Local Germplasm Research Articles

Population genetics of the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) in East Asia

The Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum is the world’s second most important bivalve mollusk commercially farmed, whose indigenous populations are mainly distributed in the coastal areas of East Asia. However, with the development of commercialization, mixture of populations and loss of local germplasm have become prominent problems. Here, genetic differentiation of seven Manila clam populations from East Asia was investigated through analyzing the polymorphism of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as well as 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular loci. In total, 40 haplotypes were identified, among which 31 were unique. Moreover, two main haplotypes were detected with several radiating derived haplotypes. Populations in Japan-North Korea shared haplotype Hap_31, and populations in China shared haplotype Hap_7, suggesting that the natural geographical isolation of the Yangtze River and the Yalu River might have divided the East Asian indigenous populations into three groups, which were located in South China, North China, and Japan-North Korea, respectively. The Aquaculture breeding activities from South to North in China might have promoted gene exchange among Manila clam populations. Population in Laizhou had the highest genetic diversity and therefore could be an excellent germplasm source.

Identifying inbred lines with resistance to endemic diseases in exotic maize germplasm

AbstractMal de Rio Cuarto (MRC) and common rust (CR), caused by Mal de Rio Cuarto virus (MRCV) and Puccinia sorghi, respectively, are endemic diseases affecting maize (Zea mays L.) production in Argentina. Exotic maize germplasm is an important source of resistance to these diseases. The aim of this work was to identify maize lines that exhibit MRC and CR resistance. A multienvironment trial was performed to phenotypically assess a diverse panel of inbred lines from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The maize lines were evaluated using a disease severity index (DSI) for MRC and CR in the central area of Argentina. A multitrait mixed linear model (MLM) was used to identify the lines with the best performance for both diseases and estimate genetic parameters. No correlation of resistance between MRC and CR was found among the tested lines. Additionally, best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) of genotypic effects were used as response variable to perform a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). The GWAS revealed promising alleles for maize breeding, two associated with MRC and three with CR. Lines with lower DSI for MRC and CR were identified as novel materials for incorporating resistance to the local germplasm.

Incredible Role of Osmotic Adjustment in Grain Yield Sustainability under Water Scarcity Conditions in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Interrogations of local germplasm and landraces can offer a foundation and genetic basis for drought tolerance in wheat. Potential of drought tolerance in a panel of 30 wheat genotypes including varieties, local landraces, and wild crosses were explored under drought stress (DS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. Considerable variation for an osmotic adjustment (OA) and yield components, coupled with genotype and environment interaction was observed, which indicates the differential potential of wheat genotypes under both conditions. Reduction in yield per plant (YP), thousand kernel weight (TKW), and induction of OA was detected. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association of YP with directly contributing yield components under both environments, indicating the impotence of these traits as a selection-criteria for the screening of drought-tolerant genotypes for drylands worldwide. Subsequently, the association of OA with TKW which contributes directly to YP, indicates that wheat attains OA to extract more water from the soil under low water-potential. Genotypes including WC-4, WC-8 and LLR-29 showed more TKW under both conditions, among them; LLR-29 also has maximum OA and batter yield comparatively. Result provides insight into the role of OA in plant yield sustainability under DS. In this study, we figure out the concept of OA and its incredible role in sustainable plant yield in wheat.

Genetic variability for yield and quality traits in local germplasm of rice of Himachal Pradesh

In present study estimates of heritability, genetic advance, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation among yield, quality and its component characters for 19 traits in forty five genotypes of rice from different geographical origin were worked out in RBD design at Rice and Wheat Research Station, Malan during Kharif 2018 Analysis of variation showed significant differences among all the genotypes for all the traits suggesting prevalence of wide range of genetic variability and scope of selection for these traits. Estimates of variability revealed that plant height, total tillers/plant, effective tillers/plant, panicle length, grains/panicle, spikelets/panicle, L:B ratio ,GC and GT exhibited high to moderate heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance thus depicting these traits were controlled by additive gene effects thus selection for these traits will be effective Grain yield showed moderate heritability coupled with low PCV, GCV and genetic advance. Moderate PCV and GCV was observed for days to grains/panicle, spikelets/panicle and L:B ratio, which indicated the presence of additive gene action and sufficient variability scope for improvement through selection. Doi.org/10.25174/2582-2675/2020/'103761

