Collection Of Plant Genetic Resources Research Articles

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.

The application of Vavilov's approaches to the phylogeny and evolution of cultivated species of the genus Avena L.

The central problem that Vavilov was investigating was the overall concept of global plant genetic resources. The theoretical basis of this concept consisted of the law of homologous series in variation, research on the problem of species as a system, botanical and geographical bases of plant breeding, and the key theory of the centers of origin of cultivated plants. The VIR global collection of plant genetic resources collected by Vavilov and his associates from all over the world reflects the fullness of botanical, morphological and genetic diversity, and can be used for historical, evolutionary, phylogenetic and applied breeding research aimed at unlocking the potential of all the collection material. The whole diversity of cultivated oats, as was proved by Vavilov, had originated from segetal weeds. This process can be clearly traced in Spain on the example of the cultivated diploid species A. strigosa, A. abyssinica in Ethiopia, A. byzantina in Turkey and Iran, and on segetal forms of A. sativa. The studies of the morphological features as a whole do not yield a complete picture of the evolutionary and systematic status of some oat species and forms. The methods and approaches that use DNA markers and genomic technologies, and are promising for the study of oat polymorphism and phylogeny have been actively researched recently. A number of works devoted to the molecular aspects of the evolution and phylogeny of the genus Avena have recently appeared. The research uses various markers of genes, gene regions, intergenic spacers (internal and external), both nuclear and chloroplast and mitochondrial, genomic approaches and other modern methods. On the basis of a comprehensive study of the complete intraspecific diversity from different zones of the distribution range of cultivated oat species as well as on the basis of an analysis of data on the geography of forms and species distribution ranges, it was established that the process of hexaploid species formation also took place in the western part of the Mediterranean, and subsequently, when moving eastward, these forms started occupying all the vast spaces in the region of the Southwest Asian center, forming a large intraspecific diversity of wild forms and weedy ones in transit to cultivated hexaploid oat species. An analysis of the intraspecific diversity of landraces has specified the centers of morphogenesis of all cultivated oat species. The phylogenetic analysis of the representative intraspecific diversity of cultivated and wild Avena species carried out using next generation sequencing (NGS) showed that diploid species with A-genome variants are in fact not primary diploids, but a peculiar Mediterranean introgressive hybridization complex of species that sporadically enter into interspecific hybridization. It was established that the tetraploid cultivated species A. abyssinica had most likely originated from the wild A. vaviloviana. An analysis of the ways of A. sativa and A. byzantina domestication showed that the most widespread ribotype of the A. sativa hexaploid was inherited from A. ludoviciana, and the second most widespread one, from A. magna, while A. byzantina has two unique ribotype families, most likely inherited from an extinct oat species or a still undiscovered cryptospecies.

Nomenclature standards for raspberry breeding varieties of the Federal Scientifi c Breeding and Technological Center for Horticulture and Plant Nursery

Th e great diversity of national and foreign raspberry varieties grown in nurseries poses great risks of variety confusion. Th e risks can be eliminated by introducing the standards of varieties. Th ese include nomenclature standards which are instrumental in comparing morphological characteristics, and, if necessary, genetic identifi cation that con- fi rms the identity of the selection product. To date, the nomenclature standards include seven raspberry varieties selected by the Lisavenko Research Institute of Horticulture for Siberia, ten varieties of raspberry selected by the Sverdlovsk Breeding Station of Horticulture and Novosibirsk Zonal Gardening Station. Th e breeders of the Federal Scientifi c Breed- ing and Technological Center for Horticulture and Plant Nursery in partnership with scientists of the Federal Research Center “N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources” have created nomenclature standards for fi ve raspberry breeding varieties under Contract No. 592-223-GR dated May 30, 2022 on the scientifi c project “National net- work collection of plant genetic resources for eff ective scientifi c and technological development of the Russian Federa- tion in the fi eld of genetic technologies.” Th e created varieties are represented by herbarium specimens consisting of four herbarium sheets of the Meteor (WIR-98342) and Peresvet (WIR-98349) varieties, three herbarium sheets of the Atlant (WIR-98341) and Podarok Kashinu (WIR-98400) varieties, as well as two herbarium sheets of the Poklon Kazakovu va- riety (WIR-98402). Th e herbarium sheets also include photographs of fl owers, fruits and canes. All nomenclature stand- ards are deposited in the Herbarium of cultivated plants of the world, their wild relatives and weed plants (WIR) of the Federal Research Center “N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources,” and registered in the database “VIR herbarium (WIR).” Th e paper contains descriptions of morpho-biological and economic features and properties of these varieties, as well as a brief history of raspberry breeding in the Federal Scientifi c Breeding and Technological Center for Horticulture and Plant Nursery.

