Genetic Variation Research Articles

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of Korean goosegrass (Eleusine indica)

Goosegrass, belonging to the genus Eleusine within the Chloridoideae subfamily, is often one of the problematic weeds with strong invasiveness, competing with crops for essential survival resources. Although a chromosome-level genome assembly of E. indica from China was published last year, the present research focuses on a population of E. indica native to South Korea. Considering the high genetic variability among wild E. indica populations, constructing multi-reference genomes from geographically distinct populations is crucial for comprehensive weed management strategies. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the whole genome using PacBio long read and Illumina short read sequencing platforms. We then combined Pore-C sequencing technology to successfully anchor 255 contigs to nine pseudochromosomes. The chromosome-level genome assembly showed a high level of completeness with a 97% score according to BUSCO analysis results. Repetitive sequences accounted for 97% of the genome assembly, and 26,836 protein-coding genes were predicted. The high-quality genome assembly of E. indica will serve as a valuable genetic resource to enhance our understanding of weed control research.

Short-term evolutionary implications of an introgressed size-determining supergene in a vulnerable population

The Thorny Skate (Amblyraja radiata) is a vulnerable species displaying a discrete size-polymorphism in the northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA). We conducted whole genome sequencing of samples collected across its range. Genetic diversity was similar at all sampled sites, but we discovered a ~ 31 megabase bi-allelic supergene associated with the size polymorphism, with the larger size allele having introgressed in the last ~160,000 years B.P. While both Gulf of Maine (GoM) and Canadian (CAN) populations exhibit the size polymorphism, we detected a significant deficit of heterozygotes at the supergene and longer stretches of homozygosity in GoM population. This suggests inbreeding driven by assortative mating for size in GoM but not in CAN. Coalescent-based demographic modelling reveals strong migration between regions maintaining genetic variability in the recombining genome, preventing speciation between morphs. This study highlights short-term context-dependent evolutionary consequences of a size-determining supergene providing new insights for the management of vulnerable species.

Assessment of Genetic Divergence and Character Association Studies on Germplasm Accessions of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

In this study, fifty-five rice germplasm accessions were used along with five checks, namely IR64, Swarna, Jaya, DRR Dhan 42 and MTU1010, for evaluating genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance during kharif 2023. The analysis of variance revealed extremely large genotype differences for each of the 16 traits under investigation. The highest heritability measures were found in number of filled grains per panicle followed by paddy breadth, paddy length:breadth ratio, brown rice length:breadth ratio, 100 seed weight, paddy length, plant height, brown rice breadth, number of effective tillers per plant, brown rice length, number of unfilled grains per panicle, grain yield per plant, panicle length, and harvest index. High heritability with high genetic advance shown by characters such as plant height, number of filled grains per panicle, paddy length and brown rice length this indicates that the heritability is due to additive gene action and is found least influenced by environment. Hence, the desirable characters with high heritability coupled with genetic advance can be used for selection. Grain yield per plant exhibits a positive and highly significant correlation with the days to 50% flowering (0.383), number of effective tillers per plant (0.315), number of filled grain per panicle (0.219) and paddy length (0.219). In terms of direct effect, paddy length (4.735) shows the highest impact, followed by brown rice length (1.183), number of filled grain per panicle (0.578), days to 50% flowering (0.347), panicle length (0.135), harvest index (0.082).

Effect of Growing Media Composition and Watering Intervals on the growth of Gmelina arborea Roxb seedlings

Gmelina arborea Roxb is one type of forestry plant that has the potential to be cultivated. This is because in addition to having a high economic value, Gmelina arborea Roxb is a plant that is able to grow in critical areas and has a short life cycle. In addition, Gmelina arborea Roxb is one type of wood that has high productivity, high economic value, has a wide natural distribution, has a large genetic variation, can be bred easily, easy to master cultivation techniques, and is resistant to pests and diseases. The purpose of this study was the effect of planting media composition and watering interval on the growth of Gmelina arborea Roxb seedlings. The study used a complete randomised design (RCD) factorial pattern consisting of two factors: The first factor: the composition of planting media, the second factor: watering interval. The results showed that the treatment of media composition and watering intensity treatment and the combination of treatments had a significant effect on the growth of gmelina seedlings. The treatment with the composition of 750 g soil and 250 g cocopeat with watering intensity once a day gave the best results for the growth of gmelina seedlings.

