ISSR Primers Research Articles

Morpho-Molecular Genetic Diversity Analysis of Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense) using Yield Attributing Traits and ISSR Markers to Evaluate its Performance as a Summer Crop

The knowledge of genetic diversity among the genotypes and its relationship plays a vital role for genetic improvement in crop breeding programs. The present study was conducted to assess the performance of 18 little millet genotypes in local conditions of Bihar and analyze the genetic diversity by using morphological traits and 16 ISSR markers. The field experiment was conducted in RBD design in the month of April 2020, to evaluate the performance of the plant as a summer crop. ANOVA analysis revealed the presence of substantial amount of variability among 18 genotypes. The maximum mean sum of square values was recorded for plant height followed by flag leaf length within the genotypes. The descriptive statistical analysis showed that plant height followed by length of flag leaf contributed the most towards the divergence. A total of 117 alleles including 43 unique alleles and 74 shared alleles were obtained by amplification with ISSR primers. All the primers were highly polymorphic and produced amplified product with a size ranged between 354-2315 bp. The primers UBC 807 followed by HB 10 and UBC 814 were found to be the most effective in detecting genetic diversity. The dendrogram based on Dice’s similarities coefficient, grouped the genotypes into five clusters. The genotypes WV-168 and WV-115 followed by WV-122 and WV-124 were found to have greatest variability. The present study identified genotypes which can be grown as summer crops. The diversified genotypes among the population were also identified, which could be utilized as parents for breeding program.

Comparative analysis of genetic polymorphism in <i>Rhaponticum carthamoides</i> (Asteraceae) populations by ISSR markers in the Altai Republic

Background. Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin (Asteraceae) is a rare species for the Altai Republic (AR). The purpose of this study was to characterize the genetic polymorphism of Rhaponticum carthamoides at the inter- and intrapopulation level in a comparative analysis for subsequent selection of seed samples from the genetically most heterogeneous natural populations of the AR for practical purposes. Materials and methods. The species was studied for ISSR variability in five habitats in the AR. DNA from dried leaves of R. carthamoides was isolated using the STAB method. For testing seventeen ISSR primers were used, seven of which were selected as most informative ones. Results and conclusion. The analysis showed that individual plants from five cenopopulations (CP) were distributed into three groups of similarity on the dendrogram. A separate clade was formed by plant samples from two CPs of the Katun Nature Reserve (KNR). Samples of one of those CPs grew on well-warmed southern slopes and exhibited a higher genetic heterogeneity than the others. The highest intrapopulation and interpopulation similarity in the distribution of DNA fragments was also found in two CPs from habitats with the smallest geographic distance from each other. Representatives of a separate population, least in size and number of individuals in the KNR, showed a high level of similarity in the distribution of DNA fragments. Significantly lower coefficients of genetic similarity with other CPs were found in plants from a small isolated CP from the Shavlinsky Protected Area. It can be assumed that one of the main reasons for the least genetic similarity of this population with others is its location in the immediate vicinity of the foothill at the pass to Achik (Ongudaysky District; absolute height: 2300 masl). This location can be a limiting factor for the exchange of genetic information with individuals from other populations.

A new species of Saxifraga (Saxifragaceae) from northeastern Anatolia, Turkey

Saxifraga kavrunensis, a new species endemic to Turkey, is described and illustrated. Samples from its natural population were collected from the Kaçkar Mountains in Rize Province. Although it has similar features to S. paniculata subsp. paniculata, it differs in its longer multi-flowered stem and maroon-spotted corolla. In this study, the diagnostic characteristics of S. kavrunensis were elucidated at the morphological, micromorphological and molecular level. In the molecular-based phylogenetic analyses, S. kavrunensis was compared with S. paniculata subsp. paniculata, to which it bears the closest morphological resemblance. After PCR analyses, reproductive band profiles were obtained from three of the eighteen ISSR primers tested. The 66 polymorphic band profiles, ranging from 230 bp to 4000 bp, were obtained from the agarose gel electrophoresis images of these three primers. According to a distance matrix based on the Jaccard coefficient, significant variation was detected at the species level, with indices varying between 0.395 and 0.614 between both species.

