Low Genetic Similarity Research Articles

Molecular evaluation of several wheat varieties of Triticum aestivum L.

This study was carried out with the aim of determining the extent of genetic variation among 10 varieties of wheat. In this work, 5 primers were used to do the PCR to detect the band patterns of ISSR markers. Within the molecular weight range of 100-1500 bp, the 5 primers combined to generate 42 bands, at a rate of 8 bands per primer. Polymorphic bands accounted for 37 of the totals and the ratio of polymorphic bands was 87.97 %. The highest percentage of divergent bands reached 88.88 %, shown by primers HPS13, 842F and HBG20. The starters 1955A recorded a lower rate of efficiency and distinctive ability of the starter reaching 16.22 %. According to the UPGMA method, a phylogenetic tree of the genetic affinity between the varieties was obtained, varieties were separated into 2 major groups: There were 2 varieties in the first major group, namely S7 and S6, 2 minor groups were formed from the division of the second major group. The S3 variant made up the first secondary group, as opposed to the second secondary group. Additionally, it was split into 2 sub-secondary groups: classes S5, S10, S9, S8 and S1 made up the first sub-secondary group and classes S4 and S2 made up the second. Based on the Nei and Li coefficient, the values of genetic similarity between the varieties were estimated, because the S6 variety and the S3 variety had the largest genetic divergence (lowest genetic similarity), with a value of 0.7073 and with the S4 variety, its value was 0.6829, while the highest genetic similarity was (least genetic divergence) between variety S9 and variety S8, where its value reached 0.9268. The findings of this study showed the high efficiency of ISSR makers in detecting genetic variation among several wheat varieties.

Characterization of a novel phage against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) poses a significant challenge in global healthcare, underscoring the urgency for innovative therapeutic approaches. Phage therapy emerges as a promising strategy amidst rising antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the crucial need to identify and characterize effective phage resources for clinical use. In this study, we introduce a novel lytic phage, RCIP0100, distinguished by its classification into the Chaoyangvirus genus and Fjlabviridae family based on International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) criteria due to low genetic similarity to known phage families. Our findings demonstrate that RCIP0100 exhibits broad lytic activity against 15 out of 27 tested MDR-KP strains, including diverse profiles such as carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CR-KP). This positions phage RCIP0100 as a promising candidate for phage therapy. Strains resistant to RCIP0100 also showed increased susceptibility to various antibiotics, implying the potential for synergistic use of RCIP0100 and antibiotics as a strategic countermeasure against MDR-KP.

Assessing the genetic diversity of taro germplasm collection in Vietnam using simple sequence repeat markers

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the genetic diversity of 253 taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) germplasm accessions collected in Vietnam at the molecular level using 20 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. High genetic diversity in the taro germplasm accessions were detected with 100% polymorphic SSR loci, and 89 alleles were obtained at the 20 SSR loci with an average of 4.45 alleles per locus, of which 14 markers had high polymorphism (3 alleles/locus). Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values obtained at 20 SSR loci ranged from 0.31 (Ce0078) to 0.85 (HK34), with an average of 0.65. The genetic similarity coefficient within the accessions ranged from 0.39 to 1.00. All 253 accessions were classified into 2 groups at a genetic similarity level of 0.60; one of the groups (group 2) was divided into 8 sub-groups at a genetic similarity level of 0.64. Some accessions (such as 28279 and SP-19-009; SP-19-061 and SP-19-023; 28278 and SP-19-006) with a high genetic similarity coefficient (1.00) showed a very close genetic relationship, while others (such as 10063 and 11544) with a low genetic similarity coefficient (0.39) showed a fairly distant genetic relationship. The study’s results provide a foundation for preserving and breeding taro in Vietnam. Five taro accessions (28211, SP-19-017, T.3578, T.3515, and 10098) carrying specific alleles that could be identified by 6 SSR markers (uq55–112, uq73–164, HK35, Ce0078, HK22, and HK31) were detected. Furthermore, the SSR marker approach showed the potential application in identifying genetic relationships and distinguishing different taro cultivars.