Developments on Core Collections of Plant Genetic Resources: Do We Know Enough?

The core collection is a small subset that minimizes genetic redundancy while preserving the maximum genetic diversity of the entire population. Research on the core collection is crucial for the efficient management and utilization of germplasm resources. In this paper, the concept of the core collection and the research progress of its construction have briefly been summarized. Subsequently, some perspectives have been proposed in this research field for the near future. Four novel opinions have been presented, (1) the effective integration of multiple data types and accurate phenotyping methods need to be focused on; (2) the sampling strategy and bioinformatics software should be given attention; (3) the core collection of afforestation tree and bamboo species, with a wide natural distribution range and a large planting area, need to be carried out as soon as possible; (4) we should place a high priority on the study of genes discoveries and utilize these with a rapid, precise and high-throughput pattern based on re-sequencing technology. This paper provides a theoretical and technological reference for further study and the application of the plant core collection.

The new directions in genetics, breeding and biotechnology of ornamental and berry crops in the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR)

The use of modern breeding methods, biotechnology, and molecular genetics makes it possible to identify promising accessions with specified economically important traits at early pre-breeding stages. The success of creating new varieties depends on the availability of unique collections of plant genetic resources, information about genomes, possibility of in vitro cultivation with high regenerative capacity, and practical skills and competencies in this area. One of the advanced methods for accelerating the breeding process is genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas system. This method allows the effective modification of genes in order to obtain varieties with desired traits. In 2022, a new youth laboratory of genetics, breeding, biotechnology of ornamental and berry crops was set up at VIR as part of the National Project "Science and Universities". It is noteworthy that this event coincided with the 135th anniversary of the birth of N.I. Vavilov. The work of the laboratory is aimed at obtaining lines with desired properties for the further breeding process; identifying target genes of economically important traits for obtaining new varieties, lines, and hybrids; as well as creating protocols for the accelerated reproduction of virus-free material of commercially demanded varieties oriented towards import substitution. This review discusses current trends in breeding of ornamental and berry crops: e.g., flower color change in snapdragon and peony; flower aroma improvement in rose; architectonics change in actinidia; and increase of resistance to stress factors in blackberries, strawberries, and grapes.

Genetic diversity and structure of Slovenian native germplasm of plum species (P. domestica L., P. cerasifera Ehrh. and P. spinosa L.).

Slovenia has particular climatic, soil, geographic and historical conditions that lead to long tradition of plum cultivation and use. In this work, a set of 11 SSR and three universal cpDNA markers, as well as flow cytometry, were used to (1) evaluate the genetic diversity of 124 accessions of the three Prunus species (P. domestica L., P. cerasifera Ehrh., and P. spinosa L.), (2) investigate the possible involvement of P. cerasifera and P. spinosa species in P. domestica origin, (3) study the genetic relationships and variability among the most typical P. domestica accessions present in Slovenia. Ten haplotypes of cpDNA were identified and clustered into three groups according to the Neighbor-Joining analysis (NJ). All 11 SSR primer pairs were polymorphic, revealing 116 unique genotypes. A total of 328 alleles were detected with an average value of 29.82 alleles per locus, showing relatively high diversity. Bayesian analysis of genetic structure was used to identify two ancestral populations in the analyses of all three species as well as in a separate set consisting of P. domestica material only. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) showed that accessions clustered largely in agreement with Bayesian analysis. Neighbor-Joining analysis grouped 71 P. domestica accessions into three clusters with many subgroups that exhibited complex arrangement. Most accessions clustered in agreement with traditional pomological groups, such as common prunes, mirabelle plums and greengages. In this study, the analyses revealed within P. domestica pool valuable local landraces, such as traditional prunes or bluish plums, which seem to be highly interesting from a genetic point of view. Moreover, complementary approaches allowed us to distinguish between the three species and to gain insights into the origin of plum. The results will be instrumental in understanding the diversity of Slovenian plum germplasm, improving the conservation process, recovering local genotypes and enriching existing collections of plant genetic resources.