Therapeutics of bitter plants from Northeast region of India and their pharmacological and phytochemical perspectives.

Natural resources have been used for food and medicine since the beginning of human civilization, and they have always been a low-cost, easily accessible source for individuals. Northeast region of India (NER) represents a significant portion of India's flora and fauna. Marginality, fragility, inaccessibility, ethnicity, and cultural diversity thrived in the region, resulting in the richest reservoir of genetic variation of bioresources. Several bitter plants are used by the locals as both food and medicine to treat a variety of diseases. These medicinal plants are an excellent source of chemically diverse biologically active phytometabolites. There have been few efforts to raise awareness about health benefits of bitter plant resources abound in this region that may provides opportunities for their sustainable utilization. Understanding the structural features of plant derived bitterants in relationship with specific bitter receptor will provide research prospects to identify biomolecules with health benefits. In this context the present review is intended to deliver phyto-pharmacological aspects of bitter plant resources of NER together with detailed understanding of possible association between plant derived phytometabolites as bitter agonists with extraoral bitter receptors.

Pre-breeding approaches towards vegetable improvement: A review

The current genetic framework in agriculture poses risks as it undermines global food security. The shift from diverse landraces and local cultivars to genetically uniform modern varieties in traditional agroecosystems has increased the susceptibility of cultivars to pests and diseases. This poses a significant challenge to our valuable biodiversity. In response to changing environmental conditions, there is a need to discover novel genes and traits that enhance adaptability. To create high-yielding cultivars with broader genetic diversity, plant breeders must explore various germplasm sources. Gene banks play an important role in preserving beneficial genes and maintaining genetic variation. The urgent need to expand agricultural germplasm stocks and enhance crop management is beneficial for global food security. Plant genetic resources play a vital role in expanding germplasm stock and improving crop management systems. Pre-breeding delivers the unique advantage of incorporating desired genes from wild germplasm into cultivated varieties, minimizing linkage drag. It focuses on increasing genetic variability among germplasm so that it may be employed in normal genetic improvement programmes for cultivar development. Pre-breeding serves as a beneficial bridge between breeding efforts and genetic resources especially when non-adapted materials are involved. Despite limited utilization of plant genetic resources in crop development programs, pre-breeding can build new genomic technologies to enhance genetic diversity analysis and manipulation with an ultimate approach to create improved cultivars with desirable traits.

Genetic variation in IL-4 activated tissue resident macrophages determines strain-specific synergistic responses to LPS epigenetically

How macrophages in the tissue environment integrate multiple stimuli depends on the genetic background of the host, but this is still poorly understood. We investigate IL-4 activation of male C57BL/6 and BALB/c strain specific in vivo tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) from the peritoneal cavity. C57BL/6 TRMs are more transcriptionally responsive to IL-4 stimulation, with induced genes associated with more super enhancers, induced enhancers, and topologically associating domains (TAD) boundaries. IL-4-directed epigenomic remodeling reveals C57BL/6 specific enrichment of NF-κB, IRF, and STAT motifs. Additionally, IL-4-activated C57BL/6 TRMs demonstrate an augmented synergistic response upon in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, despite naïve BALB/c TRMs displaying a more robust transcriptional response to LPS. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of mixed bone marrow chimeras indicates that transcriptional differences and synergy are cell intrinsic within the same tissue environment. Hence, genetic variation alters IL-4-induced cell intrinsic epigenetic reprogramming resulting in strain specific synergistic responses to LPS exposure.

Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield Attributing Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was carried out to estimate the nature and magnitude of variability parameters and characters associations among 19 genotypes of wheat for 12 characters. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Completely Block Design with 3 replications during rabi, 2022-23 at Research Farm of Genetics and plant breeding AKS University, Stana, (M.P). The Analysis of variance indicated that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes were highly significant for all the traits. Seed Yield per Plant also demonstrated considerable genetic variability (GCV: 17.37%, PCV: 18.60%) with high heritability (87.20%) and a genetic advancement of 14.95, confirming its potential for genetic enhancement. Seed yield per plant is strongly correlated with the number of productive tillers (0.808**), biological yield (0.354**), number of seeds per spike (0.357**), and harvest index (0.327*), making these traits vital for breeding programs focused on yield improvement. Days to 50% flowering positively correlates with plant height (0.590**), number of seeds per spike (0.471**), test weight (0.319**), and harvest index (0.330**), but negatively with days to maturity (-0.428**) and biological yield (-0.378**).

Genetic Dissection of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Tomato Using GWAS and Hybridization Probe Melting (HPM) for Marker-Assisted Breeding

Tomato fruit color is primarily influenced by the accumulation of pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, which are regulated by a complex network of genes and environmental factors. The presence of anthocyanins, in particular, contributes to the purple phenotype in tomatoes, which has been associated with improved nutritional quality and disease resistance. Previous studies have identified key regulatory genes, including SlMYBATV and SlANT1, that control anthocyanin biosynthesis in tomatoes. A total of 48 tomato accessions were selected, including both anthocyanin-producing and non-producing cultivars, to assess genetic variation in relation to fruit color. GWAS analysis identified significant associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosomes 7 and 10 and the purple fruit phenotype. These genomic regions contained key anthocyanin regulatory genes, SlMYBATV on chromosome 7 and SlANT1 on chromosome 10, confirming their roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis further revealed strong correlations between SNPs within these regions, facilitating the selection of representative SNPs for genotyping. The genotyping of SNPs Ch07_60981501 and Ch10_64354129 using HPM demonstrated clear differentiation between purple and non-purple cultivars based on melting temperature differences, validating the functional significance of the identified loci. The results confirmed that the nonfunctional SlMYBATV allele at the atv locus allows for enhanced anthocyanin accumulation by relieving repression of anthocyanin activators like SlANT1. This interaction between the Aft and atv loci drives light-dependent anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple tomatoes. HPM genotyping offers a cost-effective tool for allele identification, supporting breeding programs for anthocyanin-rich tomatoes. SNP markers enable marker-assisted selection (MAS) for improved nutritional and aesthetic traits. This study highlights SlMYBATV and SlANT1 in anthocyanin biosynthesis, advancing efforts to develop enriched tomato varieties and supporting agricultural productivity and health.

Comparative Assessment of Nutritional, Industrial and Agronomic Valuable Traits of Underutilized Guar Genotypes

Background: Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), also known as cluster bean, is an annual legume with a high gum (galactomannan) content that is widely used in food, biopharmaceutical and other non-food industries. Despite the fact that several studies have been conducted to develop genomic resources for guar, information on its nutritional and other important biochemical profile is largely unknown. Method: In the present study, we investigated the extent of genetic variability of nutritional characteristics and gum content among different indigenous guar genotypes, as well as the correlation between them. A total of 40 guar genotypes were morphologically and biochemically characterized in order to be classified into nutritional and industrial usage groups. Result: Genotypes RGC-1055, RGR-7, RGC-1033, RGC-1002, RGC-1031, RGC-1038 and RGC-1055 were found to be superior for galactomannan, whereas genotypes HG-2-20, HG-258, HG-832, RGC-936, RGC-1066 and Pusa Navbahar were found to contain important quantitative traits such as a greater number of pods/cluster and clusters/plant, which is directly related to higher yield. Furthermore, correlation and PCA (principal component analysis) revealed that chlorophyll content is positively correlated with protein (0.2%) and gum content (0.16%). The data generated from this study could help breeders and biotechnologists for developing novel potential hybrids with desirable morphological, nutritional and industrial properties. Furthermore, enhanced crop quality may be achieved in the future by genetically modifying the nutritional and industrially significant targeted genes from the selected superior guar genotype using CRISPR/Cas9 precision gene editing technology.

