Hybrid Cultivars Research Articles

Ecological implications of row width and cultivar selection on rice (Oryza sativa) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) producers in the Mid-south are experiencing difficulties with herbicide-resistant weeds such as barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.]. As a result, methods that can alter E. crus-galli ecology are needed. This research evaluated the ecological implications of rice cultivar and row widths on crop and E. crus-galli growth. Overall, for E. crus-galli, as the row width increased, greater density, panicle counts, and seed production occurred. Echinochloa crus-galli density was 120% greater in a 38-cm row width than the 13-cm row width at the preflood rice stage. Reduced early-season rice canopy coverage in the wider row widths allowed for increased E. crus-galli densities. At the preharvest stage, E. crus-galli panicle counts were similar for the 13- and 19-cm rows. Row width did not affect rice yield, indicating wider row widths could be feasible agronomically, but additional weed management efforts would be needed because greater ecological advantages were obtained in narrower rows. Less E. crus-galli seed production occurred in competition with hybrid cultivars compared to inbred cultivars. Overall, the standard row width (19-cm) and hybrid cultivars would provide the greatest ecological advantage over E. crus-galli.

Chromosomal analysis of progenies between Lilium intersectional hybrids and wild species using ND-FISH and GISH.

Intersectional hybrids in lilies possess significant breeding value, but the lack of complete lily genomes and complex genotypes pose challenges for early identification of lily hybrids. This study aimed to use intersectional hybrid cultivars as female parents and wild lilies as male parents to facilitate early identification of hybrid offsprings and enhance the efficiency and convenience of the process. We investigated the nature of cross combinations using Non-denaturing Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (ND-FISH) and Genomic In Situ Hybridization (GISH) techniques. Three novel oligonucleotide probes-Oligo-pTa794, Oligo-pITS and Oligo-telo-were developed for lily chromosome research. Our results demonstrated successful hybridization between wild lilies and intersectional hybrid cultivars, producing a total of 130 hybrid progenies. The combination of ND-FISH and GISH analyses effectively revealed the genomic composition of the hybrid progeny and determined the parental origin of specific chromosomes. This research provides significant guidance for lily breeding practices and offers a valuable reference for the application of ND-FISH and GISH techniques in interspecific hybridization breeding and molecular cytogenetic research across various plant species. The methods developed enable more precise, efficient, and convenient identification of hybrid offsprings.

Doubled Haploid Technology: Opportunities and Challenges for the Rapid Generation of Maize Homozygous Lines.

Maize is used for multiple purposes, including food, feed, and energy production, and since transitioning to hybrid cultivars at around 1930, maize yield has significantly increased. This is largely due to hybrid vigor, which refers to the superior performance of the progeny from two unrelated inbred parents. Consequently, nearly all maize cultivars grown in the United States are hybrids. Hybrid breeding programs comprise two essential components; namely, inbred line development and hybrid production. Traditionally, developing inbred lines takes a long time, requiring six to 10 generations of self-pollination. The doubled haploid (DH) technology, however, accelerates this process, enabling the derivation of fully homozygous lines within two generations. DH technology is applicable in several crop species and has been most successful in maize due to in vivo maternal haploid induction. Here, we review the origins of the DH technology, and discuss advantages and challenges of the technology as well as applications of DH lines.

Molecular insights into OPR gene family in Saccharum identified a ScOPR2 gene could enhance plant disease resistance.

12-Oxo-phytodienoic acid reductases (OPRs) perform vital functions in plants. However, few studies have been reported in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), and it is of great significance to systematically investigates it in sugarcane. Here, 61 ShOPRs, 32 SsOPRs, and 36 SoOPRs were identified from R570 (Saccharum spp. hybrid cultivar R570), AP85-441 (Saccharum spontaneum), and LA-purple (Saccharum officinarum), respectively. These OPRs were phylogenetically classified into four groups, with close genes similar structures. During evolution, OPR gene family was mainly expanded via whole-genome duplications/segmental events and predominantly underwent purifying selection, while sugarcane OPR genes may function differently in response to various stresses. Further, ScOPR2, a tissue-specific OPR, which was localized in cytoplasm and cell membrane and actively response to salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate, and smut pathogen (Sporisorium scitamineum) stresses, was cloned from sugarcane. In addition, both its transient overexpression and stable overexpression enhanced the resistance of transgenic plants to pathogen infection, most probably through activating pathogen-associated molecular pattern/pattern-recognition receptor-triggered immunity, producing reactive oxygen species, and initiating mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade. Subsequently, the transmission of SA and hypersensitive reaction were triggered, which stimulated the transcription of defense-related genes. These findings provide insights into the function of ScOPR2 gene for disease resistance.

