Breeding Of Genotypes Research Articles

Plastic mulching enhances maize yield and water productivity by improving root characteristics, green leaf area, and photosynthesis for different cultivars in dryland regions

Uneven precipitation during the growing season and frequent seasonal droughts on the Loess Plateau in Northwest China adversely affect crop production and water use efficiency. While plastic mulching (PM) has been used to alleviate water stress, few studies have examined the traits maize cultivars need to adapt to the altered water environment under PM and achieve high yields. A two-year field experiment was conducted to assess the root characteristics and aboveground growth traits of three widely used high-yielding maize cultivars—Zhengdan 958 (ZD), Huanong 138 (HN), Heboshi 122 (HBS)—under no mulching (NM) and PM conditions. Among the three cultivars, HBS had the highest root system indices—root length density (RLD), root surface area density (RSD), and root biomass—in the topsoil (0–40 cm), followed by ZD and HN under both NM and PM conditions. Under NM, HBS_NM treatment exhibited strong water absorption, improving photosynthesis and yield, making it suitable for drought conditions. Under PM, topsoil moisture increased significantly, with root system indices increasing by 22.5–36.1 % for RLD, 30.2–36.1 % for RSD, and 25.2–36.5 % for root biomass across the cultivars compared to NM. While ZD_PM did not have the highest root system indices under PM, it exhibited higher green leaf area index (4.5–7.5 %), chlorophyll content (2.8–8.6 %), and photosynthetic rate (6.0–14.5 %), resulting in the highest aboveground biomass and yield among the treatments. These findings suggest ZD is better adapted to the enhanced soil moisture under PM. Future research should focus on breeding genotypes that thrive under PM conditions, emphasizing traits such as larger leaf areas and higher photosynthetic rates to boost crop productivity in rainfed areas.

Acceleration of propagation of source material for Sorbus Sensu Lato Breeding

Aim. The permanent growth of interest in rowan and other currently underestimated Sorbus sensu lato crops has prompted the search to improve the accelerated propagation technique of its most valuable genotypes for breeding. Methods. The experiments involved 3–7-year-old Sorbus sensu lato plants from the National Dendrological Park "Sofiyivka" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine collection. Statistical analysis of the experimental data was performed according to Ronald Fisher. Results. It was found that the germination rate of the studied sorboid plants depended on the method of seed preparation. In contrast, the grafting efficiency depended more on the grafting method than on the graft genotype. The use of our modified MS media allowed us to obtain clone formation coefficients (6.6–7.9) sufficient for effective micropropagation and to induce morphogenesis with 59.9–88.8 % of rooted microclones, as well as to achieve stable results of adaptation of the studied Sorbus sensu lato to non-sterile ex vitro conditions both in peat disks (69.1–90.3 %) and in containers with soil substrates (70.4–93.0 %). Conclusions. The results of comparing the methods of accelerated propagation of source material for breeding sorboid crops obtained in long-term experiments showed the advantages of micropropagation and the prospects for introducing the micropropagation link into breeding practice and nursery of the most valuable for horticulture Sorbus sensu lato.

Image Analysis Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Plant Phenotyping: Current State of the Art

Modern agriculture is characterized by the use of smart technology and precision agriculture to monitor crops in real time. The technologies enhance total yields by identifying requirements based on environmental conditions. Plant phenotyping is used in solving problems of basic science and allows scientists to characterize crops and select the best genotypes for breeding, hence eliminating manual and laborious methods. Additionally, plant phenotyping is useful in solving problems such as identifying subtle differences or complex quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping which are impossible to solve using conventional methods. This review article examines the latest developments in image analysis for plant phenotyping using AI, 2D, and 3D image reconstruction techniques by limiting literature from 2020. The article collects data from 84 current studies and showcases novel applications of plant phenotyping in image analysis using various technologies. AI algorithms are showcased in predicting issues expected during the growth cycles of lettuce plants, predicting yields of soybeans in different climates and growth conditions, and identifying high-yielding genotypes to improve yields. The use of high throughput analysis techniques also facilitates monitoring crop canopies for different genotypes, root phenotyping, and late-time harvesting of crops and weeds. The high throughput image analysis methods are also combined with AI to guide phenotyping applications, leading to higher accuracy than cases that consider either method. Finally, 3D reconstruction and a combination with AI are showcased to undertake different operations in applications involving automated robotic harvesting. Future research directions are showcased where the uptake of smartphone-based AI phenotyping and the use of time series and ML methods are recommended.

