High Level Of Genetic Diversity Research Articles

Study of Genetic Diversity and Drought-Tolerance Characteristics of Few Rice Varieties Using Morphological and Molecular Markers

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops. Increasing rice production is constrained by various stresses and drought is one of the major limiting factors. For future food security, assessments of genetic resources are necessary. Indigenous varieties contain a high level of genetic diversity and can serve as potential genetic resources for improving yield, and resistance to various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The present investigation was conducted in the Biotech Hub, Biswanath College of Agriculture, AAU, Biswanath Chariali during 2022-23. In this study, the genetic diversity of 27 indigenous rice germplasm using SSR markers was assessed. Out of the total 28 SSR markers screened, 17 were found polymorphic across twenty-seven genotypes with PIC values ranging from 0.076 to 0.499. The genetic diversity was estimated by the Jaccard dissimilarity coefficient. The phylogenetic tree, using unweighted neighbor-joining (UPGMA) drawn from the analysis divides 27 genotypes into 3 clusters. Nine genotypes were further characterized by exposure to drought stress compared to the control condition. Plants were grown in PVC pipes and subjected to drought by withdrawing water at 45 days after showing (DAS) for 25 days. A comparative study was done for a few morphophysiological parameters i.e. root length, root biomass, root-shoot ratio, root length density, chlorophyll content etc. It was observed that genotype Dehangi followed by N22 and Shahabhagi showed the best performance for all parameters under drought stress. This information will help in the selection of varieties with better root characteristics for drought tolerance in future breeding programs.

Phylogeographic structure and putative migration pathway of Sogatella furcifera in China based on microsatellite markers

AbstractThe white back planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is an important destructive rice pest in Asia that has caused serious economic losses in the main rice‐producing areas of China. To effectively manage this rice pest, it is necessary to investigate its genetic variation and genetic structure and speculate the migration route in China. In this study, we used 12 nuclear microsatellite loci to analyse the genetic variation, gene flow and genetic structure of WBPH in 25 geographic populations in China. Overall, high levels of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among most populations were detected. Neighbour‐joining dendrograms, STRUCTURE and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed three genetically distinct groups and exhibited an admixed phylogeographic structure. There was a significant low positive correlation between genetic and geographic distances (r2 = 0.105, p = 0.001), which indicated the role of geographic isolation in the genetic structure of WBPH. Migrant routes detection indicated frequent gene flow exchange between North China and Central China, and low bidirectional gene flows between Northeast China and other regions were detected. Accordingly, this study provides useful data for resolving the genetic relationships and large‐scale migration route of the WBPH and thus contributes to developing more effective management strategies for controlling this pest.

Genetic diversity analysis of different geographic populations of black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) based on whole genome SNP markers

Black carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus, is one of the major farmed fish in China, generating a considerable amount of economic value annually. To investigate the genetic variation of black carp germplasm resources in China, this study was the first to use the whole genome SNPs of black carp for analysis. A total of 139 samples of nine black carp populations in the Yangtze River and Pearl River Systems of China were collected, and 53,322 high-quality SNP loci were obtained after GBS sequencing and filtering. Genetic diversity parameters were calculated for nine populations of black carp based on these genetic data. All 7 populations from the Yangtze River system and 2 populations from the Pearl River system showed high level of genetic diversity. For each population, the nucleotide diversity (π) varied from 0.283 to 0.308, the observed heterozygosity (Ho) from 0.271 to 0.317, the expected heterozygosity (He) from 0.273 to 0.292，the number of effective alleles (Ne) from 1.440 to 1.475, and the polymorphism information content (PIC) from 0.224 to 0.239. The fixation index (Fst) between populations ranged from 0.036 to 0.133, remaining at low and medium differentiation. Phylogenetic tree analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and population genetic structure analysis revealed that the nine populations could be divided into three ancestral populations. The seven populations of the Yangtze River system comprised two primary ancestral groups, with a small amount of gene flow between populations. The internal genetic structure of populations within the Pearl River system was homogeneous, with one common ancestral source as the dominant component. In conclusion, the data and results generated from this study will provide a useful addition to the genetic resources of black carp and will provide reference information for further germplasm conservation and genetic improvement of black carp.

