Advanced Lines Research Articles

Augmented block design for evaluating round and oblong fruit shape advanced lines of indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Augmented block design for evaluating round and oblong fruit shape advanced lines of indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

AMMI Model based Stability of Little millet [Panicum sumatrense Roth. Ex. Roem. & Schult.] Advanced Lines Evaluated across Eighteen Environments in India

AMMI Model based Stability of Little millet [Panicum sumatrense Roth. Ex. Roem. & Schult.] Advanced Lines Evaluated across Eighteen Environments in India

Renal cancer secretome induces migration of mesenchymal stromal cells

BackgroundAdvanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is therapeutically challenging. RCC progression is facilitated by mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) that exert remarkable tumor tropism. The specific mechanisms mediating MSCs’ migration to RCC remain unknown. Here, we aimed to comprehensively analyze RCC secretome to identify MSCs attractants.MethodsConditioned media (CM) were collected from five RCC-derived cell lines (Caki-1, 786-O, A498, KIJ265T and KIJ308T) and non-tumorous control cell line (RPTEC/TERT1) and analyzed using cytokine arrays targeting 274 cytokines in addition to global CM proteomics. MSCs were isolated from bone marrow of patients undergoing standard orthopedic surgeries. RCC CM and the selected recombinant cytokines were used to analyze their influence on MSCs migration and microarray-targeted gene expression. The expression of genes encoding cytokines was evaluated in 100 matched-paired control-RCC tumor samples.ResultsWhen compared with normal cells, CM from advanced RCC cell lines (Caki-1 and KIJ265T) were the strongest stimulators of MSCs migration. Targeted analysis of 274 cytokines and global proteomics of RCC CM revealed decreased DPP4 and EGF, as well as increased AREG, FN1 and MMP1, with consistently altered gene expression in RCC cell lines and tumors. AREG and FN1 stimulated, while DPP4 attenuated MSCs migration. RCC CM induced MSCs’ transcriptional reprogramming, stimulating the expression of CD44, PTX3 and RAB27B. RCC cells secreted hyaluronic acid (HA), a CD44 ligand mediating MSCs’ homing to the kidney. AREG emerged as an upregulator of MSCs’ transcription.ConclusionsAdvanced RCC cells secrete AREG, FN1 and HA to induce MSCs migration, while DPP4 loss prevents its inhibitory effect on MSCs homing. RCC secretome induces MSCs’ transcriptional reprograming to facilitate their migration. The identified components of RCC secretome represent potential therapeutic targets.Graphical abstract

Functionally distinct regions of the locus Leishmania major response 15 control IgE or IFNγ level in addition to skin lesions.

Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasites of Leishmania spp., endangers more than 1 billion people living in endemic countries and has three clinical forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Understanding of individual differences in susceptibility to infection and heterogeneity of its pathology is largely lacking. Different mouse strains show a broad and heterogeneous range of disease manifestations such as skin lesions, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and increased serum levels of immunoglobulin E and several cytokines. Genome-wide mapping of these strain differences detected more than 30 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that control the response to Leishmania major. Some control different combinations of disease manifestations, but the nature of this heterogeneity is not yet clear. In this study, we analyzed the L. major response locus Lmr15 originally mapped in the strain CcS-9 which carries 12.5% of the genome of the resistant strain STS on the genetic background of the susceptible strain BALB/c. For this analysis, we used the advanced intercross line K3FV between the strains BALB/c and STS. We confirmed the previously detected loci Lmr15, Lmr18, Lmr24, and Lmr27 and performed genetic dissection of the effects of Lmr15 on chromosome 11. We prepared the interval-specific recombinant strains 6232HS1 and 6229FUD, carrying two STS-derived segments comprising the peak linkage of Lmr15 whose lengths were 6.32 and 17.4 Mbp, respectively, and analyzed their response to L. major infection. These experiments revealed at least two linked but functionally distinct chromosomal regions controlling IFNγ response and IgE response, respectively, in addition to the control of skin lesions. Bioinformatics and expression analysis identified the potential candidate gene Top3a. This finding further clarifies the genetic organization of factors relevant to understanding the differences in the individual risk of disease.

