Crop Genetic Improvement Research Articles

Genetic basis of resistance to southern corn leaf blight in the maize multi-parent population and diversity panel.

Southern corn leaf blight (SLB), caused by the necrotrophic pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus, is one of the maize foliar diseases and poses a great threat to corn production around the world. Identification of genetic variations underlying resistance to SLB is of paramount importance to maize yield and quality. Here, we used a random-open-parent association mapping population containing eight recombinant inbred line populations and one association mapping panel consisting of 513 diversity maize inbred lines with high-density genetic markers to dissect the genetic basis of SLB resistance. Overall, 109 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with predominantly small or moderate additive effects, and little epistatic effects were identified. We found 35 (32.1%) novel loci in comparison with the reported QTLs. We revealed that resistant alleles were significantly enriched in tropical accessions and the frequency of about half of resistant alleles decreased during the adaptation process owing to the selection of agronomic traits. A large number of annotated genes located in the SLB-resistant QTLs were shown to be involved in plant defence pathways. Integrating genome-wide association study, transcriptomic profiling, resequencing and gene editing, we identified ZmFUT1 and MYBR92 as the putative genes responsible for the major QTLs for resistance to C.heterostrophus. Our results present a comprehensive insight into the genetic basis of SLB resistance and provide resistant loci or genes as direct targets for crop genetic improvement.

Pre-Breeding's Role in Crop Genetic Improvement. A review

Pre-Breeding's Role in Crop Genetic Improvement. A review

Metal tolerance gene family in barley: an in silico comprehensive analysis

Metal-tolerance proteins (MTPs) are divalent cation transporters that play critical roles in metal tolerance and ion homeostasis in plants. However, a comprehensive study of MTPs is still lacking in crop plants. The current study aimed to comprehensively identify and characterize the MTP gene family in barley (Hordeum vulgare, Hv), an important crop. In total, 12 HvMTPs were identified in the barley genome in this study. They were divided into three phylogenetic groups (Zn-cation diffusion facilitator proteins [CDFs], Fe/Zn-CDFs, and Mn-CDFs) and further subdivided into seven groups (G1, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9, and G12). The majority of MTPs were hydrophobic proteins found in the vacuolar membrane. Gene duplication analysis of HvMTPs revealed one pair of segmental-like duplications in the barley genome. Evolutionary analysis suggested that barley MTPs underwent purifying natural selection. Additionally, the HvMTPs were analyzed in the pan-genome sequences of barley (20 accessions), which suggests that HvMTPs are highly conserved in barley evolution. Cis-acting regulatory elements, microRNA target sites, and protein–protein interaction analysis indicated the role of HvMTPs in a variety of biological processes. Expression profiling suggests that HvMTPs play an active role in maintaining barley nutrient homeostasis throughout its life cycle, and their expression levels were not significantly altered by abiotic stresses like cold, drought, or heat. The expression of barley HvMTP genes in the presence of heavy metals such as Zn2+, Cu2+, As3+, and Cd2+ revealed that these MTPs were induced by at least one metal ion, implying their involvement in metal tolerance or transportation. The identification and comprehensive investigation of MTP gene family members will provide important gene resources for the genetic improvement of crops for metal tolerance, bioremediation, or biofortification of staple crops.

Exploring Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Turkish Black Sea Region Maize (Zea mays L.) Germplasm using SSR Markers

Plant landraces are heterogeneous plant populations that have adapted to local environmental conditions and serve as a source of genetic variations that can be used for the breeding perspectives. Studies regarding genetic diversity assessment are very important as they provide an opportunity for the scientific community to investigate novel genetic variations for the genetic improvement of crops. Maize is one of the most important cereal crops and provides daily calories to millions of people all over the world. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of 32 local maize genotypes collected from the Black Sea Region of Turkey using SSR markers. Molecular characterization was performed using the 14 most polymorphic primers that yielded a total of 42 bands. An average of 3 alleles per SSR primer was detected, and the number of alleles varied from 1 (phi022) to 6 (umc1571). The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) clustering divided maize accessions into three main populations. According to Nei's genetic distances, DZ-M-145 (Corum) and DZ-M-20 (Trabzon) genotypes were the closest (0.03) genetically related populations, while DZ-M-68 (Artvin) and DZ-M-55 (Rize) were the most genetically distant (0.63) populations. The study identified molecular genetic diversity not mentioned for maize plants from the Black Sea. On this occasion, new opportunities have been created for hybrid maize products.

