Early Selection Research Articles

Early visual modulation and selection predict saccadic timing during visual search: An ERP study.

Saccadic eye movements, a critical aspect of real-world visual behavior, are preceded by an initial accumulation of visual information followed by the selection of a single location to move one's eyes. However, it is currently unclear how each of these stages uniquely affects saccadic timing. In this study, participants searched for a contour integration target while EEG was used to measure posterior cortical activity between search display onset and first saccade initiation. The goal was to determine whether saccade timing could be attributed to differences in early ERP amplitudes, with the P1 reflecting the magnitude of early perceptual information accumulation and the N1 reflecting the strength of selection leading to the saccadic decision. EOG was used to measure saccade timing, and trials were divided into fast, middle, and slow bins. The N1 response was smallest in the slow saccade tertile, relative to both the fast and middle tertiles, suggesting weak selection. In contrast, the P1 response was largest for this same slow saccadic tertile relative to the middle saccadic tertile, suggesting vigorous information accumulation. Therefore, delays in saccadic behavior may occur when the visual system is overwhelmed with visual input, thus increasing the time to reach a saccadic decision. These findings reconcile models of eye movement behavior which often prioritize either the impact of information accrual or selection, rather than regarding both as an integrated whole.

Early Generation Selection of Potato Breeding Lines

Potato is the third most important food crop in the world in terms of adaptability, yield potential, and nutritional advantages. This study aimed to conduct potato breeding work for cultivation in Kazakhstan; potato breeding for further processing into chips with cultivation in the northern regions; and the selection of potatoes for processing into frozen French fries with cultivation in the southern and south-eastern regions. Potato varieties (Fontane, Santana, and Punchy) were used as reference varieties to check molecular markers linked to maturity, tuber shape, and flesh color. A total of 42 potato breeding lines crossed from Yagodnyi 19 and CIP clone 397079-6 were used in this study to identify prospective breeding lines. The research was carried out between 2023 and 2024 and under greenhouse conditions. According to the results of molecular analysis and phenotypic data, 21 breeding lines were identified as prospective potato breeding lines. The majority of these potato breeding lines had a round tuber shape and were recommended for chip processing. Three breeding lines had a long oval tuber shape, making them suitable for French fries. Six breeding lines with short-oval and oval tuber shapes were found for consumer potato processing. It is recommended that the breeding process and studies of biochemical properties are continued in all of these identified potato breeding lines.

Opportunities for the Early Diagnosis and Selection of Scots Pine with Potential Resistance to Root and Butt Rot Disease

Pine stands affected by root and butt rot (Heterobasidion annosum s.l.) contain pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) that can survive for a long time without showing external symptoms of the disease (‘conditionally resistant’ refers to trees that survive without symptoms despite infection). The establishment of stands from the seeds of such trees can significantly increase the effectiveness of artificial afforestation. Since the growth and development of pine trees is determined to a certain extent by the number of cotyledons after seed germination, this article examines this trait in the progeny of trees that are potentially resistant and those that have already been attacked by root pathogens. The number of cotyledons and the resilience of trees is fascinating and not generally known. Presumably, the number of cotyledons can be linked to disease resistance based on increased vigour. Biologically, a larger area for carbon assimilation leads to better photosynthetic efficiency and the production of more assimilates (sugars) necessary to trigger defence processes in the event of infection. From an ecological point of view, this can give tree populations in areas potentially threatened by root system diseases a chance of survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of using the number of cotyledons and other seedling characteristics to predict the resistance of trees to root and butt rot disease. The collected data show that the seedlings from the group of diseased trees exhibited lower growth rates and vigour. However, the seedlings from the group of potentially resistant trees are similar to the control, meaning the trees that show no disease symptoms because they have not come into contact with the pathogen. Our observations suggest that monitoring germinating cotyledons could serve as an early diagnostic tool to identify disease-resistant pines, although further research is needed.