Investigation of genetic diversity of Iranian wild relatives of bread wheat using ISSR and SSR markers

BackgroundWild relatives of wheat are one of the most important genetic resources to use in wheat breeding programs. Therefore, identifying wild relatives of wheat and being aware of their diversity, is undeniably effective in expanding the richness of the gene pool and the genetic base of new cultivars and can be a useful tool for breeders in the future. The present study was performed to evaluate the molecular diversity among 49 accessions of the genera Aegilops and Triticum in the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran using two DNA-based markers, i.e., SSR and ISSR. Also, the present study aimed to examine the relationships among the accessions studied belonging to different genetic backgrounds. ResultsTen SSR and tan ISSR primers produced 2065 and 1524 polymorphism bands, respectively. The number of Polymorphic Bands (NPB), the Polymorphism Information Content (PIC), Marker Index (MI), and Resolving Power (Rp) in SSR marker was 162 to 317, 0.830 to 0.919, 1.326 to 3.167, and 3.169 to 5.692, respectively, and in the ISSR marker, it was from 103 to 185, 0.377 to 0.441, 0.660 to 1.151, and 3.169 to 5.693, respectively. This indicates the efficiency of both markers in detecting polymorphism among the accessions studied. The ISSR marker had a higher polymorphism rate, MI, and Rp than the SSR marker. Molecular analysis of variance for both DNA-based markers showed that the genetic variation within the species was more than the genetic diversity between them. The high level of genomic diversity discovered in the Aegilops and Triticum species proved to provide an ideal gene pool for discovering genes useful for wheat breeding. The accessions were classified into eight groups based on SSR and ISSR markers using the UPGMA method of cluster analysis. According to the cluster analysis results, despite similarities between the accessions of a given province, in most cases, the geographical pattern was not in accordance with that observed using the molecular clustering. Based on the coordinate analysis, neighboring groups showed the maximum similarities, and distant ones revealed the maximum genetic distance from each other. The genetic structure analysis successfully separated accessions for their ploidy levels. ConclusionsBoth markers provided a comprehensive model of genetic diversity between Iranian accessions of Aegilops and Triticum genera. Primers used in the present study were effective, informative, and genome-specific which could be used in genome explanatory experiments.

Morphological, Physicochemical, and Molecular Evaluation of Twenty-Three Date Palm Males Growing in Aswan Governorate

An essential element of date palm production is the pollen source. The present study was conducted during two successive seasons of 2020 and 2021 to evaluate some males of Aswan date palm. Herein, morphological, physicochemical, and molecular characteristics of 23 date palm males were evaluated to determine the most superior and promising males for pollinating the female ‘Bartamoda’ cultivar. It is obvious that ‘Male No. 22’, recorded almost the highest value for morphological characteristics, pollen viability, crude protein, total amino acids, and mineral content. In contrast, ‘Male No. 5’, showed the lowest content of crude protein, total amino acids, and mineral content compared to the other males that were grown in the rest of the locations in Aswan government. All ISSR primers were highly polymorphic, with a value of 100%, highlighting the necessity of employing such primers when investigating date palm diversification. Two unique bands were among the 43 total bands that were produced. The genetic coefficients with a mean of 61.5% and the first two primary axes were able to explain roughly 52.30% of the genetic variance across the genotypes of date palms. Those results suggested that all genotypes tested are efficient for the fertilization of ‘Bartamoda’ inflorescences and can be used as pollinizer in commercial orchards of this cultivar.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability within a Collection of Cumin Genotypes Using RAPD, ISSR, SRAP and SCoT Markers and Variability of In Vitro Callus Induced Therefrom

