Genetic resources of the genus Cucumis and their morphological description (English-Czech version)

The use of crop genetic resources in improvement programmes should be the ultimate objective of all undertakings in the field of germplasm resources. The present situation and future direction of the use of crop germplasm in China was assessed from responses to a questionnaire distributed to 165 plant breeders and curators nationwide. The general opinions for the limiting factors of germplasm utilization were also evaluated. Responses from the questionnaire indicated that the use of germplasm in breeding programmes is much more important than the direct use of germplasm in crop production as cultivars released. Among different types of crop genetic resources, released varieties and breeding lines contribute more to crop breeding. Wild relatives and genetic stocks, however, are expected to play a greater role in the future. Landraces will remain important in improvement. Limited useful germplasm available to breeders is the basic reason for the insufficient use of germplasm in crop breeding at present. The complex reasons which affect the availability of useful germplasm involve the research level, links between breeder and curator and others. To counter these, we propose some suggestions and measures which can be implemented in the near future.

PROBLEMS SOLUTION OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION OF EISENIA CULTURAL POPULATIONS

Of about 100 Lactuca species, there are only 22 represented in world gene bank collections. The description of morphological and other important features of wild lettuce accessions and a correct taxonomic ranging increase their potential successful utilization. A broad study of 22 wild Lactuca species, their morphology, anatomy, karyology, DNA content and isozyme variation, and a search of large number of literature sources (description keys, floras, monographs) provided a base for an elaboration of a descriptor set. This set consists of 88 descriptors and 24 of them are elucidated by figures. It provides a tool for Lactuca species characterization and determination and for a discrimination of an infraspecific variation. Obtained data can be used for description of wild Lactuca genetic resources and also for research purposes.

IntroductionInstitute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants (INF&MP) is involved in gathering and evaluation of genetic resources of flax (Linum usitatissimumL.), hemp (Cannabis sativaL.) and medicinal plants, because Poland has signed the Convention on Biological Diversity. Field trials were carried out in 1990–2001 in the Experimental Station in Wojciechów located in Opolskie region. The research material was accessions of genetic resources from the collection of flax, stored at the Institute of Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute in Radzików near Warsaw.ObjectiveThe aim of the publication was to evaluate the following biological features of flax: time of beginning of flowering and vegetation period to yellow maturity.MethodsThe characteristics data for flax accessions are presented according to the methodology of development of the International Flax Database. Each flax accessions from the world collection of flax genetic resources received one of the following assessments of two vegetation periods: very short, short, medium, long and very long. Descriptors of biological features of flax were used, presented in “List of flax descriptors (L. usitatissimumL.)” edited by Janka Nozkova, published in 2011. These descriptors are used to develop the International Flax Database, which in turn helps in the rapid evaluation of theL. usitatissimumgenetic resource collection. Carrying out a detailed characterization of biological features ofL. usitatissimumaccessions is very helpful for breeders in selecting genetic material for breeding new varieties of flax.ResultsThe following results were obtained from the time of the beginning of flowering and the vegetation period to yellow maturity. Time of beginning of flowering was the following: very short – 0 accessions, short – 97 accessions, medium – 20 accessions, long – 2 accessions and very long – 0 accessions of flax. The genotypes tested were characterized by the following results in terms of vegetation period from sowing to yellow maturity: very short – 0, short – 37, medium – 62, long – 0 and very long – 0 accessions of flax.ConclusionsTime of beginning of flowering and the vegetation period to yellow maturity shall be revalorised to the International Flax Database for thoseL. usitatissimumaccessions that did not receive the same assessment of the biological features tested in the two or three years of the study.

Genetic resources form the basis of the new era of global food security. The food crises in many developing countries, reflected by food riots correlated with food prices, have been termed the Silent Tsunami. Plant genetic resources are clearly essential to food security for the future. Fortunately, genetic resources are generally considered a public good and shared internationally. Wild relatives of crop species and their derivatives represent the reservoir of genetic diversity that will help to meet the food demands of nine billion people by 2050. New technologies from genomics bolster conventional plant breeding for enhancing traits to meet these food demands. Genetic diversity is the lifeblood of traditional and modern plant breeding. The dramatic increase in the number of biotech crops reveals the value of new genetic resources. Genetic resources will provide a gateway to a new era of global food security. Although 7.4 million plant accessions are stored in 1750 germplasm banks around the world, only a small portion of the accessions has been used so far to produce commercial varieties. Our challenge is to find better ways to make more efficient use of gene bank materials for meeting food demands in the future.

