Management Of Genetic Resources Research Articles

Evolvability of Drought Response in Four Native and Non-native Conifers: Opportunities for Forest and Genetic Resource Management in Europe.

Intraspecific genetic variation in drought response is expected to play an important role in determining the persistence of tree populations in global change as it (1) allows for spontaneous selection and local adaptation of tree populations, (2) supports assisted seed transfer of less-drought-sensitive provenance, and (3) enables the integration of drought-sensitivity traits into tree breeding. Estimating the potential of such adaptation options requires quantitative genetic knowledge of drought sensitivity across significant parts of species distributions and a comparative assessment of genetic variation within economically and ecologically important tree species. We quantified genetic variation within and among populations of four conifers growing within common garden experiments in the drought-prone eastern Austria. This region experienced three strong drought periods between 1980 and 2010 that resulted in significant reductions in radial growth. Among the four tested species, Douglas-fir revealed the highest resistance during drought and silver fir the best recovery after drought, while European larch and Norway spruce showed the lowest resistance. High genetic variation among populations and phenotypic stability across all three drought events was found for Norway spruce and silver fir, but not for the other species. Heritability and evolvability of drought traits, both approximated via genetic repeatability, revealed strong differences among populations of all four species. Repeatability and evolvability for resistance were highest in Norway spruce and, for recovery, highest in European larch. Our comparison indicates that the mean drought sensitivity of a species is not related to the intraspecific genetic variation in drought response. Thus, also highly drought-sensitive species, such as Norway spruce and European larch, harbor significant genetic variation in drought response within and among populations to justify targeted tree breeding, assisted gene flow, and supportive forest management to foster local adaptations to future conditions.

Perspectives of National Coordinators for Animal Genetic Resources on the European Regional Focal Point: Survey Results

Abstract The European Regional Focal Point for Animal Genetic Resources (ERFP), is the European regional platform of National Coordinators (NCs) supporting management of animal genetic resources (AnGR). To assess the performance of the ERFP platform/network and consider options for its further development, a survey was performed among NCs. Twenty-five NCs responded to the survey on the roles, values and future of the platform. The paper provides an analysis of the results of the survey, including a ERFP SWOT analysis. NCs indicated high value of the support of the ERFP in fulfilling their functions at the national level. They highlighted the well-established network and facilitated communication and collaboration among NCs and other AnGR experts in Europe. The NCs appreciated the efficient organizational structure of the ERFP (Working Groups, Task Forces, Ad hoc Actions), and the well-functioning Secretariat. Indicated weak points included discontinuity of NC positions in some countries, and low levels of activities in some countries. NCs saw new opportunities for ERFP development in the context of the EU policy and regulatory framework related to AnGR management, and in strengthening the role of the Secretariat. No immediate threats were identified, however potential future threats included insufficient financing and lack of continuity. The NCs highly appreciated the substantial progress achieved by the ERFP over the last 20 years.

Genetic diversity, heritability and genetic advance of Solanum melongena L. from three secondary centers of diversity

Indo-Birmanian is considered as the domesticated region and primary center of eggplant diversity from where it spread to other secondary centers of diversity. In this study, the genetic diversity among 56 eggplant genotypes from three secondary centers of diversity (Bangladesh, Malaysia and Thailand) was assessed using 11 morphological traits. The experiment was laid in a complete randomized block design with three replications. A wide significant variation was observed for all the morphological traits, and highly significant differences among the three centers of diversity. High heritability and genetic advance was found for different traits i.e. fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit girth, fruit length to width ratio, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, plant height and number of primary branches per plant. The selected best traits i.e. number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and fruit yield per plant showed high heritability along with high genetic advance and less environmental influence but the high value of PCV and GCV. So these traits could be useful for selection criteria in the future breeding program. These results are relevant for evolutionary studies, breeding programs, and management of eggplant genetic resources.
 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(1): 155-169, 2021 (June)

Development and validation of a SNP-based genotyping tool for pedigree establishment in Australian greenlip abalone Haliotis laevigata Donovan, 1808