Loading of zinc and iron in grains of different wheat genotypes in the calcareous and floodplain soils of Bangladesh

Major malnutrition in Bangladesh is zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiency as most people commonly depend on cereals, chiefly rice and wheat. The main objectives are to enhance Zn and Fe concentrations through the use of selected varieties and the application of respective fertilizers. Field experiments were conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) farm, Mymensingh (AEZ 9, non-calcareous soil) and at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) substation, Ishwardi (AEZ 11, calcareous soil) for two consecutive wheat seasons (2014–15 and 2015–16) with 10 varieties and 15 advanced lines. Varieties BARI Gom 25, 27, 28 & 29 and breeding lines Vijay, HPYT-5, 15 & 21 and BL-1883 have been recognized as Zn-enriched wheat varieties (24–30 μg g−1). Among the genotypes, Zn further increased by 4–8 μg g−1 due to Zn fertilization. Concerning Fe-enriched wheat genotypes (24–30 μg g−1), five varieties viz. Shatabdi, Prodip, BARI Gom 25 & 28 and Sufi, and four lines such as HPYT-12, BL-1883, BL-1040 and Fery-60 have been identified. The grain Fe concentration of wheat genotypes increased when Fe was added, the increment being 6–12 μg g−1. A positive relationship between Zn and N is observed with increased protein content. The grain yield of wheat was increased by 3.8–25.7% due to Zn application over the varieties and locations but Fe addition had no effect. The result of the current study showed that a potential breeding line with appropriate fertilization can improve Zn and Fe levels in wheat grain, without incurring loss to wheat yield.

Agronomic performance and the effect of genotype-by-environment interaction for Brassica carinata in the southeastern US

Carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun) is an emerging oilseed crop with potential as a dual use winter cover/cash crop in the southeastern US region. Although carinata is historically cultivated as a spring crop in northern latitudes, incorporating carinata into southeastern US cropping systems can provide winter/cover ecosystem services and a bio-feedstock for a high value, renewable aviation fuel without displacing feed and food crops. In this study, our major objective was to quantify the agronomic performance and stability of selected carinata genotypes across several locations in the southeastern US. Extensive field evaluations of twelve, elite carinata genotypes, arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications, were conducted from 2016 to 2019 across Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Data was collected on days to 50% bolting, days to 50% flowering, plant height, grain yield, and test weight. Results demonstrated the ability to produce viable grain yields across the region, but also highlighted the impact of freezing temperatures on winter production. In total 20% of all environments were lost to mortality due to freezing temperatures. Overall, genotype 15 produced the highest grain yield across individual environments, topping the trial in 74% of all environments. However, both crossover and non-crossover genotype × environment interactions were detected for agronomic traits, with problematic crossover interactions more prevalent for days to 50% bolting and days to 50% flowering. Our results also suggest the southeastern US be separated into three mega environments to include 1) northern Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, 2) southern and central Georgia and Alabama, and 3) northern Florida. Future efforts to identify advanced breeding lines and/or commercial seed products with adaptation to the region should consider field testing in each of these mega environments.

Molecular breeding to develop advanced lines with high oleic acid and pod yield in peanut

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important crop, and its seeds contain high amounts of protein and oil. The high oleic acid content of peanut oil provides prolonged shelf life and health benefits. Delta-12-desaturase (oleoyl-PC desaturase) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of oleic acid into linoleic acid and is coded by two homologs genes: ahFAD2A and ahFAD2B. It is known that plants with both point mutations (aabb) in these genes fail to produce Δ-12-desaturase enzyme cause to higher oleic acid. In this study, we employed marker-assisted breeding to develop high-oleic and high-pod-yield lines using a population sourced from crosses between a high-yield cultivar, NC-7 and an advanced high-oleic line, HOG. The oleic acid character of the parents was initially confirmed using molecular markers and fatty acid composition analyses. After crossing, two “true hybrids” were selected from the F1 generation with the use of an allele-specific marker. True hybrids were selfed and the fatty acids profiles of selected F2 plants with higher pod yield and seed length were determined. These two F2 populations (NH-2 and NH-3) having high levels of oleic acid were advanced to further generations. Single plants in F3 to F6 were selected and selfed based on seed yield and pod features. Finally, a total of 21 advanced inbred lines with high pod yields and oleic acid content of up to 83.3% were obtained. The ahFAD2B gene of selected high oleic lines were also sequenced and homozygous insertion was confirmed based on the reference genome. The oleic/linoleic ratio was increased to 39.0 with regard to cultivar NC-7, which was only 2.9. The advanced lines reported here showed combine high oleic content with desired agronomic traits and that this can meet the market demand for high-quality vegetable oil.

