Cultivars Research Articles

Water consumption of spring and winter wheat on chernozem soils of the Volgograd region

Scientific and practical research was carried out with the aim of establishing new approaches to the cultivation of durum varieties of spring wheat and winter wheat, the main task when starting the experiments was to obtain a wheat yield at the existing level, while offering alternatives to the classic mineral nutrition, which allows not only to obtain the planned harvest wheat but preserve the natural fertility of the soil. No less important is the fact that the experiment was carried out in a risky farming area. In this regard, it is necessary to know how the water consumption of winter and spring durum wheat develops. We used pre-sowing treatment of seed material with modern biofertilizers. But the root mass of durum wheat has a distinctive feature from the root mass of soft wheat. The root mass of durum wheat contains mycorrhiza, which interacts better with soil microflora. Together with biofertilizers, a more favorable water regime is created, which has a positive effect on yields. Along with zoned varieties, modern wheat varieties with higher plasticity and adaptability to arid conditions were studied. The experiment was carried out in 2020…2023. in the Volgograd region, on the peasant farm “Eliseev A.N” in the Mikhailovsky district, located in the southern black soil zone. The objects of testing in the experiment were varieties of durum spring wheat: Donskaya Elegiya, Krasnokutka 13 and winter durum wheat: Agat Donskoy and Aksinit with pre-sowing treatment with biofertilizers. The experiment showed that the lowest water consumption indicators were in the variants without seed treatment and they varied between varieties from 259.5 mm (Krasnokutka 13 variety) to 521.0 mm (Aksinit variety). The maximum values were observed in the variant with seed treatment with biofertilizer Gumi 20 and they amounted to 263.2 mm for the Krasnokutka 13 variety, and 265.7 mm for the Aksinit variety, respectively.

EVALUATION OF GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND YIELD POTENTIAL OF SEVERAL IMPORTED WAXY CORN VARIETIES IN NORTHERN VIETNAM

This study aims to evaluate the growth, development, and yield potential of several imported waxy corn (Zea mays L. var. ceratina) varieties in Northern Vietnam. A series of field trials were conducted across multiple locations to assess various agronomic traits, including germination rate, plant height, leaf area, flowering time, and grain yield. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications for each variety. Data were collected and analyzed using statistical methods to compare the performance of the different varieties. The results indicated significant differences in growth parameters and yield among the tested varieties. Certain varieties exhibited superior adaptability and productivity under the specific climatic and soil conditions of Northern Vietnam. These findings provide valuable insights for breeders and farmers in selecting the most suitable waxy corn varieties for cultivation in this region. Further research is recommended to explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing the observed variations in performance.

Features of the choice of potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties when growing two harvests in the temperate zone of Russia.

The development of potato plants during the cultivation of two crops occurs in a short period. At the same time, field conditions change and do not repeat over time. The formation of the crop during the cultivation of two crops in the Moscow region turns out to be in different growing conditions: the first crop falls on a long day and moderate temperatures, as well as sometimes returning frosts, the second crop falls on a short day and high temperatures, as well as a lack of moisture. The purpose of our research was to substantiate the choice of varieties for cultivation of two crops. Its solution is possible with a certain guaranteed efficiency based on the theory of statistical games. The research was carried out at the Vegetable Experimental Station of the Moscow State Agrarian University named after K.A. Timiryazev and at the Central Experimental Station of the Barybino Research Institute of Agrochemistry of the Moscow Region 2017-2022. The experiment was laid by the method of random placement of plots, the predecessor was a bow. The planting density is 47.6 thousand plants per 1 ha. Germinated tubers were used for planting during the first planting of a large fraction, during the second planting of an average fraction. The second landing was carried out on the vacant place after cleaning the first landing. The cultivation technology is standard. Cleaning was carried out in mid-July and at the end of September. Statistical game theory was used to determine the choice of a variety with a certain guaranteed efficiency. As a result of forecasting in critical climatic conditions, it is necessary to plant 1 crop - varieties Riviera and for 2 crops - varieties Luck.