Response to azathioprine treatment in autoimmune hepatitis is dependent on glutathione transferase genotypes.

Azathioprine (AZA) is part of the standard treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The first step in the complex bioconversion of AZA to active metabolites is mediated by glutathione transferases (GSTs). Elucidate the association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 copy number variation (CNV), genetic variation in GSTA2, GSTP1, and inosine-triphosphate-pyrophosphatase, and the response to AZA in AIH. Genotyping was performed in AIH patients (n = 131) on AZA, and in a Swedish background population (n = 283). Thiopurine metabolites in blood erythrocytes were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. GSTM1 and GSTT1 CNV were associated with treatment response to AZA. Gene deletion of GSTM1-but not of GSTT1-was associated with the liver transaminase levels. None of the studied genetic variants were associated with the thiopurine metabolite concentrations, suggesting non-enzymatic mechanisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in the context of AZA efficacy in AIH. The prevalence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 CNV genotypes was similar in AIH and in the background population. This study shows the effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 CNV on AZA efficacy in AIH, not previously described. It also elaborates on the impact of the definition of treatment response, on the importance of the various GSTs studied. Furthermore, the GSTM1 and GSTT1 CNV frequencies previously reported in European populations were confirmed.

Secrets of the Goo: the Genome assembly of the Pacific Banana Slug, Ariolimax columbianus.

The Pacific banana slug, Ariolimax columbianus, is endemic to the forests of the Pacific Northern West. Found throughout coastal foothills and mountains of California, the hermaphroditic molluscs Ariolimax spp. are niche-constrained, hyper-localized, and phenotypically diverse. The evolutionary history and more recent population history and environmental conditions leading to their phenotypic and genetic variation are not understood. To facilitate such research, we present the first high-quality de novo genome assembly of A. columbianus as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP). Pacific Biosciences HiFi long reads and Omni-C chromatin-proximity sequencing technologies were used to produce a de novo genome assembly, consistent with the standard CCGP genome assembly protocol. This assembly comprises 401 scaffolds spanning 2.29 Gb, represented by a scaffold N50 of 94.9Mb, a contig N50 of 3.7Mb, and a benchmarking universal single-copy ortholog (BUSCO) completeness score of 93.9%. Future work will use the A. columbianus genome to study the population structure of Ariolimax spp. across California to understand patterns of population structure, genetic diversity and the broader ecological connections with their habitat. This data will contribute to the CCGP, expanding the knowledge about the partitioning of genomic variation across the different ecoregions of California.

Genomic insights into genetic diversity and seed coat color change in common bean composite populations

