High Breeding Values Research Articles

Prediction of additive genetic variances of descendants for complex families based on Mendelian sampling variances.

The ability to predict the outcome of selection and mating decisions enables breeders to make strategically better selection decisions. To improve genetic progress, those individuals need to be selected whose offspring can be expected to show high genetic variance next to high breeding values. Previously published approaches enable to predict the variance of descendants of two future generations for up to 4 founding haplotypes, or 2 outbred individuals, based on phased genotypes, allele effects and recombination frequencies. The purpose of this study was to develop a general approach for the analytical calculation of the genetic variance in any future generation. The core development is an equation for the prediction of the variance of double haploid lines, under the assumption of no selection and negligible drift, stemming from an arbitrary number of founder haplotypes. This double haploid variance can be decomposed into gametic Mendelian sampling variances (MSV) of ancestors of the double haploid lines allowing usage for non-double haploid genotypes which enables application in animal breeding programs as well as in plant breeding programs. Together with the breeding values of the founders, the gametic MSV may be used in new selection criteria. We present our idea of such a criterion that describes the genetic level of selected individuals in four generations. Since breeding programs do select, the assumption made for predicting variances is clearly violated which decreases the accuracy of predicted gametic MSV caused by changes in allele frequency and linkage disequilibrium. Despite violating the assumption, we found high predictive correlations of our criterion to the true genetic level which was obtained by means of simulation for the "corn" and "cattle" genome models tested in this study (0.90 and 0.97). In practice, the genotype phases, genetic map and allele effects all need to be estimated meaning inaccuracies in their estimation will lead to inaccurate variance prediction. Investigation of variance prediction accuracy when input parameters are estimated was not part of this study.

New okra genotypes for the management of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the diverse ecological landscapes of Central Africa.

Various aphid species, including Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), are considered important pests of okra and other vegetables. Previous studies under 1 environment in Cameroon, Central Africa, had found multiple okra genotypes with resistance to A. gossypii. However, the stability and yield performance of the "resistant" genotypes across different environments were unknown. Ten previously identified aphid-resistant okra genotypes along with 1 commercial variety and a local landrace (specific to a given location) were compared during 2 seasons in replicated trials in 4 agro-ecological zones of Cameroon that also represent large areas of Central Africa. Aphid populations and okra yield parameters were evaluated. Breeding values were predicted using a linear mixed model for all data, and genotypes by location interactions were identified. The area under the infestation pressure curve (AUIPC) was calculated using aphid count data and subjected to resistance analysis. The Local-the most susceptible with the highest breeding value (+2.33)-and VI060794-one of the moderately resistant-genotypes had the highest yield per hectare. The only resistant genotype VI036213 had the lowest breeding value (-2.20). Genotype × location interactions were significant for yield, pod width, and plant height, while location variance was significant for all parameters evaluated. When considering that higher aphid densities could lead to greater pesticide use and, therefore higher production and environmental costs, the high-yielding VI060794-with moderate aphid resistance across multiple environments-presents an alternative or substitute for local landraces across multiple agro-ecologies of Cameroon and (by extension) Central Africa.

Фенотипическая оценка клонов плюсовых деревьев сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.) в лесостепной зоне Башкирского Предуралья

An assessment of the main morphometric features of the ramets of clones of Scots pine plus trees in a comparative aspect has been carried out. The vegetative progeny of plus trees of the species are represented as part of a clonal plantation created in 2005 in the Dyurtyulinskiy forestry of the forest-steppe zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan in an area with the С2 type of forest growing conditions. Compliance with the breeding and genetic principle of phenotypic assessment of intraand intergroup differences in Scots pine clones and ramets, as well as methodical and methodological requirements for conducting the field stage of the study, has been ensured. Taxation indicators (the height and diameter of the stem, the diameter and length of the crown, the increment of the central shoot in height) have been taken into account for 100 clones at a continuous count. A varying nature of the distribution of the average values of the analyzed stem indicators in the vegetative progeny of plus trees has been revealed. The best growth in stem diameter (25.5±0.73 cm) and height (11.2±0.16 m), as well as central shoot increment (0.45±0.02 m), are typical for the progeny of clones of the plus tree 29/17. Clones 263/40, 264/41, 262/39 with taxation indicators above the average for the entire set of trees in the clone archive are of high breeding value, which indicates the specificity of the genotypes of these specimens. The levels of significance of the differences and the intensity of selection of the best clones of plus trees based on morphometric features have been determined, which indicates the different nature of the individual non-identity of each of the plus trees relative to the rest of the trees studied. The valuable genotypes of the progeny of Scots pine plus trees identified in the clone archive can be recommended for further use in forest seed breeding when creating highly productive and sustainable artificial plantations of this valuable tree species in the region.