Traditional plant breeding is based on the observation of variation and the selection of the best phenotypes, whereas modern breeding is characterised by the use of controlled mating and the selection of descendants using molecular markers. In this work, a comparative analysis of genetic diversity in a traditional (Tunisian) and a modern (Spanish) apricot breeding programme was performed at the phenotypic and molecular level using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Seven phenotypic traits were evaluated in 42 Tunisian apricot accessions and 30 genotypes from the Spanish apricot programme. In addition, 20 SSR markers previously described as linked to specific phenotypic traits were assayed. Results showed that modern breeding using controlled crosses increases the size of the fruit. The fruit weight average observed in the Tunisian cultivars was of 20.15 g. In the case of traditional Spanish cultivars the average weight was 47.12 g, whereas the average weight of the other progenitors from France, USA and South Africa was 72.85 g. Finally, in the new releases from the CEBAS-CSIC breeding programme, the average weight was 72.82 g. In addition, modern bred cultivars incorporate desirable traits such as self-compatibility and firmness. Cluster and structural analysis based on SSR data clearly differentiates the genotypes according to their geographic origin and pedigree. Finally, results showed an association between some alleles of PaCITA7 and UDP96003 SSR markers with apricot fruit weight, one allele of UDAp407 marker with fruit firmness and one allele of UDP98406 marker with fruit ripening.

Due to historical background of vegetation development, geographical position, climate and relief, Serbia represents one of the 158 world biodiversity centres, based upon the number of plant species and territory size (biodiversity index 0.72). Large areas in Serbia are under natural grasslands and pastures, composed of forage grass species, and important as source of natural plant genetic diversity and germplasm for breeding. These eco-systems represent basic prerequisites for sustainable forage production, but very low potential of them is utilized and genetic resources are not protected. Family Poaceae is present in Serbia flora with 70 genera and among them from the aspect of forage production and quality, the most important are perennial Festuca, Lolium, Dactylis, Phleum, Bromus, Arrhenatherum, Poa and Agrostis species. Most of these grasses have been bred in Serbia and lot of cultivars were released. These cultivars contain autochthonous Serbian material and represent great and important resource of genetic variability. Therefore, collecting of new samples which are acclimatised to local eco-geographical conditions and including them in plant ex situ gene bank is of exceptional importance for further utilization in different plant breeding programmes as well as genetic resources protection. These autochthonous populations have natural variability and very often have satisfactory yielding performance in comparison with introduced cultivars, which referred them for direct phenotypic selection for cultivars release. Broadening of forage grasses genotypes collection is permanent objective of Serbian scientists. Collected accessions are being characterized and evaluated for important phenological, morphological and agronomical traits. In this paper genetic resources of forage grass species, their diversity and potentials, state of the grasses gene banks, as well as possibility for breeding of new cultivars has been analysed.

This project aims at obtaining knowledge and tools for the development of varieties resistant to the main diseases in South America, by (i) characterising and evaluating available genetic resources (botanical and agromorphological description, nuclear and cytoplasmic DNA characterisation), (ii) studying the genetic structure of the genus Ananas, (iii) developing and applying resistance screening techniques for important diseases in the region (fusariosis, fruitlet core rot, thecla, and nematodes), (iv) studying the heredity of agronom.ic traits, and (v) testing the potential of partial inbreds in breeding. In addition, the establishment of a standard database will promote information and germplasm exchange between the partners, and, later, between all the existing pineapple germplasm collections. The project, which started in 1997, has produced a first germplasm inventory, allowing exchanges and repatriation of lost germplasm. The list of descriptors has been revised. Multivariate analysis of the first morphological description produced consistent results. Molecular markers are being developed for characterisation and genetic mapping. New sources of resistance to fusariosis have been identified. Characterisation studies will provide key information to assess the genetic diversity of pineapple and understand its structure. The project will favour new uses of neglected or traditional varieties, so widening the genetic base of pineapple cultivation. The development of new breeding schemes associated with genetic mapping should greatly improve breeding efficiency, allowing transferring resistances and thence promoting integrated and more environmentally friendly control of pests and diseases. (Resume d'auteur)