Nuclear DNA Markers to Distinguish between Salix caprea, Salix gracilistyla, and Their Interspecific Hybrids

The Salix genus of the Salicaceae family has advantages such as rapid initial growth, a high germination rate, and asexual reproduction; therefore, it is used as a short-rotation energy crop for biomass production. The National Institute of Forest Science created new interspecific hybrid cultivars with superior biomass production by artificially interbreeding Salix caprea L. and Salix gracilistyla Miq. Identifying these hybrids during the seedling stage is challenging because their separate reproductive and vegetative growth stages necessitate prolonged observation of their morphological characteristics. Consequently, a reliable identification method is required to overcome these limitations. This study aimed to develop nuclear DNA markers to distinguish between S. caprea, S. gracilistyla, and their interspecific hybrids. An evaluation of 35 nuclear simple-sequence repeat (nSSR) markers in the Salix genus revealed two markers that distinguish these parent species and their hybrids. A sequence analysis confirmed the presence of insertion-deletion (InDel) regions within the nSSR markers that differed between S. caprea and S. gracilistyla. To effectively identify hybrids, a primer set comprising the InDel region, which exhibited only interspecies differences and no intraspecies differences, was developed. The results of this study will facilitate the genetic resource management of interspecific hybrids between S. caprea and S. gracilistyla, thus allowing for early identification and improved management of hybrids.

Dynamic Changes in Yeast Populations and Aroma Composition of ‘Beimei’ (Vitis vinifera × Vitis amurensis) during Spontaneous Fermentation

‘Beimei’ is a hybrid cultivar of Vitis vinifera and wild Vitis amurensis with fungus- and cold-resistant characteristics that is widely grown in many regions of China. However, studies on the yeast diversity and aroma compound composition of this cultivar remain scarce. Here, indigenous yeast diversity, aroma compound composition, and their dynamic changes during the spontaneous fermentation of ‘Beimei’ were investigated and monitored using high-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The result indicated that non-Saccharomyces yeasts were predominant at the initial stages of ‘Beimei’ spontaneous fermentation and then sharply decreased. Cladosporium herbarum and Hanseniaspora uvarum were identified as the dominant species of filamentous fungi and yeast, respectively, at the beginning and on the first day of fermentation, whereas unclassified_f_Saccharomycetacease was dominant throughout fermentation, starting from the third day until the end of fermentation. The main volatile aroma chemicals were esters and alcohols, which accumulated abundantly at the late stage of fermentation. Taken together, this study represents the first step in exploring untapped yeast species and aroma compounds, which is helpful for the screening of native yeasts from ‘Beimei’ and producing distinctive aroma wines.

Growth yield performance of different hybrid cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis L.) cultivars in Dang, Nepal

Cauliflower is commonly grown in terai and mid-hills during the winter season (September to December), thus known as mid-season cole crop in the context of Nepal. As this cropping period possess favorable environmental condition to grow, and the production cost is comparatively lower and productivity is higher as compared to early and late seasons crop. Farmers are cultivating various hybrid (F1) cultivars to increase the yield and income. Every year, several hybrids are being imported in Nepal and there needs a varietal trial before being recommended at farmer’s field. Thus, this experiment was conducted at horticulture farm of Campus of Live Sciences. Tulsipur, Dang, Nepal for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022 AD) to evaluate the growth and yield attributes of five hybrid cauliflower cultivars. Cultivars viz. Snow Best, Snow Crown, Super White Top, Rami and Damy were treated as treatment and replicated four times in Randomized Complete Block Design. The experiment showed that cultivar Super White Top and Snow Crown had desirable vegetative characteristics, better yield, and higher harvest index as compared to other cultivars. Hence, Super White Top and Snow Crown could be promoted for cultivation in the agro climatic zones related to that of Tulsipur, Dang. Considering the economically important growth and yield attributes Super White Top and Snow Crown were found to be the suitable mid-season hybrid cultivars in Dang condition.

