Advanced Lines Research Articles

Registration of New Bread Wheat Variety (Biftu) for Low to Mid-Altitude Wheat-Producing Areas of Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, wheat (Triticum Sp.) is cultivated on a total area of 2.1 million (1.7 million ha for rain fed and 0.4 million ha for irrigated areas) hectares of land; the annual total production is 6.7 million tons of grains during 2022. Recently released commercial wheat varieties have higher genetic gain for economic trait than the older varieties. Forty-seven advanced genotypes and three standard checks were tested across different environments from 2019 to 2020 in Ethiopia. The genotypes were arranged in row column design with three replications. Analysis of variance and mean separation were carried out to differentiate the significance difference in genotypes. The results revealed that the advanced genotypes viz. BW173528 and EBW17-365 had significantly higher for grain yield than the other genotypes. In addition, BW173528 has better diseases resistance than the checks; Deka, Kakaba and Kingbird. Therefore, this genotype was tested and verified on farmers’ fields in 2021. Based on its performance and good quality traits the advanced line BW173528 was released for production in low moisture stress areas of Ethiopia and named as: Biftu.

Multivariate analysis among indigenous and exotic advanced inbred lines of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) for genetic improvement

Evaluation and validation of 358 Indian-origin and exotic inbred lines of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was done over two years toidentify trait-specific inbreds with desirable agronomical features for genetic improvement. The analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among the genotypes for most of the agronomic traits studied, which favor selection. Positive correlations were recorded among the various characters in the improvement of seed yield, particularly for plant height, head diameter, and 100 seed weight. Cluster analysis grouped 163 inbreds under Cluster V, which included genotypes with medium maturity, high oil content and good yielding ability. The clustering pattern indicated the association between geographic diversity and genetic diversity. The first principal component accounted for 75% of the total variation in the population. The most important trait that contributed more to the variation in PC1 was plant height (0.989), followed by the number of leaves per plant (0.113). The second principal component accounted for 87% of the total variation and was positively associated with days to 50% flowering (0.674) and days to maturity (0.654), whereas it was negatively associated with seed yield per plant (-0312). Several trait-specific inbred lines were identified using multivariate analysis that may serve as potential breeding material/parental lines for effective utilization in the heterosis breeding programme for developing agronomically superior heterotic sunflower hybrids.

Heterotic combinations among advanced breeding lines of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present study aimed to examine the performance of hybrids developed from advanced breeding lines in brinjal. Fifty F1 hybrids including three checks of different fruit groups were evaluated for yield and quality attributes in randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences for different characters in small round, big round and long hybrids except fruit length among small round hybrids. Among small round hybrids, SR-5 × SR-9322 showed the highest heterosis for the number of fruits per plant (60.80%) and fruit yield per plant (6.17%) over the standard check PBH-3. Among big round hybrids, BR-15-2 × SR-9322, PC-123 × JG, BR-324 × SR-9322 and MR-494 × SR-6793 showed significant heterosis for a number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant in comparison to standard check PBHR-41. Among long hybrids, the hybrid combinations, BL-47 × MR-494, BL-47 × BR-21-6, BL-47 × MR-431, BL-47 × BR-1142 performed the best for fruit yield per plant overcheck hybrid PBH-5. For quality traits such as dry matter percentage, total phenols and anthocyanin, SR-5 × SR-9322 and MR-494 × SR-9322 (small round hybrids), BR-15-2 × SR-9322 and BR-1142 × SR-6793 (big round hybrids) and BL-214 × MR-319, BL-23 × MR-319 and MR-494 × BL-72 (long hybrids) performed better than their respective standard checks. The best-performing hybrids in the present investigation can further be exploited for commercial release

Appraisal of Magic Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis Studies

An investigation was carried out to estimate genetic parameters, assess association and path coefficient analysis among growth, yield and yield attributes in Multiparent Advanced Generation Intercross (MAGIC) lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). A total of 100 MAGIC lines along with seven checks were evaluated in augmented design during summer 2022 at ZAHRS, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the advanced lines for all the traits under study. The variability studies among the lines revealed a higher Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV), Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV), heritability and Genetic Advance as Percent of Mean (GAM) for majority of traits. The correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that traits tillers per plant, productive tillers per plant, panicle length, number of spikelets per panicle, number of filled grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, test weight and length/breadth ratio were positively associated with yield. Selection of lines with higher filled grains per panicle would be effective for yield improvement program along with the higher percentages of productive tillers per plant, panicle length and spikelet fertility.