Study of HSP70 Gene and Relationship to Milk Productivity and Fat Ratio Holstein Cows

The study was conducted on 75 Holstein cows imported from Germany to determine the chi-square value, the breeding value, the additive and dominance effect, and the effect of the allele of the HSP70 gene on the variation of total milk production and fat ratio. The HSP70 gene was divided into three bands, each with a length of 922, 935 and 932 bp. Molecular analysis of the gene shows the presence of 12-point mutations distributed in three primers (T825C, G856A, G937A, A1135G, G1185C, G1753A, C1867T, A2017G, C2548T, G2572T, G2688C and T2734C). Mutation T825C changed the amino acid Ata to Lie, and mutation G856A changed the amino acid Aca. to Thr. The result showed that the chi-square value was significant in the mutations (C1867T, A2017G and G2688C) reached (4.25, 3.90 and 4.16). The higher milk production in the CT genotype of the C1867T mutation was 5442.7 kg/season, the higher breeding value, dominance deviation, additive and dominance variance (652.3, 1460, 726856 and 235183) respectively for total milk production. The higher ratio of fat in the CT genotype of the C2548T mutation was (5.04%), and the higher breeding value, dominance deviation, additive and dominance variance (1.30, 1.70, 0.576 and 0.0793), respectively for the ratio of fat.

Evolutionary computing to assemble standing genetic diversity and achieve long-term genetic gain.

Loss of genetic diversity in elite crop breeding pools can severely limit long-term genetic gains and limit ability to make gains in new traits, like heat tolerance, that are becoming important as the climate changes. Here, we investigate and propose potential breeding program applications of optimal haplotype stacking (OHS), a selection method that retains useful diversity in the population. OHS selects sets of candidates containing, between them, haplotype segments with very high segment breeding values for the target trait. We compared the performance of OHS, a similar method called optimal population value (OPV), truncation selection on genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs), and optimal contribution selection (OCS) in stochastic simulations of recurrent selection on founder wheat genotypes. After 100 generations of intercrossing and selection, OCS and truncation selection had exhausted the genetic diversity, while considerable diversity remained in the OHS population. Gain under OHS in these simulations ultimately exceeded that from truncation selection or OCS. OHS achieved faster gains when the population size was small, with many progeny per cross. A promising hybrid strategy, involving a single cycle of OHS in the first generation followed by recurrent truncation selection, substantially improved long-term gain compared with truncation selection and performed similarly to OCS. The results of this study provide initial insights into where OHS could be incorporated into breeding programs.

30 Effects of using different dietary standardized ileal digestible lysine plans on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs from high or low breeding value boars