Relationship Between Heterosis and Genetic Distance Determined by SSR Markers in Oriental Tobacco

Hybrid cultivars could be beneficial to achieve high leaf yields while maintaining good quality properties in oriental tobacco. Identification of parents constitutes a major part of a hybrid breeding program. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between the genetic distance of parents determined by simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers and heterosis levels in hybrids produced from those parents for leaf yield and quality properties in oriental tobacco. Twenty-one hybrids produced by half diallel crossing among seven tobacco genotypes used in oriental tobacco production in Turkey were grown along with their parents in three locations in 2012 and 2013. Twenty-nine SSR markers were used to determine genetic distances among seven tobacco genotypes. A total of 80 alleles were produced by all twenty-nine markers. Average number of observed alleles per polymorphic marker was 2.96. Twenty-seven of 80 alleles were observed in only one of the seven parents. The polymorphic information content of markers varied from 0.215 to 0.810 (average 0.480). Mid-parent heterosis levels ranged from 18.03 to 42.00% for leaf number, between -19.75 and 38.06% for leaf width, between -17.51 and 36.25% for leaf length, between -34.38 and 76.12% for leaf yield, between -78.30 and 154.01% for sugar content and between -45.40 and 143.29% for nicotine content. Heterosis levels were correlated with genetic distances between parents for leaf number in Erbaa 2012 and Tokat 2012 locations, for leaf width in Erbaa 2013 location, for leaf length in Erbaa 2013 location, and for leaf yield in Tokat 2012 location only. SSR markers were very effective to determine genetic distance of oriental tobacco, and only two markers could distinguish all seven genotypes used in the study. The findings indicated that genetic distance determined by SSR markers used in the present study is not sufficient to predict hybrid performance in oriental tobacco.

Characterization and functional properties of muskmelon seed meal and oil

Muskmelon seeds, often discarded as waste, are rich sources of protein and healthy oil, making them excellent alternate sources of fat and protein. Muskmelon seeds of hybrid cultivars were assessed for their physico-chemical and functional properties. Fat and protein content of endosperm varied from 38.77–42.74 % and 22.6–35.17 %, respectively. Muskmelon seed oil showed desired characteristics as per WHO norms with high saponification value of 190.28–197.65. Linoleic acid (60.5–65.6 %) and palmitic acid (8.3–9.5 %) were the major constituent of melon seed oil. Defatted muskmelon seed meals (DSMs) contained 36.45–48.12 % proteins and minerals like potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and calcium. The total polyphenol content of the various DSMs ranged from 11.94 to 15.503 mg GAE/g, and the antioxidant activity quantified as IC50 value, ranged from 24.75–32.97 mg/ml. Chloroform and methanol extract of seeds showed anti-proliferative activity, with IC 50 value varied from 75.07–141.3 µg/ml. Solvent retention capacity of defatted seed meals ranged from 60.94 to 104.5 % (water), 86.87–137.39 % (sodium carbonate), 95.09–123.11 % (lactic acid) and 89.27–138 % (sucrose). WAC and OAC varied from 1.64–2.35 g/g and 1.97–2.13 g/g respectively. Solubility of DSMs varied from 20–35 %, maximal at alkaline pH. Likewise, emulsion activity and solubility also followed classic U-shaped curve and were highest at alkaline pH. The study concluded that muskmelon seeds being rich in protein and oil can be unconventional, sustainable, environmentally friendly and vegan sources of high quality protein and PUFA rich oil.

Quality of Castor the Seeds Stored in Different Environments and Type of Packaging

One of the ways to offer high quality seeds to the market is to work on better storage conditions to keep the physiological quality of the seeds high. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of hybrid castor seeds during storage in different environments and packaging in the Cerrado conditions. A completely randomized design with plots subdivided over time was used, with four replications. In the plots the factorial 2x3x7 was designated, being: 2 environments (cold chamber and laboratory environment) and 3 packages (kraft paper, plastic bag and PET bottle) and in the subplots the 7 storage times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months). The castor seeds used were from the hybrid cultivar AG IMA 110204 and were stored in the laboratory of the State University of Goiás, Câmpus Anápolis. The following tests were carried out: water content, germination test, first count, electrical conductivity, length, seedling dry mass and seedling dry mass density. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, the qualitative treatments when significant were compared by the Tukey test, while the quantitative treatments were submitted to the regression analysis. It is recommended to use both a plastic bag and a PET bottle to package AG IMA 110204 hybrid castor seeds during twelve-month storage, both in cold storage and in a laboratory environment.