Genetic resources of African mahogany in Brazil: genomic diversity and structure of forest plantations

BackgroundAfrican mahogany species (Khaya sp.) have been introduced to Brazil gaining increasing economic interest over the last years, as they produce high quality wood for industrial applications. To this date, however, the knowledge available on the genetic basis of African mahogany plantations in Brazil is limited, which has driven this study to examine the extent of genetic diversity and structure of three cultivated species (Khaya grandifoliola, Khaya senegalensis and Khaya ivorensis) and their prospects for forest breeding.ResultsIn total, 115 individuals were genotyped (48 of K. grandifoliola, 34 of K. senegalensis and 33 of K. ivorensis) for 3,330 filtered neutral loci obtained from genotyping-by-sequencing for the three species. The number of SNPs varied from 2,951 in K. ivorensis to 4,754 in K. senegalensis. Multiloci clustering, principal component analysis, Bayesian structure and network analyses showed a clear genetic separation among the three species. Structure analysis also showed internal structure within each species, highlighting genetic subgroups that could be sampled for selecting distinct genotypes for further breeding, although the genetic distances are moderate to low.ConclusionIn our study, SNP markers efficiently assessed the genomic diversity of African mahogany forest plantations in Brazil. Our genetic data clearly separated the three Khaya species. Moreover, pairwise estimates of genetic distances among individuals within each species showed considerable genetic divergence among individuals. By genotyping 115 pre-selected individuals with desirable growth traits, allowed us not only to recommend superior genotypes but also to identify genetically distinct individuals for use in breeding crosses.

Genetic diversity analysis of tropical and sub-tropical maize germplasm for Striga resistance and agronomic traits with SNP markers.

Striga hermonthica (Sh) and S. asiatica (Sa) are major parasitic weeds limiting cereal crop production and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Under severe infestation, Striga causes yield losses of up to 100%. Breeding for Striga-resistant maize varieties is the most effective and economical approach to controlling the parasite. Well-characterized and genetically differentiated maize germplasm is vital to developing inbred lines, hybrids, and synthetic varieties with Striga resistance and desirable product profiles. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of 130 tropical and sub-tropical maize inbred lines, hybrids, and open-pollinated varieties germplasm using phenotypic traits and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to select Striga-resistant and complementary genotypes for breeding. The test genotypes were phenotyped with Sh and Sa infestations using a 13x10 alpha lattice design with two replications. Agro-morphological traits and Striga-resistance damage parameters were recorded under a controlled environment. Further, high-density Diversity Array Technology Sequencing-derived SNP markers were used to profile the test genotypes. Significant phenotypic differences (P<0.001) were detected among the assessed genotypes for the assessed traits. The SNP markers revealed mean gene diversity and polymorphic information content of 0.34 and 0.44, respectively, supporting the phenotypic variation of the test genotypes. Higher significant variation was recorded within populations (85%) than between populations using the analysis of molecular variance. The Structure analysis allocated the test genotypes into eight major clusters (K = 8) in concordance with the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The following genetically distant inbred lines were selected, displaying good agronomic performance and Sa and Sh resistance: CML540, TZISTR25, TZISTR1248, CLHP0303, TZISTR1174, TZSTRI113, TZDEEI50, TZSTRI115, CML539, TZISTR1015, CZL99017, CML451, CML566, CLHP0343 and CML440. Genetically diverse and complementary lines were selected among the tropical and sub-tropical maize populations that will facilitate the breeding of maize varieties with Striga resistance and market-preferred traits.

