Plant Breeding Research Articles

Introducing CHiDO-A No Code Genomic Prediction software implementation for the characterization and integration of driven omics.

Climate change represents a significant challenge to global food security by altering environmental conditions critical to crop growth. Plant breeders can play a key role in mitigating these challenges by developing more resilient crop varieties; however, these efforts require significant investments in resources and time. In response, it is imperative to use current technologies that assimilate large biological and environmental datasets into predictive models to accelerate the research, development, and release of new improved varieties that can be more resilient to the increasingly variable climatic conditions. Leveraging large and diverse datasets can improve the characterization of phenotypic responses due to environmental stimuli and genomic pulses. A better characterization of these signals holds the potential to enhance our ability to predict trait performance under changes in weather and/or soil conditions with high precision. This paper introduces characterization and integration of driven omics (CHiDO), an easy-to-use, no-code platform designed to integrate diverse omics datasets and effectively model their interactions. With its flexibility to integrate and process datasets, CHiDO's intuitive interface allows users to explore historical data, formulate hypotheses, and optimize data collection strategies for future scenarios. The platform's mission emphasizes global accessibility, democratizing statistical solutions for situations where professional ability in data processing and data analysis is not available.

Environment, plant genetics, and their interaction shape important aspects of sunflower rhizosphere microbial communities.

Associations with soil microorganisms are crucial for plants' overall health and functioning. While much work has been done to understand drivers of rhizosphere microbiome structure and function, the relative importance of geography, climate, soil properties, and plant genetics remains unclear, as results have been mixed and comprehensive studies across many sites and genotypes are limited. Rhizosphere microbiomes are crucial for crop resistance to pathogens, stress tolerance, nutrient availability, and ultimately yield. Here, we quantify the relative roles of plant genotype, environment, and their interaction in shaping soil rhizosphere communities, using 16S and ITS gene sequencing of rhizosphere soils from 10 genotypes of cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) at 15 sites across the Great Plains of the United States. While site generally outweighed genotype overall in terms of effects on archaeal, bacterial, and fungal richness, community composition, and taxa relative abundances, there was also a significant interaction such that genotype exerted a significant influence on archaeal, bacterial, and fungal microbiomes in certain sites. Site effects were attributed to a combination of spatial distance and differences in climate and soil properties. Microbial taxa that were previously associated with resistance to the fungal necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia were present in most sites but differed significantly in relative abundance across sites. Our results have implications for plant breeding and agronomic microbiome manipulations for agricultural improvement across different geographic regions.IMPORTANCEDespite the importance of plant breeding in agriculture, we still have a limited understanding of how plant genetic variation shapes soil microbiome composition across broad geographic regions. Using 15 sites across the Great Plains of North America, we show that cultivated sunflower rhizosphere archaeal, bacterial, and fungal communities are driven primarily by site soil and climatic differences, but genotype can interact with site to influence the composition, especially in warmer and drier sites with lower overall microbial richness. We also show that all taxa that were previously found to be associated with resistance to the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were widespread but significantly affected by site, while a subset was also significantly affected by genotype. Our results contribute to a broader understanding of rhizosphere archaeal, bacterial, and fungal community assembly and provide foundational knowledge for plant breeding efforts and potential future microbiome manipulations in agriculture.

Construction of new genomes of columnar apple trees in the Russian research institute of fruit crop breeding

Relevance. The article presents data on the creation of new genotypes of columnar apple trees based on interval crossings of the 2x × 4x type using traditional breeding methods and elements of accelerated assessment of hybrid forms using cytoembryological and molecular genetic methods.Results. Cytological assessment of seedlings obtained from the studied interval crossings of six columnar apple varieties and the selected columnar form 29-35-123 with tetraploid forms 30-47-88 and 25-37-45, which are donors of diploid gametes, showed that seedlings with a triple set of chromosomes prevail and their share is 83.0%. The share of diploids accounts for 17.0%. A comparative assessment of the ploidy of offspring showed that the difference between the yield of triploid seedlings in the offspring of families where different donors of diploid gametes (25-37-45 and 30-47-88) were taken as paternal forms is insignificant. From the tetraploid 30-47-88, 81.7% of triploid offspring were obtained, from 25-37-45 — 91.3%.The data of molecular genetic analysis confirm that in combinations where both parents have the scab immunity gene, the yield of immune seedlings is high (70,7%) and corresponds to the splitting on this basis in a ratio of 3:1. n families where only one of the parents carries the Rvi6 gene in its genotype (Garland × 25-37-45, 29-35-123 × 25-37-45, Moscow necklace × 30-47-88 and Constellation × 25-37-45) immune seedlings were less common (52%). A unique combination of columnarity, the Rvi6 gene and a triple set of chromosomes in one genotype is characteristic of 23.1% of seedlings.