IntroductionThe color of the seed coat of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important trait influencing marketability and consumer preferences. An understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying seed coat color variation can aid in breeding programs aimed at improving esthetic and agronomic traits. This study investigates the genetic diversity and molecular mechanisms associated with seed coat color change in composite bean populations through phenotypic analysis and whole genome sequencing (WGS).MethodsFour composite populations and two standard varieties of common bean were cultivated over a two-year period and seed coat color and morphological traits were assessed. WGS was performed on 19 phenotypes and yielded 427 GB of data with an average sequencing depth of 30×. More than 8.6 million high-confidence single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Genetic diversity metrics such as nucleotide diversity (π), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He) and allelic richness (Ar) were calculated. Population structure was analyzed using Fst, principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering. Cross-population statistics (XP-CLR and XP-EHH) were used to identify selection signals associated with seed coat color change. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyzes were performed for candidate genomic regions.ResultsPhenotypic analysis revealed significant differences in seed coat color among the four composite populations, with notable changes among years. The populations exhibited different growth habits and plant types, especially KIS_Amand and SRGB_00366, which showed the highest phenotypic diversity in seed coat color. WGS identified 8.6 million SNPs, with chromosomes 4 and 1 having the highest SNP density (11% each), while chromosomes 3 and 6 had the lowest. KIS_Amand had the highest genetic diversity (π = 0.222, Ar = 1.380) and SRGB_00189 the lowest (π = 0.067, Ar = 1.327). SRGB_00366 showed moderate genetic diversity (π = 0.173, Ar = 1.338) and INCBN_03048 showed medium diversity (π = 0.124, Ar = 1.047). The Fst values indicated a strong genetic differentiation, especially between the two standard varieties ETNA and Golden_Gate (Fst = 0.704) and the composite populations. Selective sweep analysis with XP-CLR and XP-EHH identified 118 significant regions associated with seed coat color change, with most regions located on chromosomes 4, 9, 10 and 11. Phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways were highly enriched in candidate regions, indicating that cellular transport mechanisms play a critical role in seed coat pigmentation. Key GO terms included phosphatidylinositol-biphosphate binding, exocytosis, and vesicle-mediated transport, suggesting a link between cellular transport and pigment deposition in the seed coat.DiscussionThe study demonstrates significant genetic diversity within and among common bean composite populations, with KIS_Amand and SRGB_00366 exhibiting the highest phenotypic and genetic variability. The identification of selective sweeps and the enrichment of phosphatidylinositol-related pathways provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling seed coat color variation. The strong genetic differentiation between standard varieties and composite populations highlights the role of selective breeding in shaping the genetic landscape of common bean. The results suggest that variation in seed coat color is controlled by both regulatory and structural genetic changes, providing valuable information for breeding programs.ConclusionThis study provides a detailed analysis of the genetic architecture of seed coat color variation in common bean. The identification of key genomic regions and pathways associated with seed pigmentation improves our understanding of the complex genetic interactions underlying this trait. These results provide valuable genomic resources for future breeding efforts aimed at improving seed color and other important traits in common bean.

Exploring genetic variability, diversity and trait associations in sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) accessions for yield improvement

Sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) is an important fibre crop known for its rapid growth and ability to improve soil fertility, making it a vital component of sustainable agriculture. However, to enhance its productivity and meet the increasing demand for high-quality fibre, it is crucial to identify and utilize genetically diverse genotypes with superior yield traits. The present study was conducted at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, during the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to assess genetic variability and character association for yield and its component traits among 67 sunnhemp genotypes. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, were conducted using R software to dissect the phenotypic diversity among the genotypes. The results revealed substantial genetic variability for yield and its associated traits, indicating a promising potential for genetic improvement. Genotypes ADSH 1750, ADSH 1701, ADSH 1736, ADSH 1715, and ADSH 1742 exhibited superior performance in key yield-related traits, making them valuable candidates for future breeding programs focused on developing high-yielding, high-fibre varieties. Cluster analysis delineated four distinct clusters, with Clusters I and IV showing significant divergence and highlighting the presence of unique genetic material. Key plant production traits such as plant height, leaf breadth, basal stem diameter, yield, and number of leaves were the primary contributors to the first two principal components. These findings suggest that direct selection based on these traits could effectively improve biomass yield in future sunnhemp breeding efforts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable fibre crop production.

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Wild Cordyceps chanhua Resources from Major Production Areas in China

This study investigated the genetic diversity and genomic variation in wild Cordyceps chanhua populations from four regions in China—Dazhou, Sichuan (ICD); Lu’an, Anhui (ICL); Taizhou, Zhejiang (ICT); and Yixing, Jiangsu (ICY)—to elucidate genetic differentiation patterns and provide a scientific foundation for resource conservation and sustainable utilization. Whole-genome resequencing was performed, yielding high-quality sequencing data (Q20 > 98%, Q30 > 94%, coverage: 93.62–95.79%) and enabling the detection of 82,428 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 12,517 insertion–deletion markers (InDels). Genomic variations were unevenly distributed across chromosomes, with chromosome chrU05 exhibiting the highest SNP density (5187.86), suggesting a potential hotspot of genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all samples belonged to the C. chanhua lineage but revealed significant genetic differentiation among regions. Population structure analysis, supported by structure analysis and PCA, identified two distinct subgroups (G1 and G2) closely associated with geographic origins, reflecting the influence of both environmental and geographic factors on genetic differentiation. These findings underscore the substantial interregional genetic diversity in C. chanhua populations, highlighting the importance of tailored conservation strategies and region-specific germplasm utilization. The study provides critical genomic insights to support marker-assisted breeding, regional cultivation optimization, and the sustainable development of C. chanhua resources.