Overexpression of ZmDHN15 Enhances Cold Tolerance in Yeast and Arabidopsis.

Maize (Zea mays L.) originates from the subtropical region and is a warm-loving crop affected by low-temperature stress. Dehydrin (DHN) protein, a member of the Group 2 LEA (late embryogenesis abundant proteins) family, plays an important role in plant abiotic stress. In this study, five maize DHN genes were screened based on the previous transcriptome sequencing data in our laboratory, and we performed sequence analysis and promoter analysis on these five DHN genes. The results showed that the promoter region has many cis-acting elements related to cold stress. The significantly upregulated ZmDHN15 gene has been further screened by expression pattern analysis. The subcellular localization results show that ZmDHN15 fusion protein is localized in the cytoplasm. To verify the role of ZmDHN15 in cold stress, we overexpressed ZmDHN15 in yeast and Arabidopsis. We found that the expression of ZmDHN15 can significantly improve the cold resistance of yeast. Under cold stress, ZmDHN15-overexpressing Arabidopsis showed lower MDA content, lower relative electrolyte leakage, and less ROS (reactive oxygen species) when compared to wild-type plants, as well as higher seed germination rate, seedling survival rate, and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, analysis of the expression patterns of ROS-associated marker genes and cold-response-related genes indicated that ZmDHN15 genes play an important role in the expression of these genes. In conclusion, the overexpression of the ZmDHN15 gene can effectively improve the tolerance to cold stress in yeast and Arabidopsis. This study is important for maize germplasm innovation and the genetic improvement of crops.

Genetic diversity studies using Mahalanobis method in Mungbean under Acidic soils of Manipur

The cultivation of mungbean is important in the NEH region. The crop's genetic improvement mostly depends on the degree of genetic variability already present in the base population, which also acts as a valuable source of the base population for a wide variety of genetic variations. The present study aimed to study the genetic diversity analysis using the Mahalanobis method in mungbean grown under acid soils in Manipur, India. The present result showed that Mungbean genotypes have differed significantly for all characters in the analysis of variance. Eleven clusters had all twenty-eight genotypes. Cluster II had the most genotypes (8), followed by cluster III (4), cluster I, V & VII (3), cluster VI (2), and clusters IV, VIII, IX, X, and XI (1 each). Furthermore, mungbean genotypes also showed significant variation in the grouping.

Integration of Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveals the Mechanistic Basis for Cadmium Accumulation in Maize.

Cadmium (Cd) pollution in soil has become a major environmental issue worldwide. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of low grain-Cd accumulation (GCA) in maize is still largely unknown. Herein, we report the mechanistic basis for low GCA in maize by a multiomics approach. The low GCA genotype L63 showed normal vacuolar formation and a lower capacity of xylem loading of Cd than the high-accumulator L42 under Cd stress. Transcriptomic sequencing identified 84 low-GCA-associated genes which are mainly involved in the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) cycle, metal transport, and vacuolar sequestration. A metabolome analysis revealed that L63 plants had a more active SAM cycle and a greater capacity for terpenoid synthesis and phenylalanine metabolism than L42. Combining the analysis of transcriptome and metabolome characterized several genes as key genes involved in the determination of Cd accumulation. Our study identifies a mechanistic basis for low Cd accumulation in maize grains and provides candidate genes for genetic improvement of crops.

Multiple-Traits Selection in White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Genotypes.

Choosing superior parents with complementary trait values for hybridization and selecting variants with desired product profiles to release as a new cultivar are important breeding activities to progress genetic improvement in crops. This study assessed the genetic potential of 36 parental lines of white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes using multi-trait index-based factor analysis and ideotype design (FAI-BLUP). The experiment utilized 36 white yam genotypes laid out in a 6 × 6 triple lattice design with three replications and phenotyped for 18 agronomic and food quality traits. Findings showed significant differences among genotypes for all assessed traits. Fifteen traits had desired genetic gains, whereas stem diameter (-1.34%), and two starch property traits ((holding strength (-26.31%) and final paste viscosity (-3.33%)) had undesired selection gain. The FAI-BLUP index provided total genetic gains of 148.91% for traits desired for increase and -29.26% for those desired for decrease. Genotypes TDr08-21-2, TDr9518544, TDr9501932, TDr8902665 and Pampars were identified as top best candidate for simultaneous improvement of the measured traits in white yam breeding. The findings indicate the effectiveness of the FAI-BLUP index in identifying and selecting genotypes.