Afrizon. 2015. Genetic resources potential of plantation crops as material for cultivation in Bengkulu Province. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1: 757-762. Bengkulu Province has a wealth of genetic resources of plantation crops. Some of these genetic resources have already been successfully developed. The objective of this research was to determine the diversity of genetic resources of plantation crops and the potential for development for the agricultural businesses in Bengkulu Province. This research was conducted in five districts of Bengkulu Province, namely North Bengkulu, South Bengkulu, Central Bengkulu, Seluma and Kaur, in February to May 2014. The method used was a field survey to various types of plantation plant genetic resources in the resident's farm yard area which selected as a location sample. The site sample selection was done purposively from each district by using 30 plots. Therefore, the total number of locations surveyed were 150 plots. The data observed were the species and the number of existing plantation crops. The data was then tabulated and analyzed for the diversity by using Shannon Index to measure the diversity index of plant genetic resources in the region. Further, the data was analyzed to determine the plant species which potentially as genetic resources of plantation crops to be developed. The results of the study showed (i) the description of plant genetic resources of plantation crops in Bengkulu Province; (ii) there were 25 families of plants with 61 species of plantation crops with the diversity index of 3.45; and (iii) the genetic resources of plantation crops in Bengkulu Province was dominated by the coconut (Cocos nucifera), therefore this commodity was potential to be cultivated and developed in the farming community.

Prospects of using amaranth Amaranthus caudatus L. as an oil culture in southern Ukraine

Among the most important users of plant genetic resources, conserved predominantly in public genebanks around the world, are public and private plant breeders. Through their breeding efforts, they contribute significantly to global, regional, and local food and nutrition security. Plant breeders need genetic diversity to be able to develop competitive new varieties that are adapted to the changing environmental conditions and suit the needs of consumers. To ensure continued and timely access to the genetic resources that contain the required characteristics and traits, plant breeders established working collections with breeding materials and germplasm for the crops they were breeding. However, with the changing and increasingly more restrictive access conditions, triggered by new global legal instruments like the Convention on Biological Diversity/Nagoya Protocol and the International Treaty, plant breeders started to establish their own genebanks at the turn of the 21st century. This paper analyses the conditions that contributed to this situation as well as the historical ways that plant breeders used to acquire the germplasm they needed. Public genebanks played and continue to play a conducive role in providing genetic resources to users, including private-sector plant breeders. However, also the practices of the germplasm curators to collect and distribute germplasm were affected by the new legal framework that had been developed in global fora. It is against this background that the complementarity and collaboration between public and private sector genebanks have been assessed. Whenever possible, vegetable genetic resources and vegetable private breeding companies have been used to analyze and illustrate such collaboration. The authors look at reported successful examples of collaborative efforts and consider opportunities and approaches under which such collaboration can be established and strengthened to ensure the continued availability of the building blocks for food and nutrition security.

The fish fauna of the Gilmimliveem River (the Bering Sea basin) includes five taxa of species and subspecies ranks: Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus signifer, resident (landlocked) dwarf Dolly Varden trout Salvelinus malma, relict three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus cf. aculeatus, the nine-spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius, and the western slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus cognatus. Arctic grayling and nine-spined stickleback were found for the first time. Two rare Beringian subspecies are recorded (T. arcticus signifier and C. cognatus cognatus) and a local endemic of Northeast Asia (G. cf. aculeatus). A morphological description, some features of the biology and current state of populations of freshwater fish of a unique ecosystem of thermal mineral springs of the Gilmimliveem River are presented for the first time. The linear growth of these fish on the Chukchi Peninsula of the Russian Arctic (the northeastern edge of the Asian continent) is discussed.

The pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is very popular annual vegetable either for fresh consume either as spice after drying and grinding. The fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C, provitamin A, E, P (citrin), B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin). Crop Research Institute (CRI), Department of Ve­ge­ta­ble and Special Crops, Olomouc, the Czech Republic is the holder of the collection of pepper genetic resources. The collection of pepper consists of 504 accessions, currently. It is necessary to find duplications within collection for effective work with genetics resources. For analyses totally 41 accessions were chosen. These were divided into ten groups according name: 1. Astrachanskij, 2. Aufrechte Cayenne, 3. Bogyisloi, 4. Hatvani, 5. Japan Hontakka, 6. Japan Madarszen, 7. Kalocsai Fuszer (Edes), 8. Konservnyj Belyj 289, 9. Tetenyi and 10. Vinedale. Two approaches were used for the detection of duplications – morphological description and polymorphism of DNA. The accessions were characterized for 54 morphological traits: 1 character in seedlings, 8 characters in the plants, 10 characters in leaves, 10 characters in flowers and 25 characters in fruits. The polymorphism of DNA was analysed using the SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) method with 8 SSR markers (Hpms 1-1, Hpms 1-5, Hpms 1-168, Hpms 1-172, Hpms 1-274, Hpms 2-21, Cams 163 and Cams 647) which are localised on different chromosomes. The results from DNA analysis were complemented with the morphological characterization. Possible duplications were in 4 groups: 1. Astrachanskij, 4. Hatvani, 5. Japan Hontakka and 7. Kalocsai Fuszer (Edes). This work is the first step for the determination of duplications in the Czech germplasm collection of pepper.

The study and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGR) in the Czech Republic has a long tradition. Since 1993, the efforts on PGR have been concentrated within the National Programme on Plant Genetic Resources. Twelve institutions hold a total of 50 000 accessions; 18.4% of which are vegetatively reproduced species. The Crop Research Institute (CRI), Prague, has overall responsibility for coordinating the Programme, holds more than a half of all accessions in the Czech collections, runs the national information system on PGR, and provides long-term storage for all seed-propagated species (inclusive the routine cryo-bank for selected vegetatively reproduced crops). All of the Czech collections are fully documented with passport data. Evaluation data sets (based on National Descriptor Lists) are available for 65% of the accessions. Intensive characterization and evaluation of genetic resources is performed to facilitate their use in breeding and agriculture. Each year, between 2400 and 5500 samples of PGR are provided to users. We make efforts to extend users’ access to genetic resources. The collecting missions within the Czech territory, including the conservation and monitoring of valuable resources in situ, contribute to the preservation of valuable local resources. International collaborations operate on global, regional and bilateral levels; a guaranty of the international exchange of genetic resources is a fundamental policy. All Czech institutions dealing with plant genetic resources are involved in the European Cooperative Programme on Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR).

BackgroundThe management of farm animal genetic resources and the adaptation of animals to climate change will probably have major effects on the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector. Genomic data harbour useful relevant information that needs to be harnessed for effectively managing genetic resources. In this paper, we report the genome characterization of the highly productive Mediterranean Chios dairy sheep and focus on genetic diversity measures related with local adaptation and selection and the genetic architecture of animal resilience to weather fluctuations as a novel adaptative trait linked to climate change.ResultsWe detected runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity (ROHet) that revealed multiple highly homozygous and heterozygous hotspots across the Chios sheep genome. A particularly highly homozygous region was identified on chromosome 13 as a candidate of directional genetic selection associated with milk traits, which includes annotated genes that were previously shown to be linked to local adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. Favourable heterozygosity related with a potentially protective role against livestock diseases and enhanced overall fitness was revealed in heterozygous-rich regions on sheep chromosomes 3, 10, 13 and 19. Furthermore, genomic analyses were conducted on sheep resilience phenotypes that display changes in milk production in response to weather variation. Sheep resilience to heat stress was a significantly heritable trait (h2 = 0.26) and genetically antagonistic to milk production. Genome-wide association and regional heritability mapping analyses revealed novel genomic markers and regions on chromosome 5 that were significantly associated with sheep resilience to climate change. Subsequently, an annotation analysis detected a set of genes on chromosome 5 that were associated with olfactory receptor complexes that could participate in heat stress mitigation through changes in respiration rate and respiratory evaporation. Other genes were grouped in previously reported biological processes relevant to livestock heat dissipation, including stress and immune response.ConclusionsOur results may contribute to the optimal management of sheep genetic resources and inform modern selective breeding programmes that aim at mitigating future environmental challenges towards sustainable farming, while better balancing animal adaptation and productivity. Our results are directly relevant to the studied breed and the respective environmental conditions; however, the methodology may be extended to other livestock species of interest.