Early selection for rust resistance in eucalypt progenies and implications for other traits of interest in tree breeding

Planting of resistant clones is the main control strategy for rust caused by Austropuccinia psidii on eucalypts in Brazil. Phenotyping for resistance to rust is performed at the last stage of the breeding programme on genetic material preselected for growth and industrial traits, which therefore may include susceptible genotypes. An alternative way to increase the frequency of resistant individuals in the breeding population is to perform resistance phenotyping during the initial stages of the programme. However, the impact of this approach on other characteristics considered as priority in the selection of genetic material should be assessed. In this study, we evaluated whether early selection for resistance to rust influenced total diameter at breast height (DBH), height (TH), average annual increment (IMA) and basic wood density (BWD), which are important selection criteria in eucalypt breeding. For this, a total of 6 703 plants from 70 full-sib progenies of Eucalyptus grandis, E. urophylla and hybrids of these species were phenotyped for rust resistance before transplanting, under controlled conditions, and again at seven months after transplanting, under field conditions and natural infection. Subsequently, the breeding population was evaluated for BWD indirectly through pilodyn penetration at 24 months after planting, and for DBH, TH and MAI at 37 months. Considering the final phenotype, 25.3% individuals were classified as resistant and 74.7% were susceptible to rust. Comparative genetic analyses between resistant and susceptible individuals showed that selection for resistance, performed early, did not influence DBH, TH, MAI or BWD traits. Thus, the early selection of resistant genotypes speeds up the exclusion of susceptible genotypes, saving time and resources in the development of new commercial clones without interfering with other important traits for tree breeding.

A platform for the early selection of non-competitive antibody-fragments from yeast surface display libraries.

In this work, we report the development of a platform for the early selection of non-competitive antibody-fragments against cell surface receptors that do not compete for binding of their natural ligand. For the isolation of such subtype of blocking antibody-fragments, we applied special fluorescence-activated cell sorting strategies for antibody fragments isolation from yeast surface display libraries. Given that most of the monoclonal antibodies approved on the market are blocking ligand-receptor interactions often leading to resistance and/or side effects, targeting allosteric sites represents a promising mechanism of action to open new avenues for treatment. To directly identify these antibody-fragments during library screening, we employed immune libraries targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor as proof of concept. Incorporating a labeled orthosteric ligand during library sorting enables the early selection of non-competitive binders and introduces an additional criterion to refine the selection of candidates exhibiting noteworthy properties. Furthermore, after sequencing, more candidates were identified compared to classical sorting based solely on target binding. Hence, this platform can significantly improve the drug discovery process by the early selection of more candidates with desired properties.

Photosynthetic Performance of Oil Palm Genotypes under Drought Stress.

Water deficiency and potential drought periods could be important ecological factors influencing cultivation areas and productivity once different crops are established. The principal supply of vegetable oil for oil crops is oil palm, and new challenges are emerging in the face of climatic changes. This study investigated the photosynthetic performance of 12 genotypes of Elaeis exposed to drought stress under controlled conditions. The assay included genotypes of Elaeis guineensis, Elaeis oleifera, and the interspecific O×G hybrid (E. oleifera × E. guineensis). The principal results showed that the E. guineensis genotype was the most efficient at achieving photosynthesis under drought stress conditions, followed by the hybrid and E. oleifera genotypes. The physiological parameters showed good prospects for vegetal breeding with different O×G hybrids, mainly because of their ability to maintain the equilibrium between CO2 assimilation and stomatal aperture. We validated 11 genes associated with drought tolerance, but no differences were detected. These results indicate that no allelic variants were represented in the RNA during sampling for the validated genotypes. In conclusion, this study helps to define genotypes that can be used as parental lines for oil palm improvement. The gas exchange data showed that drought stress tolerance could define guidelines to incorporate the available genetic resources in breeding programs across the early selection in nursery stages.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Profiles of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Northeastern Thailand.

The global emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae presents a significant public health threat and complicates antibiotic treatment for infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae in a clinical setting, analyze their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and characterize both phenotypic and genetic determinants. A total of 507 non-duplicate clinical isolates of Enterobacterales were collected between 2019 and 2020, and third-generation cephalosporin resistance was screened by disk diffusion. Identification of K. pneumoniae was confirmed using biochemical tests and PCR with species-specific primers. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using disk diffusion, and phenotypic ESBL production was confirmed using the combined disk method. Multiplex PCR detected ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M) and identified blaCTX-M groups. The genetic relatedness of ESBL-producing strains was assessed using the ERIC-PCR approach. Fitty-four isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers, all classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). All ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin and cefotaxime, with high resistance rates for ciprofloxacin (98.2%), azithromycin (94.4%), piperacillin-tazobactam (88.9%), and trimethoprim (83.3%). Genotypic analysis revealed blaCTX-M was present in 94.4% of isolates, blaSHV in 87%, and blaTEM in 55.5%. The blaCTX-M-1 group was the most prevalent, accounting for 96.1% of isolates. Co-harboring of blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM occurred in 42.6% of isolates, with co-carrying of blaCTX-M, and blaSHV was observed in 23/54 isolates. The ERIC-PCR analysis revealed 15 distinct types, indicating high genetic diversity. These findings highlight the urgent need for ongoing monitoring to control the spread of ESBL among K. pneumoniae and emphasize the importance of early detection and appropriate antibiotic selection for effectively treating infection caused by these pathogens.