Insights into progress of wheat breeding in arid and infertile areas of China in the last 14 years

Contextor problem: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop driving food security, but its production is hampered by drought and low soil fertility, which are worsening due to climate change. Understanding genetic gain and its closely related traits of wheat varieties in arid areas will provide a meaningful reference for optimizing breeding strategies. ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the genetic yield gain of wheat breeding materials based on robust data from National Wheat Regional Trials in arid and infertile areas of China over the past 14 years, and screened agronomic traits that contributed to grain yield (GY) increase. MethodsThe trials were conducted at 17 sites in five provinces with Jinmai 47 as the check variety. The temporal variation trends of GY were assessed by regression analysis using the GY of Jinmai 47 as the covariate. The analysis of Pearson's correlation, path coefficient, and principal component were performed to investigate the association between GY and agronomic traits. ResultsAverage GY of advanced lines (ALs) and certified varieties (CVs) were 4377.3 kg ha−1 and 4647.7 kg ha−1, respectively and the breeding-driven yield gains of ALs and CVs were estimated as 28.2 kg ha−1 year−1 and 17.8 kg ha−1 year−1, accounting for 36.1% and 28.3% of the total observed yield gain, respectively. The effective spike number (ESN) and plant height (PH) are important causal traits leading to yield differences among ALs, and have pyramiding effect on GY. Remarkably, modern breeding practices have conducted positive selection for ESN and negative selection for PH. The yield stability of ALs exhibited an increasing trend, implying that genetic variations favorable for yield potential and adaptability could be pyramided by breeding. Moreover, Jinmai 47 has maintained its advantage in terms of yield stability, ranking in the top three of all ALs in nine years of trials. ConclusionsIn arid and infertile areas of China during 2007–2020, approximately one-third of wheat yield gains rely on genetic yield potential improvement, and ESN and PH were the key traits confer yield gap among ALs. Jinmai 47 is an excellent germplasm resource with high and stable yield that may provide essential gene pool for wheat improvement. Implications or signifcanceThis study reveals the current wheat breeding situation in terms of yield and agronomic traits in the arid and infertile areas of China, and provides valuable information for the development and deployment of new-generation wheat varieties.

Screening of advanced breeding lines of castor against sucking pests

Sucking pests viz., leafhopper and thripsare the major yield limiting biotic factors in castor. Growing resistant cultivars is an effective, eco-friendly and economical approach to manage these insect pests. Thirty three advanced breeding lines of castor were screened against the sucking pests along with susceptible and resistant checks during late kharif 2021.Among the 33 advanced lines screened, nine lines viz., MHC-9, JHB-1080, JHB-1098, SHB1075, JHB-1099, SLCH-286, MHC-46, MHC-26 and ICH-277 exhibited highly resistant reaction to leafhopper (hopper burn grade 0 on 0-4 scale). Eight lines viz., MHC-9, JHB-1080, ICH-901, JHB-1099, MHC-46, MHC-26, SHB-1073 and ICH-277 were found promising against thrips.

Diallel approach for estimating hybrid superiority and combining ability of indigenous advanced breeding lines in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)

Diallel approach for estimating hybrid superiority and combining ability of indigenous advanced breeding lines in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)

Phenotypic characterization, plant growth and development, genome methylation, and mineral elements composition of neotetraploid lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).

Stable neotetraploid lines of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were produced from three phenotypically distinct cultivars (Annapolis, Eruption, Merlot) and an advanced breeding line (SM13-L2) using colchicine treatment of seeds or young seedlings. When tested under the greenhouse and field conditions, neotetraploids initially grew more rapidly than their diploid progenitors, however they reached their reproductive stage (bolting, flower bud formation, and flowering) substantially later. Seeds production on neotetraploids was delayed by more than 30 days compared to diploids. Tetraploid plants had fewer, but larger stomata and leaves, less chlorophyll per area, higher photosystem II photochemical efficiency, generally lighter root system, and produced less than 1% of seeds in comparison with diploids. Field-grown neotetraploids of all lines displayed a significant reduction in tipburn (1.8% vs. 22.2%, respectively), a highly undesirable physiological disorder. Changes in leaf and root mineral composition were detected in neotetraploids. Several elements were found in lower abundance than in diploids, most notably iron, calcium, and silicon. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) revealed 498 differentially methylated regions (DMR), with 106 of these regions having at least 50% difference in the level of methylation between neotetraploids and their diploid progenitors. At least 18 of the most prominent DMR were detected in proximity to genes predicted to be involved in plant development or reaction to biotic and abiotic stressors. Because neotetraploid lines have low seed production, they are not suitable for commercial cultivation. They can be used, however, in research to study the factors contributing to tipburn, traits affected by stomata size or density, and the effect of ploidy on resistance to environmental stressors.