Dissecting genotype × environment interaction in advanced varietal lines of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.)) evaluated for seed and fodder yield across twenty environments

The identification of superior and stable genotypes in any crop for commercial cultivation in farmers’ fields is constrained majorly by the existence of genotype × environment interaction (GEI). The current study aimed to assess the patterns of GEI governing seed and fodder yield, identify stable and high seed and fodder yielding genotypes, besides deciphering the correlation among the them in finger millet genotypes evaluated across twenty environments (ten locations-two years combination) in India. The results revealed that the variance due to genotype, environment and GEI were highly significant (P < 0.001) for seed and fodder yield. The AMMI8 model was adequate to explain the detected variation of seed and fodder yield attributable to GEI. For obvious reasons, the check GPU 67 exhibited relatively higher mean seed and fodder yield and also showed excellent stability across all the environments based on AMMI- and BLUP-model indices. In this study, the seed and fodder yielding ability of the genotypes VR1101 and WN559 was comparable to the checks and had broad adaptation across the test environments. The most representative and discriminative environments for seed and fodder yield were E1 and E9. Seed and fodder yield revealed highly significant positive correlations indicating the possibility of effective selection for these two traits simultaneously. The identified stable and high seed and fodder yielding genotypes VR1101 and WN559 are not just worthy genetic resources, and can be recommended for commercial cultivation after further yield trials. Consequently, the genotype VR1101 is approved for commercial cultivation across South Indian states.

Whole genome resequencing of advanced introgression lines of Brassica juncea L. Czern. for characterizing alien introgression from Diplotaxis erucoides L. DC

The productivity of Indian mustard Brassica juncea L., a major oilseed crop in India, is heavily inflicted due to the fungal disease Alternarialeaf spot caused by Alternaria brassicae L. Genetic resistance against this disease is not available in the mustard cultivars. Screeningfor resistance among the cruciferous wild relatives identified Diplotaxis erucoides L. as a resistant species that can be used for sourcingresistance genes against Alternaria disease. The introgression lines developed by wide hybridization between D. erucoides and B. junceahave been advanced to BC2F7 generation through a recurrent selection of resistant plants at three locations. Development of molecularmarkers linked to alien introgression and the trait is highly desirable for tracking the alien introgression and early selection of thedesired plants. A study was conducted to develop STS markers associated with the introgressed alien DNA based on resequencing of aresistant and a susceptible introgression line. A step-wise bioinformatic analysis and identification of the species-specific DNA contigsfollowed by annotation led us to predict several putative STS markers. While the sequence data generated from more resistant plantsand further analysis are in the process, initial wet lab validation endorsed the appropriateness of the strategy. The identified markersthat showed species specificity need to be studied over the generations to establish their linkage with the trait of Alternaria resistance.

Capturing genetic variability in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) germplasm, released varieties, and advanced breeding lines under heat stress environment in North Indian climatic condition

Temperatures beyond optimal level are detrimental to growth and production in chickpeas. Aiming at capturing genetic variabilityand identifying potential heat-tolerant chickpea genotype, a panel of 110 chickpea lines were evaluated in field under normal sown(non-stress) and late sown (heat-stress) environments for various phenological, yield and yield-related traits over two consecutive yearsunder field conditions. Significant genetic variability for the phenological and yield related) was recorded under both non-stress andheat-stress conditions for both years. Seed yield/plant had strong positive correlations with number of pods/plant and harvest indexunder heat stress, indicating selection of plants with high pods/plant and seed yield/plant could help develop a heat-tolerant chickpealine. Based on the yield and yield-related traits, JG74, JAKI9218, Pusa 547, GNG1958, RVG202, RSG11, RSG931, RSG10, GG2, and Pusa240genotypes were classified as promising lines under heat stress environment. The identified diverse heat-tolerant genotypes may beused as a potential source in chickpea breeding programme for enhancing heat tolerance and useful genetic variability.

