Field Gene Bank Research Articles

Flowering and fruiting characteristics of Kokum [Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy] germplasm collected for Industrial Use from the Konkan Region of India

Abstract Kokum [Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy] is a multi-purpose tree with culinary, cosmetics and pharmaceutical uses found popular in Konkan region of India. ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station, Thrissur made a systematic exploration and collection missions on kokum over a period from 1987–2004 and collected 31 accessions from various parts of Konkan region to characterize them using morphological characters and also to investigate their flowering and fruiting behaviour. Totally, 85 trees planted in Field Gene Bank in which only 67 trees (23 accessions) survived during field establishment. Among them, 32 (47.8%) were male and remaining 25 identified as female (37.3%) and 10 as co-sexual (14.9%). Fruit bearing ability noticed only in both female and co-sexual trees with huge variation in fruits. Morphological characterization of 33 trees with fruiting (23 accessions) for 35 morphological traits revealed presence of considerable amount of variation among them on basis of CV%. Highest positive correlation observed between fresh seed weight and fresh kernel weight (0.92). Cluster analysis formed four major clusters with Cluster I and II comprising male/bisexual genotypes and Cluster III and IV with female genotypes and it clearly distinguished male/bisexual genotypes from female ones. PCA analysis accounted 65.6% of genetic variation present among accessions by first three most informative PCs. Superior accessions identified for important traits will be more useful in industrial aspects of preparing kokum butter and juice. Further, seasonal difference identified in fruiting and maturity of fruits well-before onset of monsoon may be exploited by kokum industries for drying and processing of fruits.

Development of a Robust In vitro Regeneration Protocol in Cassava (Manihot esculenta C.) Using Axillary Bud Explants for Cryopreservation

Cassava is an important crop as it is the source of energy in the diet for the most of the tropical countries. Field gene bank is the only viable option for the maintenance of cassava germplasm. Cryopreservation offers the long-term conservation of vegetatively propagates crops without losing its viability through an effective in vitro regeneration system. In vitro regeneration response in YTP-1 and Sree Athulya genotypes of cassava was standardized through optimization of various factors influencing organogenesis. Among the different media tested, highest shoot induction frequencies of 81.4% and 77.8% were recorded in medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP + 0.2 mg/l NAA (CMSI 2) for YTP 1 and Sree Athulya respectively in the present study. 3 to 5 multiple shoots from a single shoot apex obtained from 70-80% of explants within 50-60 days. Highest regeneration frequencies of 56.6%and 46.6% were recorded in medium supplemented with 1 mg/l IAA (CRM 2) for YTP1 and Sree Athulya. As a result, an easy in vitro regeneration method that is genotype independent was created and may be effectively used to preserve cassava germplasm in the cryogen bank.

First Report of Colletotrichum fioriniae Causing Anthracnose on Persimmon in China.