Diversity Analysis of 53 Soybean Accessions Introduced from China Based on Morphological Characteristics and SSR Markers

Indonesia still faces challenges in meeting its national soybean demand. Genetic diversity can provide new resources to improve soybean production and quality. Genetic diversity of 53 soybean accessions introduced from China, based on morphological characteristics and 17 SSR markers, was analyzed in this study. Principal component analysis (PCA) conducted on morphological characters produced a total diversity value of 64.67% and identified four main components. Based on phylogenetic analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) two accessions showed low genetic similarity of 78% (China cult-55 and Mi yang niu mao huang), which indicated that they could be selected as parents for plant breeding programs. In addition, 772 SSR alleles at an average of 45 alleles per locus were detected. The average heterozygosity was 0.83, and the average polymorphic information content (PIC) value was 0.96. All SSR markers showed a PIC value > 0.8, indicating their informativeness in analyzing genetic diversity of soybean. The phylogenetic analysis indicated a genetic similarity of 82% and the accessions were grouped into two main clusters. The phylogenetic analysis depicted that several accessions could be grouped based on the growth type and origin. The results of morphological characterization and molecular markers in the analysis of genetic diversity are beneficial for selecting parental crosses when developing new varieties.

Genetic benefits of female from extra-pair paternity are context dependent within the socially monogamous Tree Sparrow

Females actively seek extra-pair paternity (EPP) to acquire a fitness advantage for their offspring. The “context-dependence hypothesis” posits that female extra-pair mate choice has plasticity in response to environmental conditions, and therefore magnitude of female genetic benefits from EPP depends on the environmental variation. Furthermore, chronic heavy metal pollution can cause adverse effects on fitness-related traits of wild birds. However, few studies were available on the interactions between heavy metal pollution and EPP. We selected an area that was contaminated by heavy metals for more than 60 years (Baiyin, BY), a relatively unpolluted area (Liujiaxia, LJX), and Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) as study species to explore the response of female extra-pair mate choice and genetic benefits from EPP to heavy metal pollution in socially monogamous birds. The relatedness between social mates and extra-pair mates was investigated. Additionally, we compared the body size and heterozygosity of extra-pair offspring (EPO), within-pair offspring (WPO), social males and extra-pair males from the two Tree Sparrow populations. We found that at BY, female Tree Sparrows tended to choose extra-pair males with larger body size and lower genetic similarity, thereby producing higher heterozygosity and larger body size of EPO compared with those of WPO. However, no similar phenomenon was observed in the Tree Sparrow population from LJX. In addition, there was a significant interaction between population and paternity in the analyses of the fitness-related traits, suggesting that environmental variation could affect female genetic benefits from EPP. This study confirmed the existence of presumed interactions between environmental pollution and EPP within the natural population of socially monogamous Tree Sparrows. Our findings shed lights on the possible effects of long-term environmental stress on mating system in wild birds.

Identification of novel mammalian viruses in tree shrews ( Tupaia belangeri chinensis).

The Chinese tree shrew ( Tupaia belangeri chinensis), a member of the mammalian order Scandentia, exhibits considerable similarities with primates, including humans, in aspects of its nervous, immune, and metabolic systems. These similarities have established the tree shrew as a promising experimental model for biomedical research on cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental health conditions. Herein, we used meta-transcriptomic sequencing to analyze plasma, as well as oral and anal swab samples, from 105 healthy asymptomatic tree shrews to identify the presence of potential zoonotic viruses. In total, eight mammalian viruses with complete genomes were identified, belonging to six viral families, including Flaviviridae, Hepeviridae, Parvovirinae, Picornaviridae, Sedoreoviridae, and Spinareoviridae. Notably, the presence of rotavirus was recorded in tree shrews for the first time. Three viruses - hepacivirus 1, parvovirus, and picornavirus - exhibited low genetic similarity (<70%) with previously reported viruses at the whole-genome scale, indicating novelty. Conversely, three other viruses - hepacivirus 2, hepatovirus A and hepevirus - exhibited high similarity (>94%) to known viral strains. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed that the rotavirus and mammalian orthoreovirus identified in this study may be novel reassortants. These findings provide insights into the diverse viral spectrum present in captive Chinese tree shrews, highlighting the necessity for further research into their potential for cross-species transmission.