Plant membrane transporters function under abiotic stresses: a review.

In the present review, we discussed the detailed signaling cascades via membrane transporters that confer plant tolerance to abiotic stresses and possible significant use in plant development for climate-resilient crops. Plant transporters play significant roles in nutrient uptake, cellular balance, and stress responses. They facilitate the exchange of chemicals and signals across the plant's membrane by signal transduction, osmotic adjustment, and ion homeostasis. Therefore, research into plant transporters is crucial for understanding the mechanics of plant stress tolerance. Transporters have potential applications in crop breeding for increased stress resistance. We discuss new results about various transporter families (ABC, MATE, NRAMP, NRT, PHT, ZIP), including their functions in abiotic stress tolerance and plant development. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of transporters in plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought, cold, salt, and heavy metal toxicity, low light, flooding, and nutrient deficiencies. We discuss the transporter pathways and processes involved in diverse plant stress responses. This review discusses recent advances in the role of membrane transporters in abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis and other crops. The review contains the genes discovered in recent years and associated molecular mechanisms that improve plants' ability to survive abiotic stress and their possible future applications by integrating membrane transporters with other technologies.

Recent Progress on Plant Apomixis for Genetic Improvement.

Apomixis is a reproductive process that produces clonal seeds while bypassing meiosis (or apomeiosis) without undergoing fertilization (or pseudo-fertilization). The progenies are genetically cloned from their parents, retaining the parental genotype, and have great potential for the preservation of genes of interest and the fixing of heterosis. The hallmark components of apomixis include the formation of female gametes without meiosis, the development of fertilization-independent embryos, and the formation of functional endosperm. Understanding and utilizing the molecular mechanism of apomixis has far-reaching implications for plant genetic breeding and agricultural development. Therefore, this study focuses on the classification, influencing factors, genetic regulation, and molecular mechanism of apomixis, as well as progress in the research and application of apomixis-related genes in plant breeding. This work will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of apomixis and its application for plant genetic improvement.

Impact of flooding at the early reproductive growth stage on soybean yield and seed composition

AbstractFlooding stress is a growing threat to global soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production as the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitations are increasing due to climate change. Soybean is highly sensitive to flooding and substantial yield losses are observed due to a cascade of negative physiological responses induced by hypoxia. Hence, there is a pressing need for the development of flood‐tolerant genotypes. This study evaluated the grain yield and seed protein and oil content of 31 soybean genotypes over 2 years under both non‐flooding and flooding conditions, where flooding entailed a 4‐day partial water submergence during the early reproductive growth stages R1/R2. Mixed‐effects linear models were utilized to assess the impact of flood damage scores (FDSs, 1–4 scale) on observed phenotypes, as well as differences in observed phenotypes between tolerant, moderate, and susceptible genotypes across flooding and non‐flooding treatments. No significant impact of FDS was observed for seed protein and oil content. In addition, no significant differences in these phenotypes were observed between flooding and non‐flooding treatments across the various genotype categories. On average, for each unit increase in FDS, grain yield decreased by 432.7 kg ha−1 (17.4%). Tolerant genotypes experienced roughly 33% yield losses between flooding and non‐flooding treatments, while moderate and susceptible genotypes experienced 44% and 51% yield losses, respectively. The advancements in genomics and phenomics are promising for the identification and incorporation of novel flood‐tolerant alleles through plant breeding, potentially mitigating flooding‐induced yield losses across diverse environmental conditions.

OsGRF6-OsYUCCA1/OsWRKY82 Signaling Cascade Upgrade Grain Yield and Bacterial Blight Resistance in Rice.

