Conservation Of Genetic Diversity Research Articles

The plant germplasm and herbarium (WIR) collections maintained at VIR as contributors to grape genetic diversity conservation, expansion and utilization

Improving the standards of collecting and maintaining valuable genetic resources accessions and information about them is currently of crucial importance for the successful development of the world viticulture in the light of the challenges caused by the spread of grape diseases and climate change. This review briefly characterizes the global grapevine gene pool, approaches to its conservation, including base and duplicate conservation techniques, and the current status and prospects of the progress in in vitro and cryogenic preservation methods. The genetic potential of grape wild relatives is assessed focusing on particular species as sources of resistance genes to biotic and abiotic stressors. Achievements in the application of gene editing technologies to increase grape resistance to diseases are discussed. It is noted that a common practice at this stage is to knock out the genes responsible for grapevine susceptibility to diseases, whereas a more advantageous approach in the future will be to make targeted changes in the grape genome based on the knowledge of resistance genes in its wild relatives. Therefore, grape wild relatives need to be studied thoroughly using modern methods of forward and reverse genetics. Regarding the issues of grape genetic diversity conservation and expansion at the current technological stage, the status and significance of the plant germplasm and herbarium (WIR) collections held by VIR are scrutinized in detail. Authentication of grape germplasm accessions is marked as important, along with the role of the WIR herbarium, a unique collection incorporating physical carriers of reference genetic information on the national grapevine gene pool. Promising trends in the development of the WIR herbarium are outlined in connection with the establishment and preservation of nomenclature standards for domestic grape cultivars.

A new era of genetic diversity conservation through novel tools and accessible data

A new era of genetic diversity conservation through novel tools and accessible data

Genetic diversity of food-medicinal Lycium spp. in China: Insights from chloroplast genome

ObjectiveGoji (fruits of Lycium spp.) is commonly consumed as food and medicine. The increasing market demand for goji has led to its wide cultivation and broad breeding, which might cause loss of genetic diversity. This study aims to uncover the genetic diversity of the cultivated and wild Lycium. MethodsThe chloroplast genome (CPG) of 34 accessions of Chinese food-medicinal Lycium spp., including the popular cultivars and their wild relatives, was re-sequenced and assembled, based on which the genetic diversity was evaluated. ResultsSequence structural comparison shows that CPG is comparatively conserved within species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that CPG is sufficient for the discrimination of Lycium species; combined with nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (Nr ITS) sequences, materials with mixed genetic backgrounds can be identified. Nucleotide diversity analysis reveals that the modern cultivars are probably with a common maternal parent, while the wild accessions are with higher level of genetic diversity. ConclusionFor the first time this study reveals the intraspecies genetic diversity of Lycium spp. using CPG, highlighting the urgent conservation demand of wild genetic resources of Lycium. Our study also demonstrates that CPG provides crucial evidence for identification of Lycium species with mixed genetic backgrounds and highlights the importance of the wild relatives in genetic diversity conservation. This CPG-based technology will contribute to the sustainable development of medicinal plants broadly.

A Cryptic Subterranean Mammal Species, the Lesser Blind Mole Rat (Nannospalax leucodon syrmiensis)-Retreated but Not Extinct.

Blind mole rats (genus Nannospalax) attract a great deal of attention because of their cancer resistance and longevity. Due to the high rate of chromosome rearrangements, 74 Nannospalax chromosomal forms have been discovered. The convergence of their external morphology complicates their taxonomy, and many cryptic species remain unrecognized. Thus, the European N. leucodon supersp. is listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with "Data Deficient" status. It is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity to clarify its taxonomy, to recognize each cryptic species, and assign to them the correct conservation status. Of the more than 20 chromosomal forms described within N. leucodon, five cryptic species occur in Serbia. The most threatened among them-N. l. syrmiensis, described and named 50 years ago in the regions of Srem, Belgrade and Mačva-has been declared extinct in the literature, which may have negative consequences for the conservation of wildlife genetic diversity. Through five years of fieldwork and comparison of 16SrRNA and MT-CYTB gene segments between old, archived teeth and recently collected material, we show that N. l. syrmiensis is not extinct. However, its habitat has been fragmented and reduced, owing primarily to anthropogenic impact. Therefore, detailed surveillance, population-structure studies, risk assessment, and appropriate conservation measures are needed.