On the results of the 5th Vavilov International Conference (November 21–25, 2022)

Under the auspices of the 5th Vavilov International Conference held in St. Petersburg on 21–25 November 2022, eight events were held on the conservation, development, study and practical use of plant genetic resources (PGR) collections, as well as on the scientific heritage of Nikolay Ivanovich Vavilov and the development of the scientific schools founded by him and the activities of his associates and followers. In view of the modern context of new trends in the development of science, fundamental knowledge, modern methods and technologies, as well as of climatic and economic challenges, the development of the scientific heritage of N.I. Vavilov plays a big role for scientific and technological development. A total of 185 oral presentations was made at the 5th Vavilov International Conference. Meetings of the Conference attracted over 330 participants. This publication reflects the main objectives and content of the performed activities and contains key recommendations emanating from the Conference, including (1) recommendations for the conservation, study and use of PGR, including those on the multidisciplinary basis; (2) recommendations on activities to ensure coordination in the field of conservation, research, breeding and seed production; (3) recommendations on the normative and legislative regulation in the sphere of breeding, seed production, development, maintenance and use of genetic resource collections; (4) recommendations on training, guidance and education. Presentations made at the Conference show that over the past five years there has been a significant increase in the use of modern methodical approaches, i.e. molecular-genetic, genomic and omics in the field of PGR research. All this provides a solid basis for the development of new breeding methods (Next-Generation Breeding). At the same time, it is emphasized that new breeding technologies based on the acquired knowledge, can lead to further progress not in isolation from, but in conjunction with the amassed heritage of classical breeding. Among the discussed and proposed issues, the Conference Resolution identifies those requiring special and urgent attention: (1) the need to legislate for the preservation and expansion of crop diversity in the State Register of Varieties and Hybrids of Agricultural Plants Approved for Use; (2) the inadmissibility of reducing the list of these crops; (3) the inadmissibility of reducing of the number of state variety testing sites; (4) the inadmissibility of reducing of time limits of state variety testing from three to two years or one year; (5) the need to bring the concepts of “genetic passportˮ and “genetic passportizationˮ used in legal and regulatory acts to the canonical understanding of “genetic passportˮ as a document reflecting individual genetic features of an organism (cultivar/hybrid/breed/strain), which make it possible to distinguish its genotype from that of other organisms (cultivars/hybrids/breeds/ strains) of a particular species and the need to carefully elaborate methods of genetic certification of each crop, taking into account all types of genetic markers (molecular-genetic markers (DNA markers), protein and morphological markers). The Conference also noted that under the conditions of the increasing climate change and its sudden unpredictable fluctuations, reliable conservation of valuable plant genetic resources in situ and ex situ is required in order to avoid the irreversible loss of part of plant agrobiodiversity. In addition, extensive expeditionary surveys should be undertaken in the nearest future in crop and CWR diversity centers, under-explored areas, as well as in the regions with extreme environmental conditions and those prone to anthropogenic impacts.

Transcriptome Profiling during Sequential Stages of Cryopreservation in Banana (Musa AAA cv Borjahaji) Shoot Meristem.