Evolution and ecology of Jeilongvirus among wild rodents and shrews in Singapore

BackgroundJeilongvirus was proposed as a new genus within the Paramyxoviridae in 2018. The advancement in metagenomic approaches has encouraged multiple reports of Jeilongvirus detection following the initial species discovery, enriching species diversity and host range within the genus. However, Jeilongvirus remains understudied in Singapore, where interfaces between humans and small mammals are plentiful.MethodsHere, we utilized metagenomic sequencing for the exploration of viral diversity in small mammal tissues. Upon discovery of Jeilongvirus, molecular screening and full genome sequencing was conducted, with the data used to conduct statistical modelling and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsWe report the presence of Jeilongvirus in four species of Singapore wild small mammals, detected in their spleen and kidney. We show that full genomes of three Singapore Jeilongvirus encode for eight ORFs including the small hydrophobic and transmembrane proteins. All generated genomes cluster phylogenetically within the small mammal subclade, but share low genetic similarity with representative Jeilongvirus species. Statistical modelling showed no spatial or temporal patterns and differences among species, life history traits and habitat types.ConclusionsThis study serves as a basis for understanding dynamics between Jeilongvirus and small mammal hosts in Singapore by displaying the virus generalist nature. In addition, the initial detection can help to invoke improved routine surveillance and detection of circulating pathogens in synanthropic hosts.

Detected Genetic Markers for Three Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Nano- Particles

Despite the enormous advancements in breeding, fresh and accessible methods of plant development are preferred. Many research have been done to determine the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and magnesium nanoparticles (MgONPs) on plant growth. ZnO NPs and MgONPs have been used extensively in agriculture. Few research have looked into the potential impact of ZnO NPs on grain Zn content or cereal yield formation to date. The goal of the study was to demonstrate how varied concentrations of nanoparticles affected root germination in three different rice types (Giza 177, Sakha super 300, and Sakha 108) and the fungus Fusariummoniliforme, which causes foot rot in rice. Here, we performed a pot experiment to assess the effects that ZnO nanoparticles and MgONPs had on the shoot length, root length, and germination of rice. The experiment involved three dosages of Zn and Mg nanoparticle solution at varying concentrations of 10, 20, and 100 ppm. The outcomes showed that, when compared to the control treatment, ZnO NPs and MgONPs increased the length of the shoot, the length of the roots, and the rate of germination. Using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers, the genetic makeup of plants treated with 10, 20, and 100 ppm AgNPs was also examined. In vitro rooted shoots were acclimated in a greenhouse before being tested for biochemical stability and phenotypic stability. In vitro, callogenesis and caulogenesis were both reduced by AgNPs at the greatest dose (100 ppm). In order to maximise genome coverage, three rice cultivars from distinct origins were chosen, and they were tested using three RAPD markers and seven selected ISSR markers. AgNPs-treated plants using ISSR markers produced 87 amplified bands in total, 45 polymorphic allelic variants, and 36 monomorphic allelic variations. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used in the Mantel test to determine whether there was a significant association between the Jaccard's dissimilarity matrices based on ISSR and RAPD markers (r = 0.69; P 0.05). Morphological characteristics, ISSR, and RAPD analysis were used to partition the UPGMA Dendrogram into two groupings. Jaccard's coefficient was used to analyse the genetic similarity matrix. Sakha Super 300 and Giza 177 had the most genetic similarity (95%) while Sakha 108 and Giza 177 had the lowest genetic similarity (90%) according to ISSR and RAPD study. The classification of rice germplasm, breeding initiatives, and conservation efforts all heavily rely on the determination of genetic diversity within the rice species. To find genetic variations, morphological characteristics, ISSR, and RAPD analysis are useful techniques. The findings demonstrated the large ratio of variation in rice. This work successfully established the possibility of using MgONPs and ZnO NPs as high-performing fertilisers to improve rice output and quality.This study could serve as a guide for future research on rice and could support efforts to understand the species and improve breeding stock.

