Germplasm Enhancement Programs Research Articles

Morphological characterization of shallot (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) segregating populations obtained from natural-outcrossing in Ethiopial-outcrossing in Ethiopia

Shallot is a vegetable and condiment crop widely used in Ethiopia and globally. However, absence of improved and adaptable varieties has been the major cause of low productivity. Narrow genetic base of local shallot germplasm owing to vegetative reproduction of the crop, among others, has been the root cause of low productivity. Nevertheless, some plants within the germplasm were observed bolting and producing viable seeds, presenting an opportunity for genetic diversification. Consequently, a germplasm enhancement program was initiated using these naturally outcrossing genotypes where about eighty-one genotypes were generated. The present study was thus undertaken with the objective of characterizing, classifying, and selecting the eighty-one genotypes for future breeding activities. The genotypes were planted in 9x9 simple lattice design with two replications at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (Ethiopia) during the dry (irrigated) season of 2021. The genotypes were evaluated for fifteen growth, yield, and quality traits. Significant variations were observed among the genotypes in terms of bulb yield, bulb height and diameter, total soluble solids, bolting percentage, and bulb skin color. Bulb yield of the genotypes ranged from 31.33 t/ha in DZSHT-79-1A to 9.63 t//ha in DZSHT-45-1A-1. DZSHT-51-2 (207.93 g) was the highest yielder per plant whereas DZSHT-065-6/90 (74.51 g) was the lowest yielder. DZSHT-14-2-1/90 had the thickest bulb (44.69 mm) significantly thicker than twenty two genotypes which had bulb diameter ranging from 28.92 mm to 20.29 mm. DZSHT-81-1/90 was a genotype with the longest bulb height (52.33 mm) while DZSHT-147-1C was a genotype with the shortest bulb (33.12 mm). DZSHT-307-1/90 had the highest TSS (16.78°Brix) significantly differing from DZSHT-002/07 which had the lowest TSS (11.17 °Brix). Dry matter of the genotypes ranged from 12.00% to 22.79%. DZSHT-004/07, DZSHT-111-2-1, DZSHT-41-2B and DZSHT-72-2 had DM% greater than 20% which coupled with greater than 14 °Brix could make them suitable for dehydrated shallots. Among the 81 genotypes characterized 4 (4.9%), 7 (8.6%), 13 (16.1%), 28 (34.6%) and 29 (35.8%) were yellow, golden, light red, red and dark red in colour, respectively. Fifteen of the genotypes had at least 50% bolting plants whereas twenty nine of the genotypes had less than 25% bolting. The results revealed that seven principal components explained approximately 76% of the observed variation. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into seven clusters, with the majority falling into three clusters. The study successfully identified genotypes with diverse and important traits and availed both the genotypes and the information for future breeding programs. These genotypes could be used for the development of improved hybrid and open pollinated shallot varieties with higher yield, quality and pest resistance/tolerance attributes.

Unmanned aerial system‐based high‐throughput phenotyping for plant breeding

AbstractUnmanned aerial systems (UASs) have increased our capacity for collecting finer spatiotemporal resolution data that were previously unobtainable through conventional methods. The use of UAS for obtaining high‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) data in plant breeding programs has gained popularity in recent years. The integrity and quality of the raw data are essential for ensuring the accuracy of predictive tools and proper interpretation of the data. This paper summarizes the standard operation procedures for high‐quality UAS data collection, processing, and analysis for UAS‐based HTP (UAS‐HTP). Plant breeders can follow these procedures to implement a UAS‐HTP system in their germplasm enhancement and cultivar development programs.

Genomic Regions Associated With Seed Meal Quality Traits in Brassica napus Germplasm.

