Production Of Hybrids Research Articles

Additional Advantages for Agronomic Performance and Fruit Quality in Tomato Hybrids of the Saladette Type Derived from a Dwarf Male Parent

Tomatoes have tremendous economic, social, and nutritional importance. Among the various types of tomatoes, the Saladette/Italian stands out as an important cultivar for both fresh consumption and industrial processing. The production of this vegetable requires investments exceeding USD 30,000.00. Strategies that increase productivity to offset these costs are fundamental. One proposal to increase yield potential in tomato is the production of new hybrids using dwarf male parents as donors through an organized backcross breeding scheme. The present study, therefore, evaluated possible improvements in the agronomic performance and fruit quality of Saladette hybrids obtained from crosses between normal and dwarf inbred lines. Seventeen tomato hybrids obtained from three backcrosses (BC1, BC2, and BC3) and two commercial cultivars as a control (cv. Bento and Vivacy) were evaluated. The data were analyzed using the Scott–Knott test, and artificial neural networks were used to study the dissimilarities among the hybrids. The hybrids obtained from the dwarf male parent exhibited morphological changes in the plants, including a reduction in internodes, a greater number of bunches per linear meter of plant, and biofortification of the fruits. Notably, from the second backcross onwards, increases in fruit productivity and quality were observed when creating hybrid combinations from dwarf male parents.

Combining Ability and Heterosis Analysis in Maize: Insights from Line × Tester Hybridization

Fifty hybrids were obtained by crossing twenty five lines with two testers and were evaluated to study heterosis and combining ability for kernel yield per plant and its components traits. The experiment was laid out in simple lattice design with two replications during kharif 2019 at Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. Heterosis studies revealed that twelve out of fifty crosses exhibited significant positive heterosis over the mid-parent, five crosses showed significant positive heterosis over the better parent and one cross exhibited significant positive heterosis over the standard check, DHM117, for kernel yield per plant. The cross PDM1732 × BML6 recorded significant heterosis over mid parent, better parent and standard check in desirable direction for kernel yield per plant. Out of the 25 lines evaluated in the present investigation, the line PDM1733 for protein content and kernel yield per plant was found to be good general combiner in desirable direction and can be utilized as parent for production of good hybrids by crossing with other divergent lines and can also be employed in the development of synthetic varieties. None of the fifty crosses recorded significant sca effect for kernel yield per plant.

Growth Rate and Production of Hybrid and Local Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Response to Various Doses of Nitrogen Fertilization

Corn (Zea mays L.) is a strategic commodity after rice so that the productivity need to be optimize through nitrogen fertilization. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of various doses of urea fertilizer on the growth rate and yield of hybrid corn and local corn. This research was conducted from June to October 2022 on the pilot land of the Agricultural Training Center (Bapeltan), Hajimena, Bandar Lampung. The factorial experiment (5x2) was arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The first factor is urea fertilizer doses, namely: 200 kg/ha (N1), 250 kg/ha (N2), 300 kg/ha (N3), 350 kg/ha (N4) and 400 kg/ha (N5), while other fertilizers were given to all experimental plots in the same rate (150 SP-36 kg/ha and 100 kg KCl kg/ha). The second factor is the corn variety, included V1 (BISI-18) and V2 (Tongkol Merah) varieties. The results showed that increasing dose of urea from 200 to 400 kg/ha was not able to increase the growth rate of both corn varieties. The productivity of the BISI-18 corn variety is higher than that of the Tongkol Merah as indicated by the wet weight of the cobs (g), the dry weight of grains per plot (g), and the yield of corn dry grains (tons/ha). The yield of dry corn seeds for the BISI-18 corn variety was 11.7 tons/ha, while for the Tongkol Merah variety was 9.44 tons/ha. Keywords: Fertilizer dosage, Hybrid corn, Local corn, Nitrogen use efficiency, Yield.