Development of Mungbean Genotypes for Shattering Tolerance and Correlation Analysis with Biochemical and Morphological Factors Governing Pre Harvest Sprouting

Background: Most of the mungbean genotypes are prone to shattering. The indeterminate flowering habit of this crop leads to a spread of flowering and pod maturity on a single plant over the entire reproductive phase. Consequently, pods which develop at the earliest flower may shatter prior to 100% pod maturity. Sometimes losses due to pre-harvest sprouting will be as high as 60-70%. High yielding varieties developed/identified in recent years, despite their high yield potential, could not increase/stabilize the yields of this crop due to lack of resistance to pre-harvest sprouting. Therefore, an attempt was essentially made to develop tolerant varieties to pre-harvest sprouting in the current investigation. Methods: The F2 (Healthy and well dried) seeds derived from the crosses DGGV-2 ´ Pant Moong-1 were irradiated with 60 kR gamma rays for the creation of desirable variability. The gamma rays irradiated seeds were sown in during kharif-2017 along with their respective checks to grow the F2M1 generation. Further advanced to F2M2. The individual plants were critically observed at maturity for morphological traits viz., small pod beak length and angle, thick pod wall and hard seededness that determine the tolerance to PHS. The mutant lines were compared with the parental lines viz., shattering tolerant variety Pant Moong-1 as well as susceptible variety DGGV2. The putative mutants selected and tagged in F2M2 and the seeds were harvested separately and forwarded to develop the F2M3 mutant population (1000 plants) in summer-2018. The seeds from F2M3 generation were harvested on individual plant basis and were sown. 806 progenies were sown in augmented design along with the checks in each block during kharif 2019. Thus from the population of 24812 such derived plants, genotypes with small pod beak and angle, thick pod wall, hard seededness and higher epicuticular wax and lignin content were isolated in F2M3 and F2M4. Further a total of 49 advanced breeding lines along with a known shattering susceptible check were studied for the morphometric and biochemical parameters governing the pre harvest sprouting. Result: Lower PHS was recorded in DGGV-79 (0.02%), DGGV-125 (0.02%) and DGGV 195 (0.91%). Higher phenol content was recorded in DGGV-125 (9.43 mg GA eq /g) and DGGV-79 (9.37 mg GA eq /g). Higher lignin content was recorded in DGGV-125 (6.42 mg/g) and DGGV-79 (6.10 mg GA eq /g). Further correlation analysis revealed that negative correlation of PHS was observed for epicuticular wax (r= -0.983), phenol (r= -0.892), lignin content (r= -0.981) and hard seed percentage (r= -0.942). Significant negative correlation was observed between PHS and pod wall thickness (r= -0.570). Pod beak length recorded highly significant positive correlation (r= 0.911) to PHS. Genotypes with inherent tolerance to seed shattering hold a promise to minimize yield losses due to viviparous germination.

Evaluation of durum wheat advanced lines and cultivars under different irrigation regimes