A time-course transcriptome analysis revealing the potential molecular mechanism of early gonadal differentiation in the Chinese giant salamander

The Chinese giant salamander (CGS) Andrias davidianus is the largest extant amphibian and has recently become an important species for aquaculture with high economic value. Meanwhile, its wild populations and diversity are in urgent need of protection. Exploring the mechanism of its early gonadal differentiation will contribute to the development of CGS aquaculture and the recovery of its wild population. In this study, transcriptomic and phenotypic research was conducted on the critical time points of early gonadal differentiation of CGS. The results indicate that around 210 days post-hatching (dph) is the critical window for female CGS's gonadal differentiation, while 270 dph is that of male CGS. Besides, the TRPM1 gene may be the crucial gene among many candidates determining the sex of CGS. More importantly, in our study, key genes involved in CGS's gonadal differentiation and development are identified and their potential pathways and regulatory models at early stage are outlined. This is an initial exploration of the molecular mechanisms of CGS's early gonadal differentiation at multiple time points, providing essential theoretical foundations for its captive breeding and offering unique insights into the conservation of genetic diversity in wild populations from the perspective of sex development.

High Public Good Values for Ecosystem Service Attributes of on-farm Quinoa Diversity Conservation in Peru

Agrobiodiversity is associated with a range of important but poorly quantified public good ecosystem services, the conservation of which requires public support. With a view to determining the general public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for such conservation, we organised interviews with 491 adult Peruvian residents in three regions a stated preference choice experiment (CE) to elicit the value they place on crop genetic resources conservation, using quinoa cultivation as a case study. Responses revealed strong support for the conservation of quinoa diversity particularly when conservation was framed in terms of conserving national cultural identity or food security. Respondents were willing to make a one-off donation of US$31.79 to an in situ on-farm quinoa crop diversity conservation programme, placing the highest values on programme attributes related to securing bequest/existence and option values, followed closely by stable landscape conservation. WTP was higher when the public was reminded that conservation also contributed to national cultural identify or food security. A conservative aggregation of the WTP estimates to the population of the three regions results in an estimated total WTP for quinoa conservation of US$24.18 m and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.22. Findings demonstrate the significant and frequently ignored social welfare benefits associated with non-market agrobiodiversity-related public good ecosystem services, in this case equivalent to just over a quarter of market production values. Such information can be used to design and prioritise quinoa genetic diversity conservation programmes with an emphasis on such attributes.

Monitoring of species’ genetic diversity in Europe varies greatly and overlooks potential climate change impacts

Genetic monitoring of populations currently attracts interest in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity but needs long-term planning and investments. However, genetic diversity has been largely neglected in biodiversity monitoring, and when addressed, it is treated separately, detached from other conservation issues, such as habitat alteration due to climate change. We report an accounting of efforts to monitor population genetic diversity in Europe (genetic monitoring effort, GME), the evaluation of which can help guide future capacity building and collaboration towards areas most in need of expanded monitoring. Overlaying GME with areas where the ranges of selected species of conservation interest approach current and future climate niche limits helps identify whether GME coincides with anticipated climate change effects on biodiversity. Our analysis suggests that country area, financial resources and conservation policy influence GME, high values of which only partially match species’ joint patterns of limits to suitable climatic conditions. Populations at trailing climatic niche margins probably hold genetic diversity that is important for adaptation to changing climate. Our results illuminate the need in Europe for expanded investment in genetic monitoring across climate gradients occupied by focal species, a need arguably greatest in southeastern European countries. This need could be met in part by expanding the European Union’s Birds and Habitats Directives to fully address the conservation and monitoring of genetic diversity.

Preserving for the Future: The Critical Role of Germplasm Conservation in Fruit Crop Resilience

Germplasm conservation in fruit crops is indispensable for securing global food systems and safeguarding agricultural biodiversity. The conservation of genetic diversity within fruit crops is paramount, given the escalating threats posed by climate change, emerging diseases, and habitat loss. This review encapsulates the multifaceted challenges and innovative strategies in fruit crop germplasm conservation, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge technologies. The proactive preservation of diverse varieties through in situ and ex situ methods is essential for developing resilient, adaptive fruit crops. Global collaboration and heightened public awareness play pivotal roles in overcoming financial constraints and ethical considerations. The future of germplasm conservation in fruit crops hinges on a holistic approach, incorporating community engagement, advanced technologies, and international cooperation to ensure sustainable agriculture and the resilience of these crops in the face of dynamic environmental challenges.

