Common Breeding Research Articles

Dynamic vegetation cover and decline in common eider breeding numbers in Nova Scotia, Canada

The American common eider ( Somateria mollissima dresseri) is a colonially nesting sea duck breeding on islands in the coastal regions of Atlantic Canada. Declines in colony size have been pronounced in some parts of its range, notably in Nova Scotia, and may be attributable to a variety of interconnected factors including changes in habitat conditions. Using surveys collected two decades apart, we compared nesting habitat types, availability, and use by breeding eiders on 16 islands that supported >1600 eider nests in 1992–1993, but 830 nests in 2013. While general patterns of eider nesting habitat use remained consistent (e.g., nesting preferences exhibited for Low Shrubland and Grassland habitats, and avoidance of forest or beach habitats), overall vegetation cover declined, but relative habitat changes were inconsistent across islands. Three of the islands with the greatest change in vegetation had cormorant ( Phalacrocorax spp.) colonies in 2013 that were not there in the earlier years. We suggest that changes in vegetation, in some cases facilitated by cormorant colony formation, influenced susceptibility of nesting females to predators, and these interconnected factors may be contributing to local population declines.

Study of genetic diversity and search for anthracnose resistance alleles in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes cultivated in Azerbaijan

Common bean has become very popular and widespread among the population since its introduction to Azerbaijan in the second half of the 18th century. The paper represents for the first time the genetic diversity and anthracnose resistance of 37 common bean accessions cultivated in Azerbaijan. ISSR marker characterization in the present study revealed a total of 47 bands, with 33.6% of average polymorphism. The polymorphism information content (PIC) and genetic diversity index (GDI) for each primer were in the range of 0.25-0.48 (mean 0.35) and 0.45-0.73 (mean 0.59), respectively, indicating a moderate level of genetic diversity in the current collection. UNJ tree showed that the common bean accessions tended to cluster according to the local and introduced gene pools, indicating the same original sources of these accessions, which is also supported by PCo analysis. Screening with linked SCAR markers revealed the existence of common bean genotypes with single or multiple Co resistance alleles. Among studied genes Co-4 locus and its alleles were found in all samples, followed by Co-6 (40.5%) and Co-34 (16%). Three genotypes had all studies resistance loci, while 12 had Co-4 and Co-6, and 3 had Co-4 and Co-34. The results could provide valuable information for future common bean breeding activities and conservation. The use of genotypes with two or more resistance genes as donor parents can accelerate the development of new common bean cultivars with durable resistance to anthracnose.

Productivity assessment of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) germplasm from Serbia

Context In Serbia, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production largely relies on improved commercial cultivars; however, many farmers still grow and maintain landraces. Productivity assessment of common bean landraces from Serbia may enrich knowledge of bean diversity from Western Balkans, Europe and worldwide. Aims The study aims were to describe the underlying structure of a selected set of landraces and commercial cultivars of common bean, identify relatedness of accessions, and determine breeding values. Methods and key results Overall productivity was assessed through main yield components during a 2-year field trial. Average seed yield per plant was 7.9 g, with 1000-seed weight 425 g, 7.4 pods per plant and 22.9 seeds per plant. Accessions were classified according to seed colour and shape, with the Albus group generally showing highest productivity traits. Phenotypic and genotypic variability of the selected set was previously determined. Principal component analysis was used to assess bean germplasm structure, revealing subdivisions partially according to gene pool (Mesoamerican or Andean), evident through the existence of one larger Andean group. Relatedness of genotypes was assessed by hierarchical cluster analysis. Additional variation concentrated within the Andean gene pool was detected. Positive correlations were observed among numbers of pods and seeds per plant, yield per plant and plant height. According to the Mantel test, positive associations were observed among productivity trait distance, genetic distance and descriptive trait distance. Conclusions Substantial variation in productivity was observed for bean landraces, with differences among gene pools and seed forms, revealing their agronomic value. Acknowledged structure of agronomic traits and recognised stratification will assist in multilevel organisation of common bean breeding programs. Implications Combined information on phenotypic, genotypic and productivity value should benefit selection of promising parental lines associating good agronomic performance with sufficient variability, according to consumer preferences.