Twenty six durum wheat advanced lines and four commercial cultivars were evaluated under two, three, and four irrigation regimes (a total of 44, 56, and 70 cm of water applied, respectively) at the Norman E. Borlaug Experimental Station, Sonora, Mexico, during the fall-winter 2021-2022 crop season. The plot size consisted of two beds five meters long with two rows and separated by 80 cm. Sowing was carried out on December 15, 2021, in dry soil at the rate of 100 kg ha-1. The experimental design used was alpha lattice with three replications. The analysis of variance was performed with SAS and the mean comparison with the LSD test (p≤ 0.05). The entire experimental plots were harvested with a wintersteiger type Nr:1540-46 classic cereal thresher. The variables evaluated were: days to flowering, plant height (cm), days to physiological maturity, and grain yield (kg ha-1). Highly significant statistical differences were detected between the number of irrigations and between the genotypes evaluated; the highest grain yield was obtained with four complementary irrigations with an average of 8,428 kg ha-1, followed by three irrigations with 7,709 kg ha-1, and two irrigations with 6,788 kg ha-1. The advanced lines BCRIS/BICUM//LLARETAINIA/3/DUKEM_12/2*RASCON_21 /5/SILK_3/DIPPER_6/3/ACO89/DUKEM_4//5*ACO89/4/PLATA_7/ILBOR_1//SOMAT_3/12/ARTICO/AJAIA_3// HUALITA/10/PLATA_10/6/MQUE/4/USDA573//QFN/AA_7/3/ALBA-D/5/AVO/HUI/7/PLATA_13/8/THKNEE_11 /9/CHEN/ALTAR84/3/HUI/P and TJILKURI/3/BARJ/PAGA_2//MARA_1/BARNACLA_1/5/MOHAWK/AYSR_1/4/ RCEE_2/CMOS_3/3/GUAYACAN INIA/GUANAY//FUMA_5 showed average grain yields greater than 8 t ha-1, with 8,092 and 8,059 kg ha-1, respectively, while commercial cultivars CIRNO C2008, Don Lupe C2020, CENEB Oro C2017, and Noroeste C2021, showed 7,110, 7,663, 7,819, and 7,947 kg ha-1, respectively. The overall grain yield average was 7,641.5 kg ha-1. Minor differences were detected in days to flowering which had a range of 72-77 days with an average of 75.2, days to physiological maturity with a range of 115-120 and avg of 116.9, and plant height with a range of 83-93 cm and avg of 87.5 cm.

Incidence of black point (Alternaria sp.) in elite advanced bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) lines

Eighty four elite advanced bread wheat lines were evaluated for resistance to black point during the crop season 2015-2016 at the Norman E. Borlaug Experimental Station in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico. Sowing dates were November 12, 19 and 26, 2015. Harvest and threshing were done manually in ten spikes per line, and the evaluation by visual inspection, counting healthy and infected grains to calculate the percentage of infection. The range of infection for the first sowing date was 0 to 19.8 %, with an average of 1.9; thirty nine lines did not show infected grains; for the second date it was 0 to 32.7 %, with an average of 4.8; twenty seven lines did not show infected grains; while for the third date, it was 0 to 44.9 % with an average of 6.8, and eighteen lines did not show infected grains. Eight lines did not show infected grains in the three dates. Lines with the highest average percentage of infection were: WHEAR/KUKUNA/3/C80.1/3* BATAVIA//2*WBLL1*2/4/WBLL1/KUKUNA//TACUPETOF2001/3/UP2338*2/VIVITSI with 20.8, and WAXWING*2/ KRONSTADF2004/3/TRCH/SRTU//KACHU/4/SAUAL/YANAC//SAUAL with 20.5%. Within the infection categories based on the average of the three dates, thirty lines were within the 0.1-2.5 % infection category, fourteen within 2.6-5.0 %, twenty three within 5.1-10.0 %, and nine lines within 10.1-30.0 %. The infection average of the group was 4.5 % with a range of 0 to 20.8 %, but some lines showed high percentage of infection in the dates, like WHEAR/KUKUNA/3/C80.1/3*BATAVIA//2*WBLL1*2/4/WBLL1/KUKUNA//TACUPETOF2001/3/UP2338*2/ VIVITSI, WAXWING*2/KRONSTADF2004/3/TRCH/SRTU//KACHU/4/SAUAL/YANAC//SAUAL, and BAV92//IRENA/ KAUZ/3/HUITES/4/DOLL/5/SERI.1B//KAUZ/HEVO/3/AMAD*2/4/KIRITATI with 44.9, 44.7, and 37.1 %, respectively, in the third date.