The availability of adequate information about the documentation and characterization of germplasm is fundamental for any crop improvement program. The importance of cumin as a medicinal plant yet the lack of information about its genetic variability encouraged us to initiate the current study aiming at assessing the genetic variability among 17 cumin genotypes from different geographical regions using four molecular markers (RAPD, ISSR, SRAP and SCoT). Further, the potential of six accessions to induce callus was studied under in vitro conditions on MS and B5 basal media supplemented with various combinations between 2,4-D and kinetin. Our findings showed that combining 87 primers, including 42, 15, 7 and 23 primers of RAPD, ISSR, SCoT and SRAP, respectively, facilitated detecting the relationship among the assessed cumin accessions. A total number of 765 bands were analyzed, among which only 74 bands were polymorphic. The polymorphism was low (9.67%) and varied among and within markers. The SCoT markers exposed the highest average values of polymorphism information content (0.06), resolving power (0.91) and diversity index (0.08), while ISSR induced the highest expected heterozygosity (0.06) and marker index (0.08). The UPGMA dendrogram based on data from all the molecular markers separated the genotypes into three main clusters, with a partial geographic-based relationship among the genotypes. Out of the six accessions evaluated for callus induction in vitro, five were potent to induce callus, with a frequency ranging from 90.4 to 97.5% and no significant differences among the five accessions tested using ANOVA. Two medium combinations showed superior results: MS amended with 2,4-D (4.44 mg/L) + Kin (0.22 mg/L) and B5 with 2,4-D (8.88 mg/L) + Kin (0.22 mg/L). Statistically significant variations in the relative growth rate of the produced callus were detected among accessions, where EG-4 accessions induced the highest values, followed by EG-5. All medium combinations, including 2,4-D alone, exhibited significant superiority compared with those including both 2,4-D and Kin. Our findings exposed low variability among the studied cumin accessions, implying the real need for more effort to assess wider populations from different geographic regions together with the need for reliable diversification programs.

Molecular Identification and Genetic Diversity of Alternaria Isolates Causing Leaf Spot Disease in Cotton from Major Cotton Growing Areas of South Zone of India

Background: Alternaria leaf spot caused by two species namely Alternaria macrospora and Alternaria alternata is an important foliar disease of cotton. Conidial morphology showed that most of the isolates in the study belonged to A. macrospora. Molecular confirmation is necessary to strengthen the identification of species in Alternaria. Genetic diversity study of Alternaria isolates using ISSR and hyper variable SSR primers will provide variation and grouping among the isolates collected from major areas of South Zone of India. Present study was conducted to identify Alternaria isolates at species level using molecular methods (species specific primers) and genetic diversity analysis using ITS, SSR and ISSR primers. Methods: Reported species-specific primers such as AmF and AmR as well as AaF2 and AaF3 were used for Alternaria species identification. ITS region was amplified through ITS1 and ITS4 and sequences were used for identification and clustering of isolates. Thirteen hyper variable SSR primers specific to Alternaria were designed based on the sequences retrieved from NCBI and used for diversity study. Six different ISSR primers were also used for genetic diversity study. Result: Reported species-specific primers found not suitable to identify A. macrospora and A. alternata at species level. Two SSR primers were found to be effective in showing variability among the isolates. Six clusters were formed at 71 percent genetic dissimilarity among 15 isolates of Alternaria through ISSR primers. Five clusters were formed in ITS sequence’s diversity analysis. Blasting of ITS sequences of 15 selected isolates at NCBI showed that all belong to A. alternata. This was due to absence or presence of very few sequences of A. macrospora in NCBI database itself. Further house-keeping genes like Alt a1, Plasma membrane ATPase, GAPDH and TEF -1 α sequence analysis will be useful for confirmation of A. macrospora at species level.

Evaluating the effect of gamma rays on Zamiifolia (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) plant in vitro and genetic diversity of the resulting genotypes using the ISSR marker