Cryopreservation approaches have been implemented in gene banks as a strategy to back up plant genetic resource collections that are vegetatively propagated. Different strategies have been employed to effectively cryopreserve plant tissue. There is little information on the cellular processes and molecular adjustments that confer resilience to the multiple stresses imposed during a cryoprotocol. In the present work, the cryobionomics of banana (Musa sp.), a non-model species, was investigated through the transcriptomic approach using RNA-Seq. Proliferating meristems of in vitro explants (Musa AAA cv 'Borjahaji') were cryopreserved using the droplet-vitrification technique. Transcriptome profiling analysis of eight cDNA libraries including the bio-replicates for T0 (stock cultures (control tissue), T1 (high sucrose pre-cultured), T2 (vitrification solution-treated) and T3 (liquid nitrogen-treated) meristem tissues was carried out. The raw reads obtained were mapped with a Musa acuminata reference genome sequence. A total of 70 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) comprising 34 upregulated and 36 downregulated were identified in all three phases as compared to control (T0). Among the significant DEGs (>log FC 2.0), during sequential steps, 79 in T1, 3 in T2 and the 4 in T3 were upregulated and 122 in T1, 5 in T2 and 9 in T3 were downregulated. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that these significant DEGs were involved in the upregulation of biological process (BP-170), cellular component (CC-10) and molecular function (MF-94) and downregulation of biological process (BP-61), cellular component (CC-3) and molecular function (MF-56). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that DEGs were involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, MAPK signaling, EIN 3-lke 1 protein, 3-ketoacy-CoA synthase 6-like, and fatty acid elongation during cryopreservation. For the first time, a comprehensive transcript profiling during four stages of cryopreservation in banana were carried out, which will pave the way for devising an effective cryopreservation protocol.

Specific features of the biochemical composition of life forms of black medic (<i>Medicago lupulina</i> L.)

BACKGROUND: Black medic is used as a pasture, cover, siderate, anti-erosion culture for fixing embankments along roads, on mining dumps and for phytoremediation. Mono-, bi- and polycarpic forms are distinguished within the species, differing in the number of fruitions during the plant life cycle. The presence of polymorphism of morphological features and features of ontogenesis suggests the presence of differences in biochemical parameters in the selected groups.
 AIM: The aim of the study was to study the polymorphism of biochemical parameters of various life forms of black medic.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material for the study was 20 accessions of black medic of various origins from groups of mono-, bi- and polycarpic plants of the VIR collection. For the study, a freshly harvested green mass of plants was used. The assessment was carried out according to the following biochemical parameters: the content of dry matter, protein, sugars, ascorbic acid, total acidity, chlorophylls, carotenoids, carotenes, -carotene, anthocyanins. Statistical processing of the results included calculation of the main parameters of variation, analysis of variance and discriminant analysis.
 RESULTS: The nutritional value of black medic was characterized by the content of crude protein and sugars. The range of protein variability ranged from 11,94 to 19,69 mg / 100 g of raw matter, sugars from 0,44 to 2,67%. Differences in the sugar content of plants of different groups were revealed. The content of ascorbic acid was the highest in five varieties from the polycarpic plant group presented in the study in comparison with wild-growing accessions and the monocarpic Bereginya variety. Monocarpics are distinguished by the content of anthocyanin (19,5 1,41 mg / 100 g); no significant differences were found in the content of other pigments.
 CONCLUSIONS: The results of in-depth biochemical analysis of accessions from the collection of plant genetic resources demonstrate the high variability of biologically active substances in the green mass of plants and will significantly improve the choice of the initial material for selection for forage usage.