Identification of Oryza glaberrima as a potential resistance source to rice root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola

Abstract The root-knot nematodes (RKN) (Meloidogyne graminicola) are a devastating threat to rice worldwide. The cultivated germplasm is either susceptible or moderately resistant to rice RKN. Therefore, there is a need to identify resistance sources against M. graminicola as an eco-friendly management strategy. The present study evaluated the host response of Oryza sativa genotypes comprising basmati, non-basmati improved varieties, their advanced breeding lines (83) and Oryza glaberrima accessions (42) against M. graminicola in the nematode-infested plot for two consecutive years. All O. sativa genotypes exhibited susceptible responses, while O. glaberrima accessions showed variable levels of resistance. Three of the O. glaberrima accessions (IRGC102196, IRGC102538 and IRGC102557) were highly resistant. M. graminicola significantly affected plant growth parameters in susceptible genotypes compared to resistant O. glaberrima accessions. The results were supported by histopathological studies that showed apparent giant cell formation in PR121 while penetration and development of M. graminicola juveniles were low in the O. glaberrima acc. IRGC102196. In silico analysis indicated that none of the reported nematode resistance genes from different crops had homology with the rice genome. The two anti-nematode genes (Oryzacystatin-I and Oryzacystatin-II) from O. sativa japonica revealed homology with O. sativa cv. PR121 and O. glaberrima acc. IRGC102206. Comparative analysis of these genes between PR121 and O. glaberrima acc. IRGC102206 resulted in the identification of SNPs/InDels that could be associated with nematode resistance. The identified SNPs/InDels could be validated, and further molecular studies are needed to provide insights into the resistance mechanism against rice RKN.

Pre-harvest host-resistance to Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin B1 contaminations in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oil crop in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. Pod and seed coat crack-inducing factors favour Aspergillus species infections and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of groundnut. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a toxic secondary metabolite of Aspergillus species, remains a global concern due to its human and animal health, and economic impacts. Thus, the study was conducted at Babile in 2018 with the objective to identify groundnut genotypes resistant to pre-harvest fungal infections, aflatoxin contaminations and associated effects in crop physiology. Seventeen advanced groundnut breeding lines including one commercial cultivar (Werer-961), were evaluated using randomized complete block design and completely randomized design under field and with four replications for laboratory experiments, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 analysis was carried out using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Appropriate statistical procedures, including regression, were employed for data analyses. Highly significant (p<0.01) variation existed among the genotypes for A. flavus and A. niger infections, and the AFB1 contamination ranged from 13.98 (G14) to 1990.86 ppb (G12). The more A. flavus infection, the more reduction in harvest yield and seedling vigour. Fortunately, 53 % of the test materials were found to be resistant to AFB1 production, and frighteningly, none of the AFB1 contaminated genotypes were within the acceptable limit of the lenient standard (10 ppb). All in all, the groundnut genotype (G4) was identified as a good source of pre-harvest resistance to A. flavus infection, AFB1 contamination and seedling vigour so that its inclusion in breeding programs is worthwhile utmost, specifically, in the test environment as pathogen-crop-environment interaction is natural. Since the experiment was employed at one location and for only one year, it is suggested to repeat the experiment across multiple locations and over seasons for reliable recommendation.

Preclinical Studies Demonstrating Efficacy of Tasquinimod in Models of Advanced Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) in Blastic Phase