Selection and Molecular Characterization of Promising Plum Rootstocks (Prunus cerasifera L.) among Seedling-Origin Trees.

The plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh) has been used worldwide both as a genetic source for breeding new rootstocks and as clonal rootstock for many Prunus species. Considering situations where wild relatives of plums are endangered, in-depth characterization of rootstock traits of genetic diversity of plum germplasm of Turkey with many ecogeographical locations is crucial. In the present study, therefore, three steps were followed for the selection of rootstock candidates among the plum germplasm grown in the Middle Euphrates. This region is characterized by an extremely hot climate with extremely warm summers and very low precipitation in summers. Initially, 79 rootstock candidates were selected based on rootstocks traits, and Myrobalan 29C was also used for the control rootstock in all steps. Hardwood cuttings were taken from each rootstock candidate, and after the rooting process in rootstock candidates, 39 rootstock candidates outperforming other candidates were selected according to root characteristics. Based on rooting ability, forty rootstock candidates with the longest root length below 33.50 mm, root number below 3.00, and rooting cutting number below 30.00% were eliminated. The second step of the study focused on the dwarfing characteristics of 39 rootstock candidates, and 13 and Myrobalan 29C out of 39 rootstock candidates' dwarfing traits showed value higher compared to the other 26 rootstock candidates. Results indicated that the vigor of rootstock candidates was usually found to be strong (26), intermediate (4), and weak (9). Moreover, 13 out of 39 rootstock candidates' dwarfism trait was better than the other 26 rootstock candidates. In Step 3, some morphological, physiological, and molecular evaluations were conducted in 13 rootstock candidates and the Myrobalan 29C clone, and there were significant differences between both rootstock candidates and the parameters evaluated. PCA has also been indicated that the reference rootstock Myrobalan 29C was grouped with 63B62, 63B69, and 63B14. The highest genetic similarity was found between 63B11 and 63B16, as well as between 63B76 and 63B66, while the lowest genetic similarity was observed between 63B72 and 63B61 candidates. Overall, the findings presented here provide valuable information about the level of rootstock candidates that could potentially be superior among previously uncharacterized plum cultivars in this plum-growing region of Turkey.

The Analysis of Oral and Fecal Virome Detects Multiple Novel Emerging Viruses in Snakes

Wild animals are considered reservoirs for emerging and reemerging viruses, such as the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Previous studies have reported that bats and ticks harbored variable important pathogenic viruses, some of which could cause potential diseases in humans and livestock, while viruses carried by reptiles were rarely reported. Our study first conducted snakes’ virome analysis to establish effective surveillance of potential transboundary emerging diseases. Consequently, Adenoviridae, Circoviridae, Retroviridae, and Parvoviridae were identified in oral samples from Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, Elaphe dione, and Gloydius angusticeps based on sequence similarity to existing viruses. Picornaviridae and Adenoviridae were also identified in fecal samples of Protobothrops mucrosquamatus. Notably, the iflavirus and foamy virus were first reported in Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, enriching the transboundary viral diversity in snakes. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that both the novel-identified viruses showed low genetic similarity with previously reported viruses. This study provided a basis for our understanding of microbiome diversity and the surveillance and prevention of emerging and unknown viruses in snakes.

Comparison of molecular surveillance methods to assess changes in the population genetics of Plasmodium falciparum in high transmission.