Agrometeorological characteristics of spring barley in the Northern Trans-Urals

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of air temperature on the duration of the growing season in Western Siberia (Russia). Material and methods: phenological observation of 6 varieties of spring barley (Abalak, Zolotnik Naran, Tandem, DLA-14 and Pasadena) was carried out for the period from 2016 to 2020. The sensitivity of varieties to temperature conditions is determined. The optimal average daily air temperature during the interphase periods was established: shoots-heading 31-35 days, and heading-ripeness 34-37 days. The optimal sums of effective temperatures above 10 ºC, necessary for the growth, and development of spring barley varieties, have been calculated. The Abalak variety was distinguished by a narrow temperature range in both interphase periods (the first period - 0.7 ºC; the second - 2.3 ºC), which indicates a low plasticity of this variety. The agrometeorological characteristic obtained from the data of field experiments can be used to identify the areas of cultivation of varieties, as well as for a scientifically based assessment of the territory in relation to the variety. The optimal, minimum air temperatures for each variety are calculated. The sensitivity of varieties to temperature changes was studied.

Micorrizas arbusculares em pomares de mangueira no semiárido brasileiro: influência da fenologia, do manejo e da variedade

ABSTRACT: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increase the absorption surface of roots, providing greater absorption of water and nutrients from the soil by plants. Thus, it is important to know how arbuscular mycorrhizae are affected by factors such as phenology, management and varieties in mango (Mangifera indica) orchards in the irrigated semi-arid region. With this objective, soil and root samples were collected during the vegetative, flowering and fruiting stages, and in the water stress period before flowering, always on the same trees. The study was carried out in mango orchards of the Keitt and Palmer varieties, in agricultural farms located in Juazeiro - BA and Petrolina - PE, both under conventional management (with fertilizers and paclobutazol). The soil was used to quantify the number of AMF spores and phosphorus content. Mycorrhizal colonization in roots was evaluated in qualitative terms (presence of hyphae, vesicles and arbuscles) and quantitative terms (% of colonization). Total mycorrhizal colonization was high, with averages above 65%, and higher values in the fruiting period. Colonization by vesicles and arbuscles was on average above 45% and 17%, respectively, with higher means also during fruiting. The number of AMF spores in the soil averaged over 130 spores in 50 g of soil, with higher values in the period of water stress. The phosphorus content in the soil did not influence mycorrhizal colonization and the number of spores in the soil. The association of AMF with mango trees was generally affected by management and phenology, regardless of the cultivated varieties.

O cultivo orgânico de lúpulo em condições subtropicais promove mudanças fisiológicas e produtivas?

ABSTRACT: Hops are grown mainly for the brewing market due to the rich chemical composition that gives beer aroma and bitterness. Brazil is one of the largest beer producers and consumers in the world and one of the largest hop importers. There is growing demand and interest in producing hops for domestic supply; however, as this crop originates from a temperate climate and the Northern Hemisphere, it is important to carry out research that describes the development of hops in a tropical climate to provide information on its cultivation in Brazil, as well as to determine its behavior in organic cultivation. A randomized block design was adopted, the treatments consisted of two cropping systems, conventional and organic, for Hallertau Mittelfrueh variety cultivation, with four blocks and three plants per plot. Gas exchange analyzes of plants under both cultivation systems were performed to obtain measurements of A, g s , Ci, E, WUE and A/Ci, morphometric and yield analyzes were also carried out. In comparison with the plants of the organic system, the plants of the conventional cultivation had greater photosynthetic efficiency; however, the practices adopted in the organic cultivation system provided the plants with greater productive capacity.