To enable cumulative increases in aquaculture productivity, structured and efficient selective breeding programs are required. These are contingent on the management of genetic resources within the breeding population though the attainment of accurate pedigree information which can be provided by DNA-based parentage analysis. This study developed a SNP panel for greenlip abalone, Haliotis laevigata, from DArTSeq data produced from a genetic audit of greenlip abalone (n = 336) from five farms. The initial dataset consisted of 15,320 SNPs. Strict filtering on SNP quality control metrics was conducted to select the most informative 1,004 SNPs for the design of a DArTag™ genotyping panel for greenlip abalone. Sixteen broodstock and 1035 hatchery produced progeny were genotyped using the 1,004 SNP DArTag™ panel. The resulting genotypes were filtered, to produce 705 high performing SNPs. In silico parentage analysis using subsets of these SNPs (highest ranked by polymorphic information content) revealed that the inclusion of < 50 SNPs were satisfactory to resolve parentage for 10,000 simulated progeny to up to 200 candidate parents. The resolving power of the panel was also assessed under high levels of inbreeding (0–50 %) and relatedness (0–50 %) between candidate parents, and conditions of missing parental genotypes (10–50 %) in silico. Under all levels of inbreeding, relatedness and missing parental genotypes simulated, the panel was able to accurately assign parental pairs to the offspring. To validate these in silico results, parentage analysis of the hatchery produced progeny of the 16 candidate broodstock was conducted using both CERVUS and APIS. Complete parentage was assigned to all experimental progeny, with 100 % consensus between the two methods used. This study indicates this panel will serve as an efficient and cost-effective tool for accurate pedigree establishment for greenlip abalone.

Genetic diversity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) populations in Ethiopia: insights from nuclear DNA microsatellites and implications for conservation

BackgroundNile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) is among the economically most important freshwater fish species in East Africa, and a major source of protein for local consumption. Human induced translocations of non-native stocks for aquaculture and fisheries have been found as a potential threat to the genetic diversity and integrity of local populations. In the present study, we investigate the genetic structure of O. niloticus from 16 waterbodies across Ethiopia using 37 microsatellite loci with SSR-GBAS techniques.ResultsThe samples are structured into three main clusters shaped either by biogeographic factors or stocking activities. High FST values (Global FST = 0.438) between populations indicate a high level of genetic differentiation and may suggest long term isolation even within the same drainage systems. Natural populations of the Omo-Turkana system and the lakes in the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift showed the highest genetic variability while low variability was found in stocked populations of lakes Hora, Hashenge and Hayq.ConclusionsThe results presented herein, may provide an essential basis for the management and conservation of the unique genetic resources in northern East Africa, and advance our understanding of biodiversity, phylogeny, evolution and development towards phylogenetically more accurate taxonomic classifications.

Advanced genebank management of genetic resources of European wild apple, Malus sylvestris, using genome-wide SNP array data

The Netherlands’ field genebank collection of European wild apple (Malus sylvestris), consisting of 115 accessions, was studied in order to determine whether duplicates and mistakes had been introduced, and to develop a strategy to optimize the planting design of the collection as a seed orchard. We used the apple 20K Infinium single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, developed in M. domestica, for the first time for genotyping in M. sylvestris. We could readily detect the clonal copies and unexpected duplicates. Thirty-two M. sylvestris accessions (29%) showed a close genetic relationship (parent-child, full-sib, or half-sib) to another accession, which reflects the small effective population size of the in situ populations. Traces of introgression from M. domestica were only found in 7 individuals. This indicates that pollination preferentially took place among the M. sylvestris trees. We conclude that the collection can be considered as mainly pure M. sylvestris accessions. The results imply that it should be managed as one unit when used for seed production. A bias in allele frequencies in the seeds may be prevented by not harvesting all accessions with a close genetic relationship to the others in the seed orchard. We discuss the value of using the SNP array to elaborate the M. sylvestris genetic resources more in depth, including for phasing the markers in a subset of the accessions, as a first step towards genetic resources management at the level of haplotypes.

Ex-situ conservation effort for Dipterocarpus spp through the seedling collection and nursery management

Dipterocarpus or keruing belongs to member Dipterocarpaceae, known as commercial timber producer and oil for pharmacological purposes. Of 70 keruing species in the world, 38 species were found in Indonesia and listed in the IUCN Red List. Due to illegal logging, land conversion, low natural reproduction, and specific habitat requirements, the keruing population tend to decrease every year. Conservation effort was urgent for this species, one of which is an increasing number of species through conservation strategies using the conservation nursery concept. Nursery management in this research was conducted through keruing material field collection followed by sowing and acclimatization for seed and wildings, vegetative propagation using the Komatsu-FORDA Fog Cooling System cutting system, and nursing (watering, weeding, fertilizing, and soil change). The result of our research showed that using KOFFCO nursery application, 1226 individuals of fifteen dipterocarpus species seedlings originated from five provinces in Indonesia was conserved. All species are categorized as threatened based the IUCN red-list category and criteria. Hence, more than 60% of these threatened species were conserved and well-managed through the KoFCo nursery. Seedlings collection and KOFFCO nursery, therefore, play a vital role and support in ex-situ conservation effort and management of dipterocarps genetic resources.