Genetic Variability for the Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Some Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines in the Central Highland of Ethiopia

After rice and wheat, maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most significant and valuable crop in terms of industrial production in the world. The experiment was conducted to determine the nature and magnitude of genetic variability for various traits of maize inbred lines at the Ambo Plant Protection Research Center experimental field during 2013/2014, the major cropping season. The experiment’s design was described in 5 × 5 triple lattice designs. The results of the analysis of variance revealed that genotypic mean squares were significant for all traits, indicating that the inbred lines under study had a higher level of genetic diversity. In terms of genotypic and phenotypic variation, the largest coefficient was found in grain yield per hectare (28.49 and 35.43) followed by the number of tassel branches (23.14 and 24.92), respectively. Both days to 50% silking (91.57) and days to 50% tasseling (86.56) showed a high magnitude of broad-sense heritability. The results of the phenotypic and genotypic correlation analyses showed that grain yield per plant significantly correlated positively with five traits at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. The number of kernels per row, aboveground biomass production per plant, harvest index, and grain yield per hectare might all be employed as selection criteria to increase the maize grain yield, according to path coefficient analysis at the phenotypic and genotypic levels. The grain yield and other significant yield components were found to be superior with inbred lines AMH169-55 and AMH169-86. Therefore, it is advised that these lines be used to further enhance the maize crop.

Genome-wide detection of selection signatures in Jianli pigs reveals novel cis-regulatory haplotype in EDNRB associated with two-end black coat color

BackgroundJianli pig, a renowned indigenous breed in China, has the characteristics of a two-end black (TEB) coat color, excellent meat quality, strong adaptability and increased prolificacy. However, there is limited information available regarding the genetic diversity, population structure and genomic regions under selection of Jianli pig. On the other hand, the genetic mechanism of TEB coat color has remained largely unknown.ResultsIn this study, the whole genome resequencing of 30 Jianli pigs within a context of 153 individuals representing 13 diverse breeds was performed. The population structure analysis revealed that Jianli pigs have close genetic relationships with the Tongcheng pig breed, their geographical neighbors. Three methods (observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and runs of homozygosity) implied a relatively high level of genetic diversity and, a low inbreeding coefficient in Jianli compared with other pigs. We used Fst and XP-EHH to detect the selection signatures in Jianli pigs compared with Asian wild boar. A total of 451 candidate genes influencing meat quality (CREBBP, ADCY9, EEPD1 and HDAC9), reproduction (ESR1 and FANCA), and coat color (EDNRB, MITF and MC1R), were detected by gene annotation analysis. Finally, to fine-map the genomic region for the two-end black (TEB) coat color phenotype in Jianli pigs, we performed three signature selection methods between the TEB coat color and no-TEB coat color pig breeds. The current study, further confirmed that the EDNRB gene is a candidate gene for TEB color phenotype found in Chinese pigs, including Jinhua pigs, and the haplotype harboring 25 SNPs in the EDNRB gene may promote the formation of TEB coat color. Further ATAC-seq and luciferase reporter assays of these regions suggest that the 25-SNPs region was a strong candidate causative mutation that regulates the TEB coat color phenotype by altering enhancer function.ConclusionOur results advanced the understanding of the genetic mechanism behind artificial selection, and provided further resources for the protection and breeding improvement of Jianli pigs.

Mitochondrial DNA diversity and maternal origins of Pakistani donkey.

Domestic donkey plays a key role as a draft animal in rural economy of Pakistan where its population is increasing every year. The complete mtDNA control region of forty randomly sampled donkeys was PCR- amplified and sequenced bi-directionally using specific primers. Distinct mtDNA haplotypes obtained in the current study (KY446001-KY446011) were subjected to haplotype (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) measures using DnaS as well as to phylogenetic, Network, and AMOVA analyses. There were a total 27 polymorphic sites present within 11 unique mtDNA haplotypes from the studied 40 animals from different regions. Neighbor-joining network and median-joining network both illustrated the splitting of all these haplotypes into two well-defined Nubian and Somali lineages, confirming African maternal origin of Pakistani domestic donkey. Diversity parameters h (0.967± 0.037) and π (0.02917± 0.00307) were found to reveal high levels of genetic diversity in Pakistani donkeys. AMOVA demonstrated only 1% of genetic differences between two mtDNA maternal lineages, pointing to lack of population substructure in Pakistani donkeys as is the case with worldwide domestic donkey population. Pakistani donkeys have African maternal origin and high levels of mtDNA diversity. High genetic diversity may be due to non-selective breeding and heteroplasmy. We herein provide the first report on mtDNA diversity of control region in Pakistani domestic donkey.