Characterization of New Rice Genotypes for Blast and Brown Spot Disease Resistance and Iron-Toxicity Tolerance in Burkina Faso

Rice production in Burkina Faso is threatened by a number of abiotic and biotic constraints, including iron toxicity and main fungal diseases that limit the potential of cultivated varieties. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of new rice genotypes against main biotic and abiotic stresses. A total of 08 genotypes were tested allowed a Fisher block design with 03 replicates. Assessments focused on severity of iron toxicity, the severity and incidence of blast and brown spot disease and agro-morphological traits. The GRS IR-6-S3-Y1-D genotype was the most sensitive to iron toxicity, while the Sahel 108, BF19AR006 and SV1CP genotypes were the most resistant. As for fungal diseases, severity scores ranged from 4.33 to 7.67 for blast and from 4.00 to 7.03 for brown spot disease while incidence rates were 88.33% and 81.67% for blast and brown spot disease respectively. Genotype IR93654-10-3-2-1-ARS-SALS was resistant to both blast and brown spot disease. Person's correlation matrix showed both positive and negative correlations between the various agro-morphological parameters and pathological traits. Hierarchical ascending classification showed that the SV1CP and IR93654-10-3-2-1-ARS-SALS genotypes performed better agronomically. with yields of over 7.000 kg/ha and showed good tolerance to iron toxicity, blast and brown spot disease.

INFLUENCE OF THE ROOTSTOCK P1103 AND SO4 ON THE BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CABERNET SAUVIGNON VARIETY

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widespread grape varieties, both in the world and in Serbia and is used for the production of high quality red wines. The rootstocks P 1103 and SO4 are widely used in Serbian viticulture. The choice of rootstock can significantly influence the biological characteristics of cultivated variety, especially through qualitative parameters of bunch and the berry. The research was conducted in the wine-growing region of Šumadija. The vineyard was planted in 2009 with a row spacing of 2.3 m and between rows 0.8 m. The aim of the work was to determine the influence of rootstock P1103 and SO4 on the biological characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon variety. The work contains data related to phenological observations, vegetative and reproductive potential, yield, uvological composition of grapes and berries, and qualitative characteristics of grape juice. Phenological observations revealed no differences in the length of phenophases. A higher average shoot growth was observed on rootstock P 1103 (150.9 cm). A higher number of developed inflorescences (13.7) was observed on rootstock SO4, while the average yield was higher on rootstock P 1103 (1.723 kg). The uvological observations of bunches and berries showed higher values on the rootstock P 1103 for the following parameters: average weight of the bunch (175.4 g), number of berries in the bunch (151.6), weight of the bunch stem (5.5 g), weight of skin of 100 berries (11.9 g) and seed mass of 100 berries (7.2 g). The sugar content of grape juice was higher in rootstock P 1103 (27.16%), while the content of total acids was generally higher in rootstock SO4 (8.3 g/l).

EFFECTIVENESS OF CYTOKININ PREPARATIONS FOR IMPROVING CALLUSOGENESIS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF GRAPE CUTTINGS (VITIS VINIFERA L.)

EFFECTIVENESS OF CYTOKININ PREPARATIONS FOR IMPROVING CALLUSOGENESIS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF GRAPE CUTTINGS (VITIS VINIFERA L.)

KNOWLEDGE AND ADOPTION LEVEL OF FARMERS WITH RESPECT TO PACKAGE OF PRACTICES OF BASMATI RICE CULTIVATION

The present study was conducted to find out the knowledge level of basmati rice growers in Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The data was collected through personal interview schedule from the basmati rice growers for the investigation based on their knowledge of package of practices in basmati rice cultivation. The study reported that majority (77.50%) of basmati rice growers were having high knowledge about land preparation, (65.00%) use of green manuring, (56.66%) basmati rice growers were having high knowledge of harvesting of basmati rice and the majority (84.17%) basmati rice growers were having medium knowledge about transplanting and (81.66%) selection of improved basmati rice varieties for basmati rice cultivation. The study also reported that the majority (77.50%) of rice growers were having low knowledge about soil treatment and (45.83%) use of balanced fertilizers in basmati rice cultivation. The study further reported that the majority (87.50%) of the basmati rice growers were fully using sandy loam and loamy soil for basmati rice cultivation and the majority (87.50%) of the basmati rice growers were fully adopted proper field preparation practices for basmati rice cultivation in the study area. The study also reported that the majority (80.83%) of the basmati rice growers were fully adopted harvesting time of basmati rice.