Persimmons (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) have a longstanding history of cultivation in China. Both aesthetically pleasing and edible, they often symbolize a sweet and fulfilling life. During the summer of 2022, a severe outbreak of anthracnose was observed on the lower leaves of persimmon trees in the National Field Genebank for Persimmon (NFGP), located in Yangling, Shaanxi, China (34°17'42.80″ N, 108°04'08.21″ E). The estimated incidence rate of this disease within the NFGP was approximately 30%. The typical symptoms of the disease included the presence of irregular lesions on leaves, and oval sunken lesions on infected fruit. Under high humidity conditions, pink sticky substances appeared in the affected areas. The presence of numerous lesions led to softening and detachment of persimmon fruit. To identify the causal pathogen, 5 × 5mm samples of the diseased leaves were collected from the interface between the infected and healthy leaves. The leaves were disinfected with 70% alcohol for 20 s, followed by rinsing with sterile water. Subsequently, the leaves were immersed in 1% NaClO for 2 to 3 minutes, rinsed with sterile water three times, dried using sterile absorbent paper, and the leaf samples were then transferred onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, and cultured in 25°C incubators. Once the colony reached a certain size, small pieces of hyphae were extracted from edge and transferred for purification and repeated three times. After being cultured on PDA for 7 days, the colony showed a white spongy surface with a pink-orange center. The conidia displayed a fusiform shape and were transparent, measuring 4.58 to 6.53 μm × 9.27 to 13.11 μm (n=50). The isolates share morphological similarities with Colletotrichum fioriniae. The representative isolate HY-7 was selected for molecular identification. The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) region, chitin synthase (CHS-1), actin (ACT), beta-tubulin 2 (TUB2), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene were amplified using ITS1/4 (White et al. 1990), CHS-79F/CHS-345R (Carbone & Kohn, 1999), ACT512F/ACT (Carbone & Kohn, 1999), T1/BT2B (Glass & Donaldson 1995, O'Donnell et al., 1997), and GDF/GDR (Templeton et al. 1992), respectively. The generated sequences were deposited at GenBank under accession numbers OR878056 (ITS), OR766019 (CHS-1), OR766021(TUB2), OR766018 (ACT) and OR766020 (GAPDH). BLAST analysis revealed the sequences were 100% identical to C. fioriniae (MH865005 for ITS, JQ948953 for CHS-1, JQ949613 for ACT, JQ949943 for TUB2 and JQ948622 for GAPDH). The morphological characteristics and molecular analyses of the isolate matched the description of C. fioriniae. To fulfill Koch's postulates, the twigs and leaves of 'Fupingjianshi' in four different directions were inoculated without wounding in the field, and 10 healthy fruits were selected for wound inoculation. The concentration of conidia used for inoculation was about 1 × 106 conidia/ml, and sterilized water was used as control. The experiment was replicated three times under the same conditions. One week after inoculation, characteristic symptoms resembling those observed on the leaves of primary diseased persimmon trees appeared on the leaves and fruits. No symptoms were observed on the leaves, twigs and fruits in the control treatment. The pathogen from the artificially infected leaves and fruits were reisolated and identified as C. fiorinae based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Persimmon anthracnose is a common disease in regions where the fruit is grown, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented occurrence of C. fioriniae-induced anthracnose on persimmons in China, which should be paid more attentions. This report will help identify disease symptoms in the field and provides a basis for determining the occurrence, distribution, and control of C. fioriniae on persimmon leaves and fruits.

Conservation and Utilization of Summer Crops Biodiversity in Nepal

Nepal faces a pressing challenge with the alarming loss of around 50% of its summer crop genetic resources (SCGRs) and the endangerment of native landraces. To combat this decline, the national genebank in Nepal has developed 101 good practices for agricultural genetic resources (AGRs) conservation and utilization. Red zoning and red listing strategies aid in identifying conservation priorities. The Genebank collaborates with stakeholders to collect, characterize, and promote SCGRs, resulting in 6177 accessions representing 71 summer crop species stored in Seed Banks. Diverse conservation repositories include genebanks, tissue banks, DNA banks, community genebanks, school field genebanks, and agro-gene sanctuaries. In 2022, 724 accessions of 20 summer crops were distributed for research, while the registration of 19 landraces after genetic enhancements led to their inclusion under the National Seed Board. The free distribution of germplasm accelerates its utilization, further facilitated by online access. The genebank also promotes agro-insect field genebanks recognizing the importance of agro-insects and pollinators in biodiversity conservation. To maintain native SCGRs, value additions are emphasized, underlining the need to actively enhance genetic diversity in agricultural fields. These comprehensive measures underscore Nepal’s commitment to safeguarding agrobiodiversity, ensuring food security, and bolstering agricultural resilience to climate and other stresses.