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of using different dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) plans on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs coming from high or low breeding value boars. A total of 2,080 pigs (PIC 800 × PIC Camborough) were housed in 20 mixed sex pens (26 pigs/pen), blocked by body weight (BW), and randomly allotted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with boar breeding value (high or low) and nutrition Lys plan (current SID Lys curve recommendation for PIC 800 as % of PIC 337 SID Lys curve or alternative SID Lys curve). Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age (6.1 ± 0.05 kg BW) and followed during the wean-to-finish period until reach the market slaughter weight. Pigs were fed either the current recommendation or an alternative SID Lys curve for PIC 800, in a 6 phase feeding program: phase 1 (6-11 kg; 100 vs 100%, respectively); phase 2 (11-23 kg; 97 vs 100%, respectively); phase 3 (23-45 kg; 97 vs 100%, respectively); phase 4 (45-73 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); phase 5 (73-102 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); and phase 6 (102-132 kg; 97 vs 90%, respectively). Pigs were fed isoenergetic diets. Performance and carcass traits, and removals and mortality were recorded. Data were analyzed using mixed models in R, and considering pen as the experimental unit for performance traits and individual carcasses for carcass traits. There was no evidence of interaction between boar breeding value and nutrition plan factors. Overall, high breeding value pigs had greater average daily gain (ADG; 0.84 ± 0.005 g/d) compared with low breeding value pigs (0.82 ± 0.005 kg/d; P < 0.01), which was driven by increased average daily feed intake (ADFI; 1.92 ± 0.011 and 1.89 ± 0.011 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05; Table 1). Moreover, high breeding value pigs had greater hot carcass weight (HCW; 97.8 ± 1.09 kg), carcass yield (74.1 ± 0.23%), backfat thickness (16.3 ± 0.29 mm) and lower lean meat % (57.0 ± 0.21%) compared with low breeding value pigs (96.0 ± 1.09 kg; 73.7 ± 0.23 %; 15.4 ± 0.28; 57.5 ± 0.21%, respectively; P < 0.05; Table 1). Regarding nutrition plan, no significant differences were observed for overall performance traits between pigs fed the current or alternative SID Lys curve (P > 0.05; Table 1). Nevertheless, pigs fed the alternative SID Lys curve had heavier HCW (97.3 ± 1.09 kg) compared with pigs fed the current SID Lys curve (96.6±1.09 kg; P < 0.05; Table 1). No significant differences were observed for overall removals and mortality by breeding value or nutrition Lys plan (P > 0.05). In summary, grow finish pigs from high breeding value boars have an improved productive performance. PIC 800 pigs may achieve the same productive performance with lower lysine levels at the end of the grow-finish period.

Yield plasticity of new varieties of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in different soil and climatic conditions of Ukraine

Purpose. To determine the level of productivity of new varieties of soft winter wheat, their stability and plasticity when grown in different soil and climatic conditions of Ukraine. Methods. The field trial was carried out in 2022–2023 under the conditions of the research stations of the Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination (UIPVE) in the Steppe, Forest Steppe and Polissia soilclimatic zones. The peculiarities of plant growth and development, the yield formation of 34 new varieties of soft winter wheat were studied. Plasticity and stability of yield formation were calculated and analyzed according to the Ebergard – Russell method, general homeostaticity and selection value according to Khangildin V.V. and Lytvynenko N.A. In the course of the research, computational and statistical methods were used. Analysis and synthesis were used to draw conclusions. Results. The yield varied from 5.4 to 8.4 t/ha, depending on the soil and climate zone and the location of the trial. The variety ‘LG Optimist’ had the highest average yield (8.1 t/ha) and ‘YUSON’ the lo west (6.0 t/ha). The most favorable conditions for the study of growth and development of genotypes in 2022 were in the Forest-Steppe (Ij = 0.9) and Polissia (Ij = 0.6) zones, in 2023 – Polissia (Ij = 0.2); the worst in 2022 – in the Steppe (Ij = –0.7), in 2023 – in the Steppe (Ij = –0.7) and ForestSteppe (Ij = –0.5) zones. In 2023, the best climatic conditions were in the Polissia zone (Ij = 0.2), the worst were in the points located in the Steppe (Ij = –0.7) and Forest Steppe (Ij = –0.5) zones. The theoretical yield values of the varieties at the research points did not differ from the actual values and averaged 7.1 t/ha, ranging from 6.0 to 8.1 t/ha. High homeostaticity and low level of variation (V ≤ 10.0%) were found in the varieties ‘Yevraziia’ (Hom = 15.6), ‘Dekaster’ (Hom = 15.2), ‘FORSAIT’ (Hom = 13.9) and ‘LG Optimist’ (Hom = 12.1). In addition, ‘LG Optimist’ (Sc = 6.9) and ‘Dekaster’ (Sc = 6.6) had the highest breeding value. The variety ‘FORSAIT’ (bi = 0.2; S2 di = 0.24), with an average yield of 7.4 t/ha, has a high plasticity, so it is recommended to grow it on extensive backgrounds and in unfavorable conditions. Varieties ‘Yevraziia’, ‘Nosivochka’, ‘SOLIFLOR CS’, ‘Mizynka’, ‘Troiana’, ‘LG Optimist’, ‘Biskvit’, ‘MIP Dovira’, ‘Etual’, ‘Tvorchist Odeska’, ‘Attribut’, ‘Epihraf’, ‘Dekaster’, ‘Epitet’, ‘Jannis’, ‘Pamiati Horlacha’, ‘Trembita Bilotserkivska’ and ‘Slava Unavy’ with a combined manifestation of high ecological plasticity bi = 1 and stability S2 di = 0 in average grain yield 7.2 t/ha, according to the genotype respond well to the improvement of growing conditions and are stable, are considered the most practically valuable. Conclusions. New varieties of soft winter wheat, when grown in different soil and climatic conditions, fully develop their genetic potential under significant changes in environmental conditions and produce the highest yield that can be obtained under ideal conditions.

