Distinctness, Uniformity And Stability Research Articles

Evaluation of the tobacco genotypes by the peculiarities of the structural-and-functional organization of the seed productivity features

Evaluation of the tobacco genotypes by the peculiarities of the structural-and-functional organization of the seed productivity features

Molecular-Assisted Distinctness and Uniformity Testing Using SLAF-Sequencing Approach in Soybean.

Distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) testing of cultivars through morphological descriptors is an important and compulsory part of soybean breeding. Molecular markers are usually more effective and accurate in describing the genetic features for the identification and purity assessment of cultivars. In the present study, we assessed the distinctness and uniformity of five soybean cultivars using both single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers developed by specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis (PCA) from both the SLAF-seq and SSR methods showed a clear distinction among cultivars Zhonghuang 18, Zhonghuang 68 and Zhonghuang 35, while no clear distinction was observed between cultivars Zhonghuang 13 and Hedou 13. Using the SLAF-seq method, we determined the proportion of homozygous loci for the five soybean cultivars. The heterozygosity of each individual plant was estimated for the assessment of cultivar purity and the purity levels of the five soybean cultivars ranged from 91.89% to 93.96%. To further validate the applicability of the SLAF-seq approach for distinctness testing, we used the SNP information of 150 soybean cultivars with different origins. The cultivars were also distinguished clearly. Taken together, SLAF-seq can be used as an accurate and reliable method in the assessment of the distinctness and uniformity of soybean cultivars.

Delhi High Court on applicability of DNA test as evidence to prove infringement of IP rights in plant varieties

Abstract Pioneer Overseas Corporation v Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights and Ors, W.P.(C) 6470/2013 and CM No 14085/2013, Delhi High Court, 1 July 2019 In this case, the Delhi High Court held that mere conformity to the distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test by a plant variety cannot be a ground to disallow a DNA test to prove infringement of another plant variety.

Information and technical features of the test for distinctness of new varieties of Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata

Purpose. To substantiate the information and technical features of the use of IBM SPSS Statistics tools in determ­ining the distinctiveness criterion for new varieties of lettuce Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata based on the morphological code formulas of phenotypes of well-known varieties using the nearest neighbor algorithm in a group of similar varieties. Methods. Analytical, which is based on a comparison of the methods and means of data mining obtained by identification – a morphological description of the variety with the subsequent use of descriptive and multidimensional statistics. In accordance with the «Method for the examination of varieties of lettuce Lactuca sativa L. for distinctness, uniformity and stability» signs that do not vary or very poorly vary were used to group varieties. These signs are used seperately or in combination with others. Results. As a result of modeling using the SPPS package, several mo­dels of similar varieties of Lactuca sativa L. var. сapitata were formed. The total number of varieties in the sample is distributed as follows: 71.4% represented the training sample, and 28.6% represented the control one. The resulting data is visualized on the diagrams of the model of the largest similarity. It is necessary to take into account the type of expression of the studied characteristic (sign): in a qualitative, quantitative, pseudo-qualitative way. A simulation experiment with a model of similar varieties of head-lettuce showed the dependence of the result on the selected target variable. The target variables were signs «lant: head formation», «head by density», «seed: coloration», «head size». Conclusions. The effectiveness of technological tools for analyzing the examination data on distinctness, uniformity and stabili­ty (DUS) has been revealed, which greatly facilitates the search for patterns among a large data set. Differentiation of data into training and control allows you to «train» the model on a data set of well-known varieties. When building a model, it is important to correctly determine the target and focal variables. IBM SPSS Statistics software package is recommended as a tool.

Farmer's Varieties in India- Factors affecting their preferential prevalence and the current status of their legal protection