Stem, leaf and cotyledon resistance responses to a prevalent Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathotype in Australia highlight new opportunities to improve white mould resistance in common bean

Context White mould (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) inflicts major yield losses on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris); yet, commercial cultivars known for their high yields and market-adapted grains lack physiological resistance to this disease. Aims This study aimed to test diverse common bean genotypes for resistance in stem, leaf and cotyledon tissues. Methods Thirty-four common bean genotypes with a wide range of agronomic traits and grain types, including genotypes noted previously for susceptible and resistant responses to white mould, were inoculated with the prevalent S. sclerotiorum isolate MBRS-1. Then they were assessed for resistance in stem, leaf and cotyledon tissues under controlled environment conditions, by inoculating plants with a 105 mL−1 hyphal fragment concentration. Key results There was significant (P < 0.001) variation in resistance responses in stem, leaf and cotyledon tissues across the genotypes. Contender, ICA Bunsi, XAN 280 and Taisho-Kintoki showed the highest resistance in stems, whereas Norvell 2558, Pico de Oro, Sanilac, Othelo and Negro Argel exhibited notable resistance in leaves. Metis, Canario 107, Pico de Oro, Pogonion and Jubilejnaja 287 displayed the most resistance in cotyledons. Conclusions This is the first reported attempt to determine the response of common bean germplasm to a prevalent pathotype of S. sclerotiorum in Australia. Bean genotypes exhibiting high-level resistance to white mould identified in this study can be used as parental lines for crosses in common bean breeding programs and/or directly as improved cultivars. Implications The study highlighted both the value of screening under controlled environmental conditions to reliably locate new stem, leaf and/or cotyledon resistances and the possibility of using rapid cotyledon screening to indicate stem resistances because the expression of resistances in cotyledons generally correlated strongly with those in stems.

Meta-QTL Analysis for Yield Components in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Common bean is one of the most important legumes produced and consumed worldwide because it is a highly valuable food for the human diet. However, its production is mainly carried out by small farmers, who obtain average grain yields below the potential yield of the species. In this sense, numerous mapping studies have been conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with yield components in common bean. Meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis is a useful approach to combine data sets and for creating consensus positions for the QTL detected in independent studies. Consequently, the objective of this study was to perform a MQTL analysis to identify the most reliable and stable genomic regions associated with yield-related traits of common bean. A total of 667 QTL associated with yield-related traits reported in 21 different studies were collected. A total of 42 MQTL associated with yield-related traits were identified, in which the average confidence interval (CI) of the MQTL was 3.41 times lower than the CIs of the original QTL. Most of the MQTL (28) identified in this study contain QTL associated with yield and phenological traits; therefore, these MQTL can be useful in common bean breeding programs. Finally, a total of 18 candidate genes were identified and associated with grain yield within these MQTL, with functions related to ubiquitin ligase complex, response to auxin, and translation elongation factor activity.

Aggregate Trait Evolvability and Macroevolution in Two Sister Species of the Bryozoan Stylopoma

The study of trait evolution in modular animals is more complicated than that in solitary animals, because a single genotype of a modular colony can express an enormous range of phenotypic variation. Furthermore, traits can occur either at the module level or at the colony level. However, it is unclear how the traits at the colony level evolve. We test whether colony-level aggregate traits, defined as the summary statistics of a phenotypic distribution, can evolve. To quantify this evolutionary potential, we use parent-offspring pairs in two sister species of the bryozoan Stylopoma, grown and bred in a common garden breeding experiment. We find that the medians of phenotypic distributions are evolvable between generations of colonies. We also find that the structure of this evolutionary potential differs between these two species. Ancestral species align more closely with the direction of species divergence than the descendent species. This result indicates that aggregate trait evolvability can itself evolve.

Identification of a QTL region for ashy stem blight resistance using genome-wide association and linage analysis in common bean recombinant inbred lines derived from BAT 477 and NY6020-4.