Assessment of Efficiency of Breeding Methods in Accelerating Genetic Gain in Rice

The pedigree, bulk, and single-seed descent-based rapid generation advance methods are commonly practiced breeding methods in rice. But the efficiency of these breeding methods in enhancing genetic gain has not been investigated yet. In this study, we compared the pedigree and bulk method-derived breeding lines of five crosses with RGA-derived lines. The RGA method was found to be almost two times more efficient in capturing high-yielding lines with a high breeding value and thus accelerated genetic gain much more than the bulk and pedigree methods. The RGA method is not only more efficient but also significantly cheaper (~24%) compared to pedigree methods. The cost per kilogram of genetic gain in yield for the RGA lines is almost 3 times lower than the bulk method and 4.5 times lower than the pedigree method, and it can be achieved in half the time required for line development with either the bulk or pedigree method.

CORRELATION AND REGRESSION ANALYSIS IN DIFFERENT GENOTYPES OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.)

In 2017, a study at the Oil Seeds Research Section in Tandojam analyzed growth and yield across eight sunflower genotypes: Corolla, Melbour, Vulgare, Turkish, Samson-30, Sputnik, HO-1, and Parson. Using a randomized complete block design with three replications, significant variations were discovered in days to flowering and maturity, plant height, head diameter, number of seeds per head, seed yield, and seed index, emphasizing the distinct performance of each genotype. Advanced genotypes like Sputnik and HO-1 required more days to flower, with Parson and Sputnik showing the latest maturity. Turkish plants were notably taller, while Parson had the shortest stature. Parson and HO-1 stood out with larger head diameters and higher seed indexes, with Parson also leading in seed yield, suggesting their high breeding value. Positive correlations among various growth and yield parameters underscore the potential of these genotypes in breeding programs aimed at improving sunflower yields. This concise analysis highlights the diversity and breeding prospects within sunflower genotypes, offering valuable insights for future genetic improvement efforts.

Analysis of Yield Stability in Diverse Rice Genotypes

Aims/ objectives: This study aims to improve stable and sustainable rice varieties adaptable to changing climatic conditions. It involves assessing genetic variability and Genotype X Environment interaction (G x E) among 186 diverse rice genotypes. The goal is to select genotypes with high breeding value, contributing to the development of rice varieties well-suited to varying climatic conditions. Study Design: The study employed an augmented design in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Swarna, Madhuraj-55, Safri-17, Improved Samba Mahsuri, Thavalkannan, and IR64 checks were replicated across environments. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in College of Agriculture, Raipur, IGKV over two years (wet season-2020 and 2021). Methodology: Analysis of genetic variability and G X E interaction among 186 rice genotypes. Execution of the experiment in an augmented design with a randomized complete block design. Replication of standard rice checks across different environments. Assessment of yield-attributing traits such as plant height, number of effective tillers, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, biological yield per plot, and grain yield. Evaluation of stability was done using univariate (Shukla stability variance, Wricke’s ecovalence, Kang stability statistic) and multivariate (AMMI yield stability index and GGE biplot) stability parameters. Selection of stable genotypes with high yield based on stability analyses. Results: Significant phenotypic variation was observed in yield-attributing traits across seasons. Genetic variability and G x E interaction effect demonstrated by variable genotype performance across environments. Univariate and multivariate stability parameters (S2i, W2i, KSi, AMMI stability value, GGE biplot) were used for stability analyses. Identification of stable genotypes with high yield across environments, including IR13f167, ARC13156, IR93354, F50, Ngalongyi, Giza 178, Arc 10159, Sadajira 19-317, Arith, IR 57920-Ac 25-2-B, Pesagro 102, Mekenzie small, Nasaenge, Kula Karuppan, Vary Gony, MR 69, Kanu Dam, IRRI 123, Sativa IRGC17083-1, Kalia, and Swarna. Conclusion: The study concludes that stability in genotype performance across diverse environments is crucial for the development of sustainable rice varieties. Genotypes with high stability and yield, as identified through stability analyses, hold potential breeding value for developing rice varieties adaptive to climate change. The stable genotypes listed, including IR13f167, ARC13156, IR93354, and others, are recommended for further breeding and development efforts to enhance rice productivity and adaptability.