Cross-omics strategies and personalised options for lung cancer immunotherapy.

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide and its high mortality rate makes it a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. To address this daunting challenge, we need a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of lung cancer in order to adopt more effective therapeutic strategies. In this regard, integrating multi-omics data of the lung provides a highly promising avenue. Multi-omics approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have become key tools in the study of lung cancer. The application of these methods not only helps to resolve the immunotherapeutic mechanisms of lung cancer, but also provides a theoretical basis for the development of personalised treatment plans. By integrating multi-omics, we have gained a more comprehensive understanding of the process of lung cancer development and progression, and discovered potential immunotherapy targets. This review summarises the studies on multi-omics and immunology in lung cancer, and explores the application of these studies in early diagnosis, treatment selection and prognostic assessment of lung cancer, with the aim of providing more personalised and effective treatment options for lung cancer patients.

OxcarNet: sinc convolutional network with temporal and channel attention for prediction of oxcarbazepine monotherapy responses in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy

Objective.Monotherapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is the preferred strategy for the initial treatment of epilepsy. However, an inadequate response to the initially prescribed AED is a significant indicator of a poor long-term prognosis, emphasizing the importance of precise prediction of treatment outcomes with the initial AED regimen in patients with epilepsy.Approach. We introduce OxcarNet, an end-to-end neural network framework developed to predict treatment outcomes in patients undergoing oxcarbazepine monotherapy. The proposed predictive model adopts a Sinc Module in its initial layers for adaptive identification of discriminative frequency bands. The derived feature maps are then processed through a Spatial Module, which characterizes the scalp distribution patterns of the electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Subsequently, these features are fed into an attention-enhanced Temporal Module to capture temporal dynamics and discrepancies. A channel module with an attention mechanism is employed to reveal inter-channel dependencies within the output of the Temporal Module, ultimately achieving response prediction. OxcarNet was rigorously evaluated using a proprietary dataset of retrospectively collected EEG data from newly diagnosed epilepsy patients at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. This dataset included patients who underwent long-term EEG monitoring in a clinical inpatient setting.Main results.OxcarNet demonstrated exceptional accuracy in predicting treatment outcomes for patients undergoing Oxcarbazepine monotherapy. In the ten-fold cross-validation, the model achieved an accuracy of 97.27%, and in the validation involving unseen patient data, it maintained an accuracy of 89.17%, outperforming six conventional machine learning methods and three generic neural decoding networks. These findings underscore the model's effectiveness in accurately predicting the treatment responses in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy. The analysis of features extracted by the Sinc filters revealed a predominant concentration of predictive frequencies in the high-frequency range of the gamma band.Significance. The findings of our study offer substantial support and new insights into tailoring early AED selection, enhancing the prediction accuracy for the responses of AEDs.

Sex Identification and Male–Female Differences in Ginkgo Biloba Hybrid F1 Generation Seedlings

In exploring the male–female differentiation and differences in the seedling stage of the F1 generation of ginkgo hybrids, an early selection test for the cultivation and research of leafy or medicinal ginkgo industry was conducted, which may provide a basis for boosting the precision of the ginkgo industry. The hybrid F1 generation obtained from the cross-mating was used as material for the determination of growth and development, as well as of the physiology and biochemistry of the monocots, and the male and female differential genes were obtained based on the data of SNPs obtained from the GBS sequencing of the hybrid progeny. In the seedling stage of ginkgo hybrid offspring, male plants had a significantly higher nutrient growth capacity than female plants, while the total flavonoid and terpene lactone contents in female plants were higher than those of the male plants. This result can provide a corresponding theoretical basis for the use of ginkgo germplasm resources, which can make full use of the male and female differences in the seedling stage and maximize the benefits of early sex identification.