Genetic diversity in a core collection of Iranian sour cherry.

The exploitation of plant genetic resources is an important and rapid strategy to release commercial cultivars. In this study, 234 sour cherry genotypes were collected from various locations of Iran and phenotypically assessed according to IPGRI and UPOV descriptors. The genotypes were grafted onto Mahaleb rootstock and were planted in Horticultural Science Research Institute (HSRI) core collection in Karaj, Iran. In this study, 22 different characteristics were measured in the sour cherry genotypes. The results showed that fruit and stone weights varied from 1.65 (G410) to 5.47 g (G125) and 0.13 (G428) to 0.59 g (G149), respectively. The fruit size index comprised average fruit length, width, and diameter, which varied from 10.57 to 19.13. The stalk length was less than 50 mm in 90.6% of the studied genotypes. Twelve of the 234 studied genotypes did not exhibit any symptoms of bacterial canker disease. Principle component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis classified the studied genotypes into four main groups. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that fruit size, stone shape, stone size, stalk thickness and weight, and fruit appearance correlated positively with stone and fruit weights. In contrast, fruit juice, fruit skin, and flesh color correlated negatively with the stone and fruit weights. The range of TSS varied between 12.66 (G251) and 26 (G427). Variations in pH value were between 3.66 (G236) and 5.63 (G352). In conclusion, a high level of genetic diversity was observed among the Iranian sour cherry genotypes. This diversity can be considered valuable and applicable for future breeding programs.

Analysis of 9 microsatellite markers in Kalmyk cattle

A genetic analysis of the Kalmyk cattle population for 9 microsatellite loci: BM1824, BM 2113, INRA023, SPS 115, TGLA 122, TGLA 126, TGLA 227ETH 10, ETH 225 was carried out on the basis of the youth scientific laboratory of molecular genetics of the Kalmyk State University. 60 animals of the Kalmyk breed of breeding reproducer “Plodovitoe” of the Republic of Kalmykia were subjected to genetic testing. The loci INRA 023, TGLA 122, and TGLA 227 turned out to be the most informative for the Kalmyk breed. A comparison of the observed and expected heterozygosity in the Kalmyk breed shows that all 9 microsatellite loci showed an excess of the expected heterozygosity value over the observed one. The number of possible genotypes (Ng) has the highest value at the TGLA 122 locus, the indicator is 171, a smaller number of possible genotypes is observed at the TGLA 126 locus. Thus, microsatellite analysis showed a high level of genetic diversity in the studied herd of Kalmyk cattle. The data obtained indicate the possibility of using microsatellite DNA analysis for genetic examination of breeding animals by origin and analysis of pedigrees in order to study the transmission of traits by inheritance.

Population Structure and Reproductive Biology of Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi in Vaccinium angustifolium in Maine.

The fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi (Mvc) causes mummy berry disease in blueberries including lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium, and is a significant pathogen of concern for Maine lowbush blueberry growers. This disease is typically managed with fungicides or by burning of plant debris containing overwintering pseudosclerotia. The population structure of Mvc in various fields in Maine was investigated using microsatellites and isolates collected from three stages in the Mvc lifecycle. The impacts of management strategies were also examined. A high level of genetic diversity was observed in Mvc from 12 lowbush blueberry fields with 199 unique multilocus haplotypes (MLHs) occurring in an original sample of 232 isolates. Twelve private alleles, including six private alleles with frequencies above 0.05, which indicated gene flow, were observed in six out of 12 fields. The population of Mvc in Maine as a whole is mostly a sexual, outcrossing population, as was seen in the diversity of MLHs and low amounts of linkage disequilibrium, although some apothecia appear to result from selfing. Three fields appear to have some clonal reproduction but were not strictly clonal, as multiple MLHs were noted in these fields. Management does not appear to affect population structure, and Mvc may be one large statewide population in Maine.