Genetic Variability of Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby Populations and Introgressive Hybridization with A. glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. in Southern Italy: Implication for Conservation and Management of Genetic Resources

Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby (Neapolitan alder) is an endemic tree species with a restricted distribution range, limited to Corsica and southern Italy. The economic value of its wood, its rapid growth, the tolerance to drought stress and the nitrogen fixation capacity make A. cordata an excellent candidate for breeding, as well as for conservation and management of genetic resources. In this context, we evaluated the genetic variability of southern Italy populations and verified the hybridization capacity with the simpatric species A. glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. Eight pure A. cordata populations, two pure A. glutinosa populations and six mixed A. cordata/A. glutinosa populations located in southern Italy were analyzed using seven microsatellite markers. A low genetic diversity within and among populations was observed, but no inbreeding effects were evident. A variable frequency of F2 interspecific hybrids was observed in most of the mixed populations and few backcross individuals were scored. These results suggest a limited capacity of hybrid individuals to cross back with the parent species, reducing the risk of genetic pollution of A. cordata. This work provides meaningful knowledge for the conservation and management of the endemic species A. cordata, which represents a valuable source of biodiversity to be conserved.

Have Three Decades of Livestock Development of India Been Exposed to Threats in WTO Regime?

Despite constraints like rearing of livestock under sub optimal conditions due to low economic status of livestock owners, India has now become the largest producer of milk in the world. The development of Indian dairy sector is an unprecedented success story as it is based on millions of small producers. Government of India is making concerted efforts to raise the per capita availability of milk through increase in productivity of milch animals. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, assistance is being provided to the State Governments for controlling animal diseases, scientific management and upgradation of genetic resources, increasing availability of nutritious feeds and fodder, improving microbiological quality of milk, etc. The microbiological quality of milk is poor owing to inadequate knowledge of clean milk production and lack of post milking chilling facilities at the village level. In the present milieu, when production of dairy products to match international standards has become necessary to compete in international market of milk and milk products, steps need to be initiated to improve quality of Indian milk products with a view to boost export trade of these products in free trade regime and earn valuable foreign exchange as well as provide clean and quality milk to domestic population for their better health. Though India does not want to leave any stone unturned insofar as her presence in international trade of milk and milk products is concerned, the liberalisation of markets within the WTO framework, especially due to the export subsidies indulged in by OECD countries, now seen to be threatening the Indian dairy sector.

Genetic relationships and diversity analysis in Turkish laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) germplasm using ISSR and SCoT markers.

Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) has been used in the Mediterranean basin since ancient ages. Nowadays, Turkey, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Algeria, and Morocco use aromatic leaves for commercial purposes, and Turkey is the largest exporter in the world. In this study, molecular characterization, and genetic relationships of 94 Turkish laurel genotypes were determined by ISSR and SCoT markers. The experiment was conducted with 16 ISSR and 10 SCoT markers. While 348 of 373 bands were polymorphic with a 93.3% polymorphism rate, Nei's genetic distances ranged between 0.17 and 0.70 with 0.39 mean in ISSR. In SCoT, 175 of 227 bands were polymorphic with 77.1% polymorphism rate, and Nei's genetic distances varied between 0.12 and 0.51. Sufficient genetic diversity determined with diversity parameters consisting of the average Shannon's information index (ISSR: 0.46, SCoT:0.35), the overall gene diversity (ISSR:0.19, SCoT:0.18), and the effective number of alleles (ISSR:1.52, SCoT:1.38). AMOVA (Analysis of molecular variance) revealed most of the variation was within genotypes (96%). Neighbor-joining algorithms, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and model-based structure resulted in harmony and clustered according to the geographical regions and provinces they collected. Genotypes were divided into two groups in ISSR and SCoT with UPGMA clustering resulting in a similar polymorphism distribution. The correlation coefficient (r) determined by marker systems' Nei's genetic distances was 0.25. The results of the study put forward resources for advanced breeding techniques, contribute to the preservation of genetic diversity, and management of genetic resources for the breeders.