As a major crop in the world, the sustainable development of rice is often severely restricted by bacterial blight. Breeding crops with resistance is an efficient way to control bacterial blight. However, enhancing resistance often incurs a fitness penalty, making it challenging to simultaneously increase bacterial blight resistance and yield potential. In this study, it is found that OsGRF6, besides being a high-yield gene, can significantly improve rice bacterial blight resistance. Compared with wild-type, the lesion lengths of transgenic material overexpressing OsGRF6 are significantly reduced after inoculation with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Furthermore, OsGRF6 can directly bind to the promoters of OsYUCCA1 and OsWRKY82, upregulating their transcription and thereby increasing rice bacterial blight resistance and yield. Haplotypic analysis based on the promoter and genome sequence combined with evolutionary analysis revealed that OsGRF6 is mainly comprised by the OsGRF6XI and OsGRF6GJ subtypes. The superior haplotype OsGRF6Hap4 increased its transcriptional activity and contributed to bacterial blight resistance and rice yield. Together, this study provides theoretical support for further revealing the synergistic regulatory mechanism and genetic improvement of rice high yield and bacterial blight resistance, offering a new strategy for developing disease-resistant cultivars.

Identifying and quantifying the contribution of maize plant traits to nitrogen uptake and use through plant modelling

Abstract Breeding for high nitrogen use efficient crops can contribute to maintaining or even increasing yield with less nitrogen. Nitrogen use is co-determined by N uptake and physiological use efficiency (PE, biomass per unit of N taken up), to which soil processes as well as plant architectural, physiological and developmental traits contribute. The relative contribution of these crop traits to N use is not well known but relevant to identify breeding targets in important crop species like maize. To quantify the contribution of component plant traits to maize N uptake and use, we used a functional-structural plant model. We evaluated the effect of varying both shoot and root traits on crop N uptake across a range of nitrogen levels. Root architectural traits were found to play a more important role in root N uptake than physiological traits. Phyllochron determined the structure of the shoot through changes in source: sink ratio over time which, in interaction with light and temperature, resulted in a significant effect on PE and N uptake. Photosynthesis traits were more relevant to biomass accumulation rather than yield, especially under high nitrogen conditions. The traits identified in this study are potential targets in maize breeding for improved crop N uptake and use.

Future prospects and challenges in developing saline-tolerant banana

Banana (Musa spp.) is an essential fruit with high economic value worldwide. One of the main environmental constraints in banana cultivation is abiotic stress on marginal land caused by salinity stress. This salinity stress can significantly reduce banana productivity and even cause plant death. Global climate change due to warming and reduced rainfall has increased the number of agricultural areas affected by salinity. This review article will describe current knowledge of biodiversity and various biological responses when banana plants are exposed to saline stress. This article also mentions the challenges in the banana breeding program with the current development of plant breeding and genetic engineering technology that could be used to create saline-tolerant banana accessions, its prospects, and the societal controversy underlying this technology. Thus, the information presented in this article could be a reference in the saline-tolerant banana breeding program.

Grapevines grown from canes having spent 10 months in space: study of their downy mildew susceptibility

The control of plant diseases represents a significant challenge in agriculture, particularly with the current emphasis on reducing pesticide use, necessitating alternative approaches. Among them, resistant plant breeding programs offer a promising alternative. Considering the stressful conditions in space, space conditions emerge as an innovative method for advancing crop improvement. This study explored the unique potential of the International Space Station (ISS) environment to induce beneficial modifications in grapevine, resulting in plants with reduced susceptibility to diseases. Canes of two Vitis vinifera L. cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) and Merlot (Me), have undergone a 10-month space journey on-board the ISS, while others stayed on Earth (Ground Control, GC). We conducted a 2-year analysis of the response to downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) of plants developed from ISS and GC canes, called Mother plants. The disease development of progenies produced from Merlot Mother plants was also evaluated. A higher proportion of individuals with low-susceptibility was noted in the ISS Mother group compared to the controls for both cultivars. This trend was also observed for the Merlot progenies. Finally, 11% of Merlot individuals (Mother and progenies, and for the 2 years of study) were distributed in the low susceptibility class. This study suggests that grapevine canes exposure to ISS conditions resulted in an enhanced percentage of plants showing reduction of susceptibility to downy mildew.