The alarmins, S100A8 (A8) and S100A9 (A9), are low molecular weight proteins belonging to the S100 protein family. Also called calprotectins, A8 and A9 can form homodimers or heterodimers and bind Ca++. A8 and A9 are secreted into the extracellular space and plasma, where they interact with TLR4 (Toll like receptor 4), RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products) and CD33. Intracellularly, they act as Ca++ biosensors and activate NADPH oxidase, stimulating ROS production, which activates NLRP3 inflammasome. A8 and A9 also amplify the inflammatory response through TLR4, and induce inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα and IL-6, through activation of NFkB and MAP kinase pathways. A8 and A9 are highly expressed in AML, especially myelomonocytic and monocytic AML, and are associated with poor prognosis. Through scRNA-Seq analysis, A8/A9 heterocomplex was shown to be highly expressed in myeloid and stromal cells and marked progression of bone marrow fibrosis in PMF (Primary Myelofibrosis). In the murine JAK2-V617F-driven PMF model, Tasquinimod (TM, Active Biotech), an orally active, quinoline-3-carboxamide linomide analogue immune-modulatory agent was shown to bind A9, inhibiting its interaction with TLR and RAGE receptors. Notably, TM treatment reduced myeloproliferation, splenomegaly and MF in JAK2-V617F mice. Therefore, based on these findings, in present studies, we determined in vitro and in vivo efficacy of TM against cellular models of advanced MPN cell lines and patient-derived (PD) CD34+ blastic phase (BP, &amp;gt; 5% blasts in PB) MPN cells. Treatment with TM (10 to 30 µM for 96 hours) induced loss of viability in the MPN-AML SET2, HEL92.1.7 cell lines and PD MPN-BP cells, but not in normal CD34+ progenitor cells. RNA-Seq analysis showed that exposure to TM (20 µM for 16 hours) led to negative enrichment of the gene-sets of MYC and E2F targets, of mTORC1 and IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling, and of inflammatory response in PD MPN-AML cells. This was associated with log2 fold-decline in MYC, BCL2, CDK6, MPL, CCND1 and myeloperoxidase (MPO), but upregulation of mRNA of GFI1 and p21. CyTOF analysis revealed that TM treatment significantly reduced expressions of A8, A9, p-ERK, MPO, CXCR4, Cyclin D1, PU.1 and Ki67, but increased protein levels of GFI1, p21 and cleaved PARP in phenotypically defined PD, CD34+ MPN-BP cells expressing high levels of CLEC12A, CD99, CD123 but low expression of CD11b. Additionally, our findings showed that co-treatment with TM (5 to 30 µM) and ruxolitinib (250 to 1000 nM), BET inhibitor OTX015 (50 to 250 nM) or pelabresib (CPI-0610) (100 to 500 nM), or BCL2/Bcl-xL inhibitor navitoclax induced synergistic lethality in advanced MPN-BP cells exhibiting delta synergy scores of &amp;gt;1.0 (by the ZIP method). Notably, our findings also demonstrated that treatment with TM (10 or 30 mg/kg/day, by oral gavage) for 8-weeks, significantly improved survival without inducing any toxicity in immune-depleted NSG mice engrafted with PDX cells of MPN-AML with mutations in CALR and TERT. In a separate experiment on the same PDX model, treatment with TM (30 mg/kg/day) also induced significantly greater survival advantage than treatment with ruxolitinib (30 mg/kg/day) or OTX015 (30 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage. These findings clearly demonstrate preclinical efficacy of TM in advanced MPN-BP cellular models and create the rationale to further interrogate the efficacy of TM alone and in combinations with current, front-line therapies for advanced MPN with excess blasts.

Real-Life Data of Bosutinib Treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The Multi-Center Experience of the Gruppo Di Miglioramento Sicilia-Calabria

Background and rationale: Bosutinib is a second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), which has been indicated in Italy in the second line of CML treatment, since 2014. Thanks to its safety profile, bosutinib is frequently chosen as an advanced line of treatment in fragile patients. We collected retrospective data from patients treated with bosutinib in any line of TKI therapy, in order to study the role that this drug has in real-life, compared to clinical trials in terms of treatment line, dosage, toxicity and efficacy. Patients and methods: We collected data from65 chronic phase CML patients treated with bosutinib between 2015-08-18 and 2023-04-27, followed at 12 Haematology centers in Sicily and Calabria. Of these patients, 42 (64.6%) were male, and had a median follow-up of 29 months (range 1-96). Mean age at diagnosis was 62, and mean age at bosutinib start was 67. Median therapies prior bosutinib treatment was 2. Fourtyfour patients (67.7%) had cardiovascular comorbidities (CV) at diagnosis: 37 patients (55%) had at least one cardiovascular risk factor: in particular, arterial hypertension in 31 patients (70.4%), dyslipidaemia in 10 patients (22.7%), diabetes mellitus in 14 patients (31.8%), obesity (grade 3) in 2 patients (4.5%); 7 patients (10.7%) had already experienced an acute cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event. Finally, only 12 patients (18.4%) had no comorbidity at diagnosis. Mean age at the start of bosutinib for CV-risk patients was 70 years. Among 44 patients with CV risk before starting bosutinib, 38 patients were still alive (86.4%) at last follow-up. Fifteen patients with CV risk discontinued bosutinib (34%), while none presented new CV events during treatment. In terms of efficacy, however, in patients with CV risk, the median molecular response, at the last follow-up, is MR2. Results: Thirty-eight patients (58.5%) discontinued bosutinib, while 27 (41.5%) were still on treatment at the time of the last follow-up. Of the 38 patients who discontinued bosutinib, 5 discontinued due to resistance (13.8%) and 19 due to intolerance (50%). Of these 19 intolerant patients, only 1 patient discontinued bosutinib due to CV event (heart failure) and only 1 patient discontinued due to gastrointestinal toxicity (grade 3 diarrhea). Most reported toxicities were as follows: Skin Toxicity 3 pt 5%Perpheral edema 2 pt 3%Hepatototoxicity 2 pt 3% In the efficacy evaluation, early-suspenders (bosutinib treatment duration &amp;lt; 6 months) were, therefore, cut out, 55 patients (84.6%) were evaluated in this sub-analysis, 34 (61.8%) male and 21 (38.2%) female. Median age in this subanalysis is 67 years. Bosutinib was second-line treatment in 35 cases (63.6%), third-line therapy in 15 cases (27.3%), fourth-line therapy in 4 cases (7.3%). Overall, 35 patients assumed bosutinib as a second-line TKI: 22 of them were from the 1L-imatinib group (62.9%), while 13 were from the 2nd generation TKI-1L group (37.1%). Of the 22 1L-imatinib and 2L-bosutinib patients, 56.1% reached MR3 or deeper during bosutinib treatment and 38.1% reached MR4.5 or deeper. Of the 13 patients in 1L-2genTKI 2L-bosutinib group, 61.5% reached at least MR3, while 15.4% reached MR4.5 or MR5. Drop-out rate was similar between the two groups. Conclusion Bosutinib revealed to be safe in patients with CML in 2 nd and further lines of treatment, especially in terms of cardiotoxicity, even in subjects with a high CV risk at treatment initiation. Furthermore, our data revealed as most patients are currently treated with a lower dose of bosutinib than standard (median dosage 302 vs 500 mg a day), obtaining good response rates in 2 nd and further lines. Subsequent eventual dose increase is evaluated on the basis of the molecular response.