Isolation and characterization of arbuscular mycorrhiza from a newly developed L J farm at village Dumana, Viramgam, Gujarat

Mycorrhiza in general and arbuscular mycorrhiza in particular are the most important terrestrial fungi that evolved with the evolution of land and plants and became a part and parcel of the plant's growth and development. It is so important for plant nutrition that its density and diversity were studied worldwide in different habitats, niches and climates. In the present study, a spore density of 1.6 to 4.04 per g of soil was observed in a semi-arid region; agroclimatic zone V of Gujarat at Dumana L J Farm, Viramgam. Nine different species of endomycorrhizae were characterized; however, species of Glomus and Acaulospora were dominant taxa. Because there is little taxonomic diversity in such a large group of mycorrhizal fungi, it is crucial to analyze local populations that have adapted to different environments. Depending on the climate, each species may have a significant amount of genetic variation. The result shows the spore density in a developing plantation field, which was earlier mainly used for the cultivation of a local variety of cotton. Since there is no such report on the density and diversity of endomycorrhiza from this region, this primary study will serve as a baseline for the comparison of the spore density of future studies of the region/field in different plants and seasons.

Population genomics and genetic diversity of the invasive chrysanthemum lace bug (Corythucha marmorata) across its invasive range in Japan

The escalating global movement of alien species, facilitated by increased trade and travel, poses a pressing need to comprehend their invasive potential and the consequent ecological and economic ramifications. Despite a growing body of evidence on rapid evolutionary shifts in invasive species, comprehensive insights into the genetic variability underlying these adaptations are constrained by limited genomic resources. Understanding the role of genetic variation in the success or failure of biological invaders is thus crucial. This study focuses on the chrysanthemum lace bug, Corythucha marmorata, as a model system to investigate the interplay of genetic variation and invasion dynamics. Our analysis reveals moderate genetic structure among countries, with significant genetic differentiation observed within populations. Mitochondrial COI DNA and haplotype network analysis revealed shared haplotypes between Japan and North America, indicating recent events of introduction, while exclusive Japanese haplotypes and significant FST and GST values suggest local divergence. Phylogenetic and STRUCTURE analyses show genetic clusters unique to Japan, with populations like SAG and CER displaying higher divergence. Bottlenecks followed by divergence, as indicated by the DIYABC-RF analysis, point to a complex evolutionary history involving multiple introductions and subsequent local divergence in Japan.

Evaluation of oat varieties for yield and disease resistance in the northern forest-steppe of the Novosibirsk Ob region

For the forest-steppe conditions of the Ob region with its sharply continental weather conditions, oat selection must combine high productivity of varieties with complex disease resistance. The purpose of the study is to evaluate oat varieties for disease resistance and adaptability in the northern forest-steppe of the Novosibirsk Ob region. The studies were conducted in 2018-2023. in the collection crop rotation and in the phytopathological section of the plant gene pool laboratory of SibNIIRS a branch of the Federal Research Center ICG SB RAS (located 17 km from Novosibirsk). The research material was 9 varieties of spring oats of Siberian origin (Krasnoobsky, Novosibirsky 5, Rovesnik, Sig, Orion, Otrada, Fakel, Sibirsky Hercules, Tobolyak). The varieties were assessed according to the following indicators: general adaptability to environmental conditions, resistance to extreme environmental conditions, stability of yield formation in contrasting conditions and resistance to three pathogens (red-brown spot, dusty and covered smut). High overall adaptability to environmental conditions was shown by: Fakel, Otrada, Tobolyak and Siberian Hercules (K = 1.07 1.04). The highest yield potential was formed by: Tobolyak (1359 g/m2), Otrada (1270 g/m2) and Orion (1236 g/m2). Resistance to stress (the smallest difference between maximum and minimum yields) had: Torch (-365 g/m2), Siberian Hercules (-420 g/m2). Compensatory ability (the highest average yield in contrasting conditions) is characterized by: Tobolyak (1090 g/m2), Fakel (987 g/m2) and Otrada (970 g/m2). Stable yields in contrasting conditions were demonstrated by: Fakel (31 %), Siberian Hercules (36 %) and Tobolyak (39 %). Complex resistance to three pathogens (red-brown spot, dusty and covered smut) was shown by: Siberian Hercules, Fakel and Novosibirsk 5.