Assessment of genetic parameters and heritability of Dendrobium species section Spatulata native to Indonesia

Being one of the most abundant genera of orchids, Dendrobium presents a valuable genetic resource for hybridization programs. Morphological characterization and assessment of genetic parameters plays a crucial role in establishing genetic connections among orchid species within the same genus. The study aims to discern the morphological traits of five Indonesian Dendrobium species, intending to evaluate their potential as candidates for crossbreeding programs. The materials used in this study were D. antennatum, D. discolor, D. stratiotes, D. lineale, D. gouldii, and D. sylvanum. This research examines 21 quantitative traits and 21 qualitative morphological traits of the studied Dendrobium. The findings reveal variations in characters related to flowers, leaves, and pseudobulbs. The analysis of genetic parameters indicates the presence of genetic diversity in traits such as flower stalk length, length of inflorescence, flower series length, flower length, flower width, dorsal sepal width, lateral sepal width, petal length, petal width, labellum length, labellum width, and the number of florets. All observed traits demonstrate high heritability. So, the characters that have high genetic variability and heritability are valuable in selection criteria for plant breeding.

Enhancing CRISPR-Cas-based gene targeting in tomato using a dominant-negative ku80

Abstract The CRISPR-Cas-based gene targeting (GT) method has enabled precise modifications of genomic DNA ranging from single base to several kilobase scales through homologous recombination (HR). In plant somatic cells, canonical nonhomologous end-joining (cNHEJ) is the predominant mechanism for repairing double-stranded breaks (DSBs), thus limiting the HR-mediated GT. In this study, we implemented an approach to shift the repair pathway preference toward HR by using a dominant-negative ku80 mutant protein (KUDN) to disrupt the initiation of cNHEJ. The employment of KUDN conferred a 1.71- to 3.55-fold improvement in GT efficiency at the callus stage. When we screened transformants, there was a more remarkable increase in GT efficiency, ranging from 1.62- to 9.84-fold, at two specific tomato loci, SlHKT1;2 and SlEPSPS1. With practical levels of efficiency, this enhanced KUDN-based GT tool successfully facilitated a 9-bp addition at an additional locus, SlCAB13. These findings provide another promising method for more efficient and precise plant breeding.

Morphological and molecular characterization of some Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) cultivars

The diversity and genetic relationships among seven commercial chrysanthemum cultivars were analyzed using morphological and molecular markers. Vegetative growth, flowering, flower yield, and flower quality parameters were evaluated to assess genetic variability across the cultivars. Cultivars Crystal Red, Kodiack, and Crystal White exhibited superior vegetative growth, while Abrun, Crystal Red, and Kodiack displayed better flowering characteristics, particularly in terms of the number of inflorescences per plant and mass of colored flowering. Crystal White, Coca Bleach, and Crystal Red cultivars demonstrated the highest inflorescence stalk length, while cvs. Crystal Red, Crystal Yellow, Crystal Pink, and Kodiack Yellow recorded the maximum number of ray floret inflorescences. Other quality parameters such as inflorescence diameter and ray floret length were found to be optimal in Kodiack, Crystal White, Crystal Pink, Coca Bleach, and Crystal Yellow cultivars. Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers were employed to distinguish and identify standard-type chrysanthemum cultivars, utilizing twelve SSR markers from the chrysanthemum SSR database. The results suggest that these SSR markers hold promise for identifying additional chrysanthemum cultivar types and assessing genetic relationships among them. Association studies combining morphological and molecular data offer a valuable approach to identifying informative markers for plant breeding purposes.

Food Sovereignty and Food Rights

What is food sovereignty? What is food rights? In the recent past I have had the privilege to attend two amazing events here in Nairobi. One, the graduation of the third cohort of African Food Fellows started by scholars at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and the other at the World Agroforestry Centre's Gigiri campus in Nairobi as African Plant Breeding Academy Fellows graduated the third cohort. My one common observation is that we have amazing programs elevating brilliant young Africans to a level where they can confidently address issues of hunger, malnutrition and poverty. African food fellows are made to provide leadership in this sector and only do so once they have been equipped with the appropriate tools and knowledge. The plant breeders are equipped with new skills in breeding that enable them to expand their performance and work. In both situations and I am sure in many more, governance and policies still come out as real concerns. In all this I see young people who are passionate about making a difference in their countries and on the continent, about impacting the ground and wanting to ensure food rights for the vulnerable amongst us. These young people will understand that food sovereignty means us valuing and protecting our food culture and food sources, and providing for the vulnerable: elderly, the disabled, and the income-less. The young people need to be passionate about food rights and hopefully will be in decision making positions where they ensure that nobody ever goes to bed hungry. They will do so because unlike now, they will understand the issues. What we need now is help for more capacity building programs.