The defatted Brassica napus (rapeseed) meal can be high-protein feed for livestock as the protein value of rapeseed meal is higher than that of the majority of other vegetable proteins. Extensive work has already been carried out on developing canola rapeseed where the focus was on reducing erucic acid and glucosinolate content, with less consideration to other antinutritional factors such as tannin, phytate, sinapine, crude fiber, etc. The presence of these antinutrients limits the use and marketing of rapeseed meals and a significant amount of it goes unused and ends up as waste. We investigated the genetic architecture of crude protein, methionine, tryptophan, total phenols, β-carotene, glucosinolates (GLSs), phytate, tannins, sinapine, and crude fiber content of defatted seed meal samples by conducting a genome-wide association study (GWAS), using a diversity panel comprising 96 B. napus genotypes. Genotyping by sequencing was used to identify 77,889 SNPs, spread over 19 chromosomes. Genetic diversity and phenotypic variations were generally high for the studied traits. A total of eleven genotypes were identified which showed high-quality protein, high antioxidants, and lower amount of antinutrients. A significant negative correlation between protein and limiting amino acids and a significant positive correlation between GLS and phytic acid were observed. General and mixed linear models were used to estimate the association between the SNP markers and the seed quality traits and quantile-quantile (QQ) plots were generated to allow the best-fit algorithm. Annotation of genomic regions around associated SNPs helped to predict various trait-related candidates such as ASP2 and EMB1027 (amino acid biosynthesis); HEMA2, GLU1, and PGM (tryptophan biosynthesis); MS3, CYSD1, and MTO1 (methionine biosynthesis); LYC (β-carotene biosynthesis); HDR and ISPF (MEP pathway); COS1 (riboflavin synthesis); UGT (phenolics biosynthesis); NAC073 (cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis); CYT1 (cellulose biosynthesis); BGLU45 and BGLU46 (lignin biosynthesis); SOT12 and UGT88A1 (flavonoid pathway); and CYP79A2, DIN2, and GSTT2 (GLS metabolism), etc. The functional validation of these candidate genes could confirm key seed meal quality genes for germplasm enhancement programs directed at improving protein quality and reducing the antinutritional components in B. napus.

Population structure and genetic diversity of the Pee Dee cotton breeding program.

Accelerated marker-assisted selection and genomic selection breeding systems require genotyping data to select the best parents for combining beneficial traits. Since 1935, the Pee Dee (PD) cotton germplasm enhancement program has developed an important genetic resource for upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), contributing alleles for improved fiber quality, agronomic performance, and genetic diversity. To date, a detailed genetic survey of the program's eight historical breeding cycles has yet to be undertaken. The objectives of this study were to evaluate genetic diversity across and within-breeding groups, examine population structure, and contextualize these findings relative to the global upland cotton gene pool. The CottonSNP63K array was used to identify 17,441 polymorphic markers in a panel of 114 diverse PD genotypes. A subset of 4597 markers was selected to decrease marker density bias. Identity-by-state pairwise distance varied substantially, ranging from 0.55 to 0.97. Pedigree-based estimates of relatedness were not very predictive of observed genetic similarities. Few rare alleles were present, with 99.1% of SNP alleles appearing within the first four breeding cycles. Population structure analysis with principal component analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components, fastSTRUCTURE, and a phylogenetic approach revealed an admixed population with moderate substructure. A small core collection (n < 20) captured 99% of the program's allelic diversity. Allele frequency analysis indicated potential selection signatures associated with stress resistance and fiber cell growth. The results of this study will steer future utilization of the program's germplasm resources and aid in combining program-specific beneficial alleles and maintaining genetic diversity.

Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of elite rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties such as plant height, length of panicles, number of effective tillers, total number of grains, number of unfilled and filled grains, weight of 1000 grains, biological and economic yield, harvest index, chlorophyll index, growth period, total phenol (TP), and total antioxidant capacity based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in 30 genotypes of elite rice grown in Iran. The highest 1000-grain weight was observed in genotype IR56 (G30) with 27.15 g; the highest biological yield was observed in Neda (G28) genotype (24.92 t/ha) that was at the same statistical level with national genotype (G25) (24.19 t/ha). Keshvari genotype has the highest grain yield (7.64 ton * hec). The highest amount of chlorophyll index was observed in genotype line 101 (G9) with 45.75%. In addition, the range of antioxidant capacity based on DPPH was 9.033–19.067% and genotype 13 (Bijar) had the highest antioxidant capacity. The highest TP content was 1.137 mg gallic acid (GAE) per g. According to the correlation, (0.555) had a positive and significant correlation with the antioxidant capacity based on DPPH. Also based on cluster analysis, the 30 genotypes were located in 5 main clusters. The present research reveals the potential of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes studied for the improvement of nutritional value through germplasm enhancement programs.