Delineating marker genotypes for higher reproduction performance to aid in selection of Murrah bulls

Unraveling the genetic variability of performance traits is the key basis of selection in farm animals. Murrah is a predominant milch breed of India, efforts were being made in the past to select them for higher production, which is negatively related with the fertility. Keeping this fact in mind and to select the animals having optimum production and fertility performance, present study was conducted to validate suitable markers and the association of their allelic variation with the fertility traits in Murrah buffaloes. Study was conducted on 280 Murrah buffaloes to explore SNPs in SPEF2 gene and their association with sire conception rate (SCR), conception rate (CR) and weight at birth of Murrah bulls. Results revealed that SNP C168T of SPEF2 gene with genotype CC was found to have non-significant but higher CR and SCR in comparison to CT and TT genotype. Although no significant association of the identified SNPs could be established with bull fertility traits, a further study with a large number of samples could make the differences due to genotypes a significant effect and can be used as an aid for early selection of high fertile Murrah bulls

Abstract PR-14: Meta-analysis of spatial transcriptomics data from pancreatic cancer precursors proposes a common molecular framework for PanIN and IPMN

Abstract INTRODUCTION Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) arises from either pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) or intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Transcriptomic studies of PanIN and IPMN conducted in isolation both aim to improve early detection, risk stratification, and therapeutic target selection. Here, we curated existing and new whole transcriptome digital spatial profiles (DSP-RNA) from normal to malignant pancreatic epithelium to map the molecular landscape of PDAC progenitors. METHODS New NanoString GeoMx DSP-RNA datasets were generated from 1) surgical IPMN specimens resected at Duke University and 2) deceased donor pancreas specimens collected by the Gift of Life Michigan Donor Care Center that could not be used for transplantation and thus allocated to the University of Michigan for approved research. Published studies were downloaded from GEO (GSE229752, GSE226829, GSE199102) and the NanoString Spatial Organ Atlas. Epithelial areas of interest (AOIs) were processed and analyzed with stgeomx (https://github.com/mkiyer/stgeomx) and R/Bioconductor packages. Quality control (QC) procedures removed low quality AOIs. Batch effects were mitigated by defining highly variable genes within each dataset and merging them into a common set for downstream analysis. Molecular subtype gene signatures were obtained from the pdacR package and quantified using Gene Set Variation Analysis. RESULTS We assembled a pancreatic epithelial DSP-RNA cohort consisting of 768 AOIs from 62 patients. AOIs were annotated as normal duct (n=193), acini (n=53), acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM) (n=57), PanIN (n=108), IPMN (n=92), and PDAC (n=265). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed compelling associations between DSP-RNA profiles and the established classical, basal-like, and exocrine molecular subtypes of PDAC. The first principal component (PC1) stratified the exocrine and basal-like PDAC subtypes on opposite ends of its axis (PC1 vs exocrine Pearson r=0.929, p < 0.001, PC1 vs basal-like Pearson r=-0.775, padj < 0.001). PC2 further distinguished classical from basal-like AOIs, and PC3 separated normal (CRISP3+) from neoplastic (MUC5AC+) ductal epithelium. Unsupervised clustering of AOIs proposed four epithelial subtypes: “acinar/ADM” (cAcinar), “normal duct” (cDuct), “low-risk neoplasm” (cLR), and “high-risk/malignant” (cHR). PanIN and IPMN lesions exhibited remarkably similar global gene expression patterns, suggesting that they arise from a common lineage. CONCLUSIONS Meta-analysis of pancreatic epithelial DSP-RNA datasets provided a unifying molecular context for PanIN, IPMN, and PDAC. The established classical, basal-like, and exocrine PDAC subtypes explained global patterns of gene expression variation. Intriguingly, PanIN and IPMN transcriptomes appeared similar, suggesting that early detection and therapeutic selection strategies may be broadly applicable to PDAC precursors. Citation Format: Matthew K Iyer, Ashley Fletcher, Elishama Kanu, Chanjuan Shi, Rosina Carr, Ahmed M. Elhossiny, Daniel P. Nussbaum, Eileen S. Carpenter, Marina Pasca di Magliano, Arul M. Chinnaiyan, Peter J. Allen, Timothy L. Frankel. Meta-analysis of spatial transcriptomics data from pancreatic cancer precursors proposes a common molecular framework for PanIN and IPMN [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr PR-14.