Zamiifolia (Zamioculcas sp.) is a perennial plant in the Araceae family and one of the new apartment plants in the world. In this study, in order to increase the effectiveness of the breeding program, tissue culture technique and explants of leaf parts were used. The results indicated that 2,4-D (1 mg/l) and BA (2 mg/l) hormones affected positively and significantly callus formation and simultaneous application of NAA and BA (both in 0.5 mg/l) caused the best results regarding seedling production and number, leaves, complete tubers, and root in tissue culture of Zaamifolia. In the study, three cultivars of Zamiifolia (green, black and Dutch) and 12 genotypes resulted from callus formation stage, irradiated with different gamma rays (0 to 175 Gy, with LD50 as 68 Gy) were selected and the presence of genetic diversity was investigated using 22 ISSR primers. Applying ISSR marker showed that the highest amount of PIC values related to the F19(0.47) and F20(0.38) primers, which persuasively isolated the studied genotypes. Moreover, the highest efficiency was detected for AK66 marker based on the MI parameter. The PCA and clustering categorization via UPGMA methodology based on molecular information and Dice index, differentiated the genotypes into 6 groups. Genotypes 1(callus), 2(100 Gy) and 3(cultivar from Holland) created separated groups. The 4th group included 6(callus), 8(0 Gy), 9(75 Gy), 11(90 Gy), 12(100 Gy) and 13(120 Gy) genotypes appearing as the largest group. The 5th group included 7(160 Gy), 10(80 Gy), 14(140 Gy) and 15(Zanziber gem black) genotypes. The last group included 4(mather plant) and 5(callus) genotypes. In this context, genotypes 1, 5, and 6 had probably somaclonal variation. Moreover, genotypes that received doses of 100 and 120 Gy, had a medium diversity. There is a high possibility of introducing a cultivar with a low dose and high genetic diversity in the whole group. Genotype 7 in this classification, received the highest dose of 160 Gy. In this population, the Dutch variety, was used as a new variety. As a result, the ISSR marker could correctly group the genotypes. This is an interesting finding, and it could be hypothesized that the ISSR marker could correctly differentiate Zaamifolia genotypes and probably other ornamental plants under the effect of gamma rays mutagenesis in order to achieve novel variants.

Physiological and productivity responses of fenugreek to foliar spraying with molybdenum and cysteine

BackgroundFenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants, as well as it is rich with medicinal antioxidant components. The effect of foliar spraying with molybdenum, cysteine on growth, quality and productivity of fenugreek was evaluated in a conducted greenhouse experiment during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 growing seasons.ResultsResults showed that there were different effects of molybdenum, cysteine and their interaction on morphological characters, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield and yield components and some chemical components of fenugreek plants. However, there was a variety of polypeptide bands with different molecular weights ranging from 18.94 to 250 kDa and was detected with polymorphic ratio 61.91%. Moreover, multiple bands varied in their molecular weight were detected in all tested plants using ISSR primers. The polymorphic percentage reached 70.00, 73.33, 76.19, 72.22, 77.77 and 70.59% in all tested plants with primer IS-01, Is-02, IS-03, IS-04, Is-05 and IS-06, respectively.ConclusionsIt was cleared that foliar spraying with molybdenum, cysteine and their interaction enhanced and improved growth, quality and productive characters of fenugreek. Moreover, there were molecular changes in fenugreek under study and generated bands using the six ISSR primers.

Genetic variation and cluster analysis of Narcissus tazetta L. genotypes using RAPD and ISSR markers

To evaluate the genetic diversity of Iranian Narcissus genotypes (e.g., Shomal, Shastpar, Shahla, Yasuj, Shiraz-1, Shiraz-2, Kuchak-e-Atri, Dutch, Khosf-1, Khosf-2, Birjand, and Tabas), different RAPD and ISSR primers were examined at the Plant Breeding Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Iran. In sum, RAPD and ISSR primers produced 189 and 80 high-resolution bands. The average values of PIC, Ht, Hs, Nm, DST, FDT, NA, Ne, H, and I indices were 0.287, 0.369, 0.089, 0.486, 0.279, 0.760, 1.952, 1.459, 0.282, 0.437 for RAPD markers and equal to 0.297, 0.380, 0.099, 0.524, 0.278, 0.732, 1.978, 1.495, 0.303, 0.467 for ISSR markers, respectively. The analysis of molecular variance based on the RAPD and ISSR markers showed 23 and 13 % variations for intra-populations and 77 % and 87 % changes for inter-population variabilities, respectively. Cluster analysis based on the RAPD and ISSR markers grouped genotypes into four clusters. Based on RAPD and ISSR markers, the PCoA analysis also showed that the first three components justified equal to 96.9 % and 97.9 % of the total variance, respectively, indicating the dispersion of the primers used. In general, it was concluded that the genetic diversity of narcissus species could be employed for breeding programs.