Analysis of phenotypic diversity of apricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) accessions from Jammu and Kashmir, India

AbstractApricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) is a world-wide highly appreciated fruit, with its attractive colour, soft texture and typical flavour. In the current investigation, 68 apricot accessions collected from Jammu and Kashmir, India were analysed to determine the measure of variation using 12 qualitative and 16 quantitative traits with an aim to identify superior apricot accessions with excellent fruit quality traits. High phenotypic variability was observed among the studied apricot accessions with significant differences among most of the qualitative and quantitative traits. Fruit-related characteristics including fruit weight, fruit length, fruit ratio, fruit firmness, fruit shape, fruit suture, stone weight, kernel weight and stone shape were the most diverse with a high coefficient of variation (&gt;30%). One way analysis of variance showed significant differences (P&lt; 0.0001) among all the quantitative traits. Significant positive and negative correlations were observed between all the agronomically important fruit quality traits. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that 75.34% of the variability was defined by the first eight components. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram, based on all traits measured grouped the accessions into two main clusters with several sub-clusters. Both UPGMA dendrogram and PCA scatter plot formed a cluster of 14 accessions, having the highest values regarding most important fruit quality traits such as fruit weight, fruit length and width, fruit ratio, stone weight and kernel weight can be treated as potentially superior accessions. These accessions can be used directly for cultivation and in future apricot breeding programmes. The present findings are promising for genetic resource management, cultivar improvement and commercial applications of apricot in Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Glyptothorax annandalei in the Yarlung Zangbo River, Tibet

Glyptothorax annandalei belongs to the family of Sisoridae, Glyptothorax. It is distributed in the Yarlung Zangbo River of southwestern China. In this study, we first published the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Glyptothorax annandalei, which was 16,541 bp in length. This genome consists of two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and a putative control region. The overall base composition was for A(31.25%,) for T(25.67%), for C(27.66%), for G(15.42%). The PCGs start with a traditional ATG except for COX1 start with GTG, respectively, and end with stop codon TAA, TAG, or a single T base. All tRNA have the typical clover-leaf structure. The phylogenetic tree of the whole mitogenome sequence is constructed by maximum likelihood (ML) method and the phylogenetic relationship among the family Sisoridae is further analyzed. We expect to provide the theoretical basis for the further study of the phylogenetic relationship, taxonomic status, conservation and management of genetic resources of Sisoridae catfishes.

DArTseq-derived SNPs for the genus Psidium reveal the high diversity of native species

In this study, we characterized DArTseq-derived SNPs for species of Psidium, an important Neotropical genus within the family Myrtaceae. Nine Psidium species were used for the identification and characterization of an interspecific set of SNPs. The samples chosen represented a wide range of variation regarding agronomic traits and geographical origin. The samples were genotyped using the DarTseq methodology. This approach, associated with annotation analysis, generated a set of conserved, polymorphic, and possibly functional SNPs. Most of the SNPs in coding regions of Psidium were annotated for the gene ontology classes. We observed high interspecific diversity among species and considerable intraspecific genetic diversity in native species (P. cattleyanum, P. myrtoides, P. acidum, and P. oblongatum). Psidium guajava, a cultivated species, shows low diversity and shares genetic similarities with the tetraploid P. guineense. The group of markers selected in this study will contribute to the development of a panel of interspecific SNPs for Psidium. Our investigation will support further studies regarding genetic variability, diversity, phylogeny, cytogenetics, and other relationships among Psidium species, constituting essential information for the creation, conservation, management, and use of genetic resources in breeding programs.

Diversity Assessment by Molecular Barcoding and Seed Morphology in Ricinus communis L.

Fourteen morphologically varied Ricinus communis L. seeds were collected from different localities in Egypt, El-Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Seed morphology and ITS barcoding analysis were performed to assess their diversity and phylogenetic relationship. Sequence’s alignment of nrITS region from different accessions display high levels of genetic similarities. Cluster analysis could not group different accessions according to their geographical distribution. Nevertheless, the genetic barcodes are interestingly matched with the morphological features of the Ricinus seeds. In conclusion, seed morphology proved to be a valuable tool in evaluating biodiversity and phylogenetic relationship in plant species with different locations having low levels of genetic diversity such as Ricinus. The molecular assessment of morphologically varied Ricinus seeds will help breeders for better utilization of germplasm for the variety development and would support the genetic resources management and conservation of castor beans.