Understanding genetic variability in the mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) genepool

AbstractMungbean or green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is a major pulse crop of Southeast Asia. This is the most liked pulse in India because of its good palatability, nutritional quality and easy digestibility. It is mainly grown in subsistence farming systems in India. The crop species has evolved in a diverse range of agroclimatic conditions and therefore the local germplasm has rich genetic diversity. However, this diversity has not been explored to identify useful traits and germplasm to utilise in crop improvement programmes. Therefore, a study was performed on 1,232 mungbean accessions using 8 quantitative, 18 qualitative traits and 4 seed morphometric traits to understand genetic diversity of the crop and identify trait‐specific germplasm. Wide range of variation was observed for days to flowering, days to maturity, pod length, number of seeds/pod and 100‐seed weight. Relative high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for 100‐seed weight, flowering period, seed length and seed breadth. Broad sense heritability (h2) analysis indicated that days to 50% flowering, flowering period, days to 80% maturity, 100‐seed weight and seed‐dimension‐related traits are highly suitable for mungbean breeding programmes. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis based on morphological quantitative traits indicates that the diversity in the mungbean germplasm has no significant relationship with respect to their geographical origin. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first five principal components (PCs) explained 91.4% of total variation. The maximum variance was explained by PC1 (44.61%) followed by PC2 (21.15%). Plotting of observations in two‐dimensional space corresponding to PC1 and PC2 revealed wide distribution of accessions, and certain accessions were found associated with variables. The agromorphological variability and its genetic nature revealed from this study may prove very useful in ongoing and future breeding programmes.

Morpho-agronomical characterisation of local and international sweetpotato germplasm from the South African collection

Considerable genetic diversity is present amongst the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) accessions that can be selected for breeding. The Agricultural Research Council of South Africa maintains 360 sweetpotato accessions that were bred locally, and introductions from various regions of the world sourced for breeding purposes. The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic diversity of 73 accessions, using morpho-agronomical characteristics to complement data on protein content of the accessions towards breeding for improved nutritional content. A field study was conducted using a randomized complete block design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using 38 of the international standardized descriptors for sweetpotato. Agronomic traits including root yield and biomass, and quality traits such as dry matter, β-carotene and protein contents, and root oxidation were determined. Multivariate clustering analysis and principal component analysis grouped the 73 sweetpotato accessions into three main groups. The major traits clustering the accessions were leaf lobe type, central leaf lobe shape, vine tip pubescence, vine pigmentation colour, and flowering ability. Of the 73 accessions 16.4% produced few flowers, 21.9% had intermediate flowering and 9.5% flowered abundantly. This study provided baseline information on the phenotypic diversity of South African sweetpotato collections for effective utilization and future breeding.

Castanea spp. Agrobiodiversity Conservation: Genotype Influence on Chemical and Sensorial Traits of Cultivars Grown on the Same Clonal Rootstock.