Estimation of corn hybrids of different early maturity by fodder productivity in the conditions of the forest-meadow zone of the Middle Urals

The paper presents the results of assessing the feed productivity of various ultra-early and early-maturing corn hybrids created by the All-Russian Research Institute of Corn. In the Sverdlovsk region, 12 corn hybrids with FAO 140–180 were studied in 2019–2023. The soil of the research site is dark gray, forest, slightly podzolized, heavy loamy. On average, over 5 years, the highest dry matter content is 32.4… 36.1 % were recorded in the FAO 140–150 group, among which hybrids K 140 (35.0 %) and Mashuk 140 (36.1 %) stand out. In the FAO 140 group (K 140, Nur), the starch content in dry matter reached a maximum of 31.1… 30.4 per cent, while for FAO 180 (Sheehan) it was only 24.7 per cent. The maximum productivity on average over the years of research was observed in hybrids FAO 170–180 Mashuk 172 and Shihan (34.8 t/ha). The minimum for hybrids FAO 140 K 140 (26.3 t/ha) and Mashuk 140 (26.5 t/ha). Against the background of heat deficit (2019), the maximum productivity was in the FAO 140–150 groups: K 140 (3.88 t/ha), Nur (4.03 t/ha), Mashuk 140 (3.99 t/ha), K 150 (4.11 t/ha). In terms of the collection of the target component – starch, the highest productivity on average for 5 years was shown by hybrids of the FAO 140–150 group: Nur (2.93 t/ha), K 150 (2.81 t/ha) and Mashuk 140 (2.68 t/ha). It has been established that that in the conditions of the Middle Urals, from the set of hybrids bred by the All-Russian Research Institute of Corn, the highest fodder productivity is – K 140, Nur, Mashuk 140, K 150.

Interspecific hybridization and cell engineering of lettuce (Lactuca L.)

Lactuca sativa L. is a leafy vegetable crop of the Asteraceae family, widely cultivated throughout the world. The main breeding trends for lettuce include higher yields, better taste quality, earliness, and resistance to abiotic and biotic stressors. Some wild Lactuca spp. have actively been employed by lettuce breeders as donors of resistance to various diseases. Conventional and biotechnological breeding methods are both currently used to develop new lettuce cultivars. This is an overview of the main advances in the production of interspecific Lactuca hybrids, including the use of cell and tissue culture techniques, and genetic engineering. Studying artificial hybridization and natural populations makes it possible to identify evolutionary relationships among various Lactuca spp. Somatic hybridization is an overlooked but promising technology in Lactuca breeding: it allows a breeder to obtain a wider range of variations, and is beyond the strict control by GMO laws. This technique faces problems associated with complicated protoplast regeneration and the loss of reproductive ability in hybrids. Genome-editing methods are more effective and better controllable, but society is still wary of any interference with the plant genome and legally regulates the sale of GM products as food. Thus, researchers are challenged with the task to improve these techniques.

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.

Hybrid product branding strategies for brand value creation – combining and comparing green product innovations, limited editions and co-branding

Hybrid product branding strategies for brand value creation – combining and comparing green product innovations, limited editions and co-branding

Identification of stable restorers and high-yielding hybrids using diverse sorghum male sterile cytoplasmic sources and established pollen parents under different water regimes

Sorghum hybrids demonstrated increased productivity and helped offset the decreasing cultivated areas, particularly in Asia. The diversity in cytoplasmic male sterility systems, stability of restorers and high yield of sorghum is an important factor for achieving food security and sustainability. In sorghum, hybrid production has been limited to A1 cytoplasmic source to date, primarily due to limited number of restorers on other cytoplasmic sources. This work aimed at filling this gap through diversifying and assessing the producibility and stability of cytoplasmic backgrounds across environments, evaluating the stability of restorers across cytoplasms and environments, and evaluating the performance of the hybrid F1 products under different water regimes across cropping seasons. The effects of genotypes and interactions between the genotypes and the tested environments were shown visually using GGE biplot, which also categorized the genotypes based on performance per se and stability. Analysis of variance revealed significant (P< 0.001) differences between genotypes, environments and their interaction components for all the plant characteristics studied. The various GGE biplot patterns revealed that the restorers G4 (IS 33844-5), G5 (M 35-1-19), G8 (ICSV 15014), and G10 (ICSR 13009) were stable across environments and cytoplasms. We observed the following order of superiority in cytoplasmic restoration and seed producibility, A2 >A1>A3 >A4. The A2 cytoplasm can therefore reliably offer seed producibility advantage to commercial seed producers. Furthermore, the which-won–where model for hybrid grain yield revealed specific adaptations of hybrid genotypes G143, G195 and G215 to first mega environment (E1 and E3), whereas G167, G110, and G112 were adapted to the second mega-environment (E2 and E4). With a GGE biplot goodness of fit of 70% the best possible yield- and stability-based ranking of hybrid genotypes was G143, G215, G189, G200, G69, G162, G119, G54, and G81. The newly uncovered hybrid products should therefore be considered for downstream testing stages and candidates for release and commercial cultivation. Clearly, this work resulted in novel findings particularly in terms of seed producibility, universal restorers across the 4 cytoplasms and environments, and superior and stable hybrid products, all of which are expected to add value to conventional and heterosis breeding in the process of sorghum cultivar development.