Genetic evaluation of the breeding strategy effectiveness for horses of the New Altai breed

The purpose of the study was to study the dynamics of the main selected traits in horses of the New Altai breed and the genetic characteristics of the breed. In this paper, the indicators of the main measurements of the body and live weight of horses, depending on gender and region of birth, are analyzed. The main genetic and population parameters of the breed were calculated based on microsatellite DNA loci: the total number of alleles at 17 loci (Na), the average number of alleles per locus (Nv), the level of polymorphism (Ae), observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, coefficients of intrapopulation inbreeding (Fis), genetic similarity (RXY) and genetic distances (DXY). It has been established that the horses of the New Altai breed are characterized by a relatively high level of polymorphism and genetic diversity, both in the breed as a whole and in the context of breeding regions. The high genetic similarity of the New Altai breed with the Russian Heavy Draft and Altai breeds has been revealed. The study of the genetic structure of the breed, the levels of its intra- and inter-population diversity in combination with classical zootechnical assessment methods showed the consistency of the chosen cultivation strategy of the New Altai breed.

A comprehensive review of HVS-I mitochondrial DNA variation of 19 Iranian populations.

Iran is located along the Central Asian corridor, a natural artery that has served as a cross-continental route since the first anatomically modern human populations migrated out of Africa. We compiled and reanalyzed the HVS-I (hypervariable segment-I) of 3840 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from 19 Iranian populations and from 26 groups from adjacent countries to give a comprehensive review of the maternal genetic variation and investigate the impact of historical events and cultural factors on the maternal genetic structure of modern Iranians. We conclude that Iranians have a high level of genetic diversity. Thirty-six haplogroups were observed in Iran's populations, and most of them belong to widespread West-Eurasian haplogroups, such as H, HV, J, N, T, and U. In contrast, the predominant haplogroups observed in most of the adjacent countries studied here are H, M, D, R, U, and C haplogroups. Using principal component analysis, clustering, and genetic distance-based calculations, we estimated moderate genetic relationships between Iranian and other Eurasian groups. Further, analyses of molecular variance and comparing geographic and genetic structures indicate that mtDNA HVS-I sequence diversity does not exhibit any sharp geographic structure in the country. Barring a few from some culturally distinct and naturally separated minorities, most Iranian populations have a homogenous maternal genetic structure.

Genetic diversity and population differentiation in Earliella scabrosa, a pantropical species of Polyporales

Earliella scabrosa is a pantropical species of Polyporales (Basidiomycota) and well-studied concerning its morphology and taxonomy. However, its pantropical intraspecific genetic diversity and population differentiation is unknown. We initiated this study to better understand the genetic variation within E. scabrosa and to test if cryptic species are present. Sequences of three DNA regions, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), and the translation elongation factor (EF1α) were analysed for 66 samples from 15 geographical locations. We found a high level of genetic diversity (haplotype diversity, Hd = 0.88) and low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.006) across the known geographical range of E. scabrosa based on ITS sequences. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicates that the genetic variability is mainly found among geographical populations. The results of Mantel tests confirmed that the genetic distance among populations of E. scabrosa is positively correlated with the geographical distance, which indicates that geographical isolation is an important factor for the observed genetic differentiation. Based on phylogenetic analyses of combined dataset ITS-LSU-EF1α, the low intraspecific divergences (0–0.3%), and the Automated Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) analysis, E. scabrosa can be considered as a single species with five different geographical populations. Each population might be in the process of allopatric divergence and in the long-term they may evolve and become distinct species.

Anthropogenic and natural disturbances increase local genetic diversity in an early spring geophyte (Ficaria verna Huds)

AbstractThe tetraploid Ficaria verna is a common spring geophyte in central Europe and is considered invasive in the USA and Canada. It is considered an almost seed‐sterile taxon, relying on vegetative reproduction by underground tubers and aerial bulbils. Recent studies have revealed high levels of population genetic diversity in F. verna, raising the question of how genetic diversity is maintained and which factors may be responsible for the observed patterns. Polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers were established to define multi‐locus genotypes (MLGs), to analyze fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) using grid and cross‐sampling schemes, and to quantify genetic diversity within and between nine populations with different disturbance regimes in central Germany. In total, 115 MLGs were identified among a total of 347 samples. The G/N ratio varied between 0.16 and 0.70 among populations, and in each population several unique MLGs occurred. Genotypes were highly intermingled within populations, suggesting a “guerrilla” dispersal strategy. Significant SGS (negative regression slope of kinship coefficients against inter‐individual distances) was found in four out of nine populations in fine‐scale cross‐sampling (up to 4 m) and in only one population in grid sampling (up to 14.6 m). No single MLG was found in more than one population, while many alleles were shared between populations. Within‐population clonal and allelic diversity increased with greater exposure to both anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Regular gap openings, facilitated propagule establishment, and propagule dispersal by water and mowing machines are likely important factors explaining the positive effects of disturbance on local genetic diversity of F. verna.

Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and wolf-dog hybridisation in the Eastern Romanian Carpathian wolf population

The Carpathian Mountains have been constantly inhabited by grey wolves and present one of the largest distribution areas in Europe, comprising between 2300 and 2700 individuals in Romania. To date, however, relatively little is known about the Romanian wolf population. We aimed to provide a first assessment of genetic diversity, population structure and wolf-dog hybridisation based on 444 mostly non-invasively collected samples in the Eastern Romanian Carpathians. Pack reconstruction and analysis of population genetic parameters were performed with mitochondrial DNA control-region sequencing and microsatellite genotyping. We found relatively high levels of genetic diversity, which is similar to values found in previous studies on Carpathian wolves from Poland and Slovakia, as well as to the long-lasting Dinaric-Balkan wolf population. We found no significant population structure in our study region, suggesting effective dispersal and admixture. Analysis of wolf-dog hybridisation using a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism panel optimised for hybrid detection revealed low rates of admixture between wolves and domestic dogs. Our results provide evidence for the existence of a genetically viable wolf population in the Romanian Carpathians. The genetic data obtained in this study may serve as valuable baseline information for the elaboration of monitoring standards and management plans for wolves in Romania.

Филогенетика и географическое распространение скальных ящериц (Lacertidae, Reptilia) на горной системе Эльбурс

Rock lizards of the genus Darevskia have long been an important model object for study of reptile evolution. To understand the overall picture, it is important to know how bisexual and parthenogenetic species are distributed within this genus. The ranges of Caucasian species of rock lizards have been studied for a long time and in detail. However, recent attention to the species inhabiting the territory of Iran has been attracted after the description of several new species in 2013. As part of the continuation of these studies, we studied the distribution and genetic diversity of five species of lizards of the Darevskia genus along the Alborz mountain range in Iran: D. chlorogaster, D. caspica, D. defilippii, D. schaekeli and D. raddei. In the course of this, we discovered new localities of D. defilippii that are outside their known range. We assessed the phylogenetic relationships between the studied species according to the ND4 – Leu tRNA region of mitochondrial DNA and found a relatively high level of genetic variability in D. defilippii and D. chlorogaster, while D. raddei, despite its wide distribution, has low variability. In general, the phylogenetic position of the studied species is somewhat different from that described by Ahmadzadeh et al. (2013).

Genetic characterization of domestic pigs in the core zone of swine production of Argentina.

Argentina is a small player in the global pork market, contributing only 0.7% of the total production. With increasing global demand for meat, there is an opportunity for countries with an agricultural profile to grow their pork production. However, there is a need to understand the current state of the pork production sector in all aspects to inform decision-making. The aim of this study was to genetically characterize pig herds from different production strata in the primary region for pork production in the country. For this purpose, phylogenetic and genetic variability analyses were performed using the mitochondrial control region marker (n=95 pig samples). Moreover, genotyping of ryr1 and PRKAG3 genes (n=108 pig samples) were performed to evaluate the frequency of deleterious alleles for meat quality traits in the region. The results showed high levels of genetic variability in the pig herds (Hd= 0.840 ± 0.031 and π= 0.010 ± 0.001), with a creole sow and Iberian lineage standing out in the phylogeny. The genotyping of the ryr1 marker revealed the presence of the deleterious t allele in all analyzed strata. However, the RN-allele of the PRKAG3 gene was detected only in the two lower strata. This study represents the first analysis of the phylogenetic relationships among domestic pigs from Argentina and provides an initial assessment of genetic variability in the region. Additionally, the results present, for the first time, the frequency of deleterious alleles for pig production in the productive core area, demonstrating their prevalence.