In India, both High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) and Farmers’ Varieties (FVs) are being cultivated in different seasons in various agro-ecosystems in all regions of the country. A review of the contemporary literature reveals that a large number of factors namely, institutional, environmental, socio-economical and technical, determine the choice of a particular kind of variety (HYVs vs FVs). Literature also supports the fact that FVs are adapted better under marginal and low-input environment, due to their inbuilt resilient mechanisms. A large number of FVs of various crops continue to be grown in different states, occupying significant area in different regions and seasons. Also, the contribution of FVs is significant for food and nutritional security, particularly for small and marginal farmers in low-input marginal conditions. With regard to the legal protection of FVs, in case of food grain crops (cereals and pulses), almost all registration of FVs for Plant Variety Protection (PVP) have been for self-pollinated crops by virtue of being homogenous and qualifying the distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test for their protection and conservation through legislative mechanism in India. The present study reveals that in case of coarse cereals, vegetables and cash crops, the registration of FVs for PVP are very low/negligible, due to relatively more variability/heterogeneity by virtue of their genetic makeup and pollination behaviour, thus failing to qualify DUS test. The present analysis indicates that provisions under Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act (2001) need further amendment so that important FVs are not excluded from getting intellectual property right protection.

Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) Characterization of Neolamarckia Cadamba Genetic Resources

Neolamarckia cadamba (Kadam) genetic resources were characterised Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) traits based on International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants12 guidelines. Twenty-five clones of kadam were characterised based on the morphological characters of leaf and bark with 12 descriptors. Among these 12 descriptors, 9 were qualitative traits viz., leaf shape, Leaf base shape, apex shape, leaf margin, leaf venation, base symmetry, Waxiness in upper side of leaf, bark colour and bark texture and 3 were quantitative characters viz., leaf length, leaf breath, leaf petiole length. The study exhibited significant variations among the genetic resources investigated for various DUS traits, which could act as reference traits for developing variety to protect the genetic resources through Intellectual Property Rights.

Development of model web-server for crop variety identification using throughput SNP genotyping data

Crop varieties or genotypes of a given species are pivotal for agricultural production and ownership, management and improvement of their germplasm is a great challenge. Its morphological identification requires time, cost and descriptors are often compromised statistically due to phenotypic plasticity. Development of DNA based signature of varieties can overcome these limitations. There is a global need to implement world trade organization (WTO) and intellectual property rights (IPR) guidelines of Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) where DUS (distinctness, uniformity and stability) testing can be supplemented by DNA profile. Universalization and minimization of SNP number without compromising identification accuracy is the major challenge in development of varietal profile by rapid genotype assay. Besides this, there is no server-based approach reducing computational skill with global accessibility of referral phenotypic and genotypic data. We report world’s first model web server for crop variety identification using >350 Indian wheat varieties and Axiom 35 K SNP chip data. Standard filtering and linkage disequilibrium approach were used to develop varietal signature in Linux using HTML, Java, PHP and MySQL with provision of QR code generator to facilitate bar-coding. Phylogenetic tree constructed by selected SNPs confirms six major trait based clusters of varieties and their pedigree. Our user friendly server based tool, VISTa (Variety Identification System of Triticum aestivum) (http://webtom.cabgrid.res.in/vista) can be used in DUS testing having dispute resolution of sovereignty and access benefit sharing (ABS) issues. This model approach can be used in other crops with pan-global level management of crop germplasm in endeavour of crop productivity.

Machine vision for characterisation of some phenomic features of plant parts in distinguishing varieties - a review

Phenomic features of plant parts are important varietal traits for all crops and form part of the distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) characterisation protocols. Manual methods for measurement of these traits are expensive, less consistent and time consuming hence machine vision has been used in recent researches. The machine vision systems employed for this purpose consist of acquisition systems (hardware) and image processing and analysis system (software). The area of machine vision has developed during last few decades and there have been many improvements in the employed hardware and software. Major work has been reported on use of seed and fruit images; however, images of other plant parts like leaves, roots, flowers etc. have also been used. A variety of techniques have been reported for analysis of features in order to distinguish among different crop varieties.

Machine vision for characterisation of some phenomic features of plant parts in distinguishing varieties - a review

Phenomic features of plant parts are important varietal traits for all crops and form part of the distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) characterisation protocols. Manual methods for measurement of these traits are expensive, less consistent and time consuming hence machine vision has been used in recent researches. The machine vision systems employed for this purpose consist of acquisition systems (hardware) and image processing and analysis system (software). The area of machine vision has developed during last few decades and there have been many improvements in the employed hardware and software. Major work has been reported on use of seed and fruit images; however, images of other plant parts like leaves, roots, flowers etc. have also been used. A variety of techniques have been reported for analysis of features in order to distinguish among different crop varieties.