First the seed: Genomic advances in seed science for improved crop productivity and food security

AbstractSeeds are valuable sources of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, fibers, minerals, and vitamins. They provide energy and nutrition to germinating seedlings, food to humans, feed to livestock, and feedstocks to industry. High‐throughput analyses of gene expression in crops has identified many candidate genes associated with seed dormancy, longevity, germination, and vigor. In this review, we cover the latest research focusing on such key seed traits. Transcriptome analyses of time courses of seed filling have identified sets of genes expressed at different stages of this process. The potential role of epigenetics (including seed–endosperm imprinted genes) in regulating seed development and chemistry is highlighted herein. We also discuss how advances in genomics and seed biology are facilitating the unravelling of associations between seed traits with gene bank accessions and gene sequences, including how functional research can accelerate the discovery of allelic variants. Such knowledge of functional effects relating to gene variants is necessary for more efficient and cost‐effective management of genetic resources or for redesigning crops with specific seed characteristics. For instance, gene bank curators may assess seed viability by monitoring changes in gene expression of biomarker genes in dry seed samples to decide germplasm regeneration and assess genetic integrity of collections by monitoring changes in diversity and allele frequencies between samples of same accession stored in gene banks. We highlight that resistance to preharvest sprouting can be enhanced through genomics‐assisted breeding in otherwise nondormant rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, while pimt, another valuable marker for seed longevity, may be deployed to enhance seed vigor in crops.

Insights from putatively neutral EST-SSR markers on the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau endemic Medicago archiducis-nicolai Sirjaev

Medicago archiducis-nicolai Sirjaev and M. ruthenica (L.) Ledebour are two phylogenetically closely related species in the section Platycarpae within Medicago. M. archiducis-nicolai is endemic to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), shows more tolerance to abiotic stress than M. ruthenica, which inhabits relatively temperate areas, and has the potential to be domesticated and used as a legume forage germplasm in alpine meadows. Here, we analyzed the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of these species using 20 putatively neutral EST-SSR markers. Twenty-four wild populations, including 21 M. archiducis-nicolai and 3 M. ruthenica, were divided into two clusters that were consistent with current taxonomy. The 21 M. archiducis-nicolai populations were clustered into two geographically related groups. Positive relationships between population genetic distance and geographical factors, including geographical distance and altitudinal difference, revealed that the genetic differentiation of M. archiducis-nicolai populations was driven by both geographical distance and the complex topography of the QTP. Medicago archiducis-nocilai, a narrow-range endemic on the QTP, had lower genetic diversity than the more widespread M. ruthenica. Medicago archiducis-nicolai populations from the central platform of the QTP had relatively high genetic diversity, whereas those occupying the east platform and edge of the QTP showed variable levels of genetic diversity, implying the presence of refugia on the central platform. These results have implications for the genetic resource management and exploitation of M. archiducis-nicolai and provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of this species to the harsh environment of the QTP.

Genetic structure of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmoniformes, Salmonidae) from aquaculture by DNA-markers

The rational use of valuable fish species from aquaculture is difficult to implement without knowledge of the state of the genetic structure of local stocks. Different types of DNA markers can be used to achieve the goals of selection and breeding work. The genetic structure of a local stock of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) (Salmoniformes, Salmonidae) farmed in Ukraine was studied using DNA-markers: microsatellite (SSR-markers – simple-sequence repeats-markers) and intermicrosatellite (ISSR – inter-simple sequence repeat). Five fragments of trinucleotide microsatellite motifs with a single anchor nucleotide at the 3'-end were used as a primer for analysis by the ISSR-PCR method. Totally, 85 amplicons were obtained across the five loci, of which 92.9% were polymorphic. The total number of alleles ranged from 10 (marker (ACC)₆G) to 23 (marker (AGC)₆G). The following monomorphic amplicons were determined for the studied local stock of rainbow trout: according to marker (CTC)₆C – 770 and 520 bp bands, for the marker (GAG)₆C – 345, 295 and 260 bp, and for the marker (AGC)₆C – 350 bp. The average number of polymorphic bands per locus was 15.8. The selected ISSR primers had a level of polymorphic information content above the average. The most effective markers for molecular-genetic analysis of rainbow trout were (AGC)₆G and (AGC)₆C according to the percentage of polymorphic bands, marker index, effective multiplex ratio and resolving power. The selected ISSR loci allow the genetic structure of the studied local stock to be characterized using the total and the effective number of alleles per locus (Na and Ne were 1.9 and 1.4, respectively), the Shannon index (average value I was 0.4) and the unbiased expected heterozygosity (mean uHe = 0.3). Microsatellite-based analysis showed features of the genetic structure of the local stock of rainbow trout at six microsatellite loci (OMM 1032, OMM 1077, OMM 1088, Str 15, Str 60, Str 73). Allelic diversity was established and alleles with the highest frequency and most typical for the given stock were identified. The Shannon index and unbiased expected heterozygosity were determined using SSR-markers and were 1.42 and 0.79, respectively. This depicts the complexity of the population structure, a high level of genetic diversity and indicates a high level of heterozygosity of local stock. The “gene pool profile” established as a result of ISSR-PCR in the future will help to differentiate local stocks of rainbow trout in aquaculture of Ukraine. Microsatellite markers provide the ability to determine individual features of genetic variation of local populations and to conduct the management of genetic resources on fish farms.