The Influence of Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization on Oil Quality and Seed Meal in Different Genotypes of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)

Adequate nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization of oilseed rape crops is necessary to obtain good-quality oil and post-extraction rapeseed meal. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different doses of N fertilization (100, 160 and 220 kg ha−1) and S (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha−1) on the value of seeds of three winter oilseed rape genotypes. Two winter oilseed rape genotypes obtained by mutagenesis (cultivar Polka and breeding genotype PN440) were characterized by changed fatty acid profile. The cultivar Polka, type HO (high oleic), had a high content of oleic acid (C18:1, 78.0%) and the breeding genotype PN440, type HOLL (high-oleic and low-linolenic), had a high content of oleic acid (C18:1, 75.0%) and a low content of linolenic acid (C18:3, 3.0%). We also used the canola type of winter oilseed rape cultivar, Monolit. The analysed winter oilseed rape genotypes responded similarly to the N and S fertilization factors with regard to the content of crude fat and total protein in the seeds and the composition of fatty acids in the oil. N fertilization increased the content of glucosinolates (GLS-alkenyl, indole and total) in seeds, whereas S application decreased the content of saturated fatty acids (stearic acid-C18:0) in oil and increased the content of alkenyl and total glucosinolates (GLSs) in seeds. A significant interaction between N and S was observed for crude-fat and total-protein content. This study suggests that ensuring an adequate supply of both nitrogen and sulfur in the soil is essential for optimizing meal and oil quality in different types of winter oilseed rape cultivars. Proper management of these nutrients can lead to improved oil content and overall crop performance.

Discerning ideal blackgram (Vigna mungo) genotypes using multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index

Meticulous identification of ideal parental types with most of the improved traits is essential to develop superior varieties. The recently developed genotype-ideotype distance based selection index furnished an improved way in selection of ideal genotypes in plant breeding. The present experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2021 and 2022 at research farm of Agricultural College (Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University), Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh to identify potential blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] genotypes with majority of the improved traits. A total of 127 blackgram genotypes were analyzed by using Multi-trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) to select superior genotypes with improved traits. MGIDI provided selection differential and selection gain for all the traits with desired values. After varimax rotation, 10 traits were grouped under 4 factors, which cumulatively explained about 76.4% of total variance with eigen value more than 1. Out of 127 studied blackgram genotypes, MGID index identified 6 superior genotypes (GAVT 12, GAVT 7, TBG 106, VBG 13-003, GBG 12 and MBG 1046) at 5% selection intensity. Per cent contribution of factors towards the MGIDI values indicated that, the factor 3 which includes days to maturity, plant height and pod length contributed least and factor 1 which includes grain yield/plant, clusters/plant, pods/plant and seeds/pod contributed most. These selected genotypes with superior per se performance for multiple traits based on the MGIDI can be used as genitors in any hybridization programme to develop superior varieties in turn improving the blackgram productivity.

Response of Sorghum bicolor genotypes for yield and yield components and organic carbon storage in the shoot and root systems

Sorghum is a vital food and feed crop in the world’s dry regions. Developing sorghum cultivars with high biomass production and carbon sequestration can contribute to soil health and crop productivity. The objective of this study was to assess agronomic performance, biomass production and carbon accumulation in selected sorghum genotypes for production and breeding. Fifty sorghum genotypes were evaluated at three locations (Silverton, Ukulinga, and Bethlehem) in South Africa during 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. Significant genotype × location (p < 0.05) interactions were detected for days to 50% heading (DTH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), total plant biomass (PB), shoot biomass (SB), root biomass (RB), root-to-shoot biomass ratio (RS), and grain yield (GY). The highest GY was recorded for genotypes AS115 (25.08 g plant−1), AS251 (21.83 g plant−1), and AS134 (21.42 g plant−1). Genotypes AS122 and AS27 ranked first and second, respectively, for all the carbon stock parameters except for root carbon stock (RCs), whereas genotype AS108 had the highest RCs of 8.87 g plant−1. The principal component analysis identified GY, DTH, PH, PB, SB, RB, RCs, RCs/SCs, total plant carbon stock (PCs), shoot carbon stock (SCs), and grain carbon stock (GCs) as the most discriminated traits among the test genotypes. The cluster analysis using agronomic and carbon-related parameters delineated the test genotypes into three genetic groups, indicating marked genetic diversity for cultivar development and enhanced C storage and sustainable sorghum production. The selected sorghum genotypes are recommended for further breeding and variety release adapted to various agroecologies in South Africa.