Distinctiveness, uniformity and stability testing of apricot genotypes based on morphological traits

Apricot is a stone fruit of the family Rosaceae (order Rosales), closely related to peaches, almonds, plums, and cherries. Apricots are cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world. In the present study, 17 apricot genotypes were characterized for 32 morphological traits with respect to distinctiveness; uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. The results displayed a high level of variability among all the genotypes. The fruit characteristics such as fruit size, shape, fruit volume, flesh and skin color which determines the quality and marketability of apricot exhibited huge variation. Moreover, the results displayed suggest that description of these varieties based on notes may be used as reference for protection of new varieties under PPV&FRA rules and can be used for comparison against new candidate varieties.

Evaluation of the descriptive characteristics of chestnut

The chestnut (Castanea spp.) tree is extremely valuable for it ecological role in the environment as well as its role in the production of sweet, edible nuts, decay resistant timber, and the production of chemical compounds such as tannins. Although native to the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, it has been planted successfully throughout the southern hemisphere including Australia, New Zealand and Chile. Currently, the genus Castanea is represented by 13 species ranging in size from shrubs to large trees. Five species of Castanea are native to East Asia, seven species are native to North America and one species is native to Europe. Many chestnut cultivars have been selected or bred for various purposes such as improving nut or timber quality, increasing yield, enhancing resistance to diseases or pests and winter hardiness. For the purpose of registering new cultivars, distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) of the cultivars need to be described and verified. For this aim, morphological characteristics of the cultivar candidates should be determined. There are many morphological traits used for identifying cultivar candidates. However, reliable characteristics need to be selected and scored. Generally, the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) criteria have been used for this purpose, but we believe the UPOV criteria need to be updated. In this review, various descriptive morphological chestnut parameters are discussed to promote the list of current and new criteria.

Development of DUS Test Guidelines for new varieties of Viburnum L.

Distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) Test Guidelines for new varieties of Viburnum L. were developed according to the principles and requirements of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and China. The development processes, including selection and determination of testing characteristics, determination of expression states of characteristics, selection of example varieties, determination of the order of characteristics, and assessment of distinctness, uniformity and stability, are described in this paper. There were 54 testing characteristics: 24 qualitative characteristics (QL), 15 quantitative characteristics (QN), 15 pseudo-qualitative characteristics (PQ) and 34 example varieties in the DUS Test Guidelines. Among the 54 testing characteristics, 20 were asterisked and 34 were non-asterisked. Seven were selected for variety groupings and 18 were adopted in the Technical Questionnaire. The development of these DUS Test Guidelines will be useful for the application and protection of new Viburnum varieties. The Guidelines will provide technical support for DUS testing of Viburnum and serve as a reference for the development of new varieties in other countries.

Marker‐assisted backcross breeding for improvement of drought tolerance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell)

AbstractDrought stress is presently a major productivity limiting factor in wheat. This study developed five wheat lines with inbuilt tolerance to drought stress using marker‐assisted backcross breeding (MABB) approach employing three linked quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in an initial population of 516 BC1F1 plants. The high‐yielding wheat cultivar ‘HD2733’ grown over last few years extensively in the eastern plains of India is largely sensitive to drought and is used as the recurrent parent. ‘HI1500’ released for water‐limiting conditions and carrying drought‐tolerant QTLs was used as donor parent. MABB lines were advanced using foreground and background selection, coupled with stringent phenotyping. We identified 29 lines that were homozygous for targeted QTLs in different combinations with background recovery range of 89.2%–95.4%. Further evaluation of selected lines for physiological traits and distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) characters under rainfed condition identified five potential varieties for national varietal evaluation programme in the zone. The report is first of its kind in implementing known QTLs for the development of drought‐tolerant wheat lines through MABB approach.