Ashy stem blight (ASB), caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goidanich is an important disease of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). It is important to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for ASB resistance and introgress into susceptible cultivars of the common bean. The objective of this research was to identify QTL and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with ASB resistance in recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross between BAT 477 and NY6020-4 common bean. One hundred and twenty-six F6:7 RIL were phenotyped for ASB in the greenhouse. Disease severity was scored on a scale of 1-9. Genotyping was performed using whole genome resequencing with 2x common bean genome size coverage, and over six million SNPs were obtained. After being filtered, 72,017 SNPs distributed on 11 chromosomes were used to conduct the genome-wide association study (GWAS) and QTL mapping. A novel QTL region of ~4.28 Mbp from 35,546,329 bp to 39,826,434 bp on chromosome Pv03 was identified for ASB resistance. The two SNPs, Chr03_39824257 and Chr03_39824268 located at 39,824,257 bp and 39,824,268 bp on Pv03, respectively, were identified as the strongest markers associated with ASB resistance. The gene Phvul.003G175900 (drought sensitive, WD repeat-containing protein 76) located at 39,822,021 - 39,824,655 bp on Pv03 was recognized as one candidate for ASB resistance in the RIL, and the gene contained the two SNP markers. QTL and SNP markers may be used to select plants and lines for ASB resistance through marker-assisted selection (MAS) in common bean breeding.

Donors of ultra-earliness for spring common wheat breeding

Knowledge of productivity and genetic control of the rate of ultra-early lines development will facilitate their use in breeding of common wheat Tritium aestivum L. for high adaptive capacity. The research focused on ultra-early lines Rico (k-65588), Rimax (k-67257) (progeny of F3 Rico × ‘Max’, k-57181), Fori 1-8 line series (progeny of F4 ‘Photon’ × Rico) and Rifor 1-13 (progeny of F7-8 Rico × ‘Forlani Roberto’), as well as on the accessions ‘Photon’ (k-55696) and ‘Forlani Roberto’ (k-42641). The varieties ‘Leningradskaya 6’ (k-64900) and ‘Leningradskaya 97’ (k-62935) were used as standards in VIR, and ‘Chelyaba 2’ (k-64379) was used in Сhelyabinsk ARI. The alleles of Vrn and Ppd genes were identified by PCR using the published allele-specific primers. Responses to vernalization (30 days at 3°C) and to a short 12-hour day were determined according to the VIR guidelines. The ultra-earliness of common wheat lines is associated with the presence of dominant alleles Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, Vrn-D1, Ppd-B1, Ppd-D1, and possibly Eps. The shortest emergence-to-heading period at two experimental locations was noted for Rico (39.9 ± 1.49 days), which is 14.8 ± 1.22 days earlier than the development of region-adapted varieties. The Rico genotype contains Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, Vrn-D1, Ppd-B1 and Ppd-D1. In the Rimax genotype, different alleles of the Ppd-D1 and Vrn-B1 genes were found, possibly being a result of recombination processes in Rico × ‘Max’ hybrids. Under a short photoperiod (12 hours), the Rico and Rimax genes can interact in a cumulative polymeric mode, which is not the case in long-day environments. Unlike other Rifor lines, Rifor 4 and Rifor 5, as well as ‘Forlani Roberto’, have a recessive vrn-A1a allele. However, Rifor 4 and Rifor 5 do not respond to vernalization, while ‘Forlani Roberto’ is responsive to this factor. The absence of response to vernalization in Rifor 4 and Rifor 5 possessing the recessive vrn-A1a allele is possibly provided by a complex of modifier genes along with the dominant Vrn-D1 gene, which was formed during recombination in F7-8 Rico × ‘Forlani Roberto’ hybrids. Recombinants of spring common wheat, combining ultra-earliness and relatively high ear productivity, have been identified. Grain yield per 1 m2 of new ultra-early lines in some years can reach 90% of that of the ‘Leningradskaya 97’. It is expedient to use ultra-early lines as donors of high-rate development in common wheat breeding, considering genetic peculiarities of the source lines.