A major motivation for developing molecular methods for malaria surveillance is to measure the impact of control interventions on the population genetics of Plasmodium falciparum as a potential marker of progress towards elimination. Here we assess three established methods (i) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) barcoding (panel of 24-biallelic loci), (ii) microsatellite genotyping (panel of 12-multiallelic loci), and (iii) varcoding (fingerprinting var gene diversity, akin to microhaplotyping) to identify changes in parasite population genetics in response to a short-term indoor residual spraying (IRS) intervention. Typical of high seasonal transmission in Africa, multiclonal infections were found in 82.3% (median 3; range 1-18) and 57.8% (median 2; range 1-12) of asymptomatic individuals pre- and post-IRS, respectively, in Bongo District, Ghana. Since directly phasing multilocus haplotypes for population genetic analysis is not possible for biallelic SNPs and microsatellites, we chose ~200 low-complexity infections biased to single and double clone infections for analysis. Each genotyping method presented a different pattern of change in diversity and population structure as a consequence of variability in usable data and the relative polymorphism of the molecular markers (i.e., SNPs < microsatellites < var). Varcoding and microsatellite genotyping showed the overall failure of the IRS intervention to significantly change the population structure from pre-IRS characteristics (i.e., many diverse genomes of low genetic similarity). The 24-SNP barcode provided limited information for analysis, largely due to the biallelic nature of SNPs leading to a high proportion of double-allele calls and a view of more isolate relatedness compared to microsatellites and varcoding. Relative performance, suitability, and cost-effectiveness of the methods relevant to sample size and local malaria elimination in high-transmission endemic areas are discussed.

Agronomic, Physiological, Genetic and Phytochemical Characteristics of Onion Varieties Influenced by Daylength Requirements

The evaluation of A. cepa biodiversity provides onion breeders with great prospects to obtain plants with high resistance to environmental factors, remarkable yield, and product quality. Genetic diversity assessment of a collection of nine short- and long-day onion landraces and varieties originated from different Iranian regions, using ISSR markers and UPGMA dendrograms, was carried out for the first time. Short-day landraces (Sarze, Sarkoreh, and Kerman) originated from low latitude and short-day hybrids (Mirela and Soberana) demonstrated high genetic similarity, in terms of physiological responses to day length and temperature during the crop cycle and bulbing stage initiation. Contrarily, high latitude landraces (Azarshahr, White Gorgan, Kurdistan, and Esfahan) showed low biometrical, agronomic and genetic similarity with commercial short-day onions. Specific differences in morphological reactions between these two groups displayed diverse responses of plants to day length and temperature. Long- and short-day cultivars displayed significant differences in the dynamics of leaf and scale number, leaf and root length, dry and fresh weight, and bulbing ratio and bulb diameter, which were in accordance with ISSR data. The local landraces Azarshahr, Kurdistan, and Esfahan had high antioxidant status, suggesting high prospects for their utilization as an alternative to foreign F1 hybrid varieties.

Pre-Breeding Genetic Diversity Assessment of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cultivars Based on Molecular, Morphological and Physicochemical Parameters

Appropriate knowledge of the parental cultivars is a pre-requisite for a successful breeding program. This study characterized fruit yield, quality attributes, and molecular variations of ten tomato cultivars during three consecutive generations under greenhouse conditions. Peto 86, Castle Rock, and Red Star cultivars showed the highest fruit yield (kg/plant), total phenolic compounds (TPC), and sap acidity. Principal component analysis categorized the evaluated fruit yield into three groups based on their quality attributes. A robust positive correlation appeared among traits inside each group. A positive correlation was likewise noticed between the first and the second groups. However, a negative correlation was detected between the first, the second and the third group. Molecular profiling, using seven inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers, produced 60 loci, including 49 polymorphic loci. The molecular analysis also pinpointed the highest genetic similarity (0.92) between P73 and Moneymaker, while the lowest genetic similarity (0.46) was observed between Castle Rock and Moneymaker. The cultivars P73 and Moneymaker showed the lowest genetic distance (2.24), while the highest genetic distance (5.92) was observed between Super Marmand and Peto86, on the one hand, and between Castle Rock and Moneymaker, on the other hand. The chemical analysis of fruit sap indicated the highest levels of TPC, total flavonoids, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid and total soluble solids in Peto 86 and Castle Rock cultivars. Phylogeny analysis of tomato cultivars based on morphological and molecular attributes indicated four distinct clades. Peto 86, Castle Rock, and Red star cultivars can be recommended for the tomato hybridization breeding programs in the future, with other tomato cultivars as potentially high-yielding parents.