EVALUATION OF YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF OIL SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.) VARIETIES CULTIVATED IN SEMIARID IRRIGATED CONDITIONS IN THE NORTHEAST OF TURKEY

Sunflower is an oil plant grown in many parts of the world, capable of growing in many different climatic conditions. It is of great importance to carry out studies on the adaptation of new varieties and to determine the varieties suitable for the ecology of the region in areas where sunflower cultivation is intense. This study was carried out to determine some sunflower cultivars' yield and quality characteristics (SANBROMR, BOSFORA, SYBARBATİ, ROSETTA, LG5485, P64LL62, SYGIBRALTAR, P64LC108 P64LE119, P64LP130, P63LE113, 11TR077, ESNIEGARA, ADELYA, and DERAY) in 2020-2021 Bayburt conditions. It has been determined that there are significant differences between the cultivars in terms of the parameters examined. The highest average seed yield (4194.2 kg ha-1) and average linoleic acid content (65.09%) were obtained from the BOSFORA variety, the highest average oil content (48.78%) and average oil yield (186.02 kg ha-1) were obtained from ESNİEGARA variety, and the highest average oleic acid content (41.78%) was obtained from 11TR077 variety. The results obtained from the research emphasize the importance of varieties in sunflower plants. They show that BOSFORA and ESNIEGARA varieties come to the fore regarding yield and quality elements in ecologies with a semi-arid climate.

Размножение in vitro перспективных сортов картофеля для возделывания в условиях Республики Коми

The paper deals with the results of clonal micropropagation of promising potato varieties for cultivation in the conditions of the Komi Republic. The study material is three potato varieties (Zyryanets, Pechorsky, Vychegodsky), characterized by the high resistance to late blight and abiotic stress factors in the conditions of the Komi Republic. The primary explants were weakly germinated eyeholes, as well as cuttings and shoot tips isolated from 14- and 30-day-old potato plants which underwent surface sterilization and then were cultivated in the Murashige–Skoog nutrient medium containing various hormones. The Pechorsky variety was identified to have the high growth index and specific growth rate of shoots in vitro. This variety can be included in studies on cell and genetic engineering aimed at creating potato forms with the complex resistance.

Application of biosensors in the detection of plant biomolecules

Traditional plant research mainly relies on the observation of external performance, and it is difficult to accurately understand the internal physiological and environmental responses of plants. However, the introduction of biosensors provides different avenues to address these issues. The application of biosensors in plants is an emerging field, combining sensor technology with biology, bringing new opportunities for plant research and agricultural production. The core content of plant biosensing technology is to embed biosensors into plants to monitor and transmit information such as biomolecules, metabolites, or environmental factors inside plants. This paper introduces the design of biosensors, the research progress of biosensors, and the development trend of biosensors. Biosensors can quickly and accurately respond to changes in plants and transmit data to researchers or farmers through wireless communication. Real-time monitoring of the nutritional status and health status of plants can help to gain insight into the adaptability and stress resistance of plants to the environment and provide support for the cultivation of original varieties with greater adaptability. Farmers can accurately fertilize, water, and prevent pests and diseases based on sensor data, improve crop yield and quality, and reduce waste of resources. In general, plant biosensor research is of great significance in the fields of environmental monitoring, biological research, agricultural application, environmental protection, and sensing technology, which can help solve practical problems and promote the development and application of science and technology.

Формування фітопатогенного мікобіому на вегетативних органах рослин пшениці озимої