A conical spiral methanol steam reforming reactor for spectral splitting-based concentrating photovoltaic-thermochemical hybrid production

The spectral beam splitting (SBS) photovoltaic-thermochemical hybrid system improves the solar thermal energy grade through photon energy cascade distribution and methanol steam reforming (MSR) reaction. Given the deficiency of MSR reactor development for dish-concentrating SBS systems, the conical spiral structure is introduced to the receiver/reactor in this work, thus facilitating efficient absorption of circular beams and ameliorating the adaptability of the production. Based on specially designed spectral beam splitter, the Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) method is employed to simulate the non-imaging optical process and optimized reflective cone structure. Thermodynamics and kinetic models of the reactor are established and experimentally validated. The analysis results show that the reflective cone advances the optical efficiency of the reactor to 76.95%, and the conical spiral structure helps to enhance heat and mass transfer for utilization of the catalytic space. The mid/low-temperature reaction prefers a solution flow rate of less than 1.53 mL·s-1 and a water-methanol ratio of 1.4-1.9, with the maximum solar thermochemical conversion rate of 54.5%. Moreover, the upgrading in photothermal and photovoltaic heat exceeds respectively 0.62 and 8.97 at less than 600 W·m-2 of irradiation, demonstrating the adaptive potential of the reactor. In summary, the research results contribute to broadening the operating conditions of the hybrid production and the full-spectrum penetration of solar energy in distributed scenarios.

From waste to wealth: sustainable approaches and novel strategies in the utilisation of food and dairy by‐products – a critical review

SummaryThe correct application of by‐products produced in the food and dairy industries is essential for attaining sustainability goals and minimising waste. By‐products, which used to be viewed as throwaway materials, have lately been recognised as valuable sources. By‐products can have significant nutritional, physiological and economic value. This paper addresses the novel techniques and technologies that have been employed to successfully transform these by‐products into products with value‐added hybrid products; there are also some instances of success mentioned, as well as the trends that will likely have an impact on the sector in the coming years. Through case studies and scientific insights, the reader may discover how businesses and society as a whole can benefit from using by‐products. Overall, the goal of this endeavour is to demonstrate the transformative potential of using food and dairy by‐products and to serve as an avenue of encouragement and knowledge for researchers, business executives and policymakers interested in increasing the value of by‐products in the food and dairy sectors. Despite the fact that there are a few articles on the utilisation of food and dairy by‐products, none of them have employed bibliometric analysis to reach insights. The present study is an exemplary instance of looking into the evolution of publication patterns over time, suggesting the need for additional research in this area.

Near-stop in spermatogonia progression and reduced sperm motility in two testis forms of captive North African catfish in Kalasin, Thailand

North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is integral to aquaculture, particularly in hybrid production with bighead catfish (Clarias macrocephalus). Recent declines in their production output have been linked to the quality of the parental sperm. This study aimed to evaluate the state of spermatogenesis in two morphological testis forms, normal white testes (CGA_A) and black-brown testes (CGA_B), in captive populations to understand their differences in the cytological processes of spermatogenesis and impact on sperm quality and fertility. We performed computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), meiotic chromosome analysis, gene expression profiling, histological examination, and identification of apoptotic cells using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Additionally, microsatellite genotyping was conducted to assess genetic diversity of the populations, showing that similar gene pool patterns were observed between the two populations with the CGA_A and the CGA_B testes. The average sperm motility was 11.15 %. Histologically, the CGA_A testes predominantly contained spermatozoa. By contrast, the CGA_B testes, characterized by black-brown color and harder texture, were composed mainly of spermatocytes and exhibited a higher incidence of apoptotic spermatogonia. Additionally, the CGA_B testes displayed reduced expression of genes essential for normal testicular development. Notably, the CGA_A testes showed significantly higher expression of GtH I, GtH II, Dazl, and Cxcr4b genes and lower levels of Caspase-3 and p53 (p < 0.05). The selective removal of deficient spermatogonia through early apoptosis in CGA_B testes suggest a mechanism contributing to male infertility due to imbalances between the number of germ cells and Sertoli cells. Despite the use of CGA_A testis for fertilization, a hatching rate in the captive populations was 36.43 % over the last three years (2021−2023), substantially lower than that previously reported, indicating the presence of genetic and environmental factors that influence reproductive success in North African catfish. Differences in spermatogenesis between testis forms highlight the need for genetic and environmental strategies to enhance reproductive outcomes in aquaculture.