Management and Uses of Woody Crops Field Gene Banks, a Multi-Functional Approach in the Experience of Apulia Region (Italy)

Management and Uses of Woody Crops Field Gene Banks, a Multi-Functional Approach in the Experience of Apulia Region (Italy)

REBUILDING OF ORCHID GERMPLASM CONSERVATION VIA MOLECULAR MULTI-OMICS APPROACHES

The Orchidaceae family, the world’s second-largest flowering plant, dominates the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Threats to orchid survival include illegal harvesting, habitat destruction, temperature change, and unique association requirements in pollination systems and orchid mycorrhiza interaction. Some research breakthroughs in ex-situ and in-situ germplasm integration techniques for conservation application, including automated precision approaches in orchid research. Exsitu conservation approaches, including gene bank, seed bank, cryopreservation, field gene bank, and in-vitro culture, can play indispensable roles in the success of orchid conservation and preservation, especially for endangered orchids. Recently, multi-omics technology emerged as an important tool to bridge the knowledge gaps in orchid conservation so more effective measurement could take place. These provide a good conservation framework that confluences with technology and knowledge.

Genetic diversity analysis of banana using SSR markers

Banana, a crucial fruit crop thriving in tropical and sub-tropical regions, facing a notable challenge of elevated sterility across various cultivated banana genotypes. This sterility issue hampers the cultivation of diverse banana varieties. Therefore, a focused endeavour is crucial to thoroughly investigate the richness of diversity within both wild and cultivated banana genotypes, aiming to preserve it for future utilization. In the present study, 21 Musa genotypes were collected from different places of North-Eastern Region, and conserved in the field gene bank at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura during 2015-2022. Molecular characterization and DNA fingerprinting of these banana accessions were performed by employing 16 banana SSR markers. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 15 to 24 with an average 20.375. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.564-0.967 with a mean of 0.852, and the polymorphic information content (PIC) varies from 0.638–0.945 (mean = 0.859). Genetic diversity analysis showed dissimilar groups, indicating possibility of involvement of different accuminata and balbisiana types in evaluation of banana in NE region. The outcome of the current study will be useful for des igning banana crops against different stresses

Effect of Pre-treatments on Germination of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. for Developing Field Gene-Banks in Eastern India

Aims: Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. is an important timber species with high medicinal properties belonging to the Fabaceae family. The species is severely threatened by anthropogenic and ecological pressures coupled with less natural regeneration. No results in vegetative propagation methods and very less germination is reported for the species under nursery conditions. This study investigates the germination potential of P. marsupium seeds under the prevailing climatic conditions of regions in eastern India. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the ICFRE - Institute of Forest Productivity (IFP), Lalgutwa, Ranchi, during the 24th to the 32nd Meteorological Standard Week (MSW) of 2022, spanning from June to August. Methodology: Seeds were collected from three CPTs selected from natural forests of Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal and the experiment was carried out following split plot design. Observations on several germination parameters and seed vigour indices were recorded until eight weeks after sowing and subjected to factor multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in SPSS 25.0. Results: The experiment revealed that alternate wetting and drying of seeds significantly (P <. 001) outperformed all other treatments with a highest germination percentage of 60±1.196%. Accessions from Jharkhand and West Bengal exhibited significantly (P < .001) better vigour indices (1959.8, 1855.35 for SVI-I and 538.715, 527.742 for SVI-II, respectively) compared to the accession from Bihar (1796.49 and 532.618 for SVI-I and SVI-II). Although the study did not find any significant interaction between the treatments and accession, there was a statistically significant impact on the aggregate dependent variables (F (126,503.279) = 1.579, P <. 001; Wilks' Λ = .077). Conclusion: The results of this study report an economically feasible and rapid seed treatment method for establishing field gene banks of P. marsupium in eastern India to aid its ex-situ conservation practices.

Biological Study with Morphological Characterization of Flower Phenology in Garcinia indica (Choisy)

Characterization flowering patten in Garcinia indica was studied using different age groups planted in a field gene bank. Flowering commenced in five-year-old trees (5YP) in all age groups targeted to study. followed by four-year-old trees. The first flowering was recorded during 3-4th week of November and continued for ten weeks among the plants. G. indica accessions with mixed sexuality were recorded where, the majority of bisexual flowers with female and male flower were there in the same plant. However, flower appearance started in 3rd week of November and extended up to December 3rd week and the maximum number of trees flowered in 1st week of December. Most of the accessions recorded 50 per cent flowering on 2nd and 3rd week of January. The duration of flowering varied from 8 to 10 weeks. Majority of the flowers were observed to be auxiliary and some of them were terminal. Traits such as petal length, sepal length, stamen length and style length did not exhibit significant differences among the accessions studied. However, pollen viability varied among the accessions. Maximum per cent (88.33%) of viable pollen were recorded in 5YP-1 and minimum (82%) in 5YP-3 & 15 with the mean value of 45.68%.