Assessment the Kalmyk cattle breed genetic diversity in the Kalmykia republic based on genome-wide analysis

In the article results of the biodiversity evaluation of the indigenous breed resources of cattle of the Republic of Kalmykia by whole-genome genotyping are presented. The objects of research were samples of biomaterial obtained from two herds of Kalmyk cattle raised in the Republic of Kalmykia (n = 20). Other samples for population-genetic studies were taken from L.K. Ernst FRC (Podolsk, Russia). Modern molecular-genetics and bioinformatics methods were used in this research. As a result, DNA was isolated and comparative study was carried out. The obtained DNA samples are suitable for carrying out whole-genome SNP studies using Bovine SNP HD BeadChip according to their qualitative and quantitative characteristics. The concentration of double-stranded DNA in the studied samples varied up 16 to 80 ng/µl, the ratio of OD260/OD280 varied up 1.77 to 2.12. The efficiency of genotyping (call rate) varied up 99.72 to 99.84%. The novelty of this research is the genetic diversity of two populations of Kalmyk cattle raised in the Republic of Kalmykia was established at the first time using high-density DNA chips and population-genetic estimation was also carried out for comparison with three breeds of Turano-Mongolian origin. Kalmyk breed have shown the highest level of genetic diversity compared to other breeds of Turano-Mongolian origin. This fact may be a consequence of the use of free mating in the breeding , as well as a relatively high number of Kalmyk cattle compared to other breeds. The minimum level of genetic diversity established in the Yakut breed is a consequence of the small number of livestock. The results obtained will be useful in the development of breeding and conservation programs of the Kalmyk cattle.

Amplicon deep sequencing of five highlypolymorphic markers of Plasmodium falciparum reveals high parasite genetic diversity and moderate populationstructure in Ethiopia

BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum genetic diversity can add information on transmission intensity and can be used to track control and elimination interventions.MethodsDried blood spots (DBS) were collected from patients who were recruited for a P. falciparum malaria therapeutic efficacy trial in three malaria endemic sites in Ethiopia from October to December 2015, and November to December 2019. qPCR-confirmed infections were subject to amplicon sequencing of polymorphic markers ama1-D3, csp, cpp, cpmp, msp7. Genetic diversity, the proportion of multiclonal infections, multiplicity of infection, and population structure were analysed.ResultsAmong 198 samples selected for sequencing, data was obtained for 181 samples. Mean MOI was 1.38 (95% CI 1.24–1.53) and 17% (31/181) of infections were polyclonal. Mean He across all markers was 0.730. Population structure was moderate; populations from Metema and Metehara 2015 were very similar to each other, but distinct from Wondogent 2015 and Metehara 2019.ConclusionThe high level of parasite genetic diversity and moderate population structure in this study suggests frequent gene flow of parasites among sites. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for additional parasite genetic diversity and structure studies, aiding in the formulation of appropriate control strategies in Ethiopia.

Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in goats and sheep from the Northeast Region of Brazil destined for human consumption

This study aimed to genotype isolates of Toxoplasma gondii obtained from samples of brain, diaphragm and heart of goats and sheep intended for human consumption in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. Tissue samples from 14 animals, goats (n = 5) and lambs (n = 9), were sourced from public slaughterhouses in seven cities and bio-assayed in mice. The brains of the mice were utilized for DNA extraction. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using 10 markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, c22-8, PK1, GRA6, L358, c-29-2 and Apico). A total of 10 isolates were fully genotyped (i.e. at all loci), three from goats and seven from sheep, revealing five distinct genotypes: #13 (n = 4); #48 (n = 3); #57 (n = 1); #273 (n = 1); and one new genotype that had not been previously described. Genotype #13 is frequently found in the Northeast of Brazil and represents a clonal lineage circulating in this region and was the most prevalent genotype identified (n = 4). Moreover, in the present study genotypes #13, #48, #57, and #273 were documented for the first time in sheep from Brazil, and the novel genotype was isolated from a goat. Our findings align with previous studies on T. gondii from Brazil, where new genotypes are continuously being identified, highlighting a high level of genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates in the country.

Molecular Characterization of Local Walnut (Juglans regia) Genotypes in the North-East Parnon Mountain Region of Greece.

Walnut is one of the most important nuts regarding their production and consumption. The available but uncharacterized genetic resources of walnut are important for the development and breeding of local varieties. Greece holds an important number of genetically uncharacterized walnut landraces, especially within the area of Parnon, which is considered to play a significant role as an in situ gene bank, due to its unique location traits. However, the genetic characterization and further use of these resources has been insufficient, due to the absence of genetic studies. In this study, we implemented SSR molecular markers, both to genetically characterize the walnut tree genetic diversity of the Parnon area and to identify its unique genetic structure, which will form the starting material for subsequent breeding programs. Overall, high levels of genetic variation were found among the individual walnut accessions that were collected in the Parnon mountain region.