Application of SSR markers for assessment of genetic similarity and genotype identification in local winter wheat breeding program

Background. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are widely used for genetic analysis in plant breeding, allowing for the investigation of genetic divergence and similarity of genotypes, identification of unique alleles and determination of levels of genetic diversity. Materials and Methods. Analysis of 42 wheat cultivars and lines from the bree­ding program of Poltava State Agrarian University was carried out using 11 SSR mar­kers located on different chromosomes. A set of 11 microsatellite single locus primer pairs was used in this study (Xgwm 11, Xgwm 44, Xgwm 46, Xgwm 135, Xgwm 174, Xgwm 186, Xgwm 194, Xgwm 219, Xgwm 312, Xgwm 372, Xgwm 389). Amplification of 11 loci was performed using the Kapa2G FastHotStart PCR Kit (Kapa Biosystems, Boston, USA). The mixture for PCR amplification contained 1.5 x Kapa2G buffer, 0.5 mM dNTP mix, 0.5 μM of each primer (Sigma-Aldrich), 1 unit of Kapa2G FastHotStart DNA Polymerase and 11.8 ng of template DNA in a volume of 25 μl. Fragment lengths were determined using GeneMapper 4.0 software (Applied Biosystems). Dendrogram was constructed using UPGMA (unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average) in DarWin 6.0 software (Perrier and Jacquemoud-Collet 2006) for clustering analysis. Results and Discussion. The number of alleles detected per locus varied from 5 (Xgwm 11, Xgwm 135, Xgwm 219) to 12 (Xgwm 174). A total of 80 alleles were identified for the 11 loci studied. Among these, 25 unique alleles were found, each of which was present in only one genotype. The polimorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.48 to 0.87. The markers Xgwm 174 (PIC = 0.87), Xgwm 389 (PIC = 0.84) and Xgwm 372 (PIC = 0.83) were the most polymorphic in our study. We obtained a distribution of cultivars and lines by genetic similarity into five clusters. Conclusion. The use of SSR markers made it possible to identify rare alleles within the varieties presented. The study of the genetic similarity of the presented geno­types showed their relationship according to their origin. It was shown that unique alleles tended to occur in certain local breeding genotypes. This study has shown that genotypes representing the local Ukrainian breeding program often have the same allelic variants and at the same time some genotypes have unique allelic variants. The results obtained from the study of 42 winter wheat genotypes based on 11 SSR markers showed that molecular markers can be very useful in assessing genetic similarity and identifying genotypes in the local breeding program.

Using NGS Technology and Association Mapping to Identify Candidate Genes Associated with Fusarium Stalk Rot Resistance.

Stalk rot caused by Fusarium fungi is one of the most widespread and devastating diseases of maize, and the introduction of resistant genotypes is one of the most effective strategies for controlling the disease. Breeding genotypes with genetically determined resistance will also allow less use of crop protection products. The aim of the research was to identify molecular markers and associated candidate genes determining maize plant resistance to Fusarium stalk rot. The plant material for this study consisted of 122 maize hybrids. The experiment was conducted in two localities: Smolice and Kobierzyce. The Fusarium stalk rot values ranged from 1.65% (for genotype G01.10) to 31.18% (for genotype G03.07) in Kobierzyce and from 0.00% (for 58 genotypes) to 6.36% (G05.03) in Smolice. The analyzed genotypes were simultaneously subjected to next-generation sequencing using the Illumina platform. Illumina sequencing identified 60,436 SilicoDArT markers and 32,178 SNP markers (92,614 in total). For association mapping, 32,900 markers (26,234 SilicoDArT and 6666 SNP) meeting the criteria (MAF > 0.25 and the number of missing observations <10%) were used. The results of the observation of the degree of infection and sequencing were used for association mapping, which ultimately resulted in the selection of ten molecular markers important at both places. Among the identified markers, two SNP markers that are located inside candidate genes play an important role. Marker 4772836 is located inside the serine/threonine-protein kinase bsk3 gene, while marker 4765764 is located inside the histidine kinase 1 gene. Both genes can be associated with plant resistance to Fusarium stalk rot, and these genes can also be used in breeding programs to select resistant varieties.