Cultivated plants, which are characterized by high resistance to phytopathogenic microorganisms, create significant selective pressure on their populations and select highly pathogenic and aggressive forms. Highly susceptible plants to such microorganisms ensure a rapid growth in the population of phytopathogenic micromycetes in agrocenoses. Cultivation of such plant groups on production crops leads to an increase in biological pollution of the agrosphere and a significant decrease in the level of biological safety. This requires increased use of chemical means of plant protection against diseases, which causes chemical pollution of agroecosystems and leads to a significant decrease in the quality of plant products through the accumulation of metabolic products of phytopathogenic microorganisms in it and a decrease in biological safety in agrocenoses. Therefore, the assessment and selection of winter wheat varieties as a factor in the regulation of the phytopathogenic mycobiome in agrocenoses is a highly relevant area of research that ensures the selection of ecologically safe varieties of cultivated plants. Cultivation of such varieties leads to a decrease in the level of biological pollution in agrocenoses and increases the quality and safety of plant products. It is known that biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors affect the formation of populations of microorganisms. Therefore, the formation of the mycobiome on the vegetative organs of winter wheat during the ontogenesis of plants under traditional and organic technologies was investigated. It has been proven that the meteorological conditions during the years of the study, namely: high air temperature and a significant amount of precipitation during the growing season, which was observed in 2021 and in the long dry years of 2020 and 2022, had a significant impact on the formation of the population of micromycetes in the agrocenosis of winter wheat. According to the results of our own research, the population density of micromycetes and the intensity of sporulation of mushroom species decreased during the phase of emergence into the tube using traditional cultivation technology. At the same time, during the earing phase, mushroom sporulation increases by 2–3 times. This can be explained by the homeostatic reaction of the population of micromycetes in the mycobiome of vegetative organs of winter wheat plants to the chemical pressure of applied pesticides, which can cause contamination of agrocenoses with infectious structures of pathogens and their toxic metabolites. At the same time, the population density of micromycetes, under organic cultivation technology, increased during the growing season from the tillering phase to the earing phase, depending on the soil and climatic conditions. Under the conditions of various winter wheat cultivation technologies, significant changes in the formation of micromycete populations were observed due to the influence of varietal characteristics of plants. A significantly lower frequency of occurrence of species and their intensity of sporulation was observed on the vegetative organs of the Skagen variety, compared to winter wheat plants of the Podolyanka variety. This testifies to the ability of physiological and biochemical substances of plants of various varieties of winter wheat to stimulate or restrain the development of micromycetes in the mycobiome of vegetative organs of the culture. Evaluation of the plant variety based on indicators of influence on the density, frequency of occurrence and intensity of sporulation of micromycetes will ensure a decrease in the level of biological pollution and an increase in the biosafety of plant raw materials.

Monitoring of sunflower breeding material to identify the level of resistance to false powdery mildew

Increased production of sunflower oilseeds requires the use of yielding, adapted to the conditions of cultivation varieties and hybrids resistant to harmful pathogens of the growing area. A number of reasons contribute to the decline in crop resistance. One of them is the emergence of conditions for the development of not only new diseases, but also more aggressive races of already well-known pathogens. The most effective and environmentally friendly way to control crop diseases is to create sustainable breeding material. In this regard, in the conditions of the East Kazakhstan region studies were conducted to assess the resistance to false powdery mildew of the promising breeding material of sunflower created by the specialists of the East Kazakhstan Agricultural Experimental Station. Quantitative indices of affected plants and the intensity of sporoniferous lesions on seedlings were determined. Characterization of the degree of susceptibility of the tested samples on a 5-point scale was given. The results of the experiments confirmed the possibility of selection at different stages of the breeding work. The selected source material can be used as parental forms in the creation of new sunflower varieties and hybrids.

Influence of planting and maintenance practices on the soil’s agrophysical properties, yield and quality of potato varieties of kamchatka breeding