Endocrinopathy due to proproteinkovertase 1/3 deficiency: primary enteropathy, diabetes insipidus, secondary hypothyroidism

Proprotein convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease caused by rare mutations in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK 1)gene, associated with severe malabsorptive diarrhea, obesity and some endocrine abnormalities. Proprotein convertase 1/3 is acalcium-dependent serine endoprotease involved in the proteolytic processing of various prohormones (peptide hormones in enteroendocrine cells that are necessary for the absorption of nutrients and is also expressed in the arcuate and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, in the beta cells of the pancreas) in their bioactive forms. The onset of the disease in the neonatal period of life is characterized by aclinical picture of severe malabsorption diarrhea, accompanied by developmental delays, and requires long-term parenteral nutrition. As the disease progresses, additional endocrine abnormalities develop, including diabetes insipidus, growth hormone deficiency, primary hypogonadism, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, and obesity. We conducted aprospective observation of apatient with agenetic disease due to proprotein convertase 1/3 deficiency confirmed during follow-up. The patient was examined and treated at the State Novosibirsk Regional Clinical Hospital in Novosibirsk for 11 months, with repeated (3-fold) hospitalizations. Purpose: to demonstrate the features of the onset and course of the disease, as well as the difficulties in verifying the clinical diagnosis of an ultra-rare genetic disease from the category of endocrinopathies, the complexity of medical support and therapy. Apeculiarity of this case is the fact that the identified mutation in the gene was not previously registered in control Russian samples of the genetic mutation of proprotein convertase 1/3 deficiency, as well as apreviously undescribed variant of the nucleotide sequence in exon 4 of the PCSK1 gene in aheterozygous state and was not registered in control samples gnomAD and RUSeq. Proprotein convertase 1/3 deficiency is adisease that is amultidisciplinary problem, since etiopathogenetic therapy has not yet been developed. The disease has achronic course with constant relapses of intestinal syndrome, is difficult to manage with symptomatic treatments and, as it progresses, has ahigh risk of developing additional endocrinopathies and death. All of the above emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and selection of rational replacement and accompanying therapy to save the lives of patients.

341 Impact of genomic selection for growth on feet and leg structure in Angus cattle

Abstract Historically fitness and production traits have shown an antagonistic relationship at the genetic level. Genetic selection mainly focused on growth traits (GT) might have influenced feet and leg structure traits (FT; recently added trait), causing changes over time. We aimed to examine genetic parameter changes in FT and GT over time in Angus cattle. Currently, genetic parameters are estimated using Variance Components Estimation (VCE), which has limitations in handling large datasets and is time demanding. To address these limitations, we explored the use of predictivity-based formulas to estimate heritability and genetic correlations in GT. The analysis was conducted using the blupf90+ family of programs. To estimate variance components (VCE), sampled data (2011-2022) from the American Angus population included 311K GT records [birth (BW), weaning weight (WW), and post-weaning gain (PWG)], ~70K FT records [foot claw set (CS) and foot angle (FA)], and 142K genotypes. FT are taken on the worst foot of the animal and can be scored multiple times throughout the life of the animal, but in this study, we did not include repeated records. The dataset was split into 5-yr intervals. Since FT ranged from 5 to 9, and 5 is ideal, a negative correlation is desired between FT and GT. The correlation FA-PWG, changed in an undesirable way over time, as it changed from -0.10 to 0.02 in the last interval. The correlation FA-WW is becoming more favorable over time, shifting from 0.05 to -0.15. The GT selection process shifted the correlations between CS and GT in the desired direction, changing from positive (~0.1) to almost zero in the more recent two intervals. To test the predictivity-based formulas, Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBV) were estimated using GT data from 6.3M animals born from 2000 to 2022, and 900K genotyped animals. The data were divided into four slices, with a 2-yr validation period. Over time, heritabilities remained constant: ~0.3 for BW and WW, and ~0.2 for PWG. Correlations between GT also remained constant, approximately at 0.45 for BW-WW, 0.30 for BW-PWG, and 0.75 for WW-PWG. Although the formulas show promising results for heritabilities, interpreting the outcomes of genetic correlation estimation remains unclear, needing further tests. While certain correlations between FT and GT suggest a positive impact of genetic selection, some undesirable outcomes are realized. Probably due to the early FT genetic selection implementation (2019). This emphasizes the need for a multi-trait genomic selection approach to mitigate genetic antagonism. Adopting predictivity-based formulas reduces the time for genetic parameter estimation and allows the use of complete data instead of sampled data, as currently done in VCE.

