Genetic Reserves Research Articles

Identifying Fire Blight-Resistant Malus sieversii Rootstocks Grafted with Cultivar ‘Aport’ Using Monitoring Data

In the present study, the most valuable cultivar ‘Aport krovavo-krasnyy’ was grafted onto M. sieversii genotypes harvested from 11 populations in Dzungarian Alatau and Ile Alatau to identify ones resistant to Erwinia amylovora. The wild apple populations included in the present research have not been previously explored. Seedling population 10, developed using rootstocks from a M. sieversii population growing in Turgen, demonstrated the highest resistance to Erwinia amylovora, showing no fire blight symptoms and no positive PCR results for E. amylovora during the eight years of monitoring in the Talgar field (Kazakhstan) from 2015 to 2022. The population from Steep Tract (seedling population 1) was also valuable for breeding and reduced the pathogen distribution to below 30%. Genotypes from a genetic reserve (seedling population 5) were the most susceptible among the researched populations, with a disease distribution level of 24–95%. In seedling population 5, trees affected at least twice by the pathogen exhibited wilting, shepherd’s crook formation, leaf necrosis, and occasional exudate droplets, while trees in other combinations primarily showed shoot wilting and leaf death. Fire blight disease also developed more rapidly within the plant in seedling population 5; by 2020, one tree nearly died after only two infections.

Freezability of Semen Collected from Ganders of 12 Breeds Covered by the Polish Genetic Resources Conservation Program

Abstract A rapid decline in wild animal biodiversity, as well as in the number of local livestock breeds of lower economical values, makes species and breeds protection and creation of genetic reserves a necessity and a challenge of the 21st century. For birds, semen freezing is still the best method of gene preservation ex situ in vitro. The aim of the presented study was to assess the susceptibility to freezing process and to establish the semen gene bank of twelve goose breeds covered by the Polish genetic resources conservation program. Sexually mature ganders were randomly selected from four northern local breeds: Kartuska, Pomorska, Rypinska, Suwalska, four southern local breeds: Garbonosa, Kielecka, Lubelska, Podkarpacka, and four foreign goose breeds: Kuban, Landes, Roman and Slovakian. Each breed was represented by 12 males, twelve repetitions were carried out. Semen samples were frozen in a computer-controlled cryogenic chamber using a method developed for White Koluda goose. The basic evaluation criterion was sperm morphology in fresh and freeze-thawed semen assessed in nigrosine-eosin stained histological smears. The percentage of live in total and live normal sperm in the fresh semen differed significantly (P<0.05) between breeds. Semen of Kartuska and Suwalska ganders (northern breeds), contained the highest percent of live sperm – 94.4 and 94.1 respectively, including 52.5% and 54.2% of live normal sperm, while the lowest number of these forms was observed for Slovakian goose – 86.4% and 29.2%, respectively. The freezing process resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the total number of live and live normal sperm and an increase in dead sperm in all groups. Cryopreservation process was the most effective in case of Suwalska goose semen (28.4% of live normal cells in thawed semen) and the less profitable for Landes (7.4% of live normal cells). The analyses showed significant differences between breeds in sperm morphology in fresh and thawed semen. Moreover, the high proportion of live spermatozoa in the fresh semen did not guarantee a high proportion of spermatozoa after thawing, indicating the differences in semen susceptibility to cryopreservation process depending on goose breed.

Genetic analysis of village pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivar populations in northeastern Türkiye

Abstract Pear (Pyrus communis L.) stands out as a prominent fruit species in temperate regions worldwide. The Çoruh River basin, nestled in the lower Caucasus in Türkiye, serves as a valuable repository of pear germplasm. To elucidate the genetic structure of pear populations in this region, 84 village pear cultivar genotypes (land races) from six villages, sample garden collections (SCC), and wild Panta root stock populations were analysed using eleven microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity and structure analyses indicated that village pear cultivar populations exhibit substantial genetic diversity and admixture. This diversity is attributed to local farming practices such as phenotypic selection and widespread dispersal of clonal materials. The genetic structure analysis, combined with the identification of private alleles, indicates that the pear genetic resources in the Çoruh river basin likely has originated from two gene pool sources, specifically the Meydancık and Camili village pear traditional cultivar populations. The Camili village pear cultivar population as a new in situ genetic reserve site has been proposed. Despite the existence an ex situ conservation site, the study suggests inadequateness of SCC as an ex situ site in capturing the full extent of genetic diversity of village pear cultivar genetic resources. Thus, enriching the genetic diversity in the SCC ex situ site is essential for effective pear genetic resource conservation in the Çoruh river basin. These findings contribute valuable insights for the development of targeted conservation strategies, ensuring the preservation of pear genetic resources in this region.