THE STUDY OF MAIZE HYBRIDS (ZEA MAYS SPECIES L.) IN DIMAL MUNICIPALITY, BERAT

Maize is one of the most important crops in world agriculture and has a very important place in the planted area. It is cultivated for various purposes: Bread, Livestock (silage), the beer industry, the oil industry, and for bioenergy. More than five hundred different food items, dishes and drinks are produced from the maize plant. The production of hybrid seed has greatly influenced the increase in the yield of maize, both for grain and forage mass. For the conditions of Albania, the study of maize hybrids is very important, since the hybrid seed is imported and not produced in the country. The experiment involved eleven hybrids imported by the companies: ARLI International and Huqi, which respectively import from Zemun Polje and from Dekalb and KWS. Eleven hybrids were included in the study, namely: 477, 6263, 388, 735, 606, 555, 5601, 707, 666,553 B from Zemun Polje and Kulmos from KWS, Germany. The experiment was set up according to a randomized block design with eleven variants and four replications. Ten plants were determined for each replicate and variant on which biometric measurements and production indicators were made. The data was subjected to mathematical data processing to determine the best hybrid, which is adapted to the conditions of the area and gives the highest yield.

Integrated cytological, physiological, and comparative transcriptome profiling reveals the regulatory network for male sterility in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.)

Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is a specialty crop with value as a vegetable, condiment, and medicine. However, the molecular mechanisms related to pollen abortion and cytoplasmic male sterility are poorly understood, limiting the heterosis utilization and hybrid production of A. fistulosum. This study investigated the dynamic differences between male-sterile (MS) plants and male-fertile (MF) plants at different anther developmental stages based on integrated cytological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses. Cytological observations revealed that pollen abortion in the MS plants began during the tetrad stage and was caused by vacuolated microspores, abnormal degradation of the tapetum, and inadequate nutrient supply. The physiological results showed that MS plants exhibited low total soluble sugar and starch contents and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase and catalase). Comparative transcriptome analysis identified 7005 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functional enrichment analysis indicated that significant transcriptomic differences were related to oxidative phosphorylation, starch and sucrose metabolism, and cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis. The relative expression levels of key DEGs in these three important metabolic pathways were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. On this basis, a core transcriptome-mediated MS network was proposed for MS plants with four functional components: inhibited sucrose synthesis and transport; blocked cutin, suberine, and wax synthesis; accelerated reactive oxygen species generation; and abnormal tapetal programmed cell death. These results provide theoretical guidance for further exploring the molecular mechanisms of male sterility in A. fistulosum.

Autochthonous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania tropica, Identified by Using Whole-Genome Sequencing, Sri Lanka.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is atypical in Sri Lanka because Leishmania donovani, which typically causes visceral disease, is the causative agent. The origins of recently described hybrids between L. donovani and other Leishmania spp. usually responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis remain unknown. Other endemic dermotropic Leishmania spp. have not been reported in Sri Lanka. Genome analysis of 27 clinical isolates from Sri Lanka and 32 Old World Leishmania spp. strains found 8 patient isolates clustered with L. tropica and 19 with L. donovani. The L. tropica isolates from Sri Lanka shared markers with strain LtK26 reported decades ago in India, indicating they were not products of recent interspecies hybridization. Because L. tropica was isolated from patients with leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka, our findings indicate L. donovani is not the only cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka and potentially explains a haplotype that led to interspecies dermotropic L. donovani hybrids.