A warmer environment can reduce sociability in an ectotherm.

The costs and benefits of being social vary with environmental conditions, so individuals must weigh the balance between these trade-offs in response to changes in the environment. Temperature is a salient environmental factor that may play a key role in altering the costs and benefits of sociality through its effects on food availability, predator abundance, and other ecological parameters. In ectotherms, changes in temperature also have direct effects on physiological traits linked to social behaviour, such as metabolic rate and locomotor performance. In light of climate change, it is therefore important to understand the potential effects of temperature on sociality. Here, we took the advantage of a 'natural experiment' of threespine sticklebacks from contrasting thermal environments in Iceland: geothermally warmed water bodies (warm habitats) and adjacent ambient-temperature water bodies (cold habitats) that were either linked (sympatric) or physically distinct (allopatric). We first measured the sociability of wild-caught adult fish from warm and cold habitats after acclimation to a low and a high temperature. At both acclimation temperatures, fish from the allopatric warm habitat were less social than those from the allopatric cold habitat, whereas fish from sympatric warm and cold habitats showed no differences in sociability. To determine whether differences in sociability between thermal habitats in the allopatric population were heritable, we used a common garden breeding design where individuals from the warm and the cold habitat were reared at a low or high temperature for two generations. We found that sociability was indeed heritable but also influenced by rearing temperature, suggesting that thermal conditions during early life can play an important role in influencing social behaviour in adulthood. By providing the first evidence for a causal effect of rearing temperature on social behaviour, our study provides novel insights into how a warming world may influence sociality in animal populations.

Alpaca breeding in Peru: From individual initiatives towards a national breeding programme?

Alpacas play an important role in Andean agriculture in Peru as a source of income for about 82,000 families. Although there are various national laws regulating alpaca keeping and breeding, and there are also government plans to introduce a national breeding programme, alpaca breeding takes place in individual, isolated initiatives. This study aims to show how these individual initiatives work, what challenges they face, but also what plans there are for the future and to derive policy and research recommendations. A total of 8 persons, who are responsible for currently running breeding programmes, were interviewed using a questionnaire. Breeding programmes for white Huacaya alpacas are implemented by private companies, but also farmers and a farmers' cooperative. Improving fibre quality by reducing the mean fibre diameter is the most important breeding objective, often in combination with increasing fibre quantity. Besides subjective selection criteria, objective criteria (laboratory analyses of the fibre) are also used. Reproduction technologies such as artificial insemination or embryo transfer do not play a role, as they are too costly and have low success rates. The potential use of genomic information is considered positive. Lack of well-trained personnel, missing interest of cooperative members, high laboratory costs for fibre analysis, volatile fibre prices and feed shortages were mentioned as mayor challenges. All participants of the study plan to further consolidate and expand their breeding programmes in the future. In principle, the introduction of a national breeding programme was assessed positively, but opinions differed strongly on the concrete implementation. Therefore, an open dialogue with the different stakeholders is needed to get a common breeding programme on track.

Optimization of in vitro culture conditions of common carp germ cells for purpose of surrogate production.

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is the fourth most-produced fish species in aquaculture and frequently used model species with significant effort invested in development of biotechnological applications. In present study, we attempted to establish an in vitro germ cell culture condition for short term cell culture, which could facilitate further applications such as surrogacy or gene manipulation. Basal media and different types of feeder cells were investigated to optimize carp germ cell culture condition to favor maintenance of mitotic proliferation. Results indicated that germ cells cultured with hESC media and RTG2 cell line as feeder possessed significantly higher proliferation and survival rate compared to that cultured with StemPro media and Sertoli cell line as feeder. In addition, we compared two dissection strategies to compare risk of cell culture contamination and body cavity was open from dorsal part or from ventral part. As a result, carp open from the dorsal side can minimize the risk of contamination. In summary, this is the first study to optimize the cultivation of germ cells in common carp. This opens up new opportunities for the application of specific techniques in the breeding of those species with high commercial value and frequent use as a model fish. Results obtained in this study are important for implementation of new strategies in common carp breeding, conservation of genetic resources, restoration of lines or development of clonal and isogenic carp lines.