A large species diversity characterises the wide distribution of chestnuts in Asia, North America, and Europe, hence reflecting not only the adaptation of the genus Castanea to diverse environmental conditions, but also to different management strategies encompassing orchards. The characterisation and description of chestnut populations and cultivars are crucial to develop effective conservation strategies of one of the most important Italian and European fruit and wood species. Chestnut cultivars grown in the same pedoclimatic conditions and on the same clonal rootstock were characterised with sensory, spectrophotometric, and chromatographic analysis to determine the phytochemical composition and nutraceutical properties. A multivariate approach, including principal component analysis and conditional inference tree models, was also performed. The ease of peeling, seed colour, and intensity of sweetness were the sensory descriptors that allowed us to differentiate C. sativa cultivars. Antioxidant capacity ranged from 9.30 ± 0.39 mmol Fe+2 kg−1 DW (‘Bouche de Bètizac’) to 19.96 ± 1.89 mmol Fe+2 kg−1 DW (‘Garrone Rosso’). Monoterpenes represented the main component, reaching 88% for hybrids, followed by polyphenols (10–25% for hybrids and chestnuts, respectively). A multivariate approach showed that phenolic acids and tannins were the bioactive classes with the highest discriminating power among different genotypes, and that genotype is a significant variable (p < 0.05). In addition, most of the analysed chestnut cultivars showed a content of bioactive compounds similar to or higher than the main hazelnut, walnut, and almond varieties. Chestnut agrobiodiversity could be intended as strictly associated to the genotype effect and underlines the large variability within the genus Castanea, and therefore, the importance of in farm and ex situ conservation of local germplasm is part of a global strategy aimed at increasing the levels of agrobiodiversity.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analyses of Wild Relatives and Cultivated Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) from Senegal Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.)) is an important crop for food security in Senegal; therefore, understanding the genetic diversity of local germplasm is relevant for crop improvement and genetic maintenance in the era of climate change. For this purpose, 15 microsatellite markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity of Senegalese cowpea germplasm, including 671 accessions grown in eight regions and 66 wild relatives and intermediate forms (weedy). For the cultivated, the main expected heterozygosity (mHe) ranged between 0.317 (Fatick) and 0.439 (South). A narrow genetic variation between accessions from the different regions was observed with genetic similarity ranging from 0.861 to 0.965 and genetic differentiation indices (Fst) between 0.018 and 0.100. The accessions from southern Senegal (Kédougou, Sédhiou, and Kolda regions) are more diverse than the others. However, the accessions from the North (Saint-Louis) are genetically different from other regions. The diversity analysis in wild relatives from Senegal, which had never been performed before, revealed that the wild/weedy forms remain more diverse than the cultivated with genetic diversity values (He) of 0.389 and 0.480, respectively. STRUCTURE software divided the Senegalese germplasm into five subpopulations. Three of them (i, ii, and iii) included only cultivated accessions from several regions, one (v) mainly from Saint-Louis, and one (iv) the wild/weedy with some cultivated accessions. Our results support the hypothesis that Vigna unguiculata var. spontanea is the wild progenitor of cowpea. The accessions from the South, the northern recession accessions, and the wild/weedy could serve as sources of new genes for the genetic improvement of cowpea in Senegal.

New multipetalous variety G. Ad.2 in Adenium obesum

Research was conducted on Adenium obesum, a popular flowering pot plant with the basic objective for genetic improvement at Advance Technology Centre of soilless system, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, NAU, Navsari. Initially, hybridization was done involving ten parents (seven females and three males) in 2014 and their crosses were studied during 2015 to 2016. Among the crosses studied, a germplasm viz., MSDSH1 (Mung Siam x Double Sweet Heart) showed novel morphological character for colour and flower form having attractive purplish coloured ten petals. Further evaluation was carried out for stability and other flowering characters along with its parents viz., Mung Siam and Double Sweet Heart (DSH) and the local germplasm, Local Pink for two years 2016-17 and 2017-18. The MSDSH1 was significantly superior in terms of the number of flowers per cluster (10.23) and flower longevity on plant (11.91 days) as compared to parent and Local Pink as inferred from the pooled data of two years. Flower diameter was significantly superior in DSH at par with MSDSH1 (7.06 cm) while that of Mung Siam was minimum (5.89 cm), although the diameter of corolla was maximum (1.62 cm) in Local Pink while the length of corolla tube (4.01 cm) was maximum in Double Sweet Heart. Further, the maximum flower weight was observed in Double Sweet Heart (1.72 g) which was at par with MSDSH1 (1.61 g). Number of petals was ten in MSDSH1 and Double Sweet Heart as compared to Mung Siam and Local Pink with five petals. Since the genotype MSDSH1 was novel in flower colour with reddish purple shade and morphology with ten multipetalous flower form, besides being superior for the other flowering parameters, especially the number of flowers per cluster and flower longevity on plant, it was renamed as G. Ad.2 and released in SVRC, Gujarat.