The influence of different technological methods of planting and care, different in the number of treatments and timing of formation of a full ridge profile on the agrophysical properties of soil, the formation of yields in the cultivation of new varieties of potatoes of Kamchatka breeding, to improve the existing technology was studied. Rolling the soil when planting potatoes, contributed to the conservation of moisture in the soil at an average of 1.6%. During the vegetation period soil moisture was the highest at potato planting with soil consolidation and ridging in the period of mass sprouts and made up 36,65 % at 34,04 % in the control. On the average during the vegetation period, the soil volume weight in the layer 0-15 cm varied within the range 0,64-0,66 g/cm3 and was optimal for potatoes. Application of new technological methods in growing potatoes had a positive effect on the structural and aggregate state of the soil. At different system of care during vegetation the maximum size of a ridge was formed at early ridge formation with filling of shoots, the ridge height before harvesting averaged 24.5 cm, and the area of cross-section 930.4 cm2, increase to the control - 16.0 cm and 572.6 cm2 respectively. This method created favorable conditions for the development and accumulation of potato yield, the yield of the variety Geyser was 37.6 t/ha, Vulkan - 33.3 t/ha. Covering of soil at planting and ridge forming during the period of mass potato shoots promoted the increase of the crop capacity of the variety Geyser by 4,7 t/ha (14,3 %), Vulkan - 3,7 t/ha (12,5 %), due to soil rolling the increase of the crop capacity on the variety Geyser was on the average 4,0 %, Vulkan - 2,6 %, due to ridge forming - 10,0 %, 9,6 % respectively.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FOREST AND GARDEN BILBERRIES AS A RATIONALE FOR USE AS A SOURCE OF FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS

The attention of researchers - developers and manufacturers of food products is deservedly attracted by bilberries due to the rich and various complex of natural components that are beneficial to health. Both wild-growing and cultivated bilberries are involved in the sphere of industrial processing. It is traditionally believed that a berry grown in natural habitats is more environmentally friendly and is not inferior to cultivated varieties in terms of nutritional value. The purpose of the work is to conduct a study of the biochemical composition of berries of forest and garden bilberries to analyze its ability to accumulate food and biologically active compounds. The studies were carried out using modern physicochemical analysis methods (spectrophotometric method, HPLC, atomic absorption method). It has been experimentally shown that garden bilberries accumulate significantly more sugars than forest bilberries The trend for indigestible carbohydrates is the opposite: wild-growing bilberries are characterized by a high content of fiber and pectin with a predominance of the protopectin fraction. According to the content of organic acids, no priorities were identified: forest and garden bilberries were characterized by almost the same content. However, malic acid prevails in wild bilberries, and citric acid prevails in garden bilberries. It has been experimentally proven that wild bilberries are significantly superior to garden bilberries in terms of the content of bioactive polyphenolic compounds, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and carotenoids. In the complex of polyphenolic compounds of forest and garden bilberries, the same representatives of flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, catechin, resveratrol) and their metabolic products, phenolic acids (gallic, cinnamic, chlorogenic, ferulic, lilac), were identified. With the same qualitative composition of anthocyanin compounds, differences in quantitative ratios were revealed: cyanidin-3-galactoside prevails in wild bilberries, and delphinidin-3-galactoside prevails in garden bilberries. As for macronutrients, potassium prevails in both types of bilberries, and more calcium accumulates in garden bilberries. Forest bilberries surpass garden bilberries in terms of micronutrient accumulation. Considering the results of the analysis of the chemical composition it is obvious that the berries of forest and garden bilberries are of exceptional interest to food technologists, since they are a source of biologically active and minor components useful for health, as well as natural dyes and antioxidants. Therefore, the use of bilberries and its processing products in the production of food products will make it possible to endow products with healthy properties and realize functional properties in food technologies.

Characterizing subgenome recombination and chromosomal imbalances in banana varietal lineages.

Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are among the most important crops worldwide. The cultivated varieties are vegetatively propagated, so their genetic diversity is essentially fixed over time. Musa acuminata, M. balbisiana and M. schizocarpa have provided the named A, B and S subgenomes that predominantly constitute these varieties. Here we aimed to characterize intergenetic recombination and chromosomal imbalances between these A/B/S subgenomes, which often result in copy-number variants (CNVs) leading to changes in gene dosage and phenotype, in a diverse panel of bananas and plantains. This will allow us to characterize varietal lineages better and identify sources of genetic variation. We delimited population structure and clonal lineages in a diverse panel of 188 banana and plantain accessions from the most common cultivars using admixture, principal component and phylogenetic analyses. We used new scalable alignment-based methods, Relative Averaged Alignment (RAA) and Relative Coverage, to infer subgenome composition (AA, AAB, etc.) and interspecific recombination. In our panel, we identified ten varietal lineages composed of somatic clones, plus three groups of tetraploid accessions. We identified chromosomal exchanges resulting in gains/losses in chromosomal segments (CNVs), particularly in AAB and ABB varieties. We demonstrated alignment-based RAA and Relative Coverage can identify subgenome composition and introgressions with similar results to more complex approaches based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) databases. These ab initio species-agnostic methods can be used without sequencing a panel of wild ancestors to find private SNPs, or in recently diverged pools where private SNPs are uncommon. The extensive A/B/S exchanges and the variation in the length of some introgressions between lineages further support multiple foundational events of hybridization and residual backcrossing. Imbalances between A/B/S may have resulted in CNVs and gene dosage variation. Since most edible banana genomes are fixed on time, these CNVs are stable genetic variations probably associated with phenotypic variation for future genetic studies.