Perceptions of commercial plants and tree nurseries in the use of native forest tree species for urban landscaping activities in municipalities of Los Baños and Bay, Philippines

Abstract Urban greening using native forest tree species (NFTs) has been increasingly recognized to achieve more livable, healthier, and resilient cities. However, despite having diverse genetic reserves, full utilization of NFTs in the country has not been fully realized. This restricts the mass production of seedlings for urban greening activities. As such, this study was carried out to determine the perceptions of commercial plants and tree nurseries in the use of NFTs for urban greening in municipalities of Los Baños and Bay, Philippines using the snowball sampling technique of Key Informant Interviews (KII). A total of 32 respondents were interviewed. Out of 85 species of trees identified, 51.16% (Los Baños) and 35.29% (Bay) were native. Most buyers planted their seedlings in private gardens (37.62%), subdivisions (12.38%), and private resorts (11.90%). About 18% of respondents sourced out their propagules from local sellers, followed by purchasing ready-to-plant seedlings from nearby towns (e.g. Talisay, Batangas) (14.11%) and Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve (10.58%). Unfamiliarity (21.69%) with the potential of native species seemingly impedes their popularity as urban trees. Over 23% of respondents believed that native trees help enhance the urban biodiversity and more than 43% have mentioned that buyers used leaves as the basis for species selection. Meanwhile, seedlings of seed origin are the most common (about 35%) mode of seedling production. Finally, the study revealed that Pterocarpus indicus is the topmost common native forest tree species being used for urban greening in the subject municipalities and therefore warranted to be used for further studies.

Determining the Relationships Between Genotype and Phenotype Using Molecular Genetic Tools in Chickens

Context: Chicken meat is one of the rich sources of protein and is considered one of the most commonly consumed meats in the world. Enhancing poultry production and its products is achievable through chicken breeding. Effective breeding projects for future genetic improvement require an understanding of the genetic potential of a given population. Evidence Acquisition: Articles were selected based on novel molecular markers related to economic traits of chicken in Animal quantitative trait loci (QTL) database, Ensemble genome browser, CorrDB, ChickVD, Galbase, and Google Scholar. These databases contain QTLs, markers, and reference genomes of chicken. Galbase provides research communities with updated possibilities to conduct thorough functional genomics research on chickens. ChickVD manages high-quality sequence variation data, variation analysis in relation to chicken genes, cDNAs, genetic markers, and QTLs. CorrDB compiles all available chicken genetic and phenotypic trait correlation data to aid in the analysis of genetic networks and facilitate systems biology research. Animal Quantitative Trait Loci Database (Animal QTLdb) gathers and compiles all existing data on trait mapping, including QTL (phenotype/expression, eQTL), candidate gene, association data (GWAS), and copy number variations (CNV) for livestock animal genomes. This comprehensive database facilitates the easier identification and comparison of discoveries within and across species. Ensemble genome browser is a powerful tool for analyzing vertebrate genomes, offering valuable insights into comparative genomics, evolutionary processes, sequence variations, and transcriptional regulation. Results: Valuating the relatedness of the studied broilers and layers is important for maintaining and improving the genetic reserves of the same population. Candidate genes (CGs) are used to determine genes related to economic traits in chickens. Molecular genetic techniques such as whole-genome re-sequencing (WGRS) can identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels), structural variations (SV), CNV, and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and their chromosomal regions in terms of QTL. Recently, the pan-genome (PG) has become one of the most important tools to study genome variation and changes in important traits. The use of molecular markers and CGs can aid in evaluating the genetic relationships between phenotype and genotype of broilers and layers. Conclusions: This review introduces molecular genetic methods and new approaches to identify novel genes related to important biological pathways and significant production and reproductive traits.