Genome-wide association study reveals the genetic basis for petal-size formation in rapeseed (Brassica napus) and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of BnFHY3 for petal-size reduction.

Petals in rapeseed (Brassica napus) serve multiple functions, including protection of reproductive organs, nutrient acquisition, and attraction of pollinators. However, they also cluster densely at the top, forming a thick layer that absorbs and reflects a considerable amount of photosynthetically active radiation. Breeding genotypes with large, small, or even petal-less varieties, requires knowledge of primary genes for allelic selection and manipulation. However, our current understanding of petal-size regulation is limited, and the lack of markers and pre-breeding materials hinders targeted petal-size breeding. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study on petal size using 295 diverse accessions. We identified 20 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms and 236 genes associated with petal-size variation. Through a cross-analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data, we focused on 14 specific genes, from which molecular markers for diverging petal-size features can be developed. Leveraging CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we successfully generated a quadruple mutant of Far-Red Elongated Hypocotyl 3 (q-bnfhy3), which exhibited smaller petals compared to the wild type. Our study provides insights into the genetic basis of petal-size regulation in rapeseed and offers abundant potential molecular markers for breeding. The q-bnfhy3 mutant unveiled a novel role of FHY3 orthologues in regulating petal size in addition to previously reported functions.

Identification of Resistant and Susceptible Sources against Blast Diseases in Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana L. (Gaertn.)

The study was undertaken to evaluate the 490 finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) genotypes (released, pre-release and breeding genotypes) including two check varieties viz., Indaf 5 (susceptible) and GPU-28 (resistant) against neck and finger blast disease at Hill Millet Research Station, Waghai, The Dangs, Gujarat during kharif, 2018 to 2022. Among all the 490 genotypes, 148 genotypes have shown resistant reaction under high disease pressure field conditions for neck and finger blast disease. However, 44 germplasm genotypes have shown consistent susceptible reaction during five years tested viz; kharif, 2018 to 2022. The genotypes viz., CFMV 2, GN-8, VL-376, PR-202 and GPU-67, showed the higher immune reaction under natural field condition. The pooled percent disease intensity of neck and finger blast diseases ranged from 2.90 to 72.4 per cent and 3.9 to 84.2 per cent respectively, in all tested genotypes including national and local checks. The resistant check variety GPU-28 exhibited resistant reaction to both neck and finger blast. In susceptible check variety Indaf-5 recorded the pooled diseases intensity of 61.74 % for neck blast and 73.6 % for finger blast. In which 72.4 and 84.2 is the highest percent pooled disease intensity of neck and finger blasts recorded in finger millet entry WN 666 which is the most highly susceptible reaction noted across five years of study in blast susceptible zone of Gujarat.

Genetic differentiation of a southern Africa tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A Gray) germplasm collection using high-density DArTseq SNP markers

Genetic resources of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) germplasm collections are not well characterized due to a lack of dedicated genomic resources. There is a need to assemble genomic resources specific to tepary bean for germplasm characterization, heterotic grouping, and breeding. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to deduce the genetic groups in tepary bean germplasm collection using high-density Diversity Array Technology (DArT) based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and select contrasting genotypes for breeding. Seventy-eight tepary bean accessions were genotyped using 10527 SNPs markers, and genetic parameters were estimated. Population structure was delineated using principal component and admixture analyses. A mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.27 was recorded, indicating a relatively low genetic resolution of the developed SNPs markers. Low genetic variation (with a genetic distance [GD] = 0.32) existed in the assessed tepary bean germplasm collection. Population structure analysis identified five sub-populations through sparse non-negative matrix factorization (snmf) with high admixtures. Analysis of molecular variance indicated high genetic differentiation within populations (61.88%) and low between populations (38.12%), indicating high gene exchange. The five sub-populations exhibited variable fixation index (FST). The following genetically distant accessions were selected: Cluster 1:Tars-Tep 112, Tars-Tep 10, Tars-Tep 23, Tars-Tep-86, Tars-Tep-83, and Tars-Tep 85; Cluster 3: G40022, Tars-Tep-93, and Tars-Tep-100; Cluster 5: Zimbabwe landrace, G40017, G40143, and G40150. The distantly related and contrasting accessions are useful to initiate crosses to enhance genetic variation and for the selection of economic traits in tepary bean.