Safeguarding Plant Genetic Resource Collections for Agriculture

Safeguarding Plant Genetic Resource Collections for Agriculture

Genetic resources in Russia: from collections to bioresource centers

Collections of bioresources and a set of technologies for their conservation, study and practical use are now the basis of bioeconomy, biosafety, and food security. It is the foundation underpinning production chains, leading from basic research to various technological areas and industries.An analysis of the current state and an assessment of the prospects for the development of bioresource collections in the Russian Federation are presented. Regularities of the transformation from genebanks into bioresource centers and the trend towards integration network interaction among the collections of the same type are considered. The observed trends are analyzed in detail employing the case study of the development of plant genetic resources collections. The current tendencies of their management set by Decrees of the President of the Russian Federation No. 44 “On the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources” and No. 45 “On the Interdepartmental Commission on the Formation, Preservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources Collections” dated February 8, 2022, are discussed.

Forage resources and animals’ feeding in southern groudnut bassin and eastern regions of Senegal

Rainfall disturbances, a consequence of the effects of climate change, aggravated by anthropogenic pressure on vegetation, are leading to the progressive disappearance of several adapted local plant species in the so-called "groundnut basin" and eastern Senegal. Also, the clearing of land for agriculture potentiates and amplifies this degradation. At this rate, the loss of most of the local plant, forage and forest resources will follow. As part of a multi-species census and collection of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, an inventory of available forage resources in the groundnut basin and eastern Senegal was made. This inventory was made by field observations triangulated with interview data. The results show that the methods and level of exploitation of natural forage resources and crop residues differ from one area to another. The natural rangeland, which still constitutes the essential part of domestic ruminants feed in these regions, is in continuous degradation. In fact, this rangeland in groundnut basin is not very diversified like southern area, with a low index of quality and volume of pastures. Crop residues are abundant but not very varied. They represent an interest for the breeders of this zone and their sale prices can sometimes exceed those of the harvested products. This is a snapshot of the situation, valid for a given time. This situation is dynamic and can change significantly from one moment to the next. Nevertheless, the results obtained will make it possible to conceive methods of conservation and production of the identified species; in order to identify the best methods of management and sustainable use.

Polymorphism of microsatellite markers linked with <i>Rf1</i> and <i>Pl5/Pl8</i> loci in sunflower <i>Helianthus annuus</i> L.

Background. Microsatellite (SSR) markers are an effective tool for certifying collections of plant genetic resources, as well as for identifying genes that determine valuable biological and agronomic traits. The knowledge of their polymorphism is important for characterizing genetic diversity within the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) collection. The present study was aimed at analyzing nucleotide polymorphism of SSR-markers linked with the genes for fertility restoration (Rf1) and downy mildew resistance (Pl5/Pl8). Materials and methods. The material included 84 self-pollinated lines of VIR sunflower genetic collection, F1 and F2 hybrids from crosses between fertile lines VIR 365 and RIL130, and offspring from test crosses. Polymorphism of SSR markers ORS224, ORS511, ORS799 and НА4011 was studied by means of PCR analysis. To determine the microsatellite structure and variability, the amplified fragments were cloned and sequenced. Results. The unique alleles which differed from the typical ones (characteristic for most genotypes) were revealed in the ORS224 marker locus of four lines, and the unique alleles in the ORS511 locus were observed in 10 lines. The ORS511 unique allele of line VIR 365 included two 161 and 240 bp fragments, while line RIL130 was characterized by a typical 159 bp fragment. The profiles of typical and unique markers were inherited as allelic variants of the same locus in F2 of (VIR 365 × RIL130) and a population from VIR 111A × (VIR 365 × RIL130). The nucleotide sequences of unique alleles differed from typical allelic variants in the length and number of repeat units (GA in ORS224 and AT/GT in ORS511), and also by the presence of indels and nucleotide substitutions. Differences in length of НА4011 marker 240 and 200 bp allele variants were caused by 80, 47 and 44 bp indels. Conclusions. A number of lines in the VIR sunflower genetic collection are marked by the unique alleles of microsatellite loci ORS224 and ORS511, which differ from the frequently occurring variants in the length and number of repeat units, as well as in the presence of indels and nucleotide substitutions. Polymorphism of allele variants of HA4011 microsatellite is associated with the presence of indels of 80, 47 and 4 bp.