Root Electrical Capacitance Can Be a Promising Plant Phenotyping Parameter in Wheat.

As root electrical capacitance (CR*) was assumed to depend on the stem properties, the efficiency of measuring CR* at flowering for whole-plant phenotyping was assessed in five wheat cultivars in three replicate plots over two years. Linear regression analysis was used to correlate CR* with plant-size parameters and flag-leaf traits (extension and SPAD chlorophyll content) at flowering, and with yield components at maturity. The plot-mean CR* was correlated with the plot leaf area index (LAI), the chlorophyll quantity (LAI×SPAD), and the grain yield across years. At plant scale, CR* was found to show the strongest positive regression with total chlorophyll in the flag leaf (flag leaf area × SPAD; R2: 0.65-0.74) and with grain mass (R2: 0.55-0.70) for each cultivar and year (p < 0.001). Likewise, at plot scale, the regression was strongest between CR* and the LAI×SPAD value (R2: 0.86-0.99; p < 0.01) for the cultivars. Consequently, CR* indicated the total plant nutrient and photosynthate supply at flowering, which depended on root uptake capacity, and strongly influenced the final yield. Our results suggested that the polarization of the active root membrane surfaces was the main contributor to CR*, and that the measurement could be suitable for evaluating root size and functional intensity. In conclusion, the capacitance method can be applied for nondestructive whole-plant phenotyping, with potential to estimate root and shoot traits linked to the nutrient supply, and to predict grain yield. CR* can be incorporated into allometric models of cereal development, contributing to optimal crop management and genetic improvement.

Genetic diversity analysis using SSR marker in Naga King chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) genotypes

The present investigation has been undertaken with the objective to study the genetic variability and diversity among the Naga king chilli genotypes using SSR marker at Medziphema during kharif season of 2018. All total 89 bands were produced by 30 primers, 37 bands being polymorphic and producing average percentage polymorphic bands of 41.66 %. The Primer CAMS-826 showed highest percentage of polymorphic bands (75%), followed by primer CAMS 032, CAMS-117, CAMS- 864 and CAMS-647 which revealed (66.66 %) and primer CAeMS 009, CAMS 163, CAMS 871, HmpsE 047 AND HpmsE 014 exhibited 50% polymorphism which indicates that the primer can be used for genetic diversity study of C. chinense genotypes. Genetic parameters analyzed using Popgene® software indicated that Peren population has higher diversity among the four region populations. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient between the genotypes ranged from 0.64 to 0.96, indicating moderate variation between the genotypes. Clustering analysis depicted three clusters where germplasm collected from Peren and Medziphema showed close relatedness and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCo A) plot obtained also supports cluster analysis data. Germplasm evaluation is of immense important for genetic crop improvement.

Genetic Gain Trend in Yield and Advanced Selection of Yayo Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Land Race Collection

Coffea arabica L., the dominant cash crop in the world market, is native to rain forest of Ethiopia where it is believed to exist with high genetic diversity. Estimating genetic parameters are momentous in deciding breeding method to be followed for crop genetic improvement including Arabica coffee. The study was conducted with the intention to gauge genetic gain trend in coffee yield and to select advanced promising lines of Yayo coffee landrace for the next breeding step. The study was laid down at Metu research subcenter in 2013, using 124 coffee accessions that were established in simple lattice design under two sets each comprising 62 accessions including two checks. The over six year’s pooled analysis of variance indicated the handiness variability in yield performance among accessions. Moderate genotypic variance (15.46 to13.56%), heritability (56.16–81%), and expected genetic gain (15.52–20.8%) were observed. The genetic parameters and the superiority of check in yield over accessions elucidated that high yielder variety development by selection is difficult unless heterosis attaining breeding method followed, particularly for these Yayo coffee landrace origin. Common high genetic gain trend (49.19 and 100 kg·ha−1) and response to selection (196.76 and 400 kg·ha−1), selection differential 471.9 and 739.23 kg·ha−1 were revealed in over four harvesting seasons mean value for both sets. Thus, selection is more effective in earlier season than late. High yielding accessions, Y27 and Y93, gave 3013.1 and 125.8 kg·ha−1 yield gain over the high yielder check correspondingly. Despite the top 15 and 10 high yielders were selected from set-I and set-II, respectively, a total of 20 accessions with contrasting desirable traits were selected and established in crossing block for genetic improvement purposes via heterotic hybrid variety development program. These accessions were tolerant to major coffee disease and have desirable agronomic traits.