Crop-to-wild gene flow in wild coffee species: the case of Coffea canephora in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Plant breeders are increasingly turning to crop wild relatives (CWRs) to ensure food security in a rapidly changing environment. However, CWR populations are confronted with various human-induced threats, including hybridization with their nearby cultivated crops. This might be a particular problem for wild coffee species, which often occur near coffee cultivation areas. Here, we briefly review the evidence for wild Coffea arabica (cultivated as Arabica coffee) and Coffea canephora (cultivated as Robusta coffee) and then focused on C. canephora in the Yangambi region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There, we examined the geographical distribution of cultivated C. canephora and the incidence of hybridization between cultivated and wild individuals within the rainforest. We collected 71 C. canephora individuals from home gardens and 12 C. canephora individuals from the tropical rainforest in the Yangambi region and genotyped them using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). We compared the fingerprints with existing GBS data from 388 C. canephora individuals from natural tropical rainforests and the INERA Coffee Collection, a Robusta coffee field gene bank and the most probable source of cultivated genotypes in the area. We then established robust diagnostic fingerprints that genetically differentiate cultivated from wild coffee, identified cultivated-wild hybrids and mapped their geographical position in the rainforest. We identified cultivated genotypes and cultivated-wild hybrids in zones with clear anthropogenic activity, and where cultivated C. canephora in home gardens may serve as a source for crop-to-wild gene flow. We found relatively few hybrids and backcrosses in the rainforests. The cultivation of C. canephora in close proximity to its wild gene pool has led to cultivated genotypes and cultivated-wild hybrids appearing within the natural habitats of C. canephora. Yet, given the high genetic similarity between the cultivated and wild gene pool, together with the relatively low incidence of hybridization, our results indicate that the overall impact in terms of risk of introgression remains limited so far.

Host plants directly determine the α diversity of rhizosphere arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in the National Tropical Fruit Tree Field Genebank

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) typically exhibit reduced diversity in nutrient-rich soils. However, whether the influence of host plants on AMF within the rhizosphere is direct or indirect through the alteration of soil nutrient levels has yet to be determined. This study explored the diversity and colonization of AMF in the National Tropical Fruit Tree Genebank, where chemical fertilizers are used to preserve minor tropical fruit germplasms. We aimed to understand the direct and indirect effects of host plants on AMF community dynamics, sporulation, and colonization. By analyzing fine roots and rhizosphere soil from 12 tropical fruit trees, we assessed mycorrhizal colonization indices, soil nutrients, AMF spore density, and community structure. Despite their low colonization density and arbuscular abundance, all the tree roots harbored AMF, with spore densities ranging from 24.00 to 204.80 spores/100 g of dry soil. High-throughput sequencing identified 207 AMF virtual taxa (VTs) from 60 soil samples, with dominant taxa, including early-evolved Paraglomus fungi and ruderal AMF, being minimally affected by soil nutrient levels. Interestingly, there was no correlation between α diversity and spore density. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that host plant evolutionary divergence time (ET) directly influenced AMF α diversity indices and indirectly impacted spore density via soil nutrients. However, neither ETs nor soil nutrients significantly affected the AMF community structure, with only arbuscular abundance showing a negative correlation with ET. This research underscores the intricate relationship between host plants and AMF in genebanks, offering insights for effective AMF resource management and informed conservation practices.Graphical