EVALUATION OF NORMALIZED DIFFERENCE VEGETATION INDEX IN WILD APPLE POPULATIONS GROWING IN SOUTHEAST MOUNTAIN REGIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN

NDVI is one of the most common vegetation indices for solving various problems of assessing the state of vegetation cover and its dynamics. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the state of wild Sievers apple trees in the territory of Phenological area, Genetic Reserve of Sievers, Tauturgen and Sievers apple reserve (Zhongar-Alatau and Ile-Alatau SNNP) using the NDVI index. The period of study was season’s autumn 2022 and spring 2023. Created interactive maps of the study area with multispectral reconstructions in NDVI formats let us was established the condition of the Sievers apple tree. Which was based on an analysis of the deviation of the NDVI of each tree in the study area from the average index value for the vegetation of the entire type of area. This allowed us to identify the territorial features of the state of the Sievers apple trees and identify degraded trees. The results obtained can be used for the rational management of environmental management by the Zhongar-Alatau SNNP and the Ile-Alatau SNNP.

Insights into the germplasm conservation and utilization: Implications for sustainable agriculture and future crop improvement

Plant genetic resources are critical for maintaining global biodiversity and ensuring food security. However, these resources face threats from factors such as habitat loss and climate change, with approximately 22% of plant species estimated to be at risk of extinction. To address this issue, both natural and biotechnological methods are being developed to preserve plant genetic resources, with germplasm being a key component. Germplasm contains the complete genetic information of a plant and can be stored for extended periods and replicated as required. The objective of this study is to emphasize the importance of preserving germplasm of endangered or near-extinct plant species through in situ and ex situ conservation methods. In situ conservation involves conserving species in their natural environment, while ex situ conservation includes using gene-seed banks and tissue culture to store genetic resources. These methods are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and preventing the loss of valuable plant resources. The study highlights the various ex situ conservation methods, including cryopreservation, pollen and DNA banks, farmer's fields, botanic gardens, genetic reserves, and slow-growing cultures, which are essential for preserving germplasm. Gene banks worldwide currently hold over 7.4 million accessions of crop genetic resources, demonstrating the value of germplasm conservation efforts. Additionally, understanding the phenotypic and genetic characterization of related species is crucial for identifying endangered or vulnerable species that can diversify into new varieties or subspecies. In conclusion, prioritizing germplasm conservation efforts is crucial for meeting future demands while preserving endangered or vulnerable species. This will ensure that plant genetic resources remain available for future generations and that agricultural innovation can effectively address global food security challenges.

Subalpine Meadow Vegetation of Talish Highlands of Azerbaijan

Subalpine meadow vegetation of Talish highlands has been spread over the subalpine zone of Lankaran highlands at lawny mountain-meadow soils at the height of 1800 m to 2500 m above sea level. During the carried out ecological-geobotanical research, it has been determined 7 formation classes, 12 formation groups and 20 associations. In parallel with the study of type composition and structure of phytocenosis found in the area of investigation, it has been also determined endemic species, productivity of formations, and intensification of degradation at soil-plant coverage of some lawny subalpine meadows, decrease in abundance and productivity of forage crop. Currently, for the purpose of the improvement of natural phytocenosis productivity, crop quality, protection of their genetic reserve and landscapes, as well as the vegetation study for solution of protection problems on the base of scientific means is of a great importance.

Priority areas for the establishment of genetic reserves to actively protect key crop wild relative species in Italy

Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) are wild plant taxa genetically close to a crop. Being a precious source of genetic variability and of traits for crop improvement, CWR have a high socio-economic value and are identified among the main plant genetic resources. Alarming enough, the inter- and intraspecific diversity, as well as their habitat diversity, is under threat of irremediable loss. Italy is the second richest country in Europe in terms of plant species number; applying the taxon group concept 5712 have been recently identified as CWR. The aims of the present research are to identify the best sites for: i) the institution of genetic reserves to actively protect CWR species of the key crop genera as Allium, Brassica and Triticum and ii) performing new collection missions to reach adequate ex situ conservation of target species. Georeferenced data were retrieved from different online databases. CAPFITOGEN tools were initially used to develop an ecogeographic land characterisation map (ELC) of Italy. Geographical distribution data were assembled for 379 populations of 18 CWR taxa. Results of the complementarity analysis showed that 10 protected areas provide coverage of the 46.4% of the target conservation units and include 66.7% of the priority CWR taxa investigated. Alarming enough, only 7.4% of the 379 populations are currently conserved ex situ; among the 18 ecogeographic land characterisation categories only 3 are covered by ex situ conservation. This is the first study where most suitable protected areas for the institution of genetic reserves are proposed for Italy for the protection of multiple CWR taxa of key genera; this is relevant also considering the global value of many of the related crop such as different wheat species, cabbages, rape, garlic and onion. Being already dedicated to habitat and species conservation, the identified sites are optimal candidates for the institution of genetic reserves. Results will hopefully also guide new collecting missions that are urgently needed to strength ex situ conservation of such precious genetic resources.