Adventitious shoot organogenesis from immature leaves of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) cultivar Yuetang 03-373 improving shoot proliferation and industrial scale-up of plants

Adventitious shoot organogenesis from immature leaves of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) cultivar Yuetang 03-373 improving shoot proliferation and industrial scale-up of plants

Optimal nitrogen management for high yield and N use efficiency of ratoon sorghum

Sorghum ratooning, a time and labor-saving cultivation practice, is increasingly being adopted by farmers in Southwest China as an alternative. Efficient N fertilizer management is critical for economical production of sorghum and the long-term protection of the environment. To investigate the impact of N management on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiencies (NUEs) of ratoon sorghum system, a three-year field experiment was conducted for Jinyunuo3 (a hybrid cultivar) and Guojiaohong1 (an inbred cultivar) using 12 combinations of N rates and splitting ratios. The results showed that increasing N rate and splitting application times led to improvements in various growth parameters such as dry matter weight, crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI), and photosynthetic potential (PP). The main, ratoon, and annual yields increased with N rate increase, but there was no significant difference between 225 and 150 kg N ha−1 in the ratoon and annual yields. Splitting the application of N fertilizer enhanced grain yield compared to a single dose application method, especially three-split applications yielded higher than two-split applications. Compared with N rates of 225 and 150 kg ha−1, N rate of 75 kg ha−1 increased apparent recovery rate of applied nitrogen (REN), agronomic efficiency of applied nitrogen (AEN), and partial factor productivity from applied nitrogen (PFPN) in both main season and whole year. But through splitting application methods at high N rates could achieve similar or even higher levels of NUEs compared to all applied as basal fertilizer at low N rates. Therefore, it could be recommended that applying 150 kg N ha−1 with a basal-jointing-heading fertilizer ratio of 2:4:4 represented an efficient N management practice to synchronously obtain high grain yield and NUEs in ratoon sorghum system in Southwest China.

Wine metabolome and sensory analyses demonstrate the oenological potential of novel grapevine genotypes for sustainable viticulture in warm climates.

Genetic breeding is essential to develop grapevine genotypes adapted to warm climates and resistant to pathogens. Traditionally cultivated Vitis vinifera is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Winemakers and consumers, however, perceive wines from non-vinifera or hybrid cultivars as inferior. In this study, sensory analyses and comprehensive metabolite profiling by targeted and untargeted approaches were used to investigate the oenological potential of wines from grapes of genotypes developed throughout four breeding cycles to improve climate adaptation, sugar contents and berry color. Novel genotypes had higher yields and the wines exhibited increased contents of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. Volatile monoterpenes in the wines decreased throughout breeding cycles in the absence of selective pressure. Polyphenol contents were higher in intermediate wines, with hydroxytyrosol contents reaching up to three times reported values. Mouthfeel attributes astringency, leafy taste, flavor and body, and persistency showed significant correlation with untargeted features. Supervised model-based analyses of the metabolome effectively discriminate wines from distinct genetic origins. Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of novel grapevine genotypes to a more sustainable viticulture and quality wine production in warm climates. Comprehensive metabolite profiling of the wines reveals that genotype clustering is dependent on the chemical class and that traits not submitted to selective pressure are also altered by breeding. Supervised multivariate models were effective to predict the genetic origin of the wines based on the metabolic profile, indicating the potential of the technique to identify biomarkers for wines from sustainable genotypes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genome-wide identification of Saccharum Sec14-like PITP gene family reveals that ScSEC14-1 is positively involved in disease resistance

Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) plays an important role in lipid metabolism and plant immune response, however its function is less well-known in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). In this study, 51 SsPITP genes clustered into four groups (I, III, IV, and V), were identified in S. spontaneum. Results showed that expansion of the SsPITP gene family was mainly through whole genome/segmental replication and dispersed replication events, while purification selection was the main driving force for its evolution. Besides, the SsPITP gene family contained cis-regulatory elements related to light, hormone, and stress response in promoter regions. Interestingly, SsPITPs were differentially expressed under Sporisorium scitamineum stress. Furthermore, due to the continuous high expression of SsPITP29 in the sugarcane resistant variety after being infected with S. scitamineum, its homologous gene ScSEC14–1 with 99.69 % amino acid identity was cloned from the sugarcane hybrid cultivar. The results of transient expression in tobacco epidermal cells showed that the ScSEC14–1 protein was localized on the cell membrane and nucleus. Notably, overexpression of ScSEC14–1 increased the expression of phospholipase C genes in transgenic plants by activating the phosphatidylinositol/calcium/MAPK signaling pathways and plant hormone signal transduction, increasing chlorophyll content and catalase activity, reducing malondialdehyde content, thus enhancing disease resistance. This work will help to systematically understand the characteristics of sugarcane Sec14-like PITP gene family and the disease resistance function of the ScSEC14–1.