Examining the relationship between agronomic performance and fiber quality in ten cotton breeding populations

AbstractFuture cotton production systems need improved fiber quality to meet global market demands and provide the textile industry with high‐quality fiber. To achieve this, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) breeding programs must develop cultivars that overcome the negative relationship between agronomic performance and fiber quality. Since 1935, the USDA‐ARS Pee Dee germplasm enhancement program has prioritized improving fiber quality while also maintaining or enhancing agronomic performance. Along with a number of other breeding programs, the Pee Dee program documented that the negative relationship between agronomic performance and fiber quality is most often caused by genetic linkage. Several of these breeding programs have demonstrated that the negative genetic linkage can be overcome. In this study, we test the hypothesis that three Pee Dee germplasm lines previously identified as rare recombinants can generate populations with a decreased negative relationship between agronomic performance and fiber quality. The results suggest that two of the three Pee Dee germplasm lines generate populations with a decreased negative relationship and presumably transmit beneficial allelic combinations for lint percent and fiber quality traits in coupling phase linkage with one another or fixed in offspring.

Field evaluation and components of peanut rust resistance of newly developed breeding lines

ABSTRACT Field, greenhouse, and growth chamber experiments were conducted to determine the level of resistance to Puccinia arachidis Speg. in newly developed breeding lines of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). These lines were developed in the UF150 project of the Peanut Collaborative Research and Support Program (Peanut CRSP) as part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Field experiments were carried out in Citra, FL and Tifton, GA from 2010 to 2013. Five genotypes Tifrust-10 and Tifrust-13, and CRSP breeding lines PTBOL3-3, 97x36-HO2-1-B2G-3-1-2-2, and BOL3-7 had the lowest standardized area under the disease progress curve and final disease severity score for rust. The CRSP breeding lines 97x36-HO2-1-B2G-3-1-2-2 and BOL3-7 also appeared to be highly resistant to late leaf spot, caused by Cercosporidium personatum (Berk & M. A. Curtis Deighton). In growth chamber studies, genotypes with longer latent periods generally had lower infection frequencies at 7, 11, and 16 d after inoculation, and smaller percent diseased areas. Latent period and percent diseased area were significantly correlated with stAUDPC. CRSP breeding lines 97x36-HO2-1-B2G-3-1-2-2 and BOL3-7, and plant introductions PI562530, PI568164, and PI298115, were among the genotypes with the lower scores for these components. Several genotypes with multiple disease resistance in different environments and under high disease pressure were identified in these studies. These results indicate sources of rust resistance in the CRSP breeding lines, including several genotypes that could be used as parents in peanut germplasm enhancement programs, and indicate that latent period, percent diseased area, and lesion diameter may be used as indicators for rust resistance in growth chamber studies.

Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of Elaeagnus angustifolia L

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties such as total phenol (TP), total flavonoid (TF), total anthocyanin (TA), total antioxidant capacity based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Fe2+ chelating assays in thirty-eight genotypes of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. grown in Iran. The results showed that the range of fruit and seed weight was 1.08–2.69 and 0.31–0.64 g, respectively. Also, the range of antioxidant capacity based on DPPH was 28.59–93.15 %. The highest TP content of peel and pulp of fruit was 1179 and 820.85 mg gallic acid (GAE) per 100 g fresh weight (FW) basis, respectively. The highest TF content of peel and pulp of fruit was observed in Mi2 and U2 genotypes, respectively. Genotype M4 had the highest TA content. According to the correlation, TP had a positive and significant correlation with the antioxidant capacity based on DPPH and FRAP assays, and TF content. The results of factor analysis showed that the five main factors were explained a total of 86.69% of the variance. Also based on cluster analysis, the thirty-eight genotypes were located in 4 main clusters and five locations were located in 2 main clusters. The present research reveals the potential of E. angustifolia L. genotypes studied for improvement of nutritional value through germplasm enhancement programs.

Evaluation of Stem Rust (Puccinia graminis f.sp tritici) Seedling Resistance in Kenyan Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Mutant Lines

Race TTKSK (Ug99) of stem rust is a serious threat to wheat production worldwide because of its wide virulence on many cultivars and its rapid spread over countries. The objective of this study was to determine resistance to Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici races of TTKTK and TTKSK at seedling stage among the wheat mutant lines. Duma, Kwale and NJBWII mutant lines were used since the parents are susceptible. Sixty three mutant lines along with six checks of NJBWII, Kwale, Duma, Cacuke, Robin and Kingbird were evaluated in the greenhouse at Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Organization, Njoro. A high frequency of mutant lines, 53.6% and 88.4% were resistant to TTKTK and TTKSK respectively, with low infection types ranging from “;” to “2+”. In addition, frequency of susceptibility was 46.38% for TTKTK and 11.59% for TTKSK on the evaluated genotypes. Resistance in these genotypes may be due to uncharacterized resistance genes or gene combinations that could not be resolved with the collection of races used. The information presented, when combined with the previous characterization of stem rust resistance genes will be useful for plant breeders in rationalizing germplasm enhancement programs.