Liposomal fusion of plant-based extracellular vesicles to enhance skin anti-inflammation

This study reports a hybrid extracellular vesicle (EV)/liposome system developed through vesicular membrane fusion between anti-inflammatory Hydrangea macrophylla leaf EVs (HML-EVs) and terpinen-4-ol/azelamide monoethanolamine-loaded liposomes. Successful liposomal fusion between HML-EVs and terpinen-4-ol/azelamide monoethanolamine-loaded-liposome membranes, confirmed using the two-color fluorescence resonance energy transfer mechanism, enabled the scaled production of a stable hybrid HML-EV/liposome dispersion at a length scale of 100–200 nm. We show that the hybrid EV/liposome significantly inhibits apoptosis by nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α production. Furthermore, HML-EV/liposomes can inhibit the synthesis of protease-activated receptor-2, interleukin-6, c-Jun, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, thus exhibiting anti-inflammatory performance. These findings highlight that the hybrid EV/liposome system established in this study alleviates skin irritation and improves skin anti-inflammation.

Продуктивность подсолнечника в зависимости от основной обработки почвы и агрохимикатов

In modern conditions the most effective way to increase the gross production of sunflower oilseeds is the selection of the most productive hybrids and realisation of their potential productivity by improving sunflower cultivation technology for specific soil and climatic conditions of the zone. Therefore, this topic is certainly relevant. Field experience was conducted on the experimental field of LLC ‘Kolos’ Mikhailovsky district of Volgograd region in 2020-2023. The main purpose of the research was to determine the optimal methods of basic cultivation, as well as a comprehensive assessment of the productivity of sunflower hybrids for the subzone of dark chestnut soils of the Volgograd region. On average for 2021-2023 years, the lowest photosynthetic potential of sunflower Suzuka was formed on the variant of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m without the use of leaf fertilisers with microfertilisers and was equal to 1062 thousand m2 day/ha. The lowest photosynthetic potential of sunflower Suzuka was formed on the variant of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m without the application of leaf fertilisers with microfertilisers and was equal to 1062 thousand m2 day/ha. The highest photosynthetic potential of 1755 thousand m2 day/ha was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of fertiliser Fulvigrain. The lowest biological yield on average for 2021-2023 years was formed on the variant of shallow disc cultivation without application of leaf fertiliser and was 2.04 t/ha. The highest biological yield was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of fertiliser Fulvigrain and was 3.02 t/ha.The lowest economic yield on average for 2021-2023 years was formed on the variant of shallow disc cultivation without application of leaf fertiliser and was 1.94 t/ha.On the variant with application of fertiliser Aidamin economic yield was 0.13 t/ha higher.In the variant with application of Fulvigrain fertiliser the economic yield was 0.21 t/ha more compared to the control variant.On variants of flat-cutting tillage at a depth of 0.25-0.27 m economic yield in comparison with variants on the background of disc tillage at a depth of 0.18-0.20 m was 0.48-0.63 t/ha more.The highest economic yield was formed on the variant of ploughing to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m with the application of Fulvigrain fertiliser and was 2.88 t/ha.

Grain productivity and nutrient accumulation in millet straw grown in the off-season

Given the growing demand for grains cultivation in the off-season, an experiment was conducted to evaluate grain yield and nutrient accumulation in straw, straw production, and decomposition of pearl millet varieties and hybrids cultivated at different sowing times in off-season in the municipality of Rio Verde, state of Goiás. This was a randomized block experimental design, with four replications and four planting times. The work was carried out on an Oxisol, using two forage varieties, ADR300 and ADR500, the dual-purpose pearl millet hybrid ADR8010 for grain and biomass production, and two grain hybrids, ADR9010 and ADR 9020. The accumulation of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur) was quantified in the straw at grain harvest. Hybrids ADR 9010 and ADR 9020 had the highest grain yield in the first season, with 2,626 and 2,425 kg ha-1, respectively, while the ADR 9010 hybrid showed the highest accumulation of macronutrients (except phosphorus) in the straw. Hybrid ADR 9010 is the best option for planting in the off-season with the objective of grain production, with high biomass production and accumulation of nutrients in the straw.