Effect of Genotype-by-Environment Interaction on Oil and Oleic Fatty Acid Contents of Cultivated Peanuts

Twenty-seven genotypes of varieties and advanced breeding lines were grown in two locations in three years with three replications to estimate the effects of the genotype-by-environment interaction (G × E) on the oil and oleic fatty acid contents of cultivated peanuts. Oil and oleic fatty acid contents were quantified using NMR and GC, respectively. The tested lines were genotyped with functional SNP markers from the FAD2A and FAD2B genes using real-time PCR and classified into four genotypes. The results indicated that Alabama was the environment that better discriminated the test genotypes during the year 2012. Eight promising selected genotypes #12, #15, ARSOKR, Brantley, GaHO, M04-149, M04-48, and SunO97R showed wide adaptation and high-oleic acids of 83.02%, 81.32%, 82.03%, 81.15%, 79.21%, 80.94%, 82.46%, and 82.18%, respectively. The Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model that combines the conventional analyses of variance for additive main effects with the principal component analysis (PCA) for the non-additive residuals was applied to estimate the additive effects from FAD2A and FAD2B genes and the G × E interaction. The results indicated significant G × E interactions for oleic fatty acid contents. No correlation between oil content and FAD2A and FAD2B genes was found. The FAD2B gene had a larger additive effect than the FAD2A gene. The results from this study may be useful not only for peanut breeders, but also for food processors and product consumers to select suitable cultivars.

Treatment Sequencing and Outcome of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients Treated at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS: A Thirty-Year Single-Center Experience.

This monocentric retrospective study describes the treatment patterns and outcomes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Adult CLL patients treated between 1992 and 2022 were included. The time to next treatment (TTNT) was defined as the time from the treatment's start to the start of a subsequent therapy or death. The time to next treatment failure or death (TTNTF) was defined as the time from treatment discontinuation to the discontinuation of a subsequent therapy or death. Of 637 registered patients, 318 (49.9%) received treatment. We evaluated 157 cBTKi-exposed, 34 BCL2i-exposed cBTKi-naïve, and 26 double-exposed patients. The five-year TTNT values in the cBTKi-exposed patients were 80% (median NR), 40% (median 40 months), and 21% (median 24 months) months in the first line (1L), second line (2L), and beyond the second line (>2L), respectively (p < 0.0001). The five-year TTNT values in the BCL2i-exposed patients were 83% (median NR), 72% (median NR), 12% (median 28 months) in the 1L, 2L, and >2L, respectively (p = 0.185). The median TTNTF was 9 months (range 1-87) after cBTKi and 17 months (range 8-49) after both a cBTKi and BCL2i. This study suggests that, in CLL patients, the earlier we used targeted therapies, the better was the outcome obtained. Nonetheless, the poor outcomes in the advanced lines of therapy highlight the need for more effective treatments.