Representation of in situ forest genetic resources of broadleaf tree species according to forest types in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

The article analyzes the formation and localization of in situ forest genetic resource conservation facilities in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in terms of the main forest types. Peculiarities of the state and selection structure of the forest genetic reserves (FGR) and plus stands (PS) were studied. The established that the largest area of forest genetic reserves and plus stands of broadleaves forests within the Right Bank Forest-Steppe is concentrated in the Vinnytsia region, based on the results of the research. The largest number and largest areas of these objects are concentrated in this region. It was established that the largest area of FGR located in fresh forest type conditions — 3475.9 ha, according to the distribution of forest genetic reserves and plus stands. The largest number of objects — 92 (78.0%) — is concentrated in this type of forest. The largest area of FGR is concentrated in fresh hornbeam beech — 842.3 ha in the Roztoch-Opil district of the forest typological region. There are 44 genetic reserves located in the conditions of the Podilsk sector of the Polysk-Prikarpattia district of wet hornbeam forests of the forest typological region of the wet cluster 3d. The largest area of forest stands is fresh beech forest — 234.0 ha. There are 40 FGR with a total area of 2,001 hectares of fresh hornbeam forests in the Podilskyi and Pravoberezhny sectors of the Dnipro tipologycal district. Forest genetic reserves are mainly concentrated in fresh hornbeam forest — 1584.6 hectares (29 units). The representation of the objects of in situ conservation of the gene pool of forest tree species in terms of forest types is insufficient and reflects only 16% of the entire diversity of forest ecosystems within the boundaries of the Roztoch-Opil district and 21–24% of the Dnipro districts of Polisko-Prikarpatskiy. This requires the introduction of measures for the additional creation of forest genetic reserves in other types of forest with the aim of the widest possible representation of the ecosystem diversity of the forest landscapes of the region.

In situ conservation of Helosciadium nodiflorum: a crop wild relative of celery in Germany

Crop wild relatives (CWR) represent valuable sources of traits that can enhance the abiotic and biotic stress tolerance of crops. Due to climate change and expansion of land use, they may suffer from population decline, which increases the risk of losing these resources. The in situ conservation of CWR is receiving growing attention to preserve their intraspecific diversity. In contrast to the safeguarding of seeds ex situ, the preservation of taxa in their natural habitat facilitates the development of new adaptations to changing environmental conditions. However, studies aiming at the establishment of their in situ conservation are rare. Therefore, we identified and genotyped Helosciadium nodiflorum occurrences in Germany. Helosciadium nodiflorum is an endangered CWR of cultivated celery (Apium graveolens). For 20 occurrences the number of individuals, the number of sexually reproducing individuals, and potential threats were recorded. Genetic differences were examined using 17 newly developed simple sequence repeats (SSR). Population genetic analyses, like the inference of the compositional genetic differentiation, of population structure, and a Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components were conducted. The analyses revealed that most occurrences were genetically distinct. Geographically closely located populations are often also genetically more similar. Several populations revealed a composite genome indicative of hybridizations between distinct populations. Populations that experienced fixation were also identified. Based on the genetic diversity, the location in different ecogeographic units, and the support of local stakeholders, we recommend the establishment of 15 genetic reserves for H. nodiflorum in Germany.

Subalpine Grassland Vegetation of Yardimli and Astara Districts (Azerbaijan)

Subalpine grasslands of Talish highlands are common in the subalpine zone of Yardimli and Astara highlands at lawny mountain-meadow soils at the height of 1750 m to 2400 m above sea level. During the carried out ecological-geobotanical research, it has been determined 3 formation classes, 5 formation groups and 11 associations. In parallel with the study of type composition and structure of phytocenosis found in the area of investigation, it has been also determined endemic species, productivity of formations, and intensification of degradation at soil-plant coverage of some lawny subalpine grasslands, decrease in abundance and productivity of forage crop. Currently, for the purpose of the improvement of natural phytocenosis productivity, crop quality, protection of their genetic reserve and landscapes, as well as the vegetation study for solution of protection problems on the base of scientific means is of a great importance.