Conservation of grain legumes genetic diversity for multipurpose uses in agri food chain

Conservation of grain legumes genetic diversity for multipurpose uses in agri food chain

Can a Forest Tree Species Progeny Trial Serve as an Ex Situ Collection? A Case Study on Alnus glutinosa

Scientifically informed decisions for the long-term conservation of extant genetic diversity should combine in situ and ex situ conservation methods. The aim of the present study was to assess if a progeny plantation consisting of several open pollinated (OP) families and established for breeding purposes can also serve as an ex situ conservation plantation, using the case study of a Lithuanian progeny trial of Alnus glutinosa, a keystone species of riparian ecosystems that warrants priority conservation actions. We employed 17 nuclear microsatellite (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers and compared the genetic diversity and copy number of the captured alleles of 22 OP progeny families from this plantation, with 10 wild A. glutinosa populations, originating from the two provenance regions of the species in Lithuania. We conclude that the progeny plantation could be used as an ex situ plantation for the A. glutinosa populations from the first provenance region (represented by eight genetic conservation units (GCU)). Based on the present study’s results, we can expect that the A. glutinosa progeny plantation harbors enough genetic diversity of wild A. glutinosa populations from the first provenance region. This progeny plantation can serve as a robust ex situ collection containing local alleles present in at least one wild population with at least 0.05 frequency with 25 replications.

Pollen cryobanking in wild solanums for conservation and utilization of nuclear genetic diversity

Pollen cryobanking in wild solanums for conservation and utilization of nuclear genetic diversity

A comprehensive strategy for the conservation of forest tree genetic diversity: an example with the protected Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii (Dunal) Franco in France

A comprehensive strategy for the conservation of forest tree genetic diversity: an example with the protected Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii (Dunal) Franco in France

Chromosomes of Pelophylax ridibundus Pallas, 1771 in different population systems of southern Ukraine

This paper provides the comparative morphological analysis of P. ridibundus chromosomes in different population systems of southern Ukraine. A certain variability and heteromorphism of individual homologs and of whole chromosome pairs was established. The chromosomes of P. ridibundus in populations consisting of a single species (Crimea, Zalisne, Arabat Spit) are relatively stable in quantitative and qualitative terms. Karyotypes are more variable in the lower reaches of the Dnipro River and Kharkiv Region, where the hybridogenic taxon P. esculentus lives together with P. ridibundus. It is assumed that such a relative constancy of chromosomes of southern Ukrainian P. ridibundus in pure RR-systems indicates both a high potential of their resistance to factors and an intraspecific genetic balance. This study is especially important in terms of conservation and enhancement of genetic and biological diversity, which mainly ensures the sustainability of ecosystems functioning.

Optimization of breeding program design through stochastic simulation with kernel regression.

In recent years, breeding programs have increased significantly in size and complexity, with various highly interdependent parameters and many contrasting breeding goals. As a result, resource allocation in these programs has become more complex, and deriving an optimal breeding strategy has become increasingly challenging. To address this, a common practice is to reduce the optimization problem to a set of scenarios that differ only in a few parameters and can therefore be analyzed in detail. The goal of this article is to provide a framework for the numerical optimization of breeding programs that goes beyond the simple comparison of scenarios. For this, we first determine the space of potential breeding programs only limited by basic constraints like the budget and housing capacities. Subsequently, the goal is to identify the optimal breeding program by finding the parametrization that maximizes the target function by combining different breeding goals. To assess the value of the target function for a parametrization, we propose using stochastic simulations and the subsequent use of a kernel regression method to cope with the stochasticity of simulation outcomes. This procedure is performed iteratively to narrow down the most promising areas of the search space and perform more and more simulations in these areas of interest. In a simplified example applied to a dairy cattle program, our proposed framework has shown its ability to identify an optimal breeding strategy that aligns with a target function aiming at genetic gain and genetic diversity conservation limited by budget constraints.