Genomic Selection in Plant Breeding: Methods, Models, and Perspectives

Genomic selection (GS) facilitates the rapid selection of superior genotypes and accelerates the breeding cycle. In this review, we discuss the history, principles, and basis of GS and genomic-enabled prediction (GP) as well as the genetics and statistical complexities of GP models, including genomic genotype×environment (G×E) interactions. We also examine the accuracy of GP models and methods for two cereal crops and two legume crops based on random cross-validation. GS applied to maize breeding has shown tangible genetic gains. Based on GP results, we speculate how GS in germplasm enhancement (i.e., prebreeding) programs could accelerate the flow of genes from gene bank accessions to elite lines. Recent advances in hyperspectral image technology could be combined with GS and pedigree-assisted breeding.

Evaluation of phenolic compound, antioxidant activities and antioxidant enzymes of barberry genotypes in Iran

Antioxidant capacity, total phenol (TP), total anthocyanin (TA), total flavnoid (TF) and antioxidant enzymes of a number of selected barberry genotypes from Berberis vulgaris and Berberis integerrima species were investigated. To evaluate the antioxidant capacity; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Fe2+ chelating and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were performed. The results showed genotype-specific differences in most of the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes. The range of TP content of genotypes was 261.68–623.07mg gallic acid (GAE) per 100g fresh weight (FW) basis. Genotype N1 had the highest antioxidant capacity based on DPPH and FRAP assays. The highest guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD) and catalase (CAT) activity was observed in berries of SH1 genotype. Significant correlation among all three antioxidant assays (DPPH, Fe2+ chelating and FRAP) were found. The present study shows the potential of barberry genotypes studied for improvement of nutritional value through germplasm enhancement programs.

Registration of SR98 Sugarbeet Germplasm with Resistances to Rhizoctonia Seedling and Crown and Root Rot Diseases

Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) germplasm SR98 (Reg. No. GP287; PI 655951) was developed and released by the USDA– ARS at East Lansing, MI, in cooperation with the Beet Sugar Development Foundation, Denver, CO, and Michigan State University AgBioResearch, East Lansing, MI, to provide improved resistance to seedling disease and crown and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn in a smooth-root genetic background that contributes to low soil tare. Previous smooth-root releases have been highly susceptible to diseases caused by R. solani. SR98 was derived from Rhizoctoniaresistant germplasm released from the USDA–ARS sugarbeet germplasm enhancement programs at Ft. Collins, CO, and East Lansing, MI, and has shown good yield potential in agronomic trials and moderate resistance to Aphanomyces blackleg (caused by Aphanomyces cochliodes Drechs.) and Cercospora leaf spot (caused by Cercospora beticola, Sacc.). SR98 can be used as a pollinator for hybrid production or a population from which breeders can select pollinators for developing Rhizoctonia-resistant hybrids adapted to the Great Lakes growing region.

Response surface methodology to optimise Accelerated Solvent Extraction of steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves

Following the approval of steviol glycosides as a food additive in Europe in December 2011, large-scale stevia cultivation will have to be developed within the EU. Thus there is a need to increase the efficiency of stevia evaluation through germplasm enhancement and agronomic improvement programs. To address the need for faster and reproducible sample throughput, conditions for automated extraction of dried stevia leaves using Accelerated Solvent Extraction were optimised. A response surface methodology was used to investigate the influence of three factors: extraction temperature, static time and cycle number on the stevioside and rebaudioside A extraction yields.The model showed that all the factors had an individual influence on the yield. Optimum extraction conditions were set at 100°C, 4min and 1 cycle, which yielded 91.8%±3.4% of total extractable steviol glycosides analysed. An additional optimisation was achieved by reducing the grind size of the leaves giving a final yield of 100.8%±3.3%.