Phenotypic and Quantative Characterization of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) Germplasm under Eastern Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Eastern region of Uttar Pradesh is very rich in biodiversity for ber but still less harnessed. The agro-climatic conditions of eastern region do have great potential for its commercial cultivation. Keeping these in view, fruit sample with shoot were collected from fourty genotypes of ber in diverse areas of eastern region of Uttar Pradesh and analysed for various physiological attributes and results of study shows a wide range of variability in morphological and quantitative parameters. Among the parameters leaf shape of different genotypes show a wide variation and mainly Cordate, Oval, Obovate and Elliptic shape are found. The stone shape recorded showed Obtuse, acute, oblong, showed round stone shaped. Among the quantitative variability of different genotypes stone weight (0.56 g to 1.58 g), stem girth (25.90 cm to 62.63 cm) and hight of tree (3.43 m to 5.50 m) varivility was also recorded. Therefore, on the basis of morphological and quantitative attributes, genotypes–7,14,15, 18, 21and 30 were screened as promising genotypes can be recommended for commercial multiplication, growing at farmer’s field and conservation in the field gene bank for further evaluation and crop improvement.

Status and prospects of plant genetic resource conservation in Yemen

This study provides a comprehensive examination of the conservation status of plant genetic resources in Yemen, with a particular focus on the national genebank, natural sites and field genebanks. Employing a historical and descriptive approach, the study sheds light on the inception of field inventories and collection surveys, the roles and contributions of various projects and institutions since the late 1980s, and the quantities of seed samples collected from different crop varieties and species. Additionally, the study highlights the challenges faced, especially during the last decade following the eruption of war in early 2015. Specifically, it emphasizes the detrimental impact of the war and sanctions, resulting in the loss of conserved seed samples, and the damage and sabotage of field genebanks. In contrast, there is a need to ensure the enhancement of functioning seed systems and agriculture production even during times of conflict to reduce the impact of food insecurity. To conclude, the study puts forth several proposals, with a strong emphasis on expanding conservation efforts beyond natural sites, enhancing the capabilities for seed conservation in genebanks, and building genetic resources capacity.

Seed priming and germination of Musa crop wild relatives with a view to establishing field genebanks

Seed priming and germination of <i>Musa</i> crop wild relatives with a view to establishing field genebanks

Phenotypic Characterization of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) Base on Agromorphological Traits at Fedis Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

As study indicated chararacterization of crops based on agro morphological traits are important for breeding to select the best quality accession in the field gene bank. 34 chickpea accessions were characterized based on agro morphological traits. All studied accessions were characterized by absences of plant pigmentation and most accessions were characterized by erect plant growth type and pink flowering color. Accessions were characterized by medium pod length and angular ram’s seed shape. Majority of accessions were characterized by rough seed textures and brown to reddish brown seed color. Most accessions were characterized by medium seed size and early flowering days. The highest coefficients of variation were observed for Days to 50% flowering (0.57%) and least coefficient of variation (0.04) for Plant height. 32 accessions were flowering lately than the check varieties and 25 accessions were more lately matured than the check varieties. Twenty accessions produced more primary branches than the check varieties. 24 accessions produced higher pods per plant compared to the check varieties. Cluster I consisted of eleven accessions and cluster II consisted of eighteen accessions and also cluster III consisted of five accessions. The intra cluster distance ranged from 474.48 to 953.36. There was significantly strong positive correlation observed between days to 75% maturity with plant height(r=1.00) while weak and negative correlation were observed between days to 50% flowering days with secondary branch but no correlation secondary branch with 100 seed weight.

First Report of Leaf Black Spot Caused by Alternaria alternata on American Persimmons in China.

