trait with large influence to even a minor fluctuation in the environmental conditions. Genomics-assisted breeding holds great promise for improving such complex traits more efficiently in less time, but requires markers associated with the trait of interest. In this context, a recombinant inbred line mapping population (TAG 24 × ICGV 86031) was used to

This paper describes the isolation of wheat mutants in the hard red spring Scarlet resulting in reduced sensitivity to the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) during seed germination. ABA induces seed dormancy during embryo maturation and inhibits the germination of mature seeds. Wheat sensitivity to ABA gradually decreases with dry after-ripening. Scarlet grain normally fails to germinate when fully

Genes which confer partial resistance to the rusts in wheat figure prominently in discussions of potential durable resistance strategies. The positional cloning of the first of these genes, Lr34/Yr18 and Yr36, has revealed different protein structures, suggesting that the category of partial resistance genes, as defined by phenotype, likely groups together suites of functionally heterogenous genes

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s10681-017-2040-z.].