Productivity and Stability Evaluation of 12 Selected Avena magna ssp. domestica Lines Based on Multi-Location Experiments during Three Cropping Seasons in Morocco

Avena magna (2n = 4x = 28) is a tetraploid oat with a very high protein content compared to the hexaploid common oat, A. sativa (2n = 6x = 42). The wild type of A. magna originates from Morocco; its domestication has been achieved only within the past 25 years. The present study aimed to evaluate the productivity potential of an A. magna ssp. domestica collection of 11 advanced lines and a control variety, ‘Avery’. Twelve trials were conducted during three cropping seasons at four, three, and five locations and revealed significant differences among the accessions. Data on twelve agro-morphological characters and two disease traits were collected, and they confirmed the presence of variability in this oat germplasm set. Mean grain yield was 30.76 q/ha and varied from site to site, ranging from 6.89 q/ha at Bouchane_19 to 85.5 q/ha at Alnif_21. Across experimental sites, plant height ranged from 48.93 to 120.47 cm; thousand kernel weight from 32.83 to 49.73 g; and harvest index from 20.43 to 31.33%. Line AT6 was relatively tolerant of BYDV and crown rust infections, based on disease severity scoring at the heading stage. According to AMMI analysis, 78% of the grain yield variability was due to the environment factor and 4% was explained by the genetic factor. Among the highest-yielding lines, AT5 and ATC were relatively unstable. Line AT5 was more productive at the elevated site of El Kbab_19, and ATC performed better at the oasis location of Alnif_21 under irrigation. Line AT7 showed the most stable behavior; it was high yielding across the five environments and exceeded the general mean of the experiments. The A. magna ssp. domestica lines proved their suitability for cultivation under local farming conditions. Their nutritional quality, especially their high protein content, makes them good candidates for further testing in the Moroccan breeding program and for integration into local cropping systems.

Exploring the Agronomic Performance and Molecular Characterization of Diverse Spring Durum Wheat Germplasm in Kazakhstan

Spring durum wheat occupies over 0.5 M ha in Kazakhstan and represents an important domestic and export commodity. This study aimed to characterize 151 durum wheat cultivars and advanced lines originating from eight breeding programs of the Kazakhstan–Siberia Spring Wheat Improvement Network (KASIB) between 2003 and 2018. The phenotypic characterization was performed in two contracting evaluation sites more than 1000 km apart (Almaty in the Southeast and Shortandy in the North) for two years and a total of 11 agronomic traits were recorded. Field trials at both locations followed regional agronomy practices, including sowing, harvesting, and genotype evaluation using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The growing season was longer in Almaty, resulting in a higher number of grains per spike. Though grains are smaller in size with an overall higher yield, 243 g/m2 versus 170 g/m2, there was no correlation between germplasm performance at the two sites. Molecular characterization was performed with 10 iPBS-retrotransposons primers that resulted in a total of 345 bands and showed a mean polymorphism of 91.9%. Mean values of gene diversity (0.251), Shannon’s information index (0.388), and expected heterozygosity (0.233) revealed a relatively high level of genetic diversity in the KASIB set. AMOVA revealed higher genetic variations due to differences within the populations. Marker-based cluster analysis, including STRUCTURE and neighbor-joining algorithms, divided the material into two populations with clear differences in geographic origin. Superiors and diverse germplasm identified in the study are recommended for marker assisted selection and breeding.

Waterlogging Effects in Adventitious Roots, Tillering and Yield of Bread Wheat Germplasm

In the context of climate changes, expected increases in intensity, frequency, and unpredictability of waterlogging events will aggravate wheat yield losses, currently estimated to range between 20-50%. Wheat production must fulfill ca. 20% of the population’s energy and protein requirements. Evaluating germplasm with different backgrounds may reveal variability for waterlogging tolerance, allowing a better selection of genotypes with desirable traits for wheat breeding programs. In this work, the effect of waterlogging on adventitious root emission, tiller survival and yield was evaluated. Five studied germplasm groups (Portuguese Landraces; Varieties with introduced Italian germplasm; Post-Green Revolution varieties with introduced CYMMIT germplasm; Advanced Lines from the Portuguese Cereal Breeding Program; Australian varieties) were studied. Groups exhibited intra and intervariability in all parameters in response to waterlogging imposed in climatized growth chambers. After 14 days of waterlogging, the number of adventitious roots ranged from 0 to 7.6 plant-1, with 4 Portuguese Landraces depicting the highest number. The number of living tillers at the end of the stress was highly variable, ranging from reductions of 100% to increases up to 35%. At harvest, the number of productive tillers significantly differed among genotypes, with reductions reaching 100% in some cases and increases up to 138% in others. The existence of variability and the identification of key traits underlying waterlogging tolerance will contribute to develop more adapted wheat plants and to improve wheat yield.