Dactylorhizahatagirea: A Critical Issue for Research and Development in Nepal

Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. don), commonly known as ‘Panchaule’ in Nepal, is a terrestrial orchid found in temperate to the alpine region. It is valued for its ornamental and medicinal use. It is collected haphazardly from nature due to high economic demand. However, its propagation is limited in nature due to its non-endospermous seeds requiring mycorhizal fungal association for germination. This limitation is leading to the extinction of this orchid from nature and has been enlisted as an endangered and threatened species. Its collection and trade are restricted but have been prioritized for research, conservation, and agro-technology development. As very few research has been reported in D. hatagirea, found in Nepal, intensive research, propagation, reintroducing, and commercial cultivation will help control the rhizome collection from nature and meet the economic demand. It will help in the identification and conservation of our local germplasm through its diversity study at the molecular and revenue generation through commercial cultivation under artificial conditions. In this review paper, we discuss the limited research and developments conducted in Dactylorhiza at various levels and ways forward for its research, conservation, and utilization. As the plant is valued for its biochemical constituents, modern biotechnological tools such as transcriptomics and metabolomics can be best utilized to explore the opportunities and increase its production and reintroduction through mass propagation for better commercialization and conservation.

Genotype by environment cultivar evaluation for cassava brown streak disease resistance in Tanzania

Cassava brown steak disease (CBSD), caused by Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV), is the most important biotic constraint to cassava production in East and Central Africa. Concerted efforts are required to prevent further spread into West Africa as well as to reduce losses in areas already affected. The study reported here was part of a five-country (Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda) programme that aimed to identify superior cassava cultivars resistant to CBSD and to disseminate them widely in the region. Seventeen tissue-cultured and virus-tested cultivars were evaluated in Tanzania across nine sites with diverse CBSD inoculum conditions. Experiments were planted using an alpha-lattice design and assessments were made of surrounding inoculum pressure, CBSD foliar and root incidence and root yield at harvest. There were large differences in CBSD infection between sites, with greatest spread recorded from the north-western Lake (Victoria) zone. Differences were driven by Bemisia tabaci whitefly vector abundance and CBSD inoculum pressure. Both CBSV and UCBSV were almost equally represented in cassava fields surrounding experimental plots, although CBSV predominated in the north-west whilst UCBSV was more frequent in coastal and southern sites. However, the incidence of CBSV was much greater than that of UCBSV in initially virus-free experimental plots, suggesting that CBSV is more virulent. Cultivars could be categorised into three groups based on the degree of CBSD symptom expression in shoots and roots. The seven cultivars (F10_30R2, Eyope, Mkumba, Mkuranga1, Narocass1, Nase3 and Orera) in the most resistant category each had shoot and root incidences of less than 20%. Fresh root yield differed between sites and cultivars, but there was no genotype by environment interaction for this trait, probably attributable to the large fertility and soil moisture differences between sites. Susceptible cultivars and the local check performed well in the absence of CBSD pressure, highlighting the importance of exploiting quality and yield traits of local landraces in breeding programmes. Overall, our results emphasized the importance of applying a balanced strategy for CBSD management. This should use both improved and local germplasm resources to generate high yielding cultivars for specific end-user traits, and combine the deployment of improved cultivars with phytosanitary control measures including the use of healthy planting material and planting during periods of reduced CBSD infection.