Exploration and Collection of Plant Genetic Resources in India: Status and Priorities

Plant exploration and germplasm collection is the foremost activity in PGR management system aimed at augmenting genetic resources for ex-situ conservation and utilization by end users. Organized PGR collecting was initiated in India way back in 1946, and so far, 2.82 lakhs accessions representative of nearly 1,695 crops/species have been collected through 2,838 explorations undertaken across the country mainly in collaboration with ICAR crop-based institutes and SAUs. Till two decades back, the focus has been shifted mainly on the collection of cultivated variability which has resulted in fair representative collections for important crops from across India. Now, increasing importance has been entrusted to crop wild relatives, minor fruits and wild edibles species, which has resulted in a phenomenal share of wild germplasm (18%) in the total collection. This communication highlights the collection trends, salient achievements made, emerging issues, and the priority areas which need adequate addressing for meaningful germplasm collections.

Genomics-Driven Application of Plant Genetic Resources for Sustainable Agriculture

Genebanks preserve the valuable genetic diversity in the form of huge collections of plant genetic resources (PGR). Dr Raj S. Paroda has spearheaded the modernization of one of the world’s largest genebanks, the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, India, which currently houses nearly 462,466 accessions. Dr Paroda’s notable contributions in the field of PGR management have earned him the popular name of “Genebank Guru”. As Dr Paroda turns 80 on August 28, 2022, we commemorate the occasion by synthesizing an article in line with Dr Paroda’ forward-thinking vision for PGR management and utilization. The present article highlights how modern genetic technologies have expanded our capacity to characterize and exploit the unexplored genetic diversity from genebanks. Extensive molecular and phenotypic characterisation support efficient strategies to minimize large PGR collections to workable sizes, thus allowing targeted search of plant diversity for sustainable agriculture. As the technological innovations transform genebanks into “bio-digital resource centres”, availability of detailed genotype-phenotype maps and genomic predictions for large PGR collections will guide selection and breeding decisions in crop improvement programmes. Effective preservation and use of PGR collections is imperative to impart climate change adaptation to crop production systems and safeguarding our future food supply.

Aluminum resistance of malting barley

Background. Barley is the second cereal crop in Russia in terms of its importance and production volume. It is used for food, feed, and industrial purposes. The production of malting barley in Russia exceeds 1.5 million tons; each year the area under this crop increases by 10–15%, reaching 600,000– 800,000 hectares. Barleys suitable for brewing must have certain physicochemical and technological properties. The main requirements for raw materials are presented in GOST 5060-86 (state standard for malting barley). An important condition for obtaining sustainable harvests is the development and utilization of cultivars resistant to a set of edaphic stressors. The purpose of this work was searching for resistant cultivars for use in targeted breeding.Materials and methods. The material for the study included 161 spring barley cultivars for brewing from the collection of plant genetic resources held by VIR. The laboratory assessment of aluminum tolerance in barley accessions was carried out at the initial phases of plant growth and development, using the method of calculating root and shoot length indices. The tested malting barley was classified into five resistance groups.Results and conclusions. Cultivars resistant to Al3+ ions were identified among different ecogeographic groups of malting barleys. The trait had a wide range of variability in terms of both the root length index (0.17–0.95) and shoot length index (0.47–0.99). Accessions with high resistance to ionic (Al3+) stress can be used in barley breeding targeted at the development of high-yielding malting cultivars most adapted to harmful environmental factors.

Rich diversity in cultivated Finnish potato onions (Allium cepa var. aggregatum G. Don)

Potato onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum G. Don) remained the most widely grown onion type in Finland up to the 1950’s, after which the more productive cultivars of common onion replaced this vegetatively propagated onion type. The Finnish accessions have been maintained in two national plant genetic resources (PGR) collections since 1990’s but new samples have been obtained still later. In this research, we analysed the genetic diversity of potato onions and shallots, grown in home gardens and in PGR collection, and compared the uniformity of the two PGR collections. One hundred ten onion samples were analysed using eight microsatellite loci, which amplified 83 alleles in total. There was a large number of genetically different samples, forming four major groups in the dendrogram. The results show that there is still a lot of genetic diversity among the Finnish potato onions, even though they are propagated vegetatively. The rich diversity in the samples obtained from citizens reflects a valuable source of genetic resources maintained by home gardeners. The national collection has been updated on the basis of the results. To ensure the preservation of the rich onion heritage, efforts are needed to increase the availability of potato onion to home gardeners and commercial growers.