STRONG STAYGREEN inhibits DNA binding of PvNAP transcription factors during leaf senescence in switchgrass.

Fine tuning the progression of leaf senescence is important for plant fitness in nature, while the "staygreen" phenotype with delayed leaf senescence has been considered a valuable agronomic trait in crop genetic improvement. In this study, a switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) CCCH-type Zinc finger gene, Strong Staygreen (PvSSG), was characterized as a suppressor of leaf senescence as overexpression or suppression of the gene led to delayed or accelerated leaf senescence, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis marked that chlorophyll (Chl) catabolic pathway genes were involved in the PvSSG-regulated leaf senescence. PvSSG was identified as a nucleus-localized protein with no transcriptional activity. By yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified its interacting proteins, including a pair of paralogous transcription factors, PvNAP1/2 (NAC-LIKE, ACTIVATED BY AP3/PI). Overexpression of PvNAPs led to precocious leaf senescence at least partially by directly targeting and transactivating Chl catabolic genes to promote Chl degradation. PvSSG, through protein-protein interaction, repressed the DNA-binding efficiency of PvNAPs and alleviated its transactivating effect on downstream genes, thereby functioning as a "brake" in the progression of leaf senescence. Moreover, overexpression of PvSSG resulted in up to 47% higher biomass yield and improved biomass feedstock quality, reiterating the importance of leaf senescence regulation in the genetic improvement of switchgrass and other feedstock crops.

A Ghd7-centered regulatory network provides a mechanistic approximation to optimal heterosis in an elite rice hybrid.

Heterosis refers to the superior performance of hybrids over their parents, which is a general phenomenon occurring in diverse organisms. Many commercial hybrids produce high yield without delayed flowering, which we refer to as optimal heterosis and is desired in hybrid breeding. Here, we attempted to illustrate the genomic basis of optimal heterosis by reinvestigating the single-locus quantitative trait loci and digenic interactions of two traits, the number of spikelets per panicle (SP) and heading date (HD), using recombinant inbred lines and 'immortalized F2 s' derived from the elite rice (Oryza sativa) hybrid Shanyou 63. Our analysis revealed a regulatory network that may provide an approximation to the genetic constitution of the optimal heterosis observed in this hybrid. In this network, Ghd7 works as the core element, and three other genes, Ghd7.1, Hd1, and Hd3a/RFT1, also have major roles. The effects of positive dominance by Ghd7 and Ghd7.1 and negative dominance by Hd1 and Hd3a/RFT1 in the hybrid background contribute the major part to the high SP without delaying HD; numerous epistatic interactions, most of which involve Ghd7, also play important roles collectively. The results expand our understanding of the genic interaction networks underlying hybrid rice breeding programs, which may be very useful in future crop genetic improvement.

Increasing disease resistance in host plants through genome editing

Diseases caused by plant pathogens pose significant challenges to crop yield and quality, thus incurring a serious constraint on the global food supply. Genome editing using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas (CRISPR-associated nuclease) system has revolutionized the field of biology and biotechnology. New technologies derived from CRISPR-Cas enable crop genetic improvement for plant disease resistance and the development of tools for the early detection of pathogens. This review discusses canonical and advanced genome editing tools available for understanding host–pathogen interaction and developing host resistance. We categorically cite examples of the use of genome editing technology in developing disease-resistant crops. CRISPR-Cas9 tools have enabled us to apply novel strategies to confer resistance against several plant pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and nematodes. CRISPR diagnostic methods have been developed by leveraging the CRISPR-Cas system’s precise ability to bind and cleave nucleic acids. We have also discussed the different CRISPR-diagnostic methods developed for precise and fast plant disease detection.