Biochemical, pathological and molecular characterisation of Phomopsis vexans: A causative of leaf blight and fruit rot in brinjal

The pathogen Phomopsis vexans causes leaf blight, fruit rot, and damping off in brinjal plants, all of which are extremely detrimental. The pathogen affects host plant photosynthetic efficiency and fruit quantity and quality. An appreciation of the pathogenicity of P. vexans is essential for the effective control of infections in the field. Consequently, the goal of this study was to characterise P. vexans in terms of their biochemistry, molecular diversity, and pathogenicity. In terms of cellulase (97.7 U), catalase (12.2 U), and ascorbate peroxidase (147.3 U) activity, isolate PV1 performed best, followed by PV5 (CL-97.0 U, CAT-11.1 U and APX-144.4 U), and PV8 (CL-88.8 U, CAT-9.8 U and APX-141.9 U). In a greenhouse pathogenicity test, isolate PV1 had the highest incidence (97%) and severity (88.6%) of disease, whereas isolate PV6 showed the lowest incidence (57.2%) and severity (70%) of disease. The biochemical enzyme activity of P. vexans corresponds well with its greenhouse pathogenicity results, and its combination can be exploited to identify pathogenic P. vexans isolates. Using RAPD and ISSR primers, molecular characterisation indicated genetic diversity but could not distinguish isolates by geographical origin or pathogenicity. The pathogen P. vexans was verified by ITS1 and ITS4 molecular analysis, and the sequences were subsequently deposited in the NCBI database. In conclusion, the enzyme activity relevant to pathogenicity (CL, CAT and APX) in conjunction with the invivo pathogenicity assay might be utilised to differentiate between pathogenic (virulent) and non-pathogenic (avirulent) P. vexans isolates and develop suitable disease management strategies.

Morpho-genetic characterization of diploid and tetraploid taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) cv. Kaliurang - An Indonesian local cultivar

Kaliurang is one of the local taro cultivars in Indonesia, potentially due to its high productivity and delicacy. This study analysed morpho-genetic variation between one diploid and three tetraploid Kaliurang taro clones from <i>in vitro</i> polyploid induction after plantlet acclimatization in the greenhouse for 6 weeks. Plants’ morphological characters were analysed using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method based on 50 characters according to the taro descriptor from the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). Furthermore, a morphometric characterization based on the Euclidean distance of 17 digitations from mature leaves, was analysed with the Analysis Phylogenic and Evolution package in R software. DNA band pattern was also performed with ISSR to analyse the clone’s genetic variance. The results showed morpho-genetic character diversity in diploid and tetraploid plants. A plant morphological study revealed that 22 out of 50 characters were distinct, with similarity coefficients ranging from 0.35 to 0.78. Leaf geometric morphometric analysis showed changes in five digitations and formed three clusters. Twelve ISSR primers out of twenty amplified the sequence of the Kaliurang taro genome to yield two clusters with a similarity coefficient of 0.71–0.83. Based on these three characterization approaches, tetraploid clones (K2 and K3) consistently differed morphologically from diploid clones (K0).

Histological and molecular insights in to in vitro regeneration pattern of Xanthosoma sagittifolium

A study on the effect of various phytohormonal combinations on in vitro propagation of Cocoyam [Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott] was conducted to develop an improved and efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for its mass multiplication. Histological analysis to understand the in vitro regeneration pattern and genetic fidelity assessment of regenerated plants were also carried out. Single shoots excised from in vitro established cultures of X. sagittifolium were used as explants. Among the 32 different phytohormonal combinations tested, indirect organogenesis with intervening callus phase was observed on majority of the media combinations. Meristematic clump formation was optimally achieved on all the tested media combinations with maximum 43.54 ± 0.51 shoot primordia on MS medium containing 0.2 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L NAA followed by 36.44 ± 0.76 shoot primordia on MS medium having 2.5 mg/L TDZ. Micro-morphological analysis of different morphogenetic structures revealed that the regeneration of cocoyam is well executed via meristematic nodules, shoot primordia formation that may evolve in to proper shoots. Adventitious shoots (> 2 cm) were successfully (100.00 ± 0.00%) rooted on the half-strength MS medium containing IBA (0.05–1.0 mg/L) and IAA (0.05–0.5 mg/L). The number of roots ranged from 0.78 ± 0.31 on the control half-strength MS medium to 13.94 ± 0.46 on half-strength MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA. Considering somaclonal variations as a potential restriction to in vitro multiplication of plants, genetic stability was assessed using 40 ISSR primers. The PCR amplification profiles obtained from all the tested propagules (calli, meristematic clumps, regenerated plantlets) were similar to the mother plants indicating the homogeneity of the individuals raised through the regeneration protocol reported here.