Selective list of the Catalogues of the VIR Global Collection on vegetables and cucurbits published in 1962–2023

The Catalogue of the VIR Global Collection series is addressed to plant breeders and crop experts solving practical problems in plan breeding and seed production, plant scientists conducting fundamental and applied research, teachers and learners. The publications within this series help to disclose the potential of the VIR global collection of plant genetic resources and the VIR herbarium (WIR) as an important part of Russian bioresource collections (BRC). The editors of the journal Proceedings on Applied Botany, Genetics and Breeding decided to publish the Selective list of the Catalogues of the VIR Global Collection on vegetables and cucurbits published in 1962–2023 to throw light on VIR’s publishing activities, attract more attention to the Catalogue of the VIR Global Collection series, and specify the numbers and titles of the series’ issues for authors of scientific manuscripts. For the users’ convenience, the sources are arranged chronologically, following the order of issue numbers. The editors hope that this list will prove useful to our readers and authors.

Genotype-by-Trait (GT) biplot analysis and ranking of rice genotypes in salinity stress conditions

Estimation of plant tolerance values for agronomic traits, in addition to being genetically influenced, can also be influenced by the plant’s growing environment. Effective screening at the generative stage can only be carried out on land directly affected by salinity. However, the challenge lies in the fact that salinity levels vary widely on farmers’ land and are difficult to predict. The GT biplot analysis is a statistical method used in plant breeding to evaluate the performance of different genotypes based on various supporting traits. e three groups of biplots used are genotype by trait evaluation, genotype ranking analysis, and mega-environment analysis. There were differences in genotype responses based on yield component variables in each experimental environment. IRRI-IL12 and IRRI-IL09 are stable salinity-tolerant rice genotypes. IRRI-IL07 and IRRI-IL16 are adaptive in the optimum environment (L1), IRRI-IL07 and IRRI-IL10 are adaptive in the greenhouse salinity environment (L2), and IRRI-IL13 is adaptive in the salinated intrusion (L3).

Evaluation of Agronomic and Genetic Diversity in M2V1 Generation of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is an ornamental plant widely used as a potted or cut flower due to its vibrant colors and diverse flower shapes. High genetic diversity is essential for successful breeding programs aimed at developing superior varieties. Genetic information can be obtained by estimating variance components and heritability values, key parameters in plant breeding. A high heritability value suggests that genetic factors influence a plant's characteristics more than environmental factors. This study assessed the genetic diversity and performance of vegetative propagation from 2nd generation mutant plants (M2V1). The research was conducted at the Pasir Sarongge experimental field in Cianjur Regency from July to October 2023, using a randomized complete block design with 17 genotypes and three replicates. The genotypes included 14 from vegetative propagation of M2V1 mutant plants and three comparison varieties: “Maharani”, “BAIP 2”, and “BAIP 3”. Data analysis was performed using PKBT-STAT 3.1 software, followed by the honest significant difference (HSD) test at the 5% level. The results revealed significant differences among genotypes in plant height, stem diameter, canopy width, leaf width, flower weight, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, total flower weight per plant, and flower stalk length. Floret types observed were either all ligulate or all tubuligulate, with flower colors ranging from orange to yellow to white. Traits such as canopy width, flower weight, flower diameter, and stalk length, which exhibited broad genetic diversity and high heritability, can be used for selection in future marigold breeding programs.

Sll1019 and slr1259 encoding glyoxalase II improve tolerance of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to methylglyoxal- and ethanol- induced oxidative stress by glyoxalase pathway.