Exploring the Genetic Diversity of Carrot Genotypes through Phenotypically and Genetically Detailed Germplasm Collection

Germplasm evaluation, classification, characterization, and preservation are the initial requirements for any crop genetic improvement programs meant to promote economically important traits. Mean performance and range of different expressible traits through ANOVA showed highly significant differences within the various genotypes and helped to evaluate several promising carrot genotypes. The multivariate analysis method was used in this study, which was helpful in resolving different phenotypic and genotypic parameters/measurements of big collections into easy interpretable dimensions.The research work was carried out with eighty-one genotypes to evaluate genetic diversity in a germplasm collection through multivariate analysis.The divergence analysis grouped all eighty-one genotypes into ten clusters and cluster VI was found to be the biggest, comprised of 30 genotypes, followed by IV, which was comprised of 16 genotypes. Cluster X exhibited a high mean value for root weight and anthocyanin content; cluster III showed high value for days to 1st root harvest and root girth, and cluster V for dry matter content, total sugar content, and carotene content; respectively. The maximum distance between clusters was recorded among II and X cluster (43,678.5) follow by I and X (43,199.7), and it indicated that genotypes from these far away clusters could be used efficiently in breeding programs to obtain superior hybrids. Total sugar content (36.14%) contributed most to genetic divergence, followed by anthocyanin content (35.74%). Out of four principal components, PC1 largely contributed towards total variation, followed by PC2. The partial variances (%) from the first to fourth PC-axes were 36.77, 25.50, 12.67, and 10.17, respectively. Genotypes like PC-161, PC-173, PAU-J-15, PC-103, and PC-43 were considered superior with respect to marketable yield and its associated traits such as root length and root weight, and hence can be released directly as a variety.

Genetic networks underlying salinity tolerance in wheat uncovered with genome-wide analyses and selective sweeps.

A genetic framework underpinning salinity tolerance at reproductive stage was revealed by genome-wide SNP markers and major adaptability genes in synthetic-derived wheats, and trait-associated loci were used to predict phenotypes. Using wild relatives of crops to identify genes related to improved productivity and resilience to climate extremes is a prioritized area of crop genetic improvement. High salinity is a widespread crop production constraint, and development of salt-tolerant cultivars is a sustainable solution. We evaluated a panel of 294 wheat accessions comprising synthetic-derived wheat lines (SYN-DERs) and modern bread wheat advanced lines under control and high salinity conditions at two locations. The GWAS analysis revealed a quantitative genetic framework of more than 200 loci with minor effect underlying salinity tolerance at reproductive stage. The significant trait-associated SNPs were used to predict phenotypes using a GBLUP model, and the prediction accuracy (r2) ranged between 0.57 and 0.74. The r2 values for flag leaf weight, days to flowering, biomass, and number of spikes per plant were all above 0.70, validating the phenotypic effects of the loci discovered in this study. Furthermore, the germplasm sets were compared to identify selection sweeps associated with salt tolerance loci in SYN-DERs. Six loci associated with salinity tolerance were found to be differentially selected in the SYN-DERs (12.4Mb on chromosome (chr)1B, 7.1Mb on chr2A, 11.2Mb on chr2D, 200Mb on chr3D, 600Mb on chr6B, and 700.9Mb on chr7B). A total of 228 reported markers and genes, including 17 well-characterized genes, were uncovered using GWAS and EigenGWAS. A linkage disequilibrium (LD) block on chr5A, including the Vrn-A1 gene at 575Mb and its homeologs on chr5D, were strongly associated with multiple yield-related traits and flowering time under salinity stress conditions. The diversity panel was screened with more than 68 kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers of functional genes in wheat, and the pleiotropic effects of superior alleles of Rht-1, TaGASR-A1, and TaCwi-A1 were revealed under salinity stress. To effectively utilize the extensive genetic information obtained from the GWAS analysis, a genetic interaction network was constructed to reveal correlations among the investigated traits. The genetic network data combined with GWAS, selective sweeps, and the functional gene survey provided a quantitative genetic framework for identifying differentially retained loci associated with salinity tolerance in wheat.

Centromeres: From chromosome biology to biotechnology applications and synthetic genomes in plants.