Short Communication: Genetic similarity analysis of in vitro cultivated pineapple (Ananas comosus) from Sipahutar, North Sumatra, Indonesia using ISSR markers

Abstract. Harahap F, Nusyirwan N, Afiva A, Prasetya E, Suriani C, Hasibuan RFM, Poerwanto R. 2022. Short Communication: Genetic similarity analysis of in vitro cultivated pineapple (Ananas comosus) from Sipahutar, North Sumatra, Indonesia using ISSR markers. Biodiversitas 23: 5623-5628. Sipahutar pineapple from North Sumatra, Indonesia, is considered difficult to breed, resulting in a lack of seed availability. However, tissue culture allows the emergence of somaclonal variations, especially in plantlets undergoing several subculture stages. This study aimed to identify somaclonal variations in Sipahutar pineapple seedlings generated from in vitro culture using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Fifteen accessions were used in this study consisting of Sipahutar pineapple grown in its original environment, a laboratory environment, acclimatized, and in vitro cultured. Total of 10 primers, of which seven primers detected polymorphisms among the population. This study resulted in a low genetic similarity among the Sipahutar pineapple population. The genetic diversity of Sipahutar pineapple plants propagated by in vitro culture had a similarity level of 75%-94%, showing somaclonal variations in vitro culture. The genetic similarity of pineapple accessions was divided into two main clusters, namely cluster A consisted of 11 accessions and cluster B consisted of 4 accessions. Cluster separation does not correlate to the source of plant materials studied.

Determination of maize genotypes performance under water deficit using ISSR molecular index

Shortage of water is disastrous for crop production. The aim of this work is to obtain a group of maize inbred lines and hybrids that tolerates water deficit and collecting molecular characterizations for selection. This work was conducted in the 2019 and 2020. Five maize pure inbred lines B73, A132, NA30, S7 and DR-B1 were planted according to the design of half-diallel cross-breeding of the second Griffing method, and then 10 hybrids and 5 inbred lines were planted under the impact of irrigation intervals of 5, 10 and 15 days according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in split plot with 3 replicates. Results showed significance genotypes responses. The hybrid DR-B1 × S7 recorded the highest means of seed number per row (34.49 seed row-1), weight of 300 seed (80.77 g), and single plant yield (167.2 g). The shortest irrigation interval of 5 days recorded the highest number of seeds per row (35.39 seed row-1) and single plant yield (162.3 g). Similarity analysis showed a highest genetic diversity (lowest genetic similarity) was 0.83 between inbred 4 and 5. The highest genetic divergence (the least genetic similarity) between hybrids and inbred lines was 0.78 in inbred 4 and hybrid 3 x 2, while the highest genetic divergence of 0.92 was found between hybrids of 3 x 1 and 5 x 4. UPGMA analysis showed that inbred 5 (DR-B1) and inbred 4 (S7) in addition to 1×3, 1×2 and 1×4 hybrids high divergence. Therefore, yield components characteristics can be used for selection in breeding programmes and ISSR (inter simple sequence repeats) is a promising and efficient technique in identification of maize genotypes DNA molecular markers for water deficit tolerance selection.