Controlling Biodiversity Data in the Agricultural Gene Bank Using Service-Oriented Architecture

Indonesia is one of the world’s richest nations in biodiversity. Genetic resources management features a wide range of activities involving various agencies and organizations. Nowadays, data and information on genetic and biodiversity resources are still unintegrated between agencies and institutions. This causes a situation called information silo, which leads to management information systems being ineffective and inefficient. In order to overcome this problem, a flexible, interoperable architecture control is needed. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is an appropriate approach to control distributed and heterogeneous systems to integrate genetic resources data and information systems at the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development (IAARD). The SOA system is built by the SOMA method, which consists of some methods. The results show that the new system runs well and it is more effective and efficient than the previous one.

Genetic structure of wild and farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) populations in Benin based on genome wide SNP technology

For the last three decades, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) is considered as one of the most productive and internationally traded food fish. Although economically important, our knowledge on the genetic structure of natural and farmed populations is scarce, especially in Africa. Sustainable aquaculture however requires integrating genetic information to elaborate appropriate management practices. The aims of the present study were: (i) to characterize the genetic structure and diversity of several O. niloticus wild populations collected in four drainage basins: Mono, Niger, Ouémé and Volta in Benin; (ii) to compare the identified genetic profiles of these wild populations with domesticated strains bred in two Beninese fish farms and one Belgian aquaculture research center; (iii) and finally to use the data as a tool to improve management of wild genetic resources and domesticated farmed strains.In order to characterize the genetic structure of the thirteen sampled populations of O. niloticus 2.950 SNPs were used to perform a clustering analysis and investigate the genetic diversities and population differentiations. Our results showed that, populations of O. niloticus collected in different basin and farms in Benin showed low to moderate genetic differentiation (Fst from 0.018 to 0.143) with the exception of the Nangbéto population of Mono basin, which is genetically more differentiated (Fst from 0.091 to 0.278). Compared to wild populations, there is a greater genetic proximity between the breeding populations of CRIAB and the Pendjari river population (Fst = 0.0 47), and between the Yohan-Esteve farm populations and the Gbassa population (Fst from 0.045 to 0.055). In view of the low level of inbreeding and the good growth and reproductive performance of the Togbadji population in the Mono basin, it would be a potential candidate for the development of a local strain of O. niloticus for aquaculture in Benin.

Monitoring and Progress in the Implementation of the Global Plan of Action on Animal Genetic Resources

Animal genetic resources are critical to livestock productivity and adaptability, facilitate resilience to climate change, and are a key contributor to food security and livelihoods around the world. The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (Global Plan), consisting of four Strategic Priority Areas (SPAs: Characterization; Sustainable use; Conservation; Policy), provides a framework to guide countries and other stakeholders on actions to improve the management of animal genetic resources. Assessing, reporting and monitoring the progress and implementation of the Global Plan are critical processes for understanding global commitments made to enhance livestock genetic diversity. In this study, three rounds of reporting (2012, 2014, and 2019) from Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations were quantitatively analyzed to gain insight into the progress and implementation of the Global Plan by grouping questionnaires responses into quantitative indicator scores. Variations were found in indicator scores across SPAs, year, and regions, as well as within regions. Countries from North America and Europe and the Caucasus reported higher scores, while most BRICs countries (Brazil, India, China, South Africa) had high implementation scores relative to other countries in the same region. A significant positive correlation was observed between mean implementation scores in 2019 and GDP per capita (r = 0.456). Countries reporting higher implementation of in situ conservation also indicated higher proportions of breeds at risk. Significant progress was reported over the years for three of the four SPAs; SPA3 (conservation) was not found to have significantly improved. Despite the gains that have been made since 2012 in management of animal genetic resources, much remains to be done. The population status of nearly 60% of breeds is unknown while almost three quarters of breeds of known status are at risk of extinction. Efforts must continue to improve management of livestock genetic diversity, with further investments and development of approaches that support socio-economic viability of local genetic resources.