BanSatDB, a whole-genome-based database of putative and experimentally validated microsatellite markers of three Musa species

The genus Musa is one of three genera in the family Musaceae, which includes bananas and plantains, which are monocotyledonous plants. Bananas have valuable nutritional content of vitamin C, B6, minerals, and dietary fiber and are a rich food energy source, given that carbohydrates account for 22%–32% of fruit weight. Molecular markers are valuable for crop improvement and population genetics studies. The availability of whole-genome sequence and in silico approaches has revolutionized bulk marker discovery. We describe an online web genomic resource, BanSatDB (http://webtom.cabgrid.res.in/bansatdb/) having the highest number (>341,000) of putative STR markers from Musa genera so far, represented by three species: M. acuminata (110,000), M. balbisiana (107,000), and M. itinerans (124,000) from 11 chromosomes of each species. BanSatDB has also been populated with 580 validated STR markers from the published literature. It is based on a three-tier architecture using MySQL, PHP and Apache. The markers can be retrieved by use of multiple search parameters including chromosome number(s), microsatellite types (simple or compound), repeat nucleotides (1–6), copy number, microsatellite length, pattern of repeat motif, and chromosome location. These markers can be used for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) tests of variety identification and for marker assisted selection (MAS) in variety improvement and management. These STRs have also proved to be helpful in classification of Musa germplasm to distinguish individual accessions and in the development of a standardized procedure for genotyping. These markers can also be used in gene discovery and QTL mapping. The database represents a source of markers for developing and implementing new approaches for molecular breeding, which are required to enhance banana productivity.

Identification of Discriminating Morphological Descriptors for Characterization of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Germplasm in Himachal Pradesh

Identification of discriminating morphological descriptors for characterization of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) germplasm in Himachal Pradesh was undertaken in ten different major gene pool areas of Seabuckthorn in Spiti Valley, where 80 per cent population is of Hippophae rhamnoides L. Twenty plants of each gene pool area were selected during the end of growing season. Plant shoot, leaf blade, pubescence and fruit characteristics were recorded. Twenty two morphological traits were recorded for vegetative and reproductive descriptors, which is comprised of Qualitative and Quantitative characteristics. Study concluded with preparation of DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) guidelines for developing a new species/sub species or variety or new clone which will help in further breeding and genetic improvement programme. The present study identifies the morphological descriptors that are most relevant for characterization of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in cold desert eco-system of Himachal Pradesh.

Principal Component Analysis with Quantitative Traits in Extant Cotton Varieties (Gossypium Hirsutum L.) and Parental Lines for Diversity

The experimental material consisted of 101 extant varieties and parental lines characterized for morphological traits under Distinctiveness Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing at CICR, Regional Station, Coimbatore, India. Twenty one quantitative traits were taken for observation. The data were utilised to estimate substantial variation and relationship within the extant varieties and to identify the best performing genotypes. Analysis of variance for quantitative traits, in diverse line, showed sizable amount of variability. The highest variation was found for vigour index, plant height, germination per cent, fibre maturity, yield per plant, plant stand, fibre uniformity and ginning per cent when mean performance genotypes were considered. Seed cotton yield showed significantly positive correlation with boll number plant-1 (0.95), boll weight-1 (0.53), lint weight (0.50), fibre length (0.27), plant growth habit (0.26), plant height (0.23) and seed index (0.21). Principal component analysis showed the extend of variation by components 1 to 8 that exhibited Eigen value >1. Cluster analysis based on various morphological traits assorted 101 extant varieties of cotton into three main clusters. Dendrogram arrived based on hierarchal clustering, grouped genotypes based on their morphological traits rather than the geography of origin.

DUS characterization of rice hybrids and their parental lines using morphological marker

A plant variety is a genetically related plant group obtained by breeder, as a result of long and thoughtful process. A new cultivator is an important means of enhancing production and productivity of cultivated plants. Their fruit quality and resistance to diseases, thus helping in increasing the excellence of agriculture. Characterization of plant varieties in context of intellectual property rights is stimulated by the recent agreements within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The requirements of these activities vary, e.g. the varietal registration process involving testing for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) requiresa description of a newly bred variety be produced and compared to all existing varieties in common knowledge. These characters suffer from the limitations of number, interaction with the environment in which the variety grows and subjectivity in decision-making. The genuineness of variety is one of the most important characteristics of quality seed. In addition, seed certification, which forms a link between variety registration and seed production, involve assessment, varietal identification and purity to assure the quality of seed marked to farmer or grower. Characterization of four hybrids such as NARENDRA SANKAR DHAN 2, Rajlaxmi, Ajay and CR Dhan 701 their parental lines such as IR58025A, NDR3026-3IR, CRMS32A, IR42266-29-3R, CRMS31A, CRL22R and IR42266-29-3R based on distinguishing characters could differentiate the hybrids and parental lines.