Limited-transpiration trait in response to high VPD from wild to cultivated species: Study of the Lens genus.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is commonly grown in drought-prone areas where terminal heat and drought are frequent. The limited transpiration trait (TRlim) under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) could be a way to conserve water and increase yield under water deficit conditions. The TRlim trait was examined in cultivated and wild lentil species and its evolution throughout the selection pipeline. 61 accessions representing the six wild lentil species (L. orientalis, L. tomentosus, L. odemensis, L. lamottei, L. ervoides, and L. nigricans), and 13 interspecific advanced lines were evaluated in their transpiration response to high VPD. A large variation in transpiration rate (TR) response to increased VPD was recorded among wild lentil accessions with 43 accessions exhibiting a breakpoint (BP) in their TR response to increasing VPD with values ranging from 0.92 to 3.38 kPa under greenhouse conditions. Ten genotypes for the interspecific advanced lines displayed a BP with an average of 1.95 kPa, much lower than previously reported for cultivated lentil. Results from field experiments suggest that the TRlim trait (BP = 0.97 kPa) positively affected yield and yield-related parameters during the years with late-season water stress. The selection of TRlim genotypes for high VPD environments could improve lentil productivity in drought-prone areas.

Using Ground and UAV Vegetation Indexes for the Selection of Fungal-Resistant Bread Wheat Varieties

The productivity of wheat in the Mediterranean region is under threat due to climate-change-related environmental factors, including fungal diseases that can negatively impact wheat yield and quality. Wheat phenotyping tools utilizing affordable, high-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) techniques, such as aerial and ground RGB images and quick canopy and leaf sensors, can aid in assessing crop status and selecting tolerant wheat varieties. This study focused on the impact of fungal diseases on wheat productivity in the Mediterranean region, considering the need for a precise selection of tolerant wheat varieties. This research examined the use of affordable HTPP methods, including imaging and active multispectral sensors, to aid in crop management for improved wheat health and to support commercial field phenotyping programs. This study evaluated 40 advanced lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at five locations across northern Spain, comparing fungicide-treated and untreated blocks under fungal disease pressure (Septoria, brown rust, and stripe rust observed). Measurements of leaf-level pigments and canopy vegetation indexes were taken using portable sensors, field cameras, and imaging sensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Significant differences were observed in Dualex flavonoids and the nitrogen balance index (NBI) between treatments in some locations (p < 0.001 between Elorz and Ejea). Measurements of canopy vigor and color at the plot level showed significant differences between treatments at all sites, highlighting indexes such as the green area (GA), crop senescence index (CSI), and triangular greenness index (TGI) in assessing the effects of fungicide treatments on different wheat cultivars. RGB vegetation indexes from the ground and UAV were highly correlated (r = 0.817 and r = 0.810 for TGI and NGRDI). However, the Greenseeker NDVI sensor was found to be more effective in estimating grain yield and protein content (R2 = 0.61–0.7 and R2 = 0.45–0.55, respectively) compared to the aerial AgroCam GEO NDVI (R2 = 0.25–0.35 and R2 = 0.12–0.21, respectively). We suggest as a practical consideration the use of the GreenSeeker NDVI as more user-friendly and less affected by external environmental factors. This study emphasized the throughput benefits of RGB UAV HTPPs with the high similarity between ground and aerial results and highlighted the potential for HTPPs in supporting the selection of fungal-disease-resistant bread wheat varieties.

Multivariate analysis for morpho-physiological and milling traits along with molecular profiling of known bacterial blight resistance genes in advanced breeding lines of rice

Multivariate analysis for morpho-physiological and milling traits along with molecular profiling of known bacterial blight resistance genes in advanced breeding lines of rice

Assessment of genetic diversity for yield and yield contributing traits in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Thirty-three advanced breeding lines of peanut were evaluated during kharif, 2019 using Mahalanobis D2 statistics for 19 characters including physiological, yield and quality traits and were grouped into nine clusters, where cluster IV was the largest containing 11 genotypes followed by cluster III and II with 8 and 7 genotypes respectively. Highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster VII and IX (118.10) followed by cluster V and VI (113.29) and cluster V and IX (106.42), respectively. The maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster IV (31.37) followed by cluster III (20.11) and II (13.17). Hundred kernel weight contributed maximum towards genetic divergence followed by sound mature kernel (%), specific leaf area at 45 DAS, oil content and plant height. The crosses viz., TCGS-2141 × TCGS-2117, Narayani × TCGS-1887, Narayani × TCGS-2117, Narayani × TCGS-2111 and TCGS-1887 × TCGS-2141 could be recommended to get desirable transgressive segregants for physiological, yield and quality traits.