Linking genomic prediction of fillet fat content in Atlantic salmon to underlying changes in lipid metabolism regulation

Fillet fat content is an important production trait in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) because it influences the flavor, texture, and nutritional properties of the product. Selection can be applied to alter muscle fat content, however how such selection changes the underlying molecular physiology of these animals is unknown. Here, we examine the link between genomic predicted breeding value for fillet fat of 184 fish and gene expression in the liver with an emphasis on lipid metabolism genes. We found that salmon with higher genomic breeding values for fillet fat had higher expression of genes in lipid metabolism pathways. This included key lipid metabolism genes hmgcrab, fasn-b, fads2d5, and fads2d6, and lipid transporters fatp2f, fabp7b, and apobc. We also found several regulators of lipid metabolism with negative correlation to genomic breeding values, including pparg-b, fxr-a, and fxr-b. A quantitative trait loci analysis for variation in gene expression levels (eQTLs) for 167 fillet fat associated genes found that 71 genes had at least one eQTL, and that most were trans eQTLs. Closer examination revealed distinct eQTL clustering on chromosomes 3 and 6, indicating the presence of putative common regulator in these regions. Taken together, these results suggest that salmon with high genomic breeding value for fillet fat have elevated lipid synthesis, elevated lipid transport, and reduced glycerolipid breakdown; and that this is at least partly due to genetic variants that impact the function of top-level transcription factors involved in liver metabolism. Our study sheds light on how genomic selection for reduced or increased fillet fat content in Atlantic salmon alters gene regulation in the liver of the fish. These results could be used to prioritize SNPs with an association to phenotype related gene expression to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of genomic selection in the future.

Genetic gains in IRRI’s rice salinity breeding and elite panel development as a future breeding resource

Key messageEstimating genetic gains and formulating a future salinity elite breeding panel for rice pave the way for developing better high-yielding salinity tolerant lines with enhanced genetic gains.Genetic gain is a crucial parameter to check the breeding program's success and help optimize future breeding strategies for enhanced genetic gains. To estimate the genetic gains in IRRI’s salinity breeding program and identify the best genotypes based on high breeding values for grain yield (kg/ha), we analyzed the historical data from the trials conducted in the IRRI, Philippines and Bangladesh. A two-stage mixed-model approach accounting for experimental design factors and a relationship matrix was fitted to obtain the breeding values for grain yield and estimate genetic trends. A positive genetic trend of 0.1% per annum with a yield advantage of 1.52 kg/ha was observed in IRRI, Philippines. In Bangladesh, we observed a genetic gain of 0.31% per annum with a yield advantage of 14.02 kg/ha. In the released varieties, we observed a genetic gain of 0.12% per annum with a 2.2 kg/ha/year yield advantage in the IRRI, Philippines. For the Bangladesh dataset, a genetic gain of 0.14% per annum with a yield advantage of 5.9 kg/ha/year was observed in the released varieties. Based on breeding values for grain yield, a core set of the top 145 genotypes with higher breeding values of > 2400 kg/ha in the IRRI, Philippines, and > 3500 kg/ha in Bangladesh with a reliability of > 0.4 were selected to develop the elite breeding panel. Conclusively, a recurrent selection breeding strategy integrated with novel technologies like genomic selection and speed breeding is highly required to achieve higher genetic gains in IRRI’s salinity breeding programs.