American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana L.) are native to the United States. After being introduced into China, they were used as a rootstock for expanding persimmon varieties and planted in local areas due to their strong cold resistance and diverse leaf colors. In 2022, 12 plants had similar symptoms to black spot disease on the leaves of 18 American persimmons introduced in the National Field Genebank for Persimmon, Yangling, Shaanxi, China (34°17'42.80″ N, 108°04'08.21″ E). Among them, severity was highest in the 'VM10' variety (almost 100%), 'VM10' is the main cultivar in Shaanxi and Henan regions of China, and the incidence of disease in the two regions ranged between 30 and 60% in 2022. Early symptoms were irregular black-brown spots, which gradually combined into large irregular lesions with a dark brown border. The leaves began to curl, crack, scorch, and abscissed. When relative humidity was high, leaves also had signs of black sporulation and became chlorotic. To isolate the causal agent, 10 symptomatic leaves were collected from 5 diseased plants in the National Field Genebank for Persimmon. The infected leaves were cut into 20 small pieces of 5 × 5 mm from the junction of the diseased and healthy tissues and surface disinfected in 75% alcohol for 15 sec, washed with sterile water and 2% NaClO for 90 sec, rinsed three times with sterile water, dried with sterile absorbent paper, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. After 3 days, 12 strains of fungi were isolated from the tissue by transferring the hyphal tips of the mycelium. Among them, 10 strains had similar morphological characteristics. Fungal colonies developed on the PDA medium were initially white, then gradually changed to gray-brown with neat edges and flocculent hyphae. Conidia (n=50) light brown or medium brown, obovate or pear-shaped, and 8.27 to 15.31×17.51 to 24.31 µm, with 1 to 4 transverse septa and 0 to 2 longitudinal septa. The isolates were morphologically similar to Alternaria alternata (Simmons et al. 2007). For molecular identification, the E.Z.N.A.® Fungal DNA kit (Omega Bio-Tek) was used to extract genomic DNA from 7-day-old mycelium grown on PDA medium. The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), Alternaria major allergen (Alt a1) gene, and partial RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2) were amplified using ITS1/4 (Glass et al. 1995), EF1-728F/EF1-968R (Carbone and Kohn 1999), and Alt-4for /Alt-4rev (Hong et al., 2005) and RPB2-5F/RPB2-7CR (Liu et al. 1999) respectively. The sequences of a representative isolate MZS1 were deposited in GeneBank with accession numbers OP198643 for ITS, OP286949 for Tef1-α, OP286948 for Alt a1, and OP951084 for RPB2, and were 100% identical to strains of A. alternata (MN615420 for ITS, MN615423 for EF1-α, MW848792 for Alt a1 and MN615422 for RPB2). A maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the concatenated sequences of ITS, TEF1-α, Alt a1, and RPB2gene, which clustered with the A. alternata strains YZU191238 with high bootstrap support (99%). To fulfill Koch's postulates, three-month-old American persimmon 'VM10' seedlings were tested for pathogenicity. Three seedlings were sprayed with 1 × 106 spores/ml suspension in a spray pot, and the three seedlings were treated with sterilized water as a noninoculated control. All seedlings were cultured in a 25°C incubator. The experiment was performed three times under the same conditions. One week after inoculation, typical symptoms appeared on the leaves, which were similar to those observed on the leaves of the original infected persimmon trees. In the control treatment, the leaves did not show symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata causing American persimmon black spots disease in China. This report will contribute to the identification of disease symptoms in the field and provide a basis for the occurrence, distribution, and control of A. alternata on American persimmon leaves.

Genetic diversity of ex-situ conserved Arabica cofee (Coffea arabica L.) accessions in Ethiopia as revealed by simple sequence repeats markers

So far, there has been limited use of molecular markers in arabica coffee breeding program in Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to explore the effectiveness of simple sequence repeats markers (SSRs) in detecting polymor- phism and to assess the extent of genetic diversity and relationships among ex-situconserved Arabica coffee accessions. Sixty-two forest coffee accessions planted in the experimental plot of the Ethiopian coffee breeding program were evaluated using 14 SSR markers. These markers amplified a total of 100 alleles, varying from four to ten alleles per locus, with an average of 7.2 across all loci. The rate of polymorphism ranged from 75 to 100, with a mean value of 96.4 across the accessions. The polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.26 to 0.92, with a mean value of 0.70. The genetic similarity coefficient values between 72% possible pair-wise combinations ranged from 0.18 to 0.50, with overall mean value of 0.44.The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram based on Jaccard’s genetic similarity grouped the accessions into five main clusters and two singletons at &lt;0.47 similarity coefficient value. These results indicate the effectiveness of the SSR markers in detecting polymorphism and the presence of a high level of genetic diversity and distant relatedness among the studied coffee accessions. The observed diversity could be exploited in the future coffee breeding program to develop heterotic hybrid coffee varieties through crossing of divergent parental lines. The highly informative SSRs markers can be also used in genetic analysis of Arabica coffee germplasm conserved in the field gene bank at Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC) to establish core collections for effective conservation, management and utilization purposes