Assessing the breeding potential of day-neutral converted racestock germplasm in the Pee Dee cotton germplasm enhancement program

The primitive, upland cotton landrace collection represents one of the untapped genetic resources in cotton breeding programs. Efforts to utilize these resources have been slow, but the development of day-neutral converted germplasm lines offers tremendous potential for broadening the genetic base in upland cotton. Using topcross hybrids involving elite germplasm from the unique Pee Dee germplasm enhancement program, we evaluated the breeding potential of a select number of day-neutral converted racestocks. The mean performance of parental lines and F2 topcross hybrids along with genetic effect estimates indicate that day-neutral converted germplasm lines decreased agronomic performance while increasing fiber quality performance. Results suggest that crosses between day-neutral converted racestocks and elite Pee Dee germplasm lines result in new allelic combinations associated with improved fiber quality performance that interact in a non-additive way. However, it appears that converted racestocks transmit negatively correlated alleles for agronomic performance and fiber quality. These negatively correlated allelic combinations present a major challenge for cotton breeding programs. Future efforts that incorporate DNA based selection methods to identify and fix introgressed segments from converted racestocks and their offspring should enhance the use of the genetic variation present in the primitive racestock germplasm accessions.

Breeding Potential of Elite Pee Dee Germplasm in Upland Cotton Breeding Programs

ABSTRACTSuccessful plant breeding programs begin with parental line selection. Effective parental line selection is facilitated when the breeding potential of candidate parental lines is known. Using topcross families involving germplasm from eight U.S. public cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) breeding programs, we evaluated the breeding potential of recently developed, elite Pee Dee germplasm. Based on parental line mean performance, hybrid performance, and genetic effect estimates, the breeding potential for recently developed, elite Pee Dee germplasm was similar to or better than the breeding potential of two well‐known, commercial cultivars. Results suggest that crosses involving germplasm from the USDA‐ARS, Stoneville, MS, and USDA‐ARS, Maricopa, AZ, cotton germplasm enhancement programs offer high fiber quality potential. In addition, our results suggest that recently developed, elite Pee Dee germplasm can be used to generate offspring with a lessened or absent negative relationship between agronomic performance and fiber quality. Cotton breeders can use the information provided herein to facilitate their efforts to develop elite breeding lines, recurrent parents, and/or commercial cultivars.

Developing the next generation of diverse and healthier maize cultivars tolerant to climate changes

Maize (Zea mays L.) average yields per hectare have significantly increased in the past 80 years. However, the variability of these yields across years has also significantly increased in the past 40 years making newer and genetically narrow-based hybrids, on average, less stable and more susceptible to climate changes. The objective of this research was to develop new sources of short-season inbred lines carrying unique alleles to grow maize hybrids under challenging environments. The North Dakota State University (NDSU) maize germplasm enhancement program has recently developed 10 new and unique exotic short-season populations partially derived from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Saint Croix, and the USA. These germplasm sources were created recombining top early-generation NDSU EarlyGEM lines that were extensively tested in hybrid trials for general combining ability of several traits. Results have shown that germplasm carrying unique alleles can break environmental margins for maize production. Unfortunately, maize breeding programs tend to be located in ideal crop production areas instead of exploiting marginal environments for the development of more stable products. The NDSU EarlyGEM program is a successful example of tropical and late-temperate maize germplasm adaptation into short-season environments in order to increase the genetic diversity on farms. However, public sector applied maize breeding programs continue to disappear across the USA and abroad because of changes in research emphasis. Long-term germplasm adaptation and improvement programs carrying unique alleles will be essential in the development of the next generation of healthier cultivars tolerant to climate changes.