Pedigree base of brown Swiss cattle breed in the Smolensk region

The current state by the end of 2020of the Brown Swiss breed of cattle in pedigree farms of the Smolensk region was studied. The average milk yield in herds for the last completed lactation is 4045 – 6626 kg of milk, the yield of milk fat and protein is 158 – 268 kg and 134 – 236 kg, respectively. In the best farm of the SPK “Druzhba”, the average milk yields of cows for the highest lactation exceed 7000 kg of milk, eight animals have record results of 10016 – 11720 kg. Cows are born from fathers of high breeding value. The average milk yield mothers of fathers in herds is 9767 – 12333 kg. The average age of cows according to the last completed lactation in the studied herds is 2.3 – 3.9 lactation. The age of the first fruitful insemination in the best farm is 16.5 months. From 87.8 to 98.3% of cows belong to lines of foreign origin.

Yield analysis of spring barley varieties under conditions of environmental variability

In conditions of increasing continentality of climate in recent decades, spring barley breeding should be aimed at creating drought-resistant, early-ripening, high-yielding varieties with sufficiently high technological qualities of grain. In addition to the economic and biological properties of the variety established by the breeders, external conditions in the region of cultivation also have a significant impact on the stabilization of the yields. The variability of productivity of spring barley varieties was assessed in terms of such traits as stability, ecological plasticity and adaptability in different ecological and geographical conditions. The research was conducted in 2020–2022 on 17 varieties of spring barley in ecological trial in Samara and Rostov regions. The experiment was laid in fourfold repetition with a plot area of 10 m². In the years of research, the "growing region" factor (98.7%) had the greatest influence. Evaluation of the index of environmental conditions (Ij) revealed that the best conditions for the vegetation of spring barley plants were formed in the experiment in the Rostov region (Zernogradsky district) (Ij = +0.99). The yield of the varieties depended not only on the location of the seed-trial ground but also on the year of cultivation. The linear regression coefficient ranged from 0.67 to 1.36, dividing the varieties into responsive, weakly responsive and adaptive to changes in the cultivation conditions. The varieties Zernogradsky 1717 and Zernogradsky 1724 formed the highest yield in the experimental plots and were classified as stable under cultivation under different soil and climatic conditions, with high breeding value, stress tolerance and level of variety stability.

Genomic-enhanced Markov causal models for predicting breeding values in forest trees

Traditionally, in forest genetic evaluations, the pedigree-based individual-tree mixed model (ABLUP) has been utilized to identify individuals with the highest breeding value (BV). The ABLUP is considered a Markov causal model as the BV of an individual is independent of all its non-descendants, conditional to including the BV of its parents. Under this model, an individual's BV is expressed as a linear regression on parental BVs, along with a Mendelian sampling term. The availability of genome-wide marker panels has led to the development of a technique known as genomic selection (GS). In forest tree breeding, the most widespread GS method is the GBLUP model, which replaces the pedigree-based genetic covariance matrix with a marker-based relatedness matrix (G-matrix) derived from genotyped individuals. The GBLUP model has demonstrated improved BV accuracy compared to the ABLUP model. However, the use of Markov causal models incorporating genomic information remains unexplored in forest tree breeding. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and apply two new Markov causal models that substitute the “path coefficient” of the ABLUP model (which is 0.5) with an alternative coefficient, calculated using genomic information. Subsequently, we compared the performance of these new two causal models with the classical causal ABLUP and non-causal GBLUP models in terms of their predictive ability (PA) for BVs. Our investigation focused on a fourth-generation population of Eucalyptus grandis (Hill ex Maiden), comprising 3,082 genotyped trees with 14,033 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. The study assessed six growth and wood quality traits in 1,219 trees spanning the first three generations. Progeny validation was conducted to evaluate PA, where individuals from generations 1 and 2 comprised the training set, and individuals from generation 3 constituted the validation set. Overall, the GBLUP model exhibited slightly superior predictive performance compared to the Markov causal models for most analyzed traits (with an average PA of 0.24 for causal models compared to 0.27 for GBLUP). However, when analyzing BVs of individuals from generation 4 in the greenhouse, without phenotypic data, the GBLUP model displayed greater dispersion in predicted BVs compared to those obtained through the genomic Markov causal models. The Markov causal models developed in this study appear to be more “stable”, and, due to their lower computational burden, represent a potential alternative to classical non-causal GBLUP GS model employed in forest breeding programs.