Sources of valuable traits for the selection of varieties and hybrids of agricultural crops on the Yaltushkiv EBS

Purpose. To identify sources of economic and valuable traits for the breeding process of industrial, grain and bioenergy crops at the Yaltushkivska Experimental Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences.&#x0D; Methods. Hybridization, selection, field tests, analytical, mathematical and statistical.&#x0D; Results. The best breeding genotypes of beets of foreign and domestic selection that are the donors of valuable traits, are concentrated at the Yaltushkivska EBS. The best hybrid combinations created on the basis of the Yaltushkivska EBS materials and evaluated in the variety test under the Beta cross program significantly exceeded the group standard: in yield (103.6–114.9%), sugar content (96.4–105.7%), sugar yield (110.1–110.8%). A highly productive buckwheat variety ‘Yuliana’ with a yield of 2.2 t/ha and a protein content of 15.0% was created and submitted for state variety testing. The best highly productive and energy valuable varieties of switchgrass were selected for cultivation in areas of insufficient and unstable soil moisture, which ensure the yield of dry biomass at the level of 7.5–16.2 t/ha, the yield of solid biofuel of 8.2–17.2 t/ha, and energy of 112.5–243 GJ/ha. Genotypes from the Miscanthus genus have been identified, which combine signs of tolerance to osmotic and salt stress and high energy yield.&#x0D; Conclusions. Selected sources of breeding-valuable traits became the basis for creating varieties and hybrids of agricultural crops (sugar beet ‘Barskyi’, ‘Chereshnevyi’, ‘Ruthenia 11’, ‘Ruthenia 12’, ‘Ruthenia 13’, etc., buckwheat ‘Yuliana’, switchgrass ‘Morozko’ and ‘Liadovske’ and varieties of miscanthus resistant to abiotic factors of the environment). Breeding genotypes and original lines of these crops were transferred to the National Center of Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine.

Polyploidy in the history of breeding at the Yaltushkiv Experimental Breeding Station: new methods of differentiation and stabilisation of sugar beet tetraploids