Characterization of the genetic composition and establishment of a core collection for the INERA Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) field genebank from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Cultivation of Robusta coffee is likely to gain importance because of its high disease resistance and climate envelope. Robusta coffee genetic resources conserved in field genebanks can play an important role to further improve its cupping quality and other agronomic traits, but such Coffea canephora collections are limited and still poorly characterized. In this study, we characterized the genetic composition of the historically important but until recently neglected INERA Coffee Collection in Yangambi (the Democratic Republic of Congo). We used GBS to discover genome-wide genetic diversity, created and validated a novel multiplex amplicon sequencing (HiPlex) screening assay to genetically screen 730 coffee shrubs of the Yangambi Coffee Collection, grouped clonal material and delineated 263 accessions with unique genetic fingerprints. Comparison to reference material of three genetic origins revealed that the majority of the Yangambi accessions were assigned a ‘Lula’ cultivar origin, four accessions were assigned to Congolese subgroup A and nine accessions were most closely related to local wild accessions. About one-quarter of the accessions was likely derived from hybridization between these groups, which could result from seed-based propagation of the collection, breeding efforts, or natural cross-pollination. Parental analyses discovered eight preferentially used accessions, which may correspond to historically selected founders, or direct descendants thereof, whose seed material was once widely used to establish coffee plantations. Finally, two core collections were proposed using the maximization strategy (CC-I; 100 accessions) and genetic distance method (CC-X; 10 accessions). Our study demonstrates a method for the genetic characterization of Robusta coffee collections in general and contributes to the re-evaluation and exploration of the Robusta coffee genetic resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in particular.

Exploring the Growth and Development of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Seedlings: The Impact of Fruit Maturation on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Biomass Partitioning

Background: Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is one of the most important tropical commercial fruits widely cultivated in south-east Asia, Australia, South America, and African countries due to its nutritional value. However, in Ghana the fruit is gaining popularity in many households and, this could serve as an alternative source of income. The experiment was conducted at the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Eastern region-Ghana. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of maturity stages on Rambutan seed vigour, germination, seedling growth and biomass partitioning. Methods: Fruits of three maturity stages (i.e. green, half-ripe and fully ripe) were harvested from the field genebank and seeds extracted and sown immediately after harvest. The experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design in three replicates. Results: The results showed that fully ripe fruits had better seed vigour, seedling growth and biomass partitioning followed by the half-ripe fruits. Fruits harvested at the green stage showed the least performance.

Fig (Ficus carica var. domestica L.) Genetic Resources Conservation and Characterization

In this study, 292 female fig genotypes, (including foreign origins) in the fig field gene bank, were evaluated for qualitative characteristics in IPGRI (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) definitions. These features are tree growth (tree growth power, branching, shoot length, etc.), leaf (leaf area, shape, number of lobes, etc.), fruit (fruit weight, color, ostiole opening, flesh thickness, etc.). Generally, non-metric definitions of these features were classified between certain ranges and expressed as percentage. For example; tree growth of genotypes was observed to be strong in 33% , and, apical dominance was determined in 17% of the genotypes. 60% of the genotypes have a medium (10-20cm) shoot length and, leaf area varies between 250-400cm2 in %53 . The color of the fruits was determined as yellow in 34%, green in 32%, purple in 21% and black in 13% of genotypes. Within the scope of this continuous project, the collection of multiple data continues.