Genome-Wide Association Studies of Biluochun Tea Plant Populations in Dongting Mountain and Comprehensive Identification of Candidate Genes Associated with Core Agronomic Traits by Four Analysis Models.

The elite germplasm resources are key to the beautiful appearance and pleasant flavor of Biluochun tea. We collected and measured the agronomic traits of 95 tea plants to reveal the trait diversity and breeding value of Biluochun tea plant populations. The results revealed that the agronomic traits of Biluochun tea plant populations were diverse and had high breeding value. Additionally, we resequenced these tea plant populations to reveal genetic diversity, population structure, and selection pressure. The Biluochun tea plant populations contained two groups and were least affected by natural selection based on the results of population structure and selection pressure. More importantly, four non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) and candidate genes associated with (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), (-)-gallocatechin (GC), and caffeine (CAF) were detected using at least two GWAS models. The results will promote the development and application of molecular markers and the utilization of elite germplasm from Biluochun populations.

Breeding Value of Quality Protein Maize Inbreds

The cultivar with high and positive breeding value can be used as a good parent for breeding of traits in hybridization programs because they can better transfer the desirable characteristics to the progeny in each case. To obtain the breeding value present investigation was carried out in maize with 33 inbreds of maize and seven inbreds of QPM lines to assess the breeding value of maize progenies for the better selection. The progeny values ranged from 62.04 (UMI 48 x CO 1) to 126.26 (CML 145 x CO 1). The breeding value ranged from 0.17 (UMI 48 x CO 1) to 0.39 (CML 145 x CO 1). CML 145 x CO 1 had high breeding value (0.39) with high progeny mean. UMI 48 x CO 1 had low breeding value (-0.17) with low progeny mean (90.80). The parent CML 145 was the superior most both for perse mean (P38=126.26) as well as for its hybrid progeny mean (C2= 168).

Analysis of the influence of the Norwegian Red bull-sires with different breeding value on milk productivity, health, exterior and reproductive traits of daughters

An analysis of the influence of breeding bulls of the Norwegian Red (NR) breeds with different breeding values (BV) on the milk productivity of daughters, their health, reproductive characteristics, udder characteristics, exterior, and indices of productive use. The study material was the data from the electronic catalog of breeding bulls of the NR breed as of April 4, 2023. The sample was formed from the data of only those breeders recommended for reproduction in 2023 by Geno SA. The animals were grouped according to the Total Merit Index (TMI). Breeding bulls with the highest TMI – 53-35 (n = 24) were assigned to the I group, to the II group – with an average TMI – 34-25 (n = 25), and to the III group – bulls with the lowest TMI – 24-10 (n = 22). As a result of the research, it was established that the most significant influence on the indices of productive use of daughters was observed in breeding bulls of the NR breed of the I group (High production index (HPI) – 118.13 % (Р < 0.001), Grazing index (GI) – 110.88 % (Р < 0.05)). According to the TMI index, bulls of the I and II groups prevailed over the sires of the III group, according to their improving effect, on such signs of milk productivity of daughters as milk yield (Р < 0.01), amount of milk fat (Р < 0.05; Р < 0.01) and protein (Р < 0.01; Р < 0.001) and milk productivity index (Р < 0.001 and Р < 0.01) in daughter cows. The greatest improving effect on the udder health of the daughter cows was observed in breeding bulls of the NR breed with TMI 53-35. Bull-sires of groups I and II reduced the number of somatic cells count in the milk of daughter cows by 15.58 and 9.16 %, and bulls of III – only by 3.82 %. Breeder bulls of groups I and III increased milking speed in daughter cows by 4.25 and 1.68 %, and breeders of group II decreased it by 1.96 %. However, the difference was significant only between groups I and II (P < 0.05). Studied breeding sires increased daughters' stature (height) in all groups. Group I sires had the most significant influence on daughters' stature – 114.88, and III group sires had the most minor influence – 102.00. However, the difference was significant between the I and II and I and III groups (Р < 0.05; Р < 0.001). Bull-sires of the I group of the NR breed increased the feet and legs index in daughter cows, as well as the foot angle by 7.58 and 7.38 %, II breeders by 3.48 and 2.48 %, and bulls III reduced these traits in daughters by 0.41 and 0.14 %. The difference between the I and III groups was significant (P < 0.05). Breeder bulls of the NR breed with TMI 53–35 were leaders in improving the udder index of daughters, as well as in reducing its udder depth, strengthening the fore udder attachment, increasing the rear udder width and rear udder height. Therefore, the most significant impact on most of the studied traits was observed in breeding bulls of the NR breed with the highest BV – TMI 53-35. The influence of sires with TMI 53-35 and 34-25 on daughters' milk production was almost the same and improving. However, in terms of the effect on the reproductive characteristics of daughter cows, no significant difference was found between all experimental groups of breeding bulls.