Drought responses of traditional and modern wheats in different phenological stages

Drought is one of the most pressing issues in many regions worldwide. Selecting wheat genotypes adapted to changing climatic conditions is crucial for sustainable agricultural production, economic development, and food security. In this study, 156 bread wheat genotypes, including landraces from Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan, which have adapted to changing climatic conditions for thousands of years, and high-yielding modern wheat varieties, including advanced breeding lines and cultivars were evaluated. The genotypes were subjected to seasonal drought treatments under rain shelters, including pre-heading drought (T1), post-heading drought (T2), irrigation based on long-term precipitation (T3), and seasonal precipitation and supplemental irrigation (T4). Grain yield and physio-morphological and quality traits of the genotypes under seasonal drought and irrigated conditions were evaluated. Drought treatments reduced yield and some physio-morphological traits and increased quality traits. Pre-heading drought treatments had the greatest effect on yield and physio-morphological traits while post-heading drought treatments had the greatest effect on quality traits. Modern wheat cultivars had higher grain yields compared to landraces, but some landraces had a lower yield loss compared to modern wheats under drought stress. The higher tillering rate of the landraces resulted in greater biomass production, taller plant height, and peduncle length. Landraces had higher protein content in all treatments, whereas modern wheats had higher protein content in T2 treatments due to the selection pressure that has been ongoing for years. In summary, given that different drought scenarios will be encountered in the future, landraces should be effectively used in the breeding programs to develop seasonal drought-tolerant modern or climate-resilient wheat varieties.

Utilizing Selection Indices and Discriminant Function Analysis to Enhance Seed Yield in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The current study focuses on harnessing genetic variation and employing selection indices for evaluating thirty-four advanced sesame breeding lines, alongside four checks (DS-5, DSS-9, JTS-8, and TKG-22). The evaluation encompassed the assessment of fifteen quantitative traits during the summer of 2022 at the AICRP on Sesame and Niger, MARS, UAS, Dharwad. Particularly noteworthy was the high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient variation observed for traits such as the number of secondary branches per plant, yield per plant (g) and seed yield (Kg/ha). The highest heritability coupled with the greatest genetic advance over the mean was detected for the number of primary branches per plant, suggesting a predominant role of additive genetic components in their expression and indicating a promising avenue for direct selection. The study involved the construction of thirty-one selection indices using the discriminant function technique, which incorporated five key traits: seed yield per plant (g) (X1), days to maturity (X2), number of productive capsules per plant (X3), thousand seed weight (g) (X4), and oil content (%) (X5). Among these various selection indices, the one comprising all component characters (X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5) exhibited the highest expected genetic advance and relative efficiency.

Determination of optimum row spacing for better seed yield and yield contributing characters of advanced mustard (Brassica napus L.) mutants in Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted at BINA substations, Rangpur and Magura in 2018-19 to evaluate the different row spacing on the yield and yield contributing characteristics of advance mustard lines RM-03, RM-07, RM-10 along with one check variety BARI sarisha-15 during Rabi season. BARI sarisha-15 was irradiated with 700 Gy Cobalt 60 (60Co) Gamma source and advanced mutant lines M6 generation of mustard mutant (RM-03, RM-07, RM-10) were evaluated along with the check variety BARI sarisha-15 using four different row spacings viz. 20cm, 25cm, 30cm and 35cm. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with three replications. Among the advance lines, RM-03 produced the highest seed yield (1.60 t ha-1) followed by RM-10 (1.50 t ha-1). Among different line spacing, 20cm showed highest seed yield (1.66 t ha-1). The interaction of mutant/variety and location revealed that the yield of RM-10 was the highest (1.54 t ha-1) at Rangpur. The interaction effect of line spacing and location showed that 25cm line spacing produced the maximum seed yield (1.68 t ha-1) in Magura followed by 20 cm (1.64 t ha-1) in Rangpur. The interaction effect of mutant and line spacing showed that mutant line RM-03 at 20 cm produced maximum seed yield (1.68 t ha-1) in Rangpur. The interaction effect of mutant/variety, line spacing and location showed that RM-10 produced the highest seed yield (1.73 t ha-1) at 20cm line spacing in Rangpur followed by RM-07 (1.66 t ha-1) at same spacing. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(1): 41-50, 2023