VIR collecting missions in 2020

The article presents a brief overview of expeditionary surveys of the territory of Russia by VIR scientists in 2020 within the framework of the State Assignment for the research project No. 0481-2020-0001 “Ensuring the preservation and replenishment of the collection of plant genetic resources”. In 2020, with the support from budgetary and non-budgetary sources, VIR scientists participated in 8 collecting missions to various regions of Russia (Krasnodar Territory, Adygea, Karelia, including Valaam Island, Murmansk and Arkhangelsk provinces, the Solovetsky Islands, Yakutia, and Khabarovsk Territory). The seeds, cuttings, live plants, and herbarium specimens collected in 2020 for replenishing the VIR collection totaled 580 samples.

The Potential of Small Grains Crops in Enhancing Biofortification Breeding Strategies for Human Health Benefit

Nutrition is a source of energy, and building material for the human organism. The quality of food has an effect on the quality of individual life. Minerals and vitamins participate in various catalytic and regulatory functions of the main metabolic processes: absorption, transport, redox and biosynthesis of organic compounds, genetic information transfer, etc. Regular consumption of dietary fibers like β-glucans and oat-specific phenolics, antioxidants, and avenanthramides, stimulate innate and acquired immunity, prevent cancer, obesity, reduce glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride blood levels and regulate the expression of cholesterol-related genes. Thus, all those compounds are vitally important for the normal functional status of the human body. A deficiency in one or another essential nutrient causes disruptions in human metabolism, thus leading to serious illnesses. Plants are the main source of essential nutrients that are bioavailable for humans. One of the most popular groups of staple crops are the small grains crops (SGC), so these crops are most often used for biofortification purposes. Exploiting the potential of plant resources, biofortification is a long-term strategy, aimed at increasing the number of essential micro- and macronutrients in major food sources and ensuring their bioavailability. The most productive way to implement such strategy is the active use of the possibilities offered by collections of plant genetic resources, including SGC, concentrated in various countries of the world. The collections of plant resources contain both cultivated plants and their wild relatives that possess the required composition of micro- and macronutrients. A complex scientific approach to studying plant germplasm collections, together with agricultural practices (soil enrichment with fertilizers with a required composition), genetic biofortification (traditional breeding, marker-assisted selection or genetic engineering tactics), and their combinations will lead to the development of new biofortified cultivars and improvement of old ones, which can be used to solve the problems of unbalanced nutrition (malnutrition or hidden hunger) in different regions of the world.

Reliable genomic strategies for species classification of plant genetic resources

BackgroundTo address the need for easy and reliable species classification in plant genetic resources collections, we assessed the potential of five classifiers (Random Forest, Neighbour-Joining, 1-Nearest Neighbour, a conservative variety of 3-Nearest Neighbours and Naive Bayes) We investigated the effects of the number of accessions per species and misclassification rate on classification success, and validated theirs generic value results with three complete datasets.ResultsWe found the conservative variety of 3-Nearest Neighbours to be the most reliable classifier when varying species representation and misclassification rate. Through the analysis of the three complete datasets, this finding showed generic value. Additionally, we present various options for marker selection for classification taks such as these.ConclusionsLarge-scale genomic data are increasingly being produced for genetic resources collections. These data are useful to address species classification issues regarding crop wild relatives, and improve genebank documentation. Implementation of a classification method that can improve the quality of bad datasets without gold standard training data is considered an innovative and efficient method to improve gene bank documentation.