Cytogenetic and genomic characterization of a novel tall wheatgrass-derived Fhb7 allele integrated into wheat B genome.

We identified and integrated the novel FHB-resistant Fhb7The2 allele into wheat B genome and made it usable in both common and durum wheat breeding programs without yellow flour linkage drag. A novel tall wheatgrass-derived (Thinopyrum elongatum, genome EE) Fhb7 allele, designated Fhb7The2, was identified and integrated into the wheat B genome through a small 7B-7E translocation (7BS·7BL-7EL) involving the terminal regions of the long arms. Fhb7The2 conditions significant Type II resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat. Integration of Fhb7The2 into the wheat B genome makes this wild species-derived FHB resistance gene usable for breeding in both common and durum wheat. By contrast, other Fhb7 introgression lines involving wheat chromosome 7D can be utilized only in common wheat breeding programs, not in durum wheat. Additionally, we found that Fhb7The2 does not have the linkage drag of the yellow flour pigment gene that is tightly linked to the decaploid Th. ponticum-derived Fhb7 allele Fhb7Thp. This will further improve the utility of Fhb7The2 in wheat breeding. DNA sequence analysis identified 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Fhb7The2, Fhb7Thp, and another Th. elongatum-derived Fhb7 allele Fhb7The1, which led to seven amino acid conversions in Fhb7The2, Fhb7Thp, and Fhb7The1, respectively. However, no significant variation was observed in their predicted protein configuration as a glutathione transferase. Diagnostic DNA markers were developed specifically for Fhb7The2. The 7EL segment containing Fhb7The2 in the translocation chromosome 7BS·7BL-7EL exhibited a monogenic inheritance pattern in the wheat genetic background. This will enhance the efficacy of marker-assisted selection for Fhb7The2 introgression, pyramiding, and deployment in wheat germplasm and varieties.

Genetic Progress for Yield and Yield Components and Reaction to bean Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) of Medium Sized Food Type Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaries L.) in West Shoa Zone, in Ethiopia

Eleven common bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) varieties that were released in Ethiopia from 1998 to 2014 were evaluated as medium seeded food type common bean varieties. The objectives of this study were to: (1) estimate the genetic progress made in 16 years of common bean breeding in Ethiopia; (2) assess changes in associated traits in the genetic improvement of common bean varieties released in Ethiopia; and (3) assess the reaction of common bean varieties to bean anthracnose [Clletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus) Briosi & Cavara]. The study was conducted at two locations, Bako and Gute during the 2014/2015 cropping season in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Days to 50% flowering (DF), Days to 90% maturity (DM), Grain filling period (GFP), Hundred Seed weight (HSW), Biomass yield (BMY), Grain yield per plot (GY), Harvest index (HI), Biomass production rate (kg/ha/day), Seed growth rate (kg/ha/day), Grain yield per day (kg/ha/day) and Anthracnose (1-9) scale data were collected on plot basis and Plant height, Number of pods per plant, Number of seeds per pod, Number of seeds per plant and grain yield per plant data’s were collected on a plant basis. Combined analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the common bean varieties and between test environments for hundred seed weight. The variety by location (VXL) interaction showed highly significant differences in biomass yield, harvest index, days to flowering, grain filling period, and biomass production rate. Regression analysis of mean performance at both environments on year of varietal release showed positive relationship for Gran yield (r = 0.08), Seed weight (r = 0.08) and Harvest index (r = 0.4) but negative relationship for Biomass yield (r = 0.04) and anthracnose disease severity (r = 0.016). The highest mean grain yield was 3008.7 kg ha-1 for the Haramaya variety and the lowest was 1708.8 kg ha-1 for Ada, with an overall mean of 2271.1 kg ha-1. The annual rate of genetic progress was 22.3 kg ha-1 (0.31% ha-1), 0.56g 100 seeds-1 year-1, 0.006%, 0.19%, and -60 kg ha-1 year-1 for grain yield, seed weight, harvest index, anthracnose disease severity, and biomass yield respectively. Generally, grain yield was slightly increased in the period of genetic improvement. Grain yield day-1 (90%) character explained more for the variation of grain yield but, anthracnose disease severity played the major role as grain yield did not respond significantly increment by (-33%) than seed weight (-0.01%) from stepwise regression results. The yield of medium seeded food type common bean varieties was increased due to grain yield day-1 for the past sixteen years (1998-2014) of breeding. The future crucial consideration will be managing the disease, like anthracnose disease for this common bean class and finally, Haramaya (3008.7 kg ha-1), SER- 125 (2954.8 kg ha-1), and SER-119 (2653.1 kg ha-1) will be recommended for the study area.