Centromeres are the genomic regions that organize and regulate chromosome behaviours during cell cycle, and their variations are associated with genome instability, karyotype evolution and speciation in eukaryotes. The highly repetitive and epigenetic nature of centromeres were documented during the past half century. With the aid of rapid expansion in genomic biotechnology tools, the complete sequence and structural organization of several plant and human centromeres were revealed recently. Here, we systematically summarize the current knowledge of centromere biology with regard to the DNA compositions and the histone H3 variant (CENH3)-dependent centromere establishment and identity. We discuss the roles of centromere to ensure cell division and to maintain the three-dimensional (3D) genomic architecture in different species. We further highlight the potential applications of manipulating centromeres to generate haploids or to induce polyploids offspring in plant for breeding programs, and of targeting centromeres with CRISPR/Cas for chromosome engineering and speciation. Finally, we also assess the challenges and strategies for de novo design and synthesis of centromeres in plant artificial chromosomes. The biotechnology applications of plant centromeres will be of great potential for the genetic improvement of crops and precise synthetic breeding in the future.

Multivariate analysis methods improve the selection of strawberry genotypes with low cold requirement

Methods of multivariate analysis is a powerful approach to assist the initial stages of crops genetic improvement, particularly, because it allows many traits to be evaluated simultaneously. In this study, heat-tolerant genotypes have been selected by analyzing phenotypic diversity, direct and indirect relationships among traits were identified, and four selection indices compared. Diversity was estimated using K-means clustering with the number of clusters determined by the Elbow method, and the relationship among traits was quantified by path analysis. Parametric and non-parametric indices were applied to selected genotypes using the magnitude of genotypic variance, heritability, genotypic coefficient of variance, and assigned economic weight as selection criteria. The variability among materials led to the formation of two non-overlapping clusters containing 40 and 154 genotypes. Strong to moderate correlations were found between traits with direct effect of the number of commercial fruit on the mass of commercial fruit. The Smith and Hazel index showed the greatest total gains for all criteria; however, concerning the biochemical traits, the Mulamba and Mock index showed the highest magnitudes of predicted gains. Overall, the K-means clustering, correlation analysis, and path analysis complement the use of selection indices, allowing for selection of genotypes with better balance among the assessed traits.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Hsp20 Gene Family in Canavalia rosea Indicates Its Roles in the Response to Multiple Abiotic Stresses and Adaptation to Tropical Coral Islands

Heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20) is a major family of heat shock proteins that mainly function as molecular chaperones and are markedly accumulated in cells when organisms are subjected to environmental stress, particularly heat. Canavalia rosea is an extremophile halophyte with good adaptability to environmental high temperature and is widely distributed in coastal areas or islands in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we identified a total of 41 CrHsp20 genes in the C. rosea genome. The gene structures, phylogenetic relationships, chromosome locations, and conserved motifs of each CrHsp20 or encoding protein were analyzed. The promoters of CrHsp20s contained a series of predicted cis-acting elements, which indicates that the expression of different CrHsp20 members is regulated precisely. The expression patterns of the CrHsp20 family were analyzed by RNA sequencing both at the tissue-specific level and under different abiotic stresses, and were further validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The integrated expression profiles of the CrHsp20s indicated that most CrHsp20 genes were greatly upregulated (up to dozens to thousands of times) after 2 h of heat stress. However, some of the heat-upregulated CrHsp20 genes showed completely different expression patterns in response to salt, alkaline, or high osmotic stresses, which indicates their potential specific function in mediating the response of C. rosea to abiotic stresses. In addition, some of CrHsp20s were cloned and functionally characterized for their roles in abiotic stress tolerance in yeast. Taken together, these findings provide a foundation for functionally characterizing Hsp20s to unravel their possible roles in the adaptation of this species to tropical coral reefs. Our results also contribute to the understanding of the complexity of the response of CrHsp20 genes to other abiotic stresses and may help in future studies evaluating the functional characteristics of CrHsp20s for crop genetic improvement.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.): A Current Review

Lentil was first cultivated 8000–10,000 years ago and is a protein-rich crop. It is an important dietary component in many Mediterranean and Asian countries but allergic reactions to lentil intake was reported in some countries. Lentil yield is a key and difficult trait to enhance for crop genetic improvement. Several biotic and abiotic variables such as drought, high temperature, salinity, mineral deficiency and fungal diseases limit the production of lentils. Landraces and wild relatives are more tolerant to adverse environmental conditions. Molecular tools to assist breeding efforts in lentil are less well developed in comparison with other crops. Due to its excellent and balanced nutritional composition, the use of lentil flour in bakery, extruded and other products is gaining attention from food technologists and industry. In this review, some valuable information related to lentil is extracted from international articles published in last two years and presented here.