Genetic Characterization of Grapevine Varieties from Emilia-Romagna (Northern Italy) Discloses Unexplored Genetic Resources

A set of 178 grape accessions collected in Emilia Romagna, from widely cultivated to nearly extinct and thus maintained in ex-situ regional repositories, were analyzed at ten microsatellite (SSR) markers with the aim of their correct identification. Ampelographic and local historical information were also gathered. Varietal identity was established through the comparison with reference SSR profiles often supported by vine morphology. The work demonstrated the presence in the region, under local (often confusing) names, of varieties in common with other regions/countries, but also identified a large amount of local, unique genotypes highly worthy of being preserved. Forty-nine percent of the investigated varieties corresponded to cultivars included in the Italian National Catalogue of Grape Varieties or were of likely foreign origin, while 62 out of the 122 unique genotypes are not reported or described in the literature, unless mentioned in historical documents. Yet they likely belong to local germplasm, possibly native to the area. Some of these neglected grapes, like Pellegrina, Biondello and Rossiola, are prospective candidates for market exploitation of varietal wines. The approach applied, based on varietal identification by markers supported by ampelography and historical evidence, represents one of the key steps in local cultivated grapevine studies and development.

Diversity of Local and Wild Pear Germplasm in Central Regions of Iran

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to identify the local and wild pear species and select superior genotypes in some central regions of Iran. For this purpose, some morphological and pomological traits of selected genotypes from central regions of Iran were evaluated based on the DUS guideline for three years at five stages. Nine genotypes namely Hosseini (KB2), Hendi (KB3), Torsheh (KB4), local Barzouk (KB5), local late-ripening (SV1) and Armon (SV3), as well as wild species including Amroud (KB1), Kalanjir (SV2) and Khoj (SV4), were distinguished. The weight, length, and diameter of fruit and the width of the leaf showed a higher coefficient of variation than other traits. The range of the fruit length was recorded between 18 and 100 mm. The fruit weight varied between 25 and 325 g and SV2 and SV1 genotypes had the lowest and the highest values, respectively. Fruit TSS was between 7 and %13. KB1 genotype had the highest leaf length and the lowest leaf width. Based on cluster analysis, genotypes were divided into four separate groups. The three genotypes of KB5, SV1, and KB3 that were placed into one group are advisable as the promising genotypes because of their fruit weight, length, diameter and volume as well as optimum edible quality. These genotypes can be cultivated in orchards after examining regional adaptations and likely have genes related to different resistance that can be used for breeding programs.

Genetic Relationships Among Portuguese Cultivated and Wild Vitis vinifera L. Germplasm.

The domesticated grapevine spread along the Mediterranean basin from the primary Near East domestication area, where the greatest genetic diversity is found in its ancestor, the wild vine populations. Portuguese wild populations are on the southwestern fringe of the distribution of the Vitis vinifera L. ssp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi in Europe. During the last Glacial Period they became isolated from the previous continuum that had been the territory of wild vine populations. Archaeological remains of domesticated vinifera grapevines in Portugal date back from 795 Before Common Era (BCE) in the lower Tagus river basin. In this work, 258 Portuguese vinifera varieties and sylvestris plants were characterized using 261 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The study of the genetic diversity of this local germplasm, its population structure and kinship, all framed in their historical and geographical backgrounds, revealed a complex network of first-degree relationships, where only Iberian varieties are involved. Some Iberian genotypes, like Alfrocheiro (Bruñal, in Spain), Sarigo (Cayetana Blanca), Mourisco Branco (Hebén), Amaral (Caiño Bravo), and Marufo (Moravia Dulce) are ancestors of a considerable fraction of all the autochthonous analyzed varieties. A part of the diversity developed was mostly local in some cases as shown by the closeness of several varieties (Vinhos Verdes) to the wild cluster in different analyses. Besides, several evidences of introgression of domesticated germplasm into wild vines was found, substantiating the high risk of genetic contamination of the sylvestris subspecies. All these findings together to the known matching between the wild maternal lineage of the Iberian Peninsula and an important number of Portuguese grapevine varieties (chlorotype A), point out that some of these varieties derive, directly or indirectly, from originally local wild populations, supporting the possible occurrence of secondary events of local domestication, or, at least, of an introgression process of wild into cultivated grapevines.