Delineating meta-quantitative trait loci for anthracnose resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is one of the devastating disease affecting common bean production and productivity worldwide. Several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for anthracnose resistance have been identified. In order to make use of these QTLs in common bean breeding programs, a detailed meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis has been conducted. For the MQTL analysis, 92 QTLs related to anthracnose disease reported in 18 different earlier studies involving 16 mapping populations were compiled and projected on to the consensus map. This meta-analysis led to the identification of 11 MQTLs (each involving QTLs from at least two different studies) on 06 bean chromosomes and 10 QTL hotspots each involving multiple QTLs from an individual study on 07 chromosomes. The confidence interval (CI) of the identified MQTLs was found 3.51 times lower than the CI of initial QTLs. Marker-trait associations (MTAs) reported in published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were used to validate nine of the 11 identified MQTLs, with MQTL4.1 overlapping with as many as 40 MTAs. Functional annotation of the 11 MQTL regions revealed 1,251 genes including several R genes (such as those encoding for NBS-LRR domain-containing proteins, protein kinases, etc.) and other defense related genes. The MQTLs, QTL hotspots and the potential candidate genes identified during the present study will prove useful in common bean marker-assisted breeding programs and in basic studies involving fine mapping and cloning of genomic regions associated with anthracnose resistance in common beans.

ROMANIAN KIWIFRUIT BREEDING PROGRAM - PRELIMINARY STUDY OF FIFTEEN MALE HYBRIDS FOR SELECTION AS POLLINATORS

Kiwi is a new fruit that can be grown in Romania. A common Italian-Romanian kiwifruit breeding program was initiated in 1993. For pollinator (male) kiwi plants, breeding programs involve the selection of elite plants with long flowering period and high pollen germination rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pollen grains from fifteen Romanian kiwifruit hybrids for identifying the most suitable pollinators for kiwi female selections released from our breeding program. The fresh pollen grains were collected during pollination period (2018-2020), in Petri dishes, maintained at room temperature for 12 hours, and then placed in 15% sucrose solution for germination. At different time interval: 4, 8, 12 and respectively, 24 hours, several measurements were done. Four genotypes – R0P3, R0P6, R2P8 and R3P9, which recorded over 90% germinability after 24 hours, have been selected for further field tests, including artificial pollination and compatibility tests with the kiwi female selections.

Genome-Wide Association Study and Genomic Prediction for Bacterial Wilt Resistance in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Core Collection

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the major legume crops cultivated worldwide. Bacterial wilt (BW) of common bean (Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens), being a seed-borne disease, has been a challenge in common bean producing regions. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify SNP markers associated with BW resistance in the USDA common bean core collection. A total of 168 accessions were evaluated for resistance against three different isolates of BW. Our study identified a total of 14 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with the resistance to BW isolates 528, 557, and 597 using mixed linear models (MLMs) in BLINK, FarmCPU, GAPIT, and TASSEL 5. These SNPs were located on chromosomes Phaseolus vulgaris [Pv]02, Pv04, Pv08, and Pv09 for isolate 528; Pv07, Pv10, and Pv11 for isolate 557; and Pv04, Pv08, and Pv10 for isolate 597. The genomic prediction accuracy was assessed by utilizing seven GP models with 1) all the 4,568 SNPs and 2) the 14 SNP markers. The overall prediction accuracy (PA) ranged from 0.30 to 0.56 for resistance against the three BW isolates. A total of 14 candidate genes were discovered for BW resistance located on chromosomes Pv02, Pv04, Pv07, Pv08, and Pv09. This study revealed vital information for developing genetic resistance against the BW pathogen in common bean. Accordingly, the identified SNP markers and candidate genes can be utilized in common bean molecular breeding programs to develop novel resistant cultivars.