Purpose. To analyse the history of the polyploid breeding at the Yaltushkiv Experimental Breeding Station, in particular the improvement of genetic models of new hybrids, new methods of induction of meiotic tetraploids, differentiation and selection of breeding genotypes by genome ploidy.&#x0D; Methods. Cytological analysis of metaphase chromosomes of the apical meristems of the growth points of seed plants and beets of the first year for the selection of tetraploid plants 4x = 36 chromosomes; cytophotometric analysis using computer programs AP Partec to study ploidy based on the quantitative content of nuclear DNA; field methods (selection of tetraploid seed plants according to the types of pollen grains, formation of synthetic populations of tetraploid multigerm plants on a cytogenetic basis according to the structure of bivalent conjugation of homologous chromosomes in meiosis.&#x0D; Results. In the process of tetraploid induction, cytological methods of ploidy analysis at the station were improved using computer programs of AP Partec for the selection of sugar beets 4x by the quantitative content of nuclear DNA in the cell on plants of the first year of vegetation and for the formation of tetraploid populations after colchicine induction in seed plants. In the process of studying the structure of polyploid populations by ploidy, the percentage of tetraploids varied from 82.0±2.22% in Ya/Hen pollinator to 58.1±2.81% in Ya/Man pollinator. It was established that the selection for fertility and pollen uniformity depends on the genetic characteristics of the breeding genotypes and affects the pollen-forming ability in the first generations after induction with colchicine, reducing the number of 4x IIa and IIb biotypes according to cytological classification. Using the example of the multigerm pollinator Ya/Roi, it was established that selection for sugar content and productivity had, to a certain extent, a stabilising effect on the degree of ploidy. The biotechnological methods used to deposit 4x genotypes with a high percentage of bivalent conjugation of homologous chromosomes in metaphase I of meiosis (70–90%) contributed to the cytogenetic stability of polyploid gametes and their high yield – 92.9% of 4x in the next generation of seeds. It was investigated that the productivity of triploid hybrids obtained with the use of the tetraploid pollinator Ya/DA 4x based on the germplasm of the wild species Beta patula at the early stages of vegetative development varied in triploid plants from 325 to 465 g, and the sugar content in some numbers reached 21.5%.&#x0D; Conclusions. The development of polyploid selection at the Yaltushkiv Experimental Breeding Station evolved from the development polyhybrids to the development of triploid hybrids based on CMS using tetraploid multigerm pollinators. For the formation of populations of tetraploid multigerm pollinators, the methods of fluorescent cytophotometry and computer programs AP Partec were used, as well as biotechnological methods for creating synthetic populations of tetraploid multigerm pollinators on a cytogenetic basis, which ensure the yield of tetraploids in seeds up to 92.9%.

Phenological and yield responses for the identification of both vegetative and reproductive stages drought-tolerant rice genotypes for future breeding

Phenological and yield responses for the identification of both vegetative and reproductive stages drought-tolerant rice genotypes for future breeding

Yield and Mineral Composition among Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] Genotypes Grown in Different Agroecologies in East Africa

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. radiata] also referred to as green gram is a key crop especially in the marginal areas of East Africa. It is rich in micronutrients and protein and thus can help ameliorate malnutrition if incorporated into diets. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 26 fixed elite mungbean breeding genotypes for yield and micronutrient composition across different locations in East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania). The genotypes displayed significant variability for nutritional, phenology, and yield-related traits across test environments. Significant genotype effects were observed for most of the traits except for average yield per plant and dry matter content ( P &lt; 0.05). Random effect of environment was significant for all traits, and significant GXE was observed for all traits except for dry matter and iron content ( P &lt; 0.05). Moderate to high broad-sense heritability (H2) was found among traits except for dry matter content which was low (H2 = 10.4%). There was a significant and positive correlation between Fe and Zn (r = 0.58), and Fe and Ca (r = 0.46), indicating the potential to enhance these traits simultaneously through breeding and/or selection. However, the correlation between yield and nutrients (iron, zinc, and calcium) was negative. Environments KAT_SR_2019, KYM_LR_2020, and KYM_LR_2020 were found to be discriminating (informative) and representative of grain yield, calcium, and zinc content, respectively. Genotypes AVMU 1679, AVMU 1685, and AVMU1686 combined both stability and high micronutrient content, while the high yielding and stable genotypes were AVMU 1689, AVMU 1681, and AVMU 16102. The identified genotypes need to be assessed for farmer preference in on-farm trials before they can be recommended for release as new varieties. Additionally, these genotypes will be useful in future breeding efforts as donors aimed at developing nutrient-dense and high yielding mungbean varieties.

End-user preferences to enhance prospects for varietal acceptance and adoption in potato breeding in Uganda.