Combined Genome-Wide Association Study and Haplotype Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes Affecting Growth Traits of Inner Mongolian Cashmere Goats.

In this study, genome-wide association analysis was performed on the growth traits (body height, body length, chest circumference, chest depth, chest width, tube circumference, and body weight) of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats (Erlangshan type) based on resequencing data. The population genetic parameters were estimated, haplotypes were constructed for the significant sites, and association analysis was conducted between the haplotypes and phenotypes. A total of two hundred and eighty-four SNPs and eight candidate genes were identified by genome-wide association analysis, gene annotation, and enrichment analysis. The phenotypes of 16 haplotype combinations were significantly different by haplotype analysis. Combined with the above results, the TGFB2, BAG3, ZEB2, KCNJ12, MIF, MAP2K3, HACD3, and MEGF11 functional candidate genes and the haplotype combinations A2A2, C2C2, E2E2, F2F2, I2I2, J2J2, K2K2, N2N2, O2O2, P2P2, R1R1, T1T1, W1W1, X1X1, Y1Y1, and Z1Z1 affected the growth traits of the cashmere goats and could be used as molecular markers to improve the accuracy of early selection and the economic benefits of breeding.

Early selection efficiency in a progeny test of timber species Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arráb. ex Steud

One of the key obstacles in forest breeding routines is the time-consuming steps of selection and recombination of superior genotypes owing to the long life cycle of trees. Considering the increase in global temperature and constant climate alterations, the quick selection of genetic materials is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of genetic improvement programs. Early selection studies on other forest species are scarce, barring eucalyptus and pine, which are well-studied crops. In this context, this study aimed to understand the efficiency of early selection in a progeny test of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arráb. ex Steud to evaluate age-age trends, genetic variability, and potential gains. A progeny test was conducted and measured at three, six, and eight years of age for growth traits, diameter, and volume increment. The experiment included 21 open-pollinated families of C. trichotoma arranged in a 4 × 4 m experimental design grid with a single-tree plot distributed into 10 blocks. The genetic correlations among the three measurements for genitor selection were greater than 0.90 for all the traits. For every ten progenies selected at three years of age, approximately seven were determined to be similarly top-ranked at eight years of age, taking into account an early selection assertiveness rate of approximately 0.70 for progenies. Considering the high age-age genetic correlation found in the C. trichotoma progeny test, there is a significant possibility of improving genetic gains per unit of time through early selection. The general mean of volume increment was 18 m3 ha−1 year−1, with productive genotypes showing a volume greater than 30 m3 ha−1 year−1 and representing an estimated general gain of 66 %. Superior genotypes of C. trichotoma are highly competitive in terms of volumetric yield, can generate considerable gains, and are used in the forest industry. Early selection of C. trichotoma is efficient, with a high rate of assertiveness.

Adaptability of Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra) in Two Different Environmental Conditions of Romanian Carpathians

Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) is a feasible solution for increasing the resistance of future mixed spruce–pine stands to windfall at the upper altitudinal limit of Romanian forests. This study aims to analyze the adaptability of ten full-sib families in two different environmental conditions and their evolution in time for predicting forward selection. At a seedling age of 33, evaluations were carried out for survival rate (Sr), growth (diameter at breast height—Dbh, and trees’ height), and branch traits, as well as for stem straightness. The high level of genetic variability, inheritance rate, and trait–trait correlations, registered in both trials, ensure the success of the breeding program. The Swiss stone pine shows a very good adaptation on high-sloping lands from the upper altitudinal limit of Romania’s forests, with the cross-pollinated (CP) families registering a 28.5% better survival in the Rodna trial (34° slope) compared to the Păltiniș experiment (7° slope). The consanguineous families registered only an 11% Sr in Păltiniș, while in the Rodna trial, the Sr was four times higher (in both trials, consanguineous trees were dominated). The juvenile–adult correlations of growth traits were significant, indicating that early selection could be efficient. The forward selection of the best 10% of CP families for Dbh could be applied, ensuring a 9% to 15% genetic gain.