Comparative assessment of yield and environmental stability of common dill samples

Relevance. The creation of varieties and hybrids with environmental sustainability is a priority in crop breeding. Many issues related to biology and ecology of a number of spice plants remain understudied. The study of the biological and ecological characteristics of common dill in order to create straight varieties with high yields in the phase of industrial ripeness in our conditions has not been carried out. The aim of the research was to evaluate the parameters of adaptive capacity and ecological stability in collection samples of common dill in terms of yield.Materials and methods. The research was carried out in the experimental field of the Department of Fruit and Vegetable Growing of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy, Gorki, Mogilev region over a period of 2012–2014 and 2019–2021. The objects were breeding samples of common dill. Field and laboratory experiments were carried out using generally accepted methods and guidelines. The meteorological conditions during the years of the research differed both in terms of temperature indicators and the amount of precipitation, which contributed to an objective assessment of the varieties under study according to a complex of economically useful traits.Results. The article presents the results of the study of common dill breeding samples obtained in different years of research. In the first set (2012-2014) there were 40 sample plants, in the second set (2019-2020) – 26 pieces. In the course of assessing the parameters of adaptive capacity and ecological stability, the diversity among the samples of common dill was revealed according to the main parameters. The difference in terms of yield between sets of genotypes and test conditions over the years indicates the relationship between the genotype and the environment. Based on the results of studying the common dill collection, the parent material for breeding for a consistently high yield was selected. The regularity of maintaining the stability of the trait "yield" with a repeated set of genotypes in different years of research has been established.

Magnesium- a Forgotten Element: Phenotypic Variation and Genome Wide Association Study in Turkish Common Bean Germplasm.

Magnesium (Mg) is the fourth most abundant element in the human body and plays the role of cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions. In plants, Mg is involved in various key physiological and biochemical processes like growth, development, photophosphorylation, chlorophyll formation, protein synthesis, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Keeping in view the importance of this element, the present investigation aimed to explore the Mg contents diversity in the seeds of Turkish common bean germplasm and to identify the genomic regions associated with this element. A total of 183 common bean accessions collected from 19 provinces of Turkey were used as plant material. Field experiments were conducted according to an augmented block design during 2018 in two provinces of Turkey, and six commercial cultivars were used as a control group. Analysis of variance depicted that Mg concentration among common bean accessions was statistically significant (p < 0.05) within each environment, however genotype × environment interaction was non-significant. A moderate level (0.60) of heritability was found in this study. Overall mean Mg contents for both environments varied from 0.33 for Nigde-Dermasyon to 1.52 mg kg−1 for Nigde-Derinkuyu landraces, while gross mean Mg contents were 0.92 mg kg−1. At the province level, landraces from Bolu were rich while the landraces from Bitlis were poor in seed Mg contents respectively. The cluster constellation plot divided the studied germplasm into two populations on the basis of their Mg contents. Marker-trait association was performed using a mixed linear model (Q + K) with a total of 7,900 DArTseq markers. A total of six markers present on various chromosomes (two at Pv01, and one marker at each chromosome i.e., Pv03, Pv07, Pv08, Pv11) showed statistically significant association for seed Mg contents. Among these identified markers, the DArT-3367607 marker present on chromosome Pv03 contributed to maximum phenotypic variation (7.5%). Additionally, this marker was found within a narrow region of previously reported markers. We are confident that the results of this study will contribute significantly to start common bean breeding activities using marker assisted selection regarding improved Mg contents.