Genetic diversity of the cosmopolitan long-legged fly Syntormon pallipes in Turkey

Syntormon pallipes is one of the cosmopolitan species in the family Dolichopodidae. It has an important role in agriculture and forest ecosystems. We studied the genetic diversity of 10 populations of this species using seven ISSR primers and found 269 polymorphic loci. The polymorphism rate ranged between 34.6% and 72.1%. A molecular variance analysis showed that the main source of genetic variation originates from within the populations. In addition, the genetic differentiation value (GST) was found to be low, with a value of 0.13. The gene flow level (Nm) is high with a value of 3.11 per generation.

Genetic diversity and structure of natural populations of Arbutus unedo across altitude, bioclimate and geographical origin as revealed by ISSR markers

In order to assess the genetic diversity and structure of Arbutus unedo species, 66 individuals’ trees from 11 natural populations representing its main geographical area in Morocco and belonging to different bioclimates and altitude were analyzed using 14 ISSR primers. A total of 142 bands were obtained, of which 134 were polymorphic with a polymorphism percentage of 94.06% and a polymorphism information content (PIC) of =0.47. The use of 134 markers revealed a high level of genetic variation within and between populations. The multi-locus values of Hs and Ht were 0.24 and 0.34, respectively. The overall AMOVA analysis showed that 79.30% of the total genetic variability was within populations and only 20.70% was between populations. A large genetic differentiation between populations was detected (FST=0.206) which could be attributed to restricted gene flow (Nm=0.97). The results of the hierarchical AMOVA, revealed very little genetic differentiation between altitudinal, bioclimatic and geographic groups (FCT=3.20%, FCT= 2.30% and FCT=2.10% respectively). Furthermore, geographic distances were revealed not correlated with genetic distances between populations (r=0.05, Mantel t-test=0.38, P=0.64) suggesting that isolation by distance has not played an important role in shaping the genetic structure of this species. The NJ dendrogram and Bayesian model-based clustering approach identified four groups of A. unedo independently of their bioclimate, geographic origin and altitude. The data obtained in this study could play a crucial role in establish efficient strategies for genetic resources conservation and to work out the scheme of breeding programs of A. unedo

Genetic resources diversity of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) in the southern region of the Caspian Sea

AbstractIn the fields of agricultural, food and medical research, the potential impacts of tea on human health are of special interest because tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) is continuously consumed by many people in the world. The evaluation of the diversity of genotypes found in tea germplasm can aid in the improvement of the breeding programme. In this study, the genetic diversity of 30 tea genotypes from two commercial sites of tea production in Iran was investigated by using morphological and 12 ISSR markers. Morphological analysis showed that the diversity between samples of tea was limited, and the narrow matching range was calculated. In cluster analysis at level 0.63, samples were divided into four groups. The application of 12 ISSR primers produced 91 polymorphic bands. PIC test showed a range of 0.41–0.48. Based on the ISSR data, the matching range was obtained in the range of 0.24–0.93. In cluster analysis, samples at level 0.58 were divided into five groups. According to the results, it can be understood that these series of traits and primers can very well recognize genetic differences. Using these markers, genetic diversity was observed among tea genotypes, but this diversity was not such as to be able to separate genotypes of various regions from each other. The results showed that the tea genotypes in Iran had high genetic diversity. As a consequence, the findings of our study will help the development of tea germplasm conservation strategies and their sustainable use in breeding programmes.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Identified Species-Specific SSR and SNP Markers, Allow the Unequivocal Identification of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Germplasm Accessions and Contribute to Assess Their Genetic Relationships.