Phenological, morpho-physiological, and biochemical attributes of barberry (Berberis integerrima L.) in different habitats of Iran

Berberis integerrima L. belongs to the Berberidaceae family and is one of the small fruits with many medicinal properties, which is considered among the horticultural products with high plant diversity and favorable genetic reserves. This research aimed to study barberry's phenological, morpho-physiological, and biochemical attributes in five different habitats in Kerman province, Iran (Bam, Jiroft, Anbarabad, Raber, and Baft) during 2019-2020. The results of the phenological traits showed that the Jiroft and Anbarabad habitats have the maximum number of days until the end of vegetative growth, the number of days from activation of buds to the beginning of fruit formation, the number of days until the physiological maturity of the fruit, the number of days from activation of buds to fruit coloring, and the lowest number of days until flowering. The mean comparison showed that in terms of yield, the investigated habitats from the highest production to the lowest included Anbarabad> Baft> Bam> Rabar> Jiroft. The highest average traits of panicle length (43.38 cm), number of fruits per panicle (26.6), 1000-fruit weight (141.9 g), 1000-seedless fruit weight (128.4 g), seed length (1.16 mm), seed diameter (0.97 mm), fruit length and diameter (19.03 and 5.41 mm), yield (16.69 kg per stem), and the number of thorns 10 cm (13.5 pieces) was observed in Anbarabad habitat. The yield was negatively and significantly correlated with fruit length, titratable acidity, anthocyanin, DPPH, and phenol. Interestingly, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium had a positive effect on increasing the barberry yield. On the other hand, increasing the longitude, latitude, and altitude decreases yield. Anbarabad and Jiroft habitats had the highest and lowest averages of pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content, respectively. Generally, the results of this study indicate a high genetic diversity in phenological, morphological, chemical, and physiological aspects in different habitats. Moreover, the results showed that Anbarabad was significantly superior in phenological, morphological, yield, and phytochemical traits compared to other ecotypes.

Reducing oxidative stress by κ-carrageenan and C60HyFn: The post-thaw quality and antioxidant status of Azari water buffalo bull semen

Azeri water buffalo is a species of great interest due to the high quality of its products such as milk. Due to the decreasing trend of its number and risk of extinction in the future, our attention is directed towards ensuring the preservation of its genetic reserves by keeping its sperm. Using antioxidants in semen extender is one of the ways to reduce the detrimental effects of freezing process on post-thawed quality of spermatozoa. This study was conducted to determine the effect of κ-carrageenan (k-CRG) and C60HyFn supplemented semen extender on the quality of post-thawed Azari water buffalo spermatozoa. A total of 30 semen samples were obtained from three buffaloes using an artificial vagina (twice a week for five weeks = 10 replicates). The samples (n = 3) from each replicate were pooled and divided into equal aliquots to prepare 14 extender groups, including control (C), k-0.2, K-0.4, K-0.6, K-0.8 (containing 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg K-CRG/mL, respectively), C-0.1, C-0.2, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, C-10, C-20, and C-40 (containing 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 μM C60HyFn, respectively), and then frozen. After thawing, motility and velocity parameters, plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and functionality (PMF), DNA damage, Hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase glutathione activities and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging were evaluated. In vivo fertility was compared between k-0.6, C-1 and control groups. 60 buffalo were inseminated 24 h after the onset of estrus. The diagnosis of pregnancy was performed rectally at least 60 days after fertilization. Total and progressive motility and velocity parameters were improved by k-0.4, k-0.6, k-0.8, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups) compared to the other groups. Plasma membranes integrity and PMF were improved by k-0.4, k-0.6, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups compared to other groups, while in terms of sperm DNA damage K-0.4, K-0.6, K-0.8, C-0.2, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups showed better results compared to the control group. The evidence also showed that k- 0.4, k-0.6, k-0.8, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups could improve TAC, and decrease MDA levels. Also, k-0.4, k-0.6, k-0.8, C-0.2, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups could improve GPx, CAT, and GSH levels, but no significant difference was found regarding SOD compared to the other groups. DPPH scavengers were tested by K-0.6, K-0.8 and C-1, C-5, C-10, C-0.8, C-0.4 and C-0.2 groups and compared to other groups improved. The fertility rate [70% (14/20)] was higher in C-1 than other groups. To conclude that k-CRG and C60HyFn supplementation can increase the quality parameters of cryopreserved buffalo semen after thawing and that 1 M C60HyFn can increase in vivo fertility of buffalo semen.