EST-SSRs reveal genetic distinction between lac and grain yielding genotypes of pigeonpea

Pigeonpea, an important legume crop is a good host plant for lac cultivation in North East India. In the present study, sixty-three polymorphic EST microsatellite markers were screened across the twenty-seven pigeonpea genotypes collected from different parts of India. The markers used in the study amplified a total of 352 alleles with an average high polymorphic information content of 0.75. The number of alleles per locus varied from 1 to 16 with an average of 5.58, indicating a greater magnitude of diversity among the genotypes. From the Nei’s analysis it was found that maximum diversity exists between the genotypes RCMP 3 and Pant Arhar-291. AMOVA showed a significant amount of variability (63.37%) among the genotypes compared to individuals within the groups or genotypes (36.63%). Mean Shannon information index was 1.15 demonstrating high rate of genetic variability. The neutrality of each marker tested by Ewens–Watterson test for neutrality suggested that all the microsatellite loci except ASSR-70, ASSR-228, ASSR-230 and ASSR-1432 were neutral. According to the dendrogram based on Nei′s analysis the whole population was divided into two major clusters. The first cluster comprised of sixteen local germplasm responsible for high broodlac yield and the second cluster contained eleven high grain yielding varieties. Molecular markers can be effectively used for the selection of elite germplasm of pigeonpea for lac cultivation and high yield of pulses, and consequently benefit farmers and consumers of this important pulse crop of India and the semi-arid regions of the world.

Genetic Diversity and Structure of Tunisian Local Pear Germplasm as Revealed by SSR Markers

Growing pear has a long tradition in Tunisia, and numerous local cultivars possessing an excellent adaptability and resilience potential to climatic variation are present. This large adaptability is associated with an important genetic diversity, which is threatened to erosion. Appropriate measures have to be taken in order to properly evaluate and conserve this local material. Microsatellite markers were used to assess the level of genetic diversity among Tunisian pear germplasm, and compare it with some European varieties and wild pear species. 61 pear accessions representing eight groups (six groups from Tunisia, one from Northern Europe and another group composed of wild pear) have been genotyped using SSR markers derived from apple and pear. The pear accessions showed a significant polymorphism and 95 polymorphic alleles were found. The number of alleles per locus varied from 5 for CH04e03 locus to 14 for CH01d09 locus with an average of 9.4 alleles per locus. Moreover, the mean gene diversity (He) per locus ranged from 0.192 to 0.752. Genetic distance values and cluster analyses revealed high genetic similarities among the Tunisian groups. Factorial correspondence analysis (FCA) categorized the accessions into three independent groups where Tunisian local accessions agglomerated together distantly from European and wild pear accessions. Additionally, UPGMA dendrogram grouped accessions into two clusters, confirmed thereafter by the Bayesian model-based Structure analysis. The results showed 16 putative triploid accessions found in the local germplasm. This study provides valuable information to develop strategies of local pear conservation and use.

Discrimination of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Accessions Collected in Majella National Park (Abruzzo, Italy) Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Combined with Morphological and Molecular Analysis

Development of local plant genetic resources grown in specific territories requires approaches that are able to discriminate between local and alien germplasm. In this work, three potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) local accessions grown in the area of Majella National Park (Abruzzo, Italy) and five commercial varieties cultivated in the same area were characterized using 22 morphological descriptors and microsatellite (SSR) DNA markers. Analysis of the DNA and of the plant, leaf, flower, and tuber morpho-agronomic traits allowed for a reliable discrimination of the local potato accessions, and provided a clear picture of their genetic relationships with the commercial varieties. Moreover, infrared spectroscopy was used to acquire a fingerprint of the tuber flesh composition. A total of 279 spectra, 70% of which were used in calibration and the remaining 30% for prediction, were processed using partial least squares discriminant analysis. About 97% of the calibration samples and 80% of the prediction samples were correctly classified according to the potato origin. In summary, the combination of the three approaches were useful in the characterization and valorization of local germplasm. In particular, the molecular markers suggest that the potato accession named Montenerodomo, cultivated in Majella National Park, can be considered a local variety and can be registered into the Regional Voluntary GR Register and entered into the foreseen protection scheme, as reported by the Italian regional laws.