Gene action and hybrid vigour for yield, yield components and tolerance to the Two-Spotted Spider mite in summer squash

An investigation was conducted at Kaha Vegetable Research Farm in the Kaliobia Governorate from 2021 to 2023 with an aim to evaluate the performance of six inbred lines of summer squash and their fifteen crosses in both open field and plastic greenhouse conditions. The study spanned two successive summer seasons (2022 and 2023) and focused on assessing horticultural traits and resistance levels to the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Significant variations were observed in the mean performance of all traits among different genotypes. Analysis revealed significant differences in both general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities for all studied traits, except for the number of days to anthesis of the first female flower, indicating the presence of both additive and non-additive gene effects in traits inheritance. In the plastic greenhouse, genotype P3 exhibited the highest resistance with an average of 10.6 mites per 2 inches², while the cross P2 × P6 showed tolerance with an average of 4.4 mites per 2 inches². This study highlights the potential of new summer squash hybrids with desirable horticultural traits and resistance to the two-spotted spider mite. Additionally, parent 222/2 (P1) demonstrated the best combining ability for all traits, while parents 264 (P5) and 240/3 (P4) were the most effective combiners for total yield. Breeders may leverage these parents for genetic enhancement and the production of hybrids with superior horticultural qualities. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for researchers, breeders and farmers involved in the cultivation, breeding and utilization of summer squash in Egypt.

Stigma and Glume Characteristics Synergistically Determine the Stigma Exsertion Rate in Thermo-Photo-Sensitive Genic Male Sterile Wheat.

Wheat hybrids have been widely demonstrated to have remarkable heterosis or hybrid vigor in increasing yield potential and stability since the 1960s. Two-line hybrid wheat can achieve higher yields than local varieties, especially in marginal environments. However, the commercial application of hybrid wheat is hindered by higher seed costs, primarily due to lower yields in hybrid seed production. Stigma exsertion has been verified as a decisive factor in increasing rice's hybrid seed yield, but more investigation is needed in hybrid wheat breeding and production. In this study, four thermo-photo-sensitive genic male sterile lines, including K41S, K64S, K66S, and K68S, with different stigma exsertion rates (SERs) were used to compare the differences in floral architecture relative to stigma exsertion over two growing seasons. The results revealed that the K41S and K64S exhibited a relatively higher SER at 21.87% and 22.81%, respectively. No exserted stigma was observed in K66S, and K68S had an SER of only 0.82%. This study found that the stigma length, glume width and the length-width ratio of the glume were significantly correlated with the SER, with correlation coefficients of 0.46, -0.46 and 0.60, respectively. Other stigma features such as the branch angle, stretch width and hairbrush length, as well as the glume length, also had a weakly positive correlation with SER (r = 0.09-0.27). For K41S and K64S, the SER was significantly affected by the differences in the stigma branch angle and stigma stretch width among florets. A cross-pollination survey showed that the out-crossing ability of florets with an exserted stigma was about three times as high as that of florets with a non-exserted stigma. As a result, the stigma-exserted florets that accounted for 21.87% and 22.81% of the total florets in K41S and K64S produced 46.80% and 48.53% of the total cross-pollinated seeds in both sterile lines. These findings suggest that a longer stigma combined with a slender glume appears to be the essential floral feature of stigma exsertion in sterile wheat lines. It is expected that breeding and utilizing sterile lines with a higher SER would be a promising solution to cost-effective hybrid wheat seed production.

The ‘meathybrid’ concept: bridging the gap between texture, taste, sustainability and nutrition

SummaryPositioned midway between traditional meat and plant‐based options, hybrid alternatives cater to a broader consumer category due to the intersection of flavours, textures and ethical considerations. This review aims to provide a current landscape and forthcoming challenges of hybrid options, exploring their formulation, processing, distinctive features, consumer acceptance and sustainability aspects. Even though there is no standard definition of the ‘meathybrid concept’, scientists and industrials explored different ingredients including purified proteins or whole vegetables/grains/seeds to formulate palatable hybrid products maintaining comparable sensory features to meat. Consumers' attraction to hybrid meat products is mostly related to taste, sustainability and nutritional aspects. Future challenges for hybrid options may include optimising production scalability, ensuring consistent quality and taste and effectively communicating the benefits of hybrid products to diverse consumer segments. Additionally, ongoing research and development efforts will be crucial in enhancing hybrid alternatives' sensory attributes, nutritional profiles and environmental sustainability.