CORRELATION BETWEEN INDICATORS OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE SIGNS OF MILK PRODUCTIVITY IN HOLSTEIN COWS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PROTEIN IN MILK

Основными показателями хозяйственной и племенной ценности молочного скота является уровень молочности и содержание жира и белка в молоке, в связи с этим изучены коровы голштинской породы в условиях одного из агропромышленных предприятий Московской области. Проанализированы данные по изменению содержания белка в молоке в течениетрёх лактаций. Рассмотрены показатели хозяйственноценных признаков у голштинских коров в группах с разным уровнем белка в молоке. Установлены коэффициенты корреляции между удоем,содержанием жира и белка в молоке коров с разным уровнем белка. Эффективность селекции животных по комплексу признаков молочной продуктивности (количеству молока и качественным показателям) определяется наследуемостьюулучшаемыхкачеств новым поколением по сравнению с предыдущим. В значительной степени это наследственное улучшение зависит от уровня изменчивости секционируемых признаков вообще и исследуемой популяциив частности. Оценены все коровы стада по жирномолочности и белковомолочности по методу сплошного обследования.Выявлены лучшие животные, как генетический резерв стада на перспективу для улучшения по белковомолочности. The main indicators of the economic and breeding value of dairy cattle are the level of milking capacity and the content of fat and protein in milk, in this regard, cows of the Holstein breed were studied in the conditions of one of the agro-industrial enterprises of the Moscow region. Data on the change in the protein content in milk during three lactations were analyzed. The indicators of agronomic characters in Holstein cows in groups with different levels of protein in milk are considered. Correlation coefficients were established between milk yield, fat and protein content in milk in cows with different levels of protein. The efficiency of animal breeding according to the complex of characteristics of milk productivity (the amount of milk and quality indicators) is determined by the heritability of the improved qualities by a new generation compared to the previous one. To a large extent, this hereditary improvement depends on the level of variability of the sectionalized features in general and the population under study in particular. All cows of the herd were evaluated for butterfat percentage and protein milk content according to the method of continuous examination. The best animals were identified as a genetic reserve of the herd for the future to improve protein milk content.

Discovery of aphid-transmitted Rice tiller inhibition virus from native plants through metagenomic sequencing.

A major threat to rice production is the disease epidemics caused by insect-borne viruses that emerge and re-emerge with undefined origins. It is well known that some human viruses have zoonotic origins from wild animals. However, it remains unknown whether native plants host uncharacterized endemic viruses with spillover potential to rice (Oryza sativa) as emerging pathogens. Here, we discovered rice tiller inhibition virus (RTIV), a novel RNA virus species, from colonies of Asian wild rice (O. rufipogon) in a genetic reserve by metagenomic sequencing. We identified the specific aphid vector that is able to transmit RTIV and found that RTIV would cause low-tillering disease in rice cultivar after transmission. We further demonstrated that an infectious molecular clone of RTIV initiated systemic infection and causes low-tillering disease in an elite rice variety after Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation or stable plant transformation, and RTIV can also be transmitted from transgenic rice plant through its aphid vector to cause disease. Finally, global transcriptome analysis indicated that RTIV may disturb defense and tillering pathway to cause low tillering disease in rice cultivar. Thus, our results show that new rice viral pathogens can emerge from native habitats, and RTIV, a rare aphid-transmitted rice viral pathogen from native wild rice, can threaten the production of rice cultivar after spillover.

Forgotten forest relics: Apple trees (Malus spp.) in eastern U.S. forests

One potential legacy of the widespread deforestation of the 1700-1800s and subsequent agricultural abandonment and reforestation across the eastern United States (U.S.) during the 1900s is the establishment of introduced apple trees (Malus domestica) exclusive of naturally occurring native crab apple species. As these apple trees might provide ecological services and a genetic reserve of long-forgotten apple cultivars, a region-wide forest inventory was used to estimate the current extent, condition, and changes in the population of apple trees across eastern forests of the U.S. It was found that hundreds of millions of apple trees currently exist in the forests of the northern U.S. with indications of population senescence as the abundance of seedlings and saplings decline while the abundance of the largest-sized trees and standing dead trees increase. The distribution of forest apple trees is only aligned with native crab apple distributions in limited areas, suggesting distinct feral apple populations derived from agricultural abandonment decades ago. As these extant apple trees are likely relics of former orchards and/or their naturally dispersed progeny, these populations may serve as an in-situ gene bank representing hundreds, if not thousands, of apple cultivars forgotten long ago but adapted to local conditions and perhaps of importance to ensuring the future resilience of domestic apple production in the context of global change.