Somatic Hybrids and Cybrids: Innovations in Vegetable Improvement

Somatic hybridization through protoplast fusion is indeed a promising method for producing asymmetrical and unbalanced polyploid somatic hybrids in various plant species. This technique involves merging protoplasts from different plant species to create hybrids that possess desirable traits for both scion and rootstock improvements. By circumventing the limitations of sexual hybridization, such as male/female sterility and sexual incompatibility, somatic hybridization enables the incorporation of beneficial genes from closely related or even distantly related species. The success of somatic hybridization in horticulture is evident in various crops such as citrus, potato, brinjal (eggplant), tomato, mango, avocado, banana, strawberry, pear, and cherry. It facilitates the transfer of numerous uncloned genes that confer resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Unlike transgenic technology, which is often subject to regulatory constraints, somatic hybridization allows for the exchange of genetic material without the same legal formalities. Despite its potential benefits, somatic hybridization faces challenges and constraints compared to sexual hybridization. These include technical difficulties in protoplast isolation and fusion, as well as limitations in generating fertile hybrids and maintaining genome stability. However, advancements in genomic technologies provide optimism for overcoming these challenges. Improved understanding of plant genomes enables more precise manipulation and selection of desired traits through somatic hybridization. In conclusion, somatic hybridization is a crucial tool in modern plant breeding and crop improvement efforts. It expands the gene pool available for breeding programs by incorporating genetic variability from diverse sources, thus offering new opportunities to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. As research and technology continue to advance, somatic hybridization holds promise for addressing current and future challenges in global agriculture.

The dusty smut of barley in the Omsk region and sources of resistance to it

Most barley varieties grown in the Omsk region on an area of more than 300 thousand hectares are affected by dusty smut. The purpose of our study is to analyze the gene pool of the pathogen population and identify the sources of resistance to it. In the field, on an artificial infectious background of the plant immunity laboratory in 2019-2023, in the first decade of July, during flowering, test varieties with identified resistance genes were infected: Run 1, Run 3, Run 6, Run 7, Run 8, Run 12 and Run 14, varieties of local selection Gift of Siberia (susceptibility indicator) and Omsk 99 (stability indicator), samples of the world collection of barley VIR and hybrid material of Omsk ancestor teliospores of the local population of the Dusty smut Ustilago tritici. hordei (Jens.) Kell. et. Sw. (Оld name Ustilago nuda (Jens.) Kell. et Swing). Infected seeds were sown and the lesion of the samples for the next year was taken into account according to the VIR method and the adapted SIMMIT method. The results of the study of the dusty smut population showed that varieties with the Run 3, Run 6 and Run 8 genes and sample L-6823 (Run 12) showed high resistance to the pathogen. The Trebi (Run 1) and Anoidium (Run 7) samples showed a variation from practical resistance to weak susceptibility (damage from 2.5 to 19.1%), and the Korol sample (Run 14) – from weak to strong susceptibility. The assessment of the stability of the varieties included in the GR of the Russian Federation and the hybrid material of the laboratory for the breeding of grain crops showed that most forms are affected from a weak to medium degree. The Omsk 102 variety, included in the GR of the Russian Federation since 2023, has confirmed its resistance to dusty smut. In the hybrid material, samples with practical stability and mild damage were isolated – Nutans 4945 and Nutans 4926. Among the collection material, resistant numbers were identified: Suzdalets (k-30314), Zadel, Vityaz (RF), Himalayen (k-15549), Galt (k-19910), Bonanza (k-21661) all from Canada, etc. The listed samples are recommended as sources of stability for inclusion in the breeding process when creating resistant varieties for cultivation in the Omsk region.