The glyoxalase pathway is the primary detoxification mechanism for methylglyoxal (MG), a ubiquitous toxic metabolite that disrupts redox homeostasis. In the glyoxalase pathway, glyoxalase II (GlyII) can completely detoxify MG. Increasing the activity of the glyoxalase system can enhance the resistance of plants or organisms to abiotic stress, but the relevant mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the physiological functions of GlyII genes (sll1019 and slr1259) in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under MG or ethanol stress based on transcriptome and metabolome data. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that proteins Sll1019 and Slr1259 had GlyII activity. Under stress conditions, sll1019 and slr1259 protected the strain against oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of the glyoxalase pathway and raising the contents of antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. In the photosynthetic system, sll1019 and slr1259 indirectly affected the light energy absorption by strains, synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and activities of photosystem I and photosystem II, which was crucial for the growth of the strain under stress conditions. In addition, sll1019 and slr1259 enhanced the tolerance of strain to oxidative stress by indirectly regulating metabolic networks, including ensuring energy acquisition, NADH and NADPH production, and phosphate and nitrate transport. This study reveals the mechanism by which sll1019 and slr1259 improve oxidative stress tolerance of strains by glyoxalase pathway. Our findings provide theoretical basis for breeding, seedling, and field production of abiotic stress tolerance-enhanced variety.IMPORTANCEThe glyoxalase system is present in most organisms, and it is the primary pathway for eliminating the toxic metabolite methylglyoxal. Increasing the activity of the glyoxalase system can enhance plant resistance to environmental stress, but the relevant mechanism is poorly understood. This study revealed the physiological functions of glyoxalase II genes sll1019 and slr1259 in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under abiotic stress conditions and their regulatory effects on oxidative stress tolerance of strains. Under stress conditions, sll1019 and slr1259 enhanced the activity of the glyoxalase pathway and the antioxidant system, maintained photosynthesis, ensured energy acquisition, NADH and NADPH production, and phosphate and nitrate transport, thereby protecting the strain against oxidative stress. This study lays a foundation for further deciphering the mechanism by which the glyoxalase system enhances the tolerance of cells to abiotic stress, providing important information for breeding, seedling, and selection of plants with strong stress resistance.

Identification of candidate genes associating with soybean cyst nematode in soybean (Glycine max L.) using BSA-seq.

Soybean cyst nematode disease represents the major soil-borne disease of soybean. Identifying disease-resistant genes in soybean has a substantial impact on breeding of disease-resistant crops and genetic improvement. The present work created the F2 population with the disease-resistant line H-10 and disease-susceptible line Chidou4. 30 respective F2disease-resistant and disease-susceptible individuals for forming two DNA pools for whole-genome re-sequencing were selected. As a result, a total of 11,522,230 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers from these two parental lines and two mixed pools were obtained. Accordng to SNP-index based association analysis, there were altogether 741 genes out of 99% confidence interval, which were mainly enriched into regions of 38,524,128∼39,849,988 bp with a total length of 1.33 Mb contain 111 genes on chromosome 2, 27,821,012∼29,612,574 bp with a total length of 1.79 Mb contain 92 genes on chromosome 3, 308∼348,214 bp with a total of length 0.35 Mb contain 34 genes on chromosome 10, and 53,867,581∼58,017, 852 bp with a total length of 4.15 Mb contain 504 genes on chromosome 18. Bulk segregant analysis in F2 generations (BSA-seq) was correlated with a disease resistance interval containing 15 genes. Then, using bioinformatics analysis and differential expression analysis, five candidate genes were identified: Glyma.02G211400, Glyma.18G252800, Glyma.18G285800, Glyma.18G287400 and Glyma.18G298200. Our results provides a key basis for analyzing the soybean resistance mechanism against soybean cyst nematode and cloning soybean resistance genes.

Evaluation of oat accessions from different ecological groups in the steppe environments of Krasnodar Territory

Background. Studying genetic diversity and identifying sources of valuable agronomic traits for specific environmental conditions is of great importance for plant breeders when they select source material for crop improvement. Materials and methods. Three hundred and seven oat accessions of various ecogeographic origin were tested under the conditions of the Kuban Experiment Station, a branch of the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), in 2014–2019. Cv. ‘Valdin 765’ served as the reference. Weather conditions across the years of the study were contrasting in terms of the hydrothermal regime. Results. The inter-cultivar and year-to-year variability of the oat collection was analyzed in Krasnodar Territory and accessions promising for breeding were identified for a set of useful agronomic traits. The most significant differences among the studied oat accessions were recorded for the time of ripening and panicle characteristics. High yield of an accession under the conditions of Krasnodar Territory was associated with its high 1000 grain weight, which positively correlated with the duration of the period from panicle emergence to ripening and negatively with the length of the panicle, number of grains per panicle, plant height, and duration of the periods from germination to panicle emergence and from germination to ripening. Conclusion. The study of useful agronomic traits resulted in identifying oat accessions with the yield exceeding the reference (cv. ‘Valdin 765’) by 114–135%, that ripened 6–8 days earlier than the reference, were resistant to lodging, had short stems, manifested combined resistance (9 points) to crown and stem rust, low filminess (< 25%), good leafiness, high oil content (> 6%), increased protein content (> 14%), and high levels of yield structure components.