Variations of subtelomeric tandem repeats and rDNA on chromosome 1RS arms in the genus Secale and 1BL.1RS translocations

BackgroundThe wheat-rye 1BL.1RS translocations have played an important role in common wheat breeding programs. Subtelomeric tandem repeats have been often used to investigate polymorphisms of 1RS arms, but further research about their organizations on the 1RS chromosome is needed.Results162 1RS arms from a wild rye species (Secale strictum) and six cultivated rye accessions (Secale cereale L.) (81 plants), 102 1BL.1RS and one 1AL.1RS translocations were investigated using oligo probes Oligo-TaiI, Oligo-pSc119.2–1, Oligo-pTa71A-2, Oligo-pSc200 and Oligo-pSc250, which were derived from tandem repeats TaiI, pSc119.2, pTa71, pSc200 and pSc250, respectively. The variations of 1RS arms were revealed by signal intensity of probes Oligo-pSc119.2–1, Oligo-pTa71A-2, Oligo-pSc200 and Oligo-pSc250. Proliferation of rDNA sequences on the 1RS chromosomes was observed. According to the presence of probe signals, 34, 127 and 144 of the 162 1RS arms contained TaiI, pSc200 and pSc250, respectively, and all of them contained pSc119.2 and pTa71. Most of the 1RS arms in rye contained three kinds of subtelomeric tandem repeats, the combination of pSc119.2, pSc200 and pSc250 was most common, and only eight of them contained TaiI, pSc119.2, pSc200 and pSc250. All of the 1RS arms in 1BL.1RS and 1AL.1RS translocations contained pSc119.2, pTa71, pSc200 and pSc250, but the presence of the TaiI family was not observed.ConclusionNew organizations of subtelomeric tandem repeats on 1RS were found, and they reflected new genetic variations of 1RS arms. These 1RS arms might contain abundant allelic diversity for agricultural traits. The narrow genetic base of 1RS arms in 1BL.1RS and 1AL.1RS translocations currently used in agriculture is seriously restricting their use in wheat breeding programs. This research has found new 1RS sources for the future restructuring of 1BL.1RS translocations. The allelic variations of these 1RS arms should be studied more intensely as they may enrich the genetic diversity of 1BL.1RS translocations.

Genetic parameters, yield adaptability and stability of common bean obtained through mixed models analyses

The common bean provides a diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals and especially in proteins, which can provide food security for poor people in many countries. With the increase in demand for food production, cultivars with high grain yield potential that can be planted in different environments have been the focus of common bean breeding programs. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate genetic parameters, grain yield, adaptability and stability simultaneously of common bean lines that compose the Value for Cultivation and Use trials of the South region of Brazil. The experiments were conducted in 13 environments in the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The analysis of adaptability and stability were performed The common bean provides a diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals and especially in proteins, which can provide food security for poor people in many countries. With the increase in demand for food production, cultivars with high grain yield potential that can be planted in different environments have been the focus of common bean breeding programs. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate genetic parameters, grain yield, adaptability and stability simultaneously of common bean lines that compose the Value for Cultivation and Use trials of the South region of Brazil. The experiments were conducted in 13 environments in the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The analysis of adaptability and stability were performed using mixed linear models by the Residual Maximum Likelihood and the Best Linear Unbiased Predictor for predicting the genotypic values through Selegen statistical program. The selective accuracy of genotypes for their genotypic values was 87% and the broad-sense heritability for grain yield was 13%. The genotypes CHC 98-42, BRS Esteio, CNFP-10794, CHP 01-238, FT 08-75, IPR Campos Gerais, LP 09-40, CNFC 10762, C 4-7-8-1-2 and LEC 01-11 were superior based on the method of Harmonic Mean of Relative Performance of Genotypic Values. These genotypes presented a higher mean grain yield in comparison to the other evaluated genotypes, and could be recommended for cultivation in these regions. In addition, it was possible to obtain genetic gains of up to 9.5% for the CHC 98-42 line, showing its high genetic potential.