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), an evergreen bush to small tree of the Ericaceae family, is a main component of the natural flora of the Mediterranean basin that also grows profusely through the Iberian Peninsula, southwestern France, and Ireland. The small edible red fruits are usually used to produce preserves, jams, and liquors, as the Portuguese "aguardente de medronho". The leaves and fruits have been used for a long time in traditional medicine, and their bioactive compounds are presently the subject of intense research. A strawberry tree germplasm collection was recently established by the company Corte Velada (Odiáxere, Portugal). A set of 50 germplasm accessions was selected for a breeding program. A next-generation sequencing project was performed, resulting in the establishment of the first strawberry tree genome assembly and further identification of 500 SSR and 500 SNP loci. Individual molecular fingerprints for the unequivocal identification of the selected 50 accessions were established based on 71 markers alleles amplified by 4 SSR and 9 SNP markers. The same species-specific markers alleles combined with 61 random amplified markers amplified by 5 RAPD and 5 ISSR primers were used to assess the genetic variability and genetic relationships among the selected accessions.

Effects of Grafting on Genomic Stability in Salinity Stress Conditions in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Cucumber is an important type of vegetable that is grown in high quantities. Abiotic stress factors can cause significant morphological, physiological and molecular changes in cucumber. Grafting on strong rootstocks can reduce this negative effect. This study was carried out to evaluate the genotoxic potential of salinity stress in cucumber and to determine the effect of grafting on genotoxicity. Non-grafted and grafted plants were treated with 100 mM NaCl and the ISSR profiles were compared after 15 days. Using 14 ISSR primers, 51.9% polymorphism was detected between all groups. While salinity stress decreased the GTS rate to 47.2%, it was determined that this rate could be increased (%72.4-79.5) with grafting. GTS and similarity indices gave similar results and it was concluded that the ISSR technique could be effective in determining genotoxicity. There were also differences in measurements between rootstocks. With this study, it was concluded that salinity stress may cause genomic template stability changes in cucumber, this parameter can be protected by grafting depending on the rootstock variety used, and the ISSR technique can be used to determine genotoxicity. This study provides a basis for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying grafting in the cucumber response to salinity stress.

Assessment of genetic diversity based on agro-morphological traits and ISSR molecular markers in einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum ssp. monococcum) landrace populations from Turkey

The aim of this study is to investigate genetic diversity in 48 einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. monococcum) landraces grown in agricultural areas of Bolu and Kastamonu. Therefore, variation in seven agro-morphological traits was investigated. Agro-morphological traits such as leaf weight (mg), coleoptile length (cm), root number (n), root length (cm), fresh root weight (mg), and dry root weight (mg) were examined by the coefficient of variation, ANOVA, and principal components analysis. The highest coefficient of variation (%) was observed in fresh root weight (FRW = 52.09%), while the lowest was in leaf weight (LW = 8.9%). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was calculated as 76.93% variation in two main components. For molecular characterization, data obtained with iSSR primers were analyzed with the population genetics analysis program PopGene (ver. 1.32). According to PopGene results, the mean number of alleles, the mean number of effective alleles, and average genetic diversity values were calculated as na = 2, nea = 1.33, and h = 0.13, respectively. Among the agro-morphological traits, germination power, root number, and coleoptile length appeared to be reliable traits. The results show that the use of morphological characters alone for genetic diversity in populations is not sufficient to determine the difference between populations and their genetic structure.

Genetic variation of species Tacca chantrieri in northern Vietnam using ISSR markers for conservation purposes

Tacca chantrieri is a useful medicinal plant native to lowland tropical forests in northern Vietnam. However, it is threatened with extinction owing to habitat fragmentation and overexploitation. Genetic diversity in 5 natural populations of T. chantrieri was examined using 20 ISSR primers polymorphism. Our study showed that average PIC was 0.253 (0.018 - 0.460) and average PPB was 62.49 % (40- 85.71). 5 populations had modest genetic variability (Na = 1.384, Ne = 1.32, Ho = 0.182, He = 0.178 and I = 0.258) and the species level had a low value (Na = 1.892, Ne = 1.744, Ho = 0.293, He = 0.389 and I = 0.549). The lowest levels of genetic diversity were detected in Cuc Phuong population (Na = 1.135, Ne = 1.021, Ho = 0.091, He = 0.078 and I = 0.116) and the highest levels were detected in Ba Vi population (Na = 1.555, Ne = 1.436, Ho = 0.247, He = 0.242 and I = 0.350). A substantial positive connection between genetic distance and geographic distance was discovered using the Mantel test (R2 = 0.5086). The implications of the results of this study to conserve the genetic resources of T. chantrieri were discussed.