KEMAMPUAN REPRODUKSI INDUK DAN PERTUMBUHAN ANAK KAMBING PERANAKAN ETAWAH, GEMBRONG, DAN KOSTA

Indonesia has various types of local goat germplasm like a goat Peranakan Etawah (PE), Gembrong, and Kosta. Information of those local goats including the parent reproduction and kids productivity are still limited. Study aims to evaluate maternal reproduction capability and kids productivity of goat PE, Gembrong, and Kosta. Study was conducted in 24 does and 44 kids of PE, Gembrong, and Kosta in Loka Kambing Potong (Goat Research Station), Sumatera Utara. A goat mated with of the study from each the goat breed. Data of reproduction were collected from mating to calving. Data of kids productivity were collected from birth to nine month-old. As reproductive capability data, the highest litter size and type of birth were demonstrated in goat PE. Goat gembrong produced more male, whereas goat Kosta had shorter pregnant duration than other goats. Birth weight of PE was significantly different (p 0.05). Pre-weaning and post-weaning mortality was highest in Kosta.

Differences in physicochemical properties of commercial rice from urban markets in West Africa.

Rice consumers in West Africa (WA) have an acquired preference for imported rice. Enhancing consumption of local rice requires matching the grain quality attributes of the imported benchmarks in addition to increasing productivity of local rice cultivars. Thus, there is a need to develop screening tools that will aid breeding programs select for high-yielding and stress-tolerant cultivars whose grain quality are at par with imported rice. Hence, this study evaluated various grain quality characteristics of 316 commercial milled rice samples from urban markets in three WA countries (Benin, Cameroon, and Ghana) and developed linear discriminant models (LDAs) to classify rice according to their origins and to predict the imported rice classification of local germplasm based on their grain quality attributes. More than half of the commercial rice samples that were collected originated from Thailand (60%); in contrast, only a small fraction was locally grown (2%). The commercial rice from different origins were distinguishable based on the quality attributes evaluated, contributing to the relatively high classification rates achieved by the fitted LDAs. These results indicate that multivariate models could be useful during varietal improvement as tools for screening for cultivars that can match the quality of imported rice.

Fruit quality assessment and characterization of melon genotypes

ABSTRACT Local melon germplasm are sources of natural variation with great potential, unfortunately, they are being replaced by hybrids and modern high-yielding disease-resistant/tolerant varieties. To recognize, and encourage re-use, local melon genotypes previously selected for resistance to Fusarium wilt disease, were evaluated for morphological, nutritional and biochemical traits. The evaluated melons expressed a wide range of phenotypes for morphological fruit characteristics, taste, and composition. Differences occurred between botanical groups and within the same group. The “Galaoui” genotype of reticulatus botanical group presented the highest β-carotene value (6.6 mg∙kg−1 FW) and the highest flavonoid content (45.45 mg CE∙kg−1 FW). The “Dziri” genotype of inodorus botanical group had the highest phenolic content (896.67 mg GAE∙kg−1 FW); genotype Rupa of cantalupensis group had the highest antioxidant activity value (14.61%). Genotype Asli of inodorus group had the highest vitamin C content (0.15 g/100mL fresh juice). These genotypes might be appropriate for breeding program to increase the functional properties of commercial varieties. Moreover, principal component analysis showed a great dispersion of melon genotypes. The hierarchical ascending classification indicated genotypes were sorted into four cluster groups based on fresh weight, fruit diameter, total soluble solids, total phenolic content, and β-carotene contents. The diversity identified in this study, especially from the four group types, showed that some Tunisian genotypes are featured with several morphological and biochemical characteristics, they had melon quality exceeding commercial hybrids, and could be further exploited as a promising material for the creation of new improved varieties.