Phenotypic Diversity and Relationships of Fruit Traits in Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Germplasm Resources

Persimmons (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) are a characteristic Chinese fruit and account for a large planting area in China. The evaluation and selection of persimmons that are astringent without softening play an important role in modern breeding programs. However, the phenotypic variability and diversity of some representative traits in the natural population of persimmon germplasm without softening are still unclear. In this study, 56 traits from 150 samples of D. kaki collected in East Asia were used to evaluate phenotypes and correlations using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The results show that the mean coefficient of variation for the persimmon germplasm traits was 26.19%, and significant variations in phenotypic traits were observed. The frequency distribution maps of most of the characteristics showed obvious normal distribution characteristics. The analysis of the correlations between the traits showed that the most significant positive correlations had correlation coefficients close to 0.7. For example, seed width was highly and significantly correlated with fruit longitudinal and transverse width (0.796 and 0.786), and pith height was highly and significantly correlated with seed length (0.816). Moreover, the correlations between fruit traits and support traits, such as those related to the fruit handle and sepals, were significant, and the coefficients of the correlations between sepal width and fruit traits were 0.671 to 0.739. Fruit water content was negatively correlated with the soluble solids content (−0.623). Principal component analysis reduced 38 traits to 8 principal components, explaining 82.459% of the total variations, which were related to fruit size, seed, pith, color, fruit hardness, and soluble solid content; thus, persimmon germplasm could be divided into three major categories according to the sizes and shapes of the traits, and the first cluster was divided into two subcategories. The first subclass of fruits is medium size and shape; the second subclass of fruits is small in all traits; the second cluster is of high-quality and large fruits, optimal in all traits; and the third cluster is of medium to high-quality and oblate fruits. The results of this study are important for genetic improvement, diversity conservation, and resource utilization regarding persimmons and further research in this regard.

Cultivating Progress-The Crucial Link between Seed Selection and Agricultural Transformation in India

This review article, titled "Cultivating Progress: The Crucial Link Between Seed Selection and Agricultural Transformation in India," intricately examines the pivotal role that seed selection plays in shaping India's agricultural landscape. Through an exploration of seed diversity, indigenous knowledge, and the Green Revolution, it elucidates how the right choice of seeds has driven innovation, sustainability, and empowerment in Indian farming. The review underscores the importance of climate-resilient seeds, equitable access, and the synergy of biotechnology and genetic diversity conservation. As the agricultural journey continues, this article highlights that seeds are not mere commodities but catalysts for progress, resilience, and abundance

Regulation Concept of Optimizing Biodiversity Function due to Climate Change through Biological Insurance

Biological diversity, also known as genetic resources, plays a crucial role in sustaining human existence. Despite its significance, the destruction of these resources continues to persist over time, partly due to the impact of climate change. Numerous mechanisms have been implemented at both international and national levels to address this issue. However, the IUCN Red List indicates that the apprehensive situation persists, with 28% (35,765 species) of known species categorized as threatened with extinction as of 2020. In light of this challenge, an alternative worth considering is the concept of biological insurance, wherein biological or genetic resources become objects of insurance in general. Implementing this approach would require careful adjustments and, more importantly, scientific argumentation to support the idea both legally and economically. By employing normative legal research alongside statute and conceptual approaches, it has become evident that the current environmental insurance available in the market does not adequately protect the uniqueness of biological diversity. To strengthen the protection of biological diversity, it is essential to incorporate the sustainable use of natural resources for the prosperity of people while ensuring their sustainability indefinitely. Developing a comprehensive environmental insurance system would involve proposing a specific set of terms and conditions for biological insurance tailored to its unique characteristics. This approach seeks to safeguard and promote the conservation of biological or genetic diversity effectively.