Characterization of Saccharum Species Germplasm for Starch Content

The renewed interest in wild Saccharum species germplasm across sugarcane breeding programs has been necessitated by the need to widen the genetic base of breeding populations. Modern sugarcane cultivars were derived from inter-specific hybridization between S. officinarum and S. spontaneum. Very few genotypes were used in the initial hybridization event in 1900s resulting in narrow genetic diversity in modern sugarcane cultivars. Characterization of genotypes in the Saccharum collections would aid its utilization. Starch is considered as an impurity in sugarcane juice because it adversely affects the quantity and quality of sugar products, refining processes and is negatively associated with sucrose content. Therefore knowledge about the starch content of S. spontaneum and other related species would be of interest to breeders. The objective of this study was to characterize the United States of America (USA) sugarcane wild germplasm and related species for starch content. The juice samples used in this study were collected at the United State Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Services (USDA-ARS) Sugarcane Research Station at Houma, Louisiana; Canal Point and Miami, Florida germplasm collections. There were highly significant (P<0.001) differences in starch content among species and genotypes within species. There was a non-discrete distribution for starch within the species providing an opportunity for identifying low starch genotypes for use in germplasm enhancement programs. S. spontaneum genotypes produced the greatest variability for starch providing an opportunity for identifying low starch genotypes for use as parents. Cultivated species such as S. officinarum and S. robustum produced low starch indicating that low starch offered advantages for sucrose production. The results of this study would be more useful for parent selection within germplasm for introgression breeding.

Dissecting Genotype × Environment Interactions and Trait Correlations Present in the Pee Dee Cotton Germplasm Collection following Seventy Years of Plant Breeding

ABSTRACTGenotype × environment (G × E) interactions and trait correlations significantly impact efforts to develop high‐yield, high‐quality, and environmentally stable Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars. Knowledge of both can and should be used to design optimal breeding programs and effective selection criteria. In this study, we examined the G × E interactions and trait correlations present in the 70‐yr Pee Dee cotton germplasm enhancement program. Since beginning in 1935, the Pee Dee program has employed a variety of unique germplasm and breeding methods to release &gt;80 improved germplasm lines and cultivars. Results suggest that significant G × E interactions exist for several agronomic and fiber quality performance traits that are mostly due to changes in magnitude. Negative genotypic correlations still persist between lint percent/lint yield and fiber length/fiber strength. However, apparently the breeding methods and selection criteria used over 70 yr have lessened the negative relationship between agronomic performance and fiber quality over time to some degree. The results provide cotton breeders a resource to select specific Pee Dee germplasm lines for increased environmental stability. Cotton breeders can also use the information herein to select specific Pee Dee germplasm lines that represent rare recombination events that combine high yield and fiber quality potential.

Antioxidant capacity and phytochemical properties of cornelian cherry ( Cornus mas L.) genotypes in Iran

Cornelian cherry ( Cornus mas L.) is a naturally growing dogwood species in Arasbaran (East Azerbaijan, Iran). Antioxidant capacity, total anthocyanins, total phenols, ascorbic acid and total flavnoids of a number of selected cornelian cherry genotypes were investigated. The total phenolic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of cornelian cherry fruits were determined according to Folin–Ciocalteu and DPPH method, respectively. The range of ascorbic acid content of genotypes was 183.25–299.5 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). Genotype C24 had the highest total antioxidant capacity (82.37) and total phenolic (2695.75 mg galic acid per 100 g FW basis). The highest total anthocyanin was observed in C27 genotype (442.11 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g FW). This genotype also had the highest total flavonoid (669 mg catechin per 100 g FW basis). There are linear relationships between the antioxidant capacities with total phenols, total flavonoid and ascorbic acid. But, No statistically significant correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and total anthocyanins. According to Path analysis, the highest direct effect on antioxidant was observed in total flavonoid (0.38). The present study demonstrates the potential of certain cornelian cherry genotypes, notably C24 and C27, for improvement of nutritional value through germplasm enhancement programs.

Genetic Improvement of the Pee Dee Cotton Germplasm Collection following Seventy Years of Plant Breeding

One of the most significant, long‐term public U.S. Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm enhancement programs is known as the Pee Dee germplasm program. The unique, genetic foundation of the Pee Dee germplasm was created using germplasm from Upland, Sea Island (Gossypium barbadense L.), and primitive diploid cottons. Since the program's inception in 1935, the Pee Dee germplasm program has released &gt;80 improved germplasm lines and cultivars. In this study, the agronomic and fiber quality performance of Pee Dee germplasm was evaluated across southeastern U.S. environments to estimate genetic improvement within the Pee Dee germplasm program. Results suggest that the Pee Dee germplasm enhancement program has (i) maintained usable genetic variation and (ii) maintained high fiber quality potential while concomitantly improving agronomic performance. Although the results highlight the need to continue improving lint percent, lint yield, and bolls m−2, there is also evidence to suggest that Pee Dee germplasm can continue being utilized to develop the next generation of high‐fiber‐quality and high‐yielding cotton cultivars.