The name for a well-known crop: Rumex kioviensis, a hybridogenous taxon derived from R. patientia × R. tianschanicus (Polygonaceae)

The new crops developed at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv from the initial artificial interspecific crosses Rumex patientia × R. tianschanicus are variously known in botanical and agricultural literature under the hybrid formula or informal names “Shchavnat”, “Hybrid Dock”, “Rumex K-1”, “Rumex OK-2”, or names of cultivars cv. ‘Kyivskyi Ultra’, cv. ‘Shpinat Uteusha’, cv. ‘Nastavnyk’, etc. A brief overview of the history of development of these cultivars is provided. These robust perennial plants are cultivated at present as spinach greens, fodder, and high-yield biomass producers for bioenergy applications in several European and other countries (Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Romania, etc.). Numerous agricultural, horticultural, and biotechnological publications about these new crops are now available, including various aspects of and data on their biochemistry, physiology, genetics, morphology, propagation, agrotechniques, biomass and biofuel production potential, nutritional value, etc. Also, these hybrid cultivars were reported in several regions of Central Europe as potentially invasive weeds escaped from cultivation. Considering the growing popularity of the Hybrid Dock as a green leaf vegetable, a biomass and biofuel producing crop (among other uses), and a potentially invasive alien, we think that a proper botanical name should be assigned to that taxon. Here it is described as a new hybridogenous species Rumex kioviensis Rakhmetov, A. Mosyakin & Mosyakin. Diagnostic characters distinguishing this new taxon from its parent taxa and other related species are indicated. Some remaining taxonomic and nomenclatural problems regarding Asian taxa related to R. patientia are briefly discussed.

EFFECT OF PACLOBUTRAZOL AND ABSCISIC ACID APPLICATION ON MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CANOLA (Brassica napus L.)

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important non-conventional oilseed crop that can be grown in diverse soil and climatic conditions. However, seed shattering after maturity is a major problem in canola production as it can cause up to 50% yield loss if harvesting is delayed due to adverse conditions. Different agronomic and physiological interventions can be opted to enhance yield stability and shattering resistance in canola. A field study was conducted to analyze the effect of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid on growth and yield attributes of canola. Two canola cultivars Hybrid (45S42) and Inbred Sandal Canola were sown and paclobutrazol and abscisic acid were applied with the dose of 50 mg L-1 and 0.5 mM respectively, alone or in combination. The experiment was laid out under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement having three replications. The results showed that exogenous application of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid alone or in combination posed significant effects on both canola cultivars. The plant height decreased significantly, however, leaf area index, seed weight, number of seeds per silique and number of branches per plant were increased compared with control. Moreover, the combination of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid recorded a higher increase in leaf area index, dry matter accumulation plant yield and number of seeds per pod. The effects of the combined application of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid recorded higher effects compared with their individual application. Between cultivars, the Hybrid cultivar (45S42) recorded better yield as compared to the Inbred Sandal Canola. These results thereby suggest that Hybrid (45S42) cultivar under combined application of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid can be a suitable option for gaining high yield and productivity.

Overexpression of EaALDH7, an aldehyde dehydrogenase gene from Erianthus arundinaceus enhances salinity tolerance in transgenic sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid)

Aldehyde Dehydrogenases (ALDH), a group of enzymes, are associated with the detoxification of aldehydes, produced in plants during abiotic stress conditions. Salinity remains a pivotal abiotic challenge that poses a significant threat to cultivation and yield of sugarcane. In this study, an Aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (EaALDH7) from Erianthus arundinaceus was overexpressed in the commercial sugarcane hybrid cultivar Co 86032. The transgenic lines were evaluated at different NaCl concentrations ranging from 0 mM to 200 mM for various morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters. The control plants, subjected to salinity stress condition, exhibited morphological changes in protoxylem, metaxylem, pericycle and pith whereas the transgenic events were on par with plants under regular irrigation. The overexpressing (OE) lines showed less cell membrane injury and improved photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance than the untransformed control plants under stress conditions. Elevated proline content, higher activity of enzymatic antioxidants such as sodium dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and low level of malondialdehyde MDA and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the transgenic lines. The analysis of EaALDH7 expression revealed a significant upregulation in the transgenic lines compared to that of the untransformed control during salt stress conditions. The current study highlights the potentials of EaALDH7 gene in producing salinity-tolerant sugarcane cultivars.

Vitis rotundifolia Genes Introgressed with RUN1 and RPV1: Poor Recombination and Impact on V. vinifera Berry Transcriptome.