Homoeologous Chromosome Pairing and Alien Introgression in Backcrossing Progenies Derived from Hybrids Solanum tuberosum (+) Mexican 2x (1 EBN) B-Genome Potato Species

We applied a genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) to analyze the genomic constitution of and meiotic pairing in interspecific somatic hybrids, and in a wide subset of backcrossing derivatives (BC1–BC5), from three interspecific combinations involving the cultivated potato, Solanum tuberosum (AAAA genome), and three diploid (1 EBN) wild Mexican potato species (genome BB)—S. tarnii, S. pinnatisectum, and S. bulbocastanum. The theoretically expected genomic composition was detected in the somatic hybrids (AAAABB) and in the BC1 progeny (AAAAB), whereas in the subsequent BC2–BC4 generations, the partial loss of alien chromosomes was observed and almost all the BC5 genotypes showed a complete chromosome elimination of wild species. GISH revealed a homoeologous pairing between the chromosomes of the A- and the B-genomes in each of the hybrid progenies. Using GISH, we selected introgression lines with a single chromosome of the wild species in a potato genome background, as well as introgression lines with intergenomic recombinant chromosomes. Moreover, via molecular screening, BC hybrids with diagnostic markers for the R-genes conferring resistance to late blight disease and to the quarantine pest of the potato–Columbia root-knot nematode—were selected. The potential application of the results obtained for the planning of introgressive schemes directed to the breeding of advanced lines with multiple disease and pest resistance is discussed.

Green Assessment of Phenolic Acid Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Advanced Potato Mutant Lines through UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS Quantification.

Potatoes are one of the most consumed crops worldwide. They contain a high amount of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and vitamins with important antioxidant activities, which makes this crop of high biological value for human health. The goal of this research was to biochemically evaluate polyphenol levels and antioxidant capacities in parent and control genotypes compared to advanced mutant potato lines in the M1V8 generation. This will reveal the genetic changes that result from induced mutagenesis. The quantified compounds and the evaluated antioxidant activity boost the health benefits of consuming the improved mutant potatoes. In the present study, the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of eighteen mutant and initial potato genotypes were analyzed by UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS and the ORAC method, respectively. In each of the hybrid combinations, mutant lines with an improved phenolic compound profile were observed. Representative samples from the third hybrid combination had notable increases in phenolic compound concentrations, as well as the presence of metabolites not found in the parental lines. With one exception, the remaining nine mutants showed significantly higher antioxidant capacities. The results will be used in future potato breeding programs, with participation of the valuable mutant lines containing new phenolic substances not present in the initial genotypes.

Modeling interactions of planting date and phenology in Louisiana rice under current and future climate conditions

AbstractThe performance of novel genetic combinations under untested environmental scenarios and management practices can be virtually examined using process‐based crop models. Indeed, there has been a long‐standing interest in the crop modeling community to expand the utility of process‐based models to broader germplasm panels (e.g., breeding lines or diversity panels). Yet, there is often a misalignment between data needed to parameterize process‐based crop models and data routinely collected by breeding programs. To address this gap, we leverage a dataset from a long‐term trial on advanced experimental lines and released varieties from the Louisiana rice breeding program to calibrate and evaluate the decision support for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) CSM‐CERES‐Rice model. Next, we use data collected by the same program on a large collection of breeding lines to generate numerous in silico genotypes and evaluate their performance across different management practices (different planting dates) and three climatic conditions (current climate and two future scenarios based on CMIP6‐SSP5‐8.5 climate projections). Our simulations indicate that shifting the current planting date (i.e., March) back by 1–2 months (to January) under moderate warming conditions (+1.3°C warmer and 41% higher CO2 level), and 2–3 months (to December) under extreme warming conditions (+4.1°C warmer and 133% higher CO2 level) could potentially offset the negative impacts of the increased future temperature. Given earlier planting, shorter duration varieties (i.e., those with shorter growing degree day requirements during the vegetative and grain filling periods) are found to be more favorable for supporting high yields. Such varieties with a shorter thermal time to anthesis are found to remain just outside of the current pool of variation for this trait. Opportunities and challenges for leveraging breeding data in process‐based modeling to derive insights into adaptation strategies for future climates are further discussed.