DUS Test Guidelines in <i>Mokara</i> Orchids

According to UPOV Convention 1961, DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) testing is essential to provide and promote an unique way to protect plant varieties with the objective of developing new plant genotypes and for the usefulness of consumers. This provides rights for breeders and farmers to utilize or evolve new strains of plants, to exploit alien genotypes having broad gene pool, to encourage intensive breeding methods and to inhibit exploitations of unauthorized genotypes. In the present study, 8 genotypes of Mokara were evaluated for preparation of DUS test guidelines with a number of morphological characters. Among 61 common descriptors developed, plant width, number of flowers/inflorescence, flower length, flower width, dominant colour of dorsal sepal, dominant colour of lateral sepal, petal dominant colour, dominant colour of lip apical lobe and throat colour of lip were selected for grouping of genotypes.

Development of microsatellite markers set for identification of Indian potato varieties

Abstract Aim of this study was to analyze allelic variations in Indian potato varieties and to develop a dataset of SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers for varietal identification. Total of 155 SSR alleles of 12 markers were scored in 48 varieties with alleles per locus varied from 4 (STM1053) to 35 (STIKA), and polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged between 0.53 (STM1053) to 0.92 (STIKA). Total of 1492 absolute alleles frequencies were detected in the varieties ranging from 19 (Kufri Arun or Kufri Sadabahar) to 45 (Kufri Kundan) with marker-wise allele frequencies were maximum in STIKA (273) and minimum in STM5127 (73) or STM1053 (73). During the analysis two markers STM0037 and STI0030 did not show any amplification (null alleles). Allelic profiling of potato varieties showed distinctness and polymorphism of the SSR markers system. A set of minimum two-markers-set (STIKA and STU6SNRN) was developed for varietal identification up to similarity coefficient 0.89. Besides, another six-markers-set (STI0012, STPoAC58, STM0019, STM0031, STM1104 and STM1052) was also developed from the PGI (Potato Genome Identity) kit for the same purpose. These newly developed SSR markers sets of Indian potato varieties have potential roles in varietal identification, genetic fidelity testing, DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) and molecular characterizations.

Putative Microsatellite DNA Marker-Based Wheat Genomic Resource for Varietal Improvement and Management.

Wheat fulfills 20% of global caloric requirement. World needs 60% more wheat for 9 billion population by 2050 but climate change with increasing temperature is projected to affect wheat productivity adversely. Trait improvement and management of wheat germplasm requires genomic resource. Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) being highly polymorphic and ubiquitously distributed in the genome, can be a marker of choice but there is no structured marker database with options to generate primer pairs for genotyping on desired chromosome/physical location. Previously associated markers with different wheat trait are also not available in any database. Limitations of in vitro SSR discovery can be overcome by genome-wide in silico mining of SSR. Triticum aestivum SSR database (TaSSRDb) is an integrated online database with three-tier architecture, developed using PHP and MySQL and accessible at http://webtom.cabgrid.res.in/wheatssr/. For genotyping, Primer3 standalone code computes primers on user request. Chromosome-wise SSR calling for all the three sub genomes along with choice of motif types is provided in addition to the primer generation for desired marker. We report here a database of highest number of SSRs (476,169) from complex, hexaploid wheat genome (~17 GB) along with previously reported 268 SSR markers associated with 11 traits. Highest (116.93 SSRs/Mb) and lowest (74.57 SSRs/Mb) SSR densities were found on 2D and 3A chromosome, respectively. To obtain homozygous locus, e-PCR was done. Such 30 loci were randomly selected for PCR validation in panel of 18 wheat Advance Varietal Trial (AVT) lines. TaSSRDb can be a valuable genomic resource tool for linkage mapping, gene/QTL (Quantitative trait locus) discovery, diversity analysis, traceability and variety identification. Varietal specific profiling and differentiation can supplement DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity, and Stability) testing, EDV (Essentially Derived Variety)/IV (Initial Variety) disputes, seed purity and hybrid wheat testing. All these are required in germplasm management as well as also in the endeavor of wheat productivity.