Application of the extended theory of planned behavior in predicting the behavioral intentions of Iranian local communities toward forest conservation.

Natural forests are the habitat of many plant and animal species and are the main source of genetic reserves. In addition to preserving biodiversity, forests play an important role in the livelihood and income of many indigenous communities. But, in the last few decades, due to the lack of proper management of the beneficiaries, they have been exposed to destruction, so that their protection requires the participation of all members of the society, especially the local people. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to discover the determinant factors on the intention of local communities to protect forests in Iran. An extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) by adding the variables of "risk perception" (RP) and "sense of belonging to place" (SBP) was used as the theoretical framework of the research. This research was done using the questionnaire survey method and with the help of structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population of this study included all the rural communities living in the Arasbaran forests (located in the northwest of Iran). The research findings indicated that the original TPB explains 66.9% of the variance of the behavioral intentions of locals toward forest protection. The three main constructs of the original TPB included attitude, perceived behavioral control (PBC) and subjective norms (SN), all of which had positive effects on the intention of local communities. Most importantly, the extended TPB by including RP and SBP increases the ability of the model to explain the intentions of local communities to forest protection by 11.8%. In this study, the variable of RP was identified as the most important factor, so it is suggested to the policy-makers of this field to increase the RP of local communities in relation to forest destruction using communication media. It is also suggested to promote safe behaviors in these natural areas through developing forest protection organizations and properly training locals on the protection of forest areas.

Population variability of vegetative organs of Dahurian larch in Eastern Transbaikalia

The available information on the morphological diversity and localization of the morphological forms of Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii) in Siberia is currently insufficient. This research seeks to fill the knowledge gaps to some extent. The paper describes the population variability of vegetative organs of Larix gmelinii growing in Eastern Transbaikalia, Russia. The problem is approached by studying a complex of morphological characters of natural Larix gmelinii populations along the Transbaikalian rivers. Also, the habitat conditions of Dahurian larch coenopopulations were recorded for further analysis of the connection between the morphological characters and the habitat parameters. The study established the values of morphological characters and their variability limits and traced the localization patterns of the morphological forms of Dahurian larch in the river basins. Moreover, the morphological characters of larch vegetative organs were found to relate to the location and the habitat conditions of the coenopopulations. The research materials can be useful for correcting the larch seeding zones in Transbaikalia, establishing larch genetic reserves, and introducing new morphological forms into the selection for urban beautification and protective plantations. The study provides additional information on the morphological variability patterns of Larix gmelinii for the area of species in general. Keywords: Eastern Transbaikalia, Larix gmelinii, vegetative organs, population variability

Distribution of Genetic Diversity in Beta patula Aiton Populations from Madeira Archipelago, Portugal

Beta patula Aiton is a crop wild relative (CWR) which belongs to the Gene Pool 1b and is considered a Critically Endangered species, and is present in very specific environments, such as the Desembarcadouro islet (DI) in Ponta de São Lourenço or Chão islet (CI) in the Desertas Islands. The ISOPlexis Center (University of Madeira) has been providing continuous support for its in situ conservation by keeping a management plan of wild populations and an ex situ conservation strategy through the storage of accessions in the ISOPlexis GeneBank. The present work intends to present the spatial distribution of genetic variability and diversity in these B. patula populations using eight polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. The overall results lead to the identification of three spots with a high genetic diversity. CI with a small cluster of individuals shows a genetic footprint different from DI, having unique alleles present in its population. DI has two distinct areas: the western area, with a higher individual density but with a lower genetic diversity and higher allele fixation; and the central area, with a lower individual count but with a higher genetic diversity and with the presence of unique alleles. Despite some genetic differences, the comparison of the two islets’ DI and CI populations shows that they have more similarities than differences. Analysis of the Molecular Variance, based on the hierarchical cluster, showed a 9% diversity between populations, 68% among individuals, and 23% within individuals. This data will be used for the establishment of a protocol to monitor and manage B. patula genetic diversity under a genetic reserve, subsequently contributing to the European Genetic Reserve network implementation and the protection of this important CWR.