Potato varieties have diverse biophysical characteristics, so it is important for breeders to have the capacity to choose those that meet the preferences of end users, such as mealiness, firmness, and taste, among others. Combining user preferences with descriptive information regarding the sensory characteristics of boiled potatoes can contribute to the improvement of consumer-driven varieties. This study aimed to factor in the preferences of end users to improve the prospects for varietal acceptance, adoption, and discrimination among genotypes in potato breeding. The priority quality traits (traits that play the most significant roles in acceptance and adoption) of the boiled potatoes were determined by evaluating gender and livelihood using the G+ tool. The G+ tool is designed to assess gender impact on roots, tubers and bananas (RTB) traits by serving as a validation check to reflect on important gender-based issues in agricultural food systems in order to reduce harm and promote positive impact. Potato genotypes were differentiated by penetration (textural parameters as measured by standard texture probe)and the procedure was repeatable, as there was no significant difference between the cooking replicates at 40 min of cooking. Instrument-based texture parameters, such as penetration peak force (hardness/firmness) and area (area under the curve, whichrepresents energy needed to penetrate) of boiled potato tubers were significantly associated with sensory attributes such as fracturability and hardness in the mouth. An attempt to differentiate genotypes using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) revealed that the average results observed for the calibration for yellow color (r2 = 0.70), homogeneity of color (r2 = 0.48), moisture in mass (r2 = 0.40), and uniformity of texture (r2 = 0.56) suggested that these parameters could be used for initial breeding screening purposes. The preferred traits of the boiled potato can be integrated into the potato-breeding program/product profile. Near-infrared spectroscopy shows strong potential to predict potato color and the ability of NIRS models to predict some texture attributes is also promising. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Estimation of Soybean Yield by Combining Maturity Group Information and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Multi-Sensor Data Using Machine Learning

Accurate and rapid estimation of the crop yield is essential to precision agriculture. Critical to crop improvement, yield is a primary index for selecting excellent genotypes in crop breeding. Recently developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms and advanced algorithms can provide powerful tools for plant breeders. Genotype category information such as the maturity group information (M) can significantly influence soybean yield estimation using remote sensing data. The objective of this study was to improve soybean yield prediction by combining M with UAV-based multi-sensor data using machine learning methods. We investigated three types of maturity groups (Early, Median and Late) of soybean, and collected the UAV-based hyperspectral and red–green–blue (RGB) images at three key growth stages. Vegetation indices (VI) and texture features (Te) were extracted and combined with M to predict yield using partial least square regression (PLSR), Gaussian process regression (GPR), random forest regression (RFR) and kernel ridge regression (KRR). The results showed that (1) the method of combining M with remote sensing data could significantly improve the estimation performances of soybean yield. (2) The combinations of three variables (VI, Te and M) gave the best estimation accuracy. Meanwhile, the flowering stage was the optimal single time point for yield estimation (R2 = 0.689, RMSE = 408.099 kg/hm2), while using multiple growth stages produced the best estimation performance (R2 = 0.700, RMSE = 400.946 kg/hm2). (3) By comparing the models constructed by different algorithms for different growth stages, it showed that the models built by GPR showed the best performances. Overall, the results of this study provide insights into soybean yield estimation based on UAV remote sensing data and maturity information.

Exploring genetic variability, heritability, and trait correlations in gari and eba quality from diverse cassava varieties in Nigeria.

Gari (especially in Nigeria) is an important West African food product made from cassava. It is an affordable, precooked, dry, easy to prepare and store food product. Eba is a stiff dough produced by reconstituting gari in hot water. Gari and eba quality is an important driver of varietal acceptance by farmers, processors, and consumers. This study characterized the genetic variability, heritability, and correlations among quality-related traits of fresh roots, gari, and eba. Thirty-three diverse genotypes, including landraces and released and advanced breeding genotypes, were used in this study. In total, 40 traits categorized into fresh root quality, colour, functional, and texture properties trait groups were assessed. We observed broad phenotypic variability among the genotypes used in this study. Dry matter content had a positive (P < 0.05) correlation with gari%, bulk density and a negative correlation with eba hardness and gumminess. Broad-sense heritability across all environments varied considerably among the different trait groups: 62% to 79% for fresh root quality, 0% to 96% for colour, 0% to 79% for functional and 0% to 57% for texture properties. The stable broad-sense heritability found for gari%, gari and eba colour, bulk density, swelling index, and hardness measured using instrumental texture profile analysis coupled with sufficient variability in the population indicate good potential for genetic improvement of these traits through recurrent selection. Also, it is possible to genetically improve gari%, bulk density, and swelling power by simultaneously improving the dry matter content of fresh roots. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.