Spatial prioritization of amphibian intraspecific genetic diversity: The need of accounting for palaeoenvironmental legacies

Biodiversity is a multifaceted concept, and conservation actions must consider all levels of biodiversity. Spatial prioritization of conservation efforts usually targets species diversity, while consideration of intraspecific genetic diversity is frequently hampered by the lack of data. Here, we combined genetic data (mtDNA) from multiple amphibian species and measures of environmental stability to i) identify the overall drivers of present-day intraspecific genetic diversity (nucleotide diversity and phylogenetic originality); ii) define priority areas for the conservation of genetic diversity, and iii) assess the surrogacy value of species diversity for genetic diversity in Italy and nearby areas. We tested for potential environmental predictors of genetic diversity and originality by fitting spatially-explicit Bayesian mixed models, and used species-specific predictions to generate spatial prioritizations of intraspecific genetic diversity. Present-day phylogenetic originality was positively correlated with climate and habitat stability since the Last Glacial Maximum (pseudo-R2: 0.61), while the same set of predictors had limited explanatory power for nucleotide diversity (pseudo-R2: 0.15). The spatial pattern of originality remarkably matched previously identified refugial areas for plants, as well as the distribution of some micro-endemic species. Prioritizations targeting phylogenetic originality showed that high conservation performance might be achieved with relatively low effort. However, the surrogacy between genetic and species-diversity was limited, implying that larger efforts would be needed to preserve genetic diversity while taking species diversity into account. Our study provides an example of how spatially-explicit approaches allow prioritization of conservation efforts accounting for both species and intraspecific genetic diversity, thus improving the long-term conservation of biodiversity.

MtDNA CR Evidence Indicates High Genetic Diversity of Captive Forest Musk Deer in Shaanxi Province, China

Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) are endangered ruminants whose adult males secrete musk. China has been breeding forest musk deer artificially since the 1950s in an effort to restore wild populations, with Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces as the two main sites for captive breeding. Genetic diversity is a significant indicator that determines the long-term viability and status of a population, particularly for species at risk of extinction. In this study, we analyzed the current genetic makeup of seven captive forest musk deer populations in the Shaanxi province, using the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) as the molecular marker. We sequenced 604 bp of mtDNA CR, with an average content of A+T higher than G+C. We observed 111 variable sites and 39 different haplotypes from 338 sequences. The nucleotide diversity (Pi) and haplotype diversity (Hd) were 0.02887 and 0.908, respectively. Genetic differentiation between these populations was not significant, and the populations might not have experienced rapid growth. By combining our sequences with previous ones, we identified 65 unique haplotypes with 26 rare haplotypes and estimated a total of 90 haplotypes in Shaanxi province captive populations. The Shaanxi province and Sichuan province obtained 88 haplotypes, the haplotypes from the two populations were mixed together, and the two populations showed moderate genetic differentiation. Our findings suggested that captive forest musk deer populations in the Shaanxi province had high genetic diversity, with a rich founder population of about 90 maternal lines. Additionally, managers could develop genetic management plans for forest musk deer based on the haplotype database. Overall, our study will provide insights and guidelines for the conservation of genetic diversity in captive forest musk deer populations in the Shaanxi province.

INDICATORS OF DOWNY FIBER DIAMETER OF TUVA MALE GOATS DEPENDING ON AGE

The strategy for the conservation of genetic diversity involves the cultivation of unique native breeds of animals. Tuva coarse-haired goats are relatively prolific, moderately early maturing, and, in addition to good meat productivity, have unique economically useful traits - very thin fluff. The purpose of the study was to study the productive indicators of Tuva coarse-haired goats and goats to identify age-related features of the morphometric parameters of the coat using an OFDA-2000 optical analyzer of the diameter of wool fibers. 18 months (n=20). The length of the down is 5.14±0.33 cm and 4.45±0.15 cm in goats and goats, respectively. The proportion of downy hair (diameter less than 30 µm) in the staple ranges from 85.0±1.23% to 87.37±1.34%. The amount of transitional hair is at the level of 3.85±0.82-4.62±0.65% (Cv 62.51-79.90%). With age, the animals tend to coarsen the fibers, this is evidenced by both the shift of the histogram peak from 16.20±0.40 µm in goats to 17.43±0.43 µm in goats, and changes in the structure of hair related to the awn ( goat wool contains 7.2 times more fibers with a diameter of more than 90 microns), We believe that when selecting Tuva goats to obtain high-quality down with the smallest fiber diameter, special attention should be paid, in addition to the length of the down and its diameter, to the presence of a transitional hair type (30.1-52.5 µm).