Loss of Traditional Orchards and Its Impact on the Occurrence of Threatened Tree-Dwelling Bird Species

Horticulture is one of the land use types in agricultural landscapes, which is beneficial for nature if traditional ways of management are implemented. Orchards are affected by three negative transformations: abandonment that leads to afforestation; grubbing as a result of the cessation of fruit plantation; or intensification with the use of chemicals. In this study, changes in orchard management and structure were examined over a decade (2014–2023) in southern Poland (the Carpathians). Additionally, changes in the distribution of Syrian woodpeckers were assessed—a rare species of special concern in the European Union being a major nest hole excavator in orchards. Over a decade, trees in nearly one-fourth of orchards were removed, 15% of orchards were overgrown by forests due to abandonment, and only 40% remained unchanged. The changes were most pronounced in already abandoned orchards and many traditionally used ones. Fruit trees were grubbed in orchards in areas with a high density of people and roads, whereas succession prevailed in orchards in the vicinity of forests. During the same period, around 40% of woodpecker territories vanished, and this phenomenon was associated with tree grubbing or succession by forests. As the Syrian woodpecker requires protection in Europe, it is recommended to preserve traditional horticulture. Moreover, conservative cultivation of traditional varieties of fruit trees and agro-tourism in traditional orchards could be implemented in synergy with nature conservation.

Genome-wide association study on resistance of cultivated soybean to Fusarium oxysporum root rot in Northeast China

BackgroundFusarium oxysporum is a prevalent fungal pathogen that diminishes soybean yield through seedling disease and root rot. Preventing Fusarium oxysporum root rot (FORR) damage entails on the identification of resistance genes and developing resistant cultivars. Therefore, conducting fine mapping and marker development for FORR resistance genes is of great significance for fostering the cultivation of resistant varieties. In this study, 350 soybean germplasm accessions, mainly from Northeast China, underwent genotyping using the SoySNP50K Illumina BeadChip, which includes 52,041 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Their resistance to FORR was assessed in a greenhouse. Genome-wide association studies utilizing the general linear model, mixed linear model, compressed mixed linear model, and settlement of MLM under progressively exclusive relationship models were conducted to identify marker-trait associations while effectively controlling for population structure.ResultsThe results demonstrated that these models effectively managed population structure. Eight SNP loci significantly associated with FORR resistance in soybean were detected, primarily located on Chromosome 6. Notably, there was a strong linkage disequilibrium between the large-effect SNPs ss715595462 and ss715595463, contributing substantially to phenotypic variation. Within the genetic interval encompassing these loci, 28 genes were present, with one gene Glyma.06G088400 encoding a protein kinase family protein containing a leucine-rich repeat domain identified as a potential candidate gene in the reference genome of Williams82. Additionally, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis evaluated the gene expression levels between highly resistant and susceptible accessions, focusing on primary root tissues collected at different time points after F. oxysporum inoculation. Among the examined genes, only this gene emerged as the strongest candidate associated with FORR resistance.ConclusionsThe identification of this candidate gene Glyma.06G088400 improves our understanding of soybean resistance to FORR and the markers strongly linked to resistance can be beneficial for molecular marker-assisted selection in breeding resistant soybean accessions against F. oxysporum.