Evaluating Peak Milk Yield as a Predictor for First Lactation 305-Day Milk Yield in Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Peak milk yield is an important early observable trait that holds immense practical significance in dairy farming. It is often utilized to assess the production potential of dairy animals under field conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to predict the first lactation 305-day milk yield (FL305DMY) based on peak milk yield (PY) and subsequently, compare its efficiency with monthly test-day milk yield (TD) records alone or in combinations. Methods: Data on 350 PY and 3,850 TD records pertaining to first lactation of 350 Murrah buffaloes that calved in between 1993 and 2017 at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India were utilized for the investigation. A total of 11 TD records were taken from each animal at an interval of 30 days, starting from 6th day onwards until 305th day of lactation. The prediction of FL305DMY was performed by univariate and stepwise backward multiple linear regression analysis. The efficiency of the prediction equations was evaluated by Coefficient of determination (R2), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Result: It was observed that the peak milk yield alone could predict the FL305DMY with 64.15% accuracy, which was the highest in univariate linear regression analysis. Furthermore, the regression coefficients and R2 values indicated that mid-lactation monthly test-day milk yield records up to TD-7 could be utilized in conjunction with peak milk yield for early prediction of FL305DMY. The stepwise backward multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the most optimal prediction equation, including peak milk yield as one of the variables, was found to be composed of three variables (PY, TD-4 and TD-7) showed 84.79% R2. The results could be utilized for early selection of genetically superior animals in breeding strategies.

Deciphering the importance of morphological aspects in drought tolerance in eucalyptus progenies

Water limitation is one of the factors that most impact plant growth and productivity, especially for Eucalyptus. For commercial eucalyptus plantations to develop properly, it is essential to select clones with drought-tolerant characteristics, especially in areas with low rainfall and well-defined dry periods. Accordingly, climate change, mainly related to increases in mean annual temperature, can lead to a more severe water deficit and ultimately harm plant development. Thus, the identification of indicators related to climatic variables enables the selection of clones with drought tolerance characteristics. Here, we used 27 families of eucalyptus progenies from crosses of plants with previously selected characteristics associated with drought tolerance, which were planted in a region characterized by high water deficiency. Sample harvesting was performed at 6, 18, and 30 months after planting, at the end of natural drought cycles. Meteorological data coupled with physiological analyses allow the early selection of Eucalyptus clones that are better able to tolerate recurrent drought events. Specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area (LA), length (L), width (W), and leaf water potential (ΨL) were analyzed. The parameters SLA, LA, and ΨL proved to be good bioindicators of Eucalyptus drought tolerance. Specific clones and progenies (e.g., GG2673, VM1, GG1923, GG1980, GG3389XGG4302, GG918XVS62, AEC2034xLR831, I3000XVM1, VM4XCAM, and VM1xVM4) were characterized by physiological adjustments and showed higher average annual volumetric increment (IMAvol) values and were assumed as genetic materials with potential drought tolerance.

Research note: effects of hyperpigmentation of the visceral peritoneum on body weight and selection method in Chinese yellow-feathered broilers

We previously identified a dark blue appearance through the skin of abdomen, especially the colored chicken breeds, called hyperpigmentation of the visceral peritoneum (HVP) which characterized by intense pigmentation of connective tissue in the visceral peritoneum. The HVP has recently garnered increasing attention due to its negative impact on carcass appearance, and been an important concern in the poultry industry, especially for the Chinese yellow-feathered broilers. In this study, we measured the in vivo HVP at different time points, and analyzed the correlation between the HVP in vivo and postmortem. Then, established an accurate and reliable HVP phenotypic measuring method in vivo for early selection in chickens and analyzed the association of phenotypic variations with the in vivo HVP traits with growth traits. The results showed that the in vivo HVP at 21 d of age in chickens have a high heritability (h2=0.452) through estimating genetic parameters, and in vivo HVP levels at 21 and 42 d were both significantly associated with those postmortem in chickens, suggesting that directional selection on reducing HVP can be implemented as early as at 21 d in the breeding and production of chickens. Although, we found HVP had no effect on the body weight at 1 d, it could significantly reduce the body weight at 21, 42, 70 d and 91 d in chickens. This suggests HVP not only has a negative effect on carcass traits, but also significantly reduces the production in the poultry industry.