Creation and analysis of the starting material obtained by hybridisation of Triticum spelta L. × Triticum compactum Host.

In the conducted studies, as a result of the hybridisation of Triticum spelta L. × Triticum compactum Host. several new forms were obtained that differ in morphobiological and economically valuable traits. The research aims to expand the genetic diversity of spelt wheat and to obtain new introgressive forms with a high level of manifestation of economically valuable traits. The following methods were used: field, laboratory, hydrological analysis, and statistical analysis. As a result of the research, new source material was obtained and valuable genotypes with a unique combination of genetic material of the source species were identified. An intermediate type of inheritance of plant morphology traits (plant height, ear length and density, grain weight per ear) in F1 hybrids was established. In F2 hybrids, a split of 3:1, indicates the dominant monogenic nature of inheritance. The shape of the ear is inherited monogenically by the type of incomplete dominance. The analysis of transgressive variability in F3-4 hybrids Triticum spelta L. × Triticum compactum Host. shows that the highest proportion of positive transgressions was recorded for the number of spikelets (28.1-28.5%) and grains (23.4-51.0%) in the ear and grain weight per spikelet (20.3-32.1%). The analysis of stability and adaptability indices allowed us to distinguish line 201, characterised by high stability (S2 di=0.027), homeostasis (Hom=193.3) and breeding value (Sc=3.9), and line 206, combining high yield (5.11 t/ha) with high homeostasis (Hom=182.3) and breeding value (Sc=3.9). The introgressive hybridisation with Triticum compactum Host. identified new genetic sources characterised by the presence of deficient traits for breeding and of great practical importance for further breeding and genetic improvement of spelt, as they can enrich the existing gene pool of the crop

EVALUATION OF THE ADAPTIVE POTENTIAL OF PROMISING SHALLOT ACCESSIONS

Ecological stability and high adaptive potential are the main factors for stable performance and yield of agricultural crops under changing environmental conditions; therefore the selection of stress-resistant genotypes is relevant at all stages of breeding. Purpose. To evaluate and select promising breeding accession of shallots by adaptive potential for the "green leaf yield" trait and its components. Methods. Field, laboratory, computational and analytical methods were used in the study. The study was conducted in outdoors at the Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of NAAS in 2017–2020. Five breeding hybrid accessions were investigated. Lira was the check variety. Results. Having assessed the adaptive potentials of 5 breeding accessions of shallot, we selected a promising environmentally stable accession, D-57, which was noticeable for a high yield of green leaves (5.6 kg/m2) in combination with the highest general adaptive capacity (GAC = 1.3), high stability (bi = 0.4) and genomic breeding value (GBV = 2.7) for this trait. As to the adaptive potential for the "plant height" trait, the D-57 accessions also stood out; it was characterized by high general adaptive capacity (GAC = 1.3), relative stability (Sgi = 10.9 %) and genomic breeding value (GBV = 23.4). This accession was also the best in terms of the "plant weight": trait with the genomic breeding value (GBV = 42.4), it had the largest plant weight including a bulb (75.4 g), combined high general (GAC = 17.3) and specific adaptive capacity (SAC= 129.3) with high plasticity (bi = 2.6). Conclusions. The comprehensive study of the adaptive potential of 5 promising forms of shallots distinguished the D-57 accession, which was superior to the check variety, Lira, in terms of green leaf yield, plant height and weight (including a bulb) and had a high adaptive potential and genomic breeding value for these traits.