Thanks to several Vitis vinifera backcrosses with an initial V. vinifera L. × V. rotundifolia (previously Muscadinia rotundifolia) interspecific cross, the MrRUN1/MrRPV1 locus (resistance to downy and powdery mildews) was introgressed in genotypes phenotypically close to V. vinifera varieties. To check the consequences of introgressing parts of the V. rotundifolia genome on gene expression during fruit development, we conducted a comparative RNA-seq study on single berries from different V. vinifera cultivars and V. vinifera × V. rotundifolia hybrids, including 'G5' and two derivative microvine lines, 'MV102' (resistant) and 'MV32' (susceptible) segregating for the MrRUN1/RPV1 locus. RNA-Seq profiles were analyzed on a comprehensive set of single berries from the end of the herbaceous plateau to the ripe stage. Pair-end reads were aligned both on V. vinifera PN40024.V4 reference genome, V. rotundifolia cv 'Trayshed' and cv 'Carlos', and to the few resistance genes from the original V. rotundifolia cv '52' parent available at NCBI. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) led to classifying the differentially expressed genes into 15 modules either preferentially correlated with resistance or berry phenology and composition. Resistance positively correlated transcripts predominantly mapped on the 4-5 Mb distal region of V. rotundifolia chromosome 12 beginning with the MrRUN1/MrRPV1 locus, while the negatively correlated ones mapped on the orthologous V. vinifera region, showing this large extremity of LG12 remained recalcitrant to internal recombination during the successive backcrosses. Some constitutively expressed V. rotundifolia genes were also observed at lower densities outside this region. Genes overexpressed in developing berries from resistant accessions, either introgressed from V. rotundifolia or triggered by these in the vinifera genome, spanned various functional groups, encompassing calcium signal transduction, hormone signaling, transcription factors, plant-pathogen-associated interactions, disease resistance proteins, ROS and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. This transcriptomic insight provides a foundation for understanding the disease resistance inherent in these hybrid cultivars and suggests a constitutive expression of NIR NBS LRR triggering calcium signaling. Moreover, these results illustrate the magnitude of transcriptomic changes caused by the introgressed V. rotundifolia background in backcrossed hybrids, on a large number of functions largely exceeding the ones constitutively expressed in single resistant gene transformants.

Influence of crop management on stability rye yield and some grain quality traits

AbstractThe study explored the performance of hybrid and population rye (Secale cereale) cultivars under two different crop management intensities in Poland: moderate‐intensity and high‐intensity management. The focus was grain yield, grain quality, yield components, and variety stability in two growing seasons (2018/2019 and 2019/2020) at three locations. Hybrid cultivars consistently yielded higher grain yields (9.81 t ha−1) than population cultivars (7.90 t ha−1), with increase of 24.9%. However, hybrid cultivars had lower protein content (8.94%) than population cultivars (9.77%). Spike number was the most influential factor on yield, followed by 1000‐grain weight and grains per spike, regardless of cultivar type. Hybrid cultivars displayed a lower degree of stability as assessed using the ranking sum of the Shukla variance and the multi‐trait stability index. Hybrid cultivars were strongly dependent on resistance to fungal diseases, including Septoria (Mycosphaerella graminicola), and increased stability under moderate‐intensity management. Resistance to soil acidification became more important for cultivar stability under high‐intensity management.

A global analysis of the Rubus virome using public transcriptome data

AbstractViruses are the causal agent of some of the most limiting diseases in Rubus crops. In this regard, a detailed knowledge of the Rubus virome is essential for successfully implementing mitigation strategies and assessing the risk of the emergence of novel viral diseases. Fortunately, the widespread use of RNA sequencing to characterize diverse aspects of the biology of Rubus species can also be a valuable source of data on viruses associated with these hosts. Here, we present a meta-analysis of the Rubus virome based on the re-examination of public RNAseq data from nine Rubus species and 23 hybrid cultivars worldwide. As a result, we identified 23 viruses and one viroid associated with the genus Rubus. Detected viruses are part of eleven families and 26 genera. We also provide evidence of a second species in the genus Brambyvirus, and a novel member of the family Virgaviridae. Our data also revealed raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) to be the most prevalent and generalist Rubus virus. With respect to the number of species, the genus Ilarvirus and the family Closteroviridae were the most diverse taxonomic ranks affecting Rubus. Network analysis revealed distinct Rubus viromes in different countries and analysis of coinfections revealed three main viral communities infecting these plant species across the world. We also provide information on virus variants from new locations worldwide and data on potential emergent viruses from other plant hosts.