A Vaccine Based on Asia1 Shamir of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Offers Low Levels of Protection to Pigs against Asia1/MOG/05, Circulating in East Asia.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious diseases in cloven hoof animals. Vaccination can prevent or control FMD, and vaccine antigens should be matched against circulating viruses. According to phylogenetic analyses, field isolates in this region belonged to genotype V and showed low genetic similarity with the Asia1 Shamir vaccine, the OIE-recommended vaccine strain. In this study, we investigated whether pigs vaccinated with the Asia1 Shamir vaccine could be protected from challenges with the Asia1/MOG/05 virus, one of the genotype V field isolates. Eight pigs were divided into either vaccinated or nonvaccinated control groups. After two vaccinations with Asia1 Shamir, both groups of pigs were challenged with the Asia1/MOG/05 field isolate at 2 weeks after the second vaccination. In the control group, symptoms appeared at 2 days post-infection (dpi). The clinical sign score peaked at 4 dpi, and this coincided with virus shedding through nasal discharge. Neutralizing antibody titers peaked at 17 dpi. In the vaccinated group, clinical signs were delayed compared with the control group, and the highest score was shown at 10 dpi accompanied with virus nasal shedding, which peaked at 11 dpi. Neutralizing antibodies were induced 2 weeks after the second vaccination and peaked at 17 dpi. In conclusion, Asia1 Shamir vaccination in pigs provided partial protection from Asia1/MOG/05 virus infection.

RAPD Technique to Determine the Genetic Divergence of Barley Genotypes

The experiment was carried out in 2022 in the biotechnology laboratories of the Agricultural Research Department - Ministry of Science and Technology with the aim of studying the molecular variations between 5 barley cultivars (Samir, Aksad, Amal, Buraq and IPA 265) in order to estimate the genetic divergence and determine the degree of genetic kinship between them. In order to be used for the production of hybrids, the RAPD technology was used, based on PCR technology and 12 primers. A 20 with a molecular weight that ranged between 150 - 2000 bp The total number and %age of differentiated cuts were 92 and 80% respectively The starter H 9 gave the highest %age of differentiated cuts amounting to 90.9% while the primer A 20 showed the lowest %age of differentiated cuts amounting to 57.1% The highest primers efficiency was 11.3% in the A15 primer and the highest differentiating ability was 11.9% in the H9 and A15 primers, and based on the data of the molecular index and genetic similarity using the UPGMA method in the linkage scheme, the two were separated. Varieties in two main groups, one group containing S5 (class Aba 265), and the second group containing the rest of the varieties according to the nearest neighbor method. The lowest genetic similarity and the degree of genetic kinship (the highest genetic divergence) between the cultivars was 0.61 between the two cultivars S1 x S5 (IPA 265 x Samir) as well as 0.62 between the two cultivars S2 x S5 (Aksad x IPA 265) and the highest genetic similarity (ie, the lowest genetic dimension)) It was between the two categories S3 x S4 (Amal x Buraq) and it amounted to 0.86. The results indicated that RAPD parameters are highly efficient in diagnosing purity and genetic divergence between barley genotypes.

ISSR markers and morphometry determine genetic diversity and population structure in Hedera helix L.

Hedera helix L. is an invasive, but medicinally important plant. In Iran, there is no available study on the H. helix population to reveal the genetic diversity and population structure. Fifty-six individual plants belonging to nine geographical populations were collected in four provinces of Iran. High genetic diversity, polymorphisms, and a Shannon diversity index of 0.269 were detected in Mazandaran, Kandovan (Population 3). Analysis of the molecular variance indicated 40% of total genetic variation of the whole population was present in the subpopulation. A high genetic similarity (0.922) between plant Populations 5 (Kermanshah; Islamabad) and 6 (Kermanshah; Paveh) was noted. On the other hand, a low genetic similarity was observed between plant Populations 1 (Tehran; Darband) and 8 (Ardabil; Hur). The Mantel test revealed a correlation between the genetic and geographical distances. Furthermore, it demonstrated the isolation mechanism responsible for the population structure in the H. helix plant populations. The principal component analysis explained the majority of the variation in the morphological characteristics. Three components explained 87% of the variation, and the first component explained 60% of the variation. For instance, the leaf morphology showed a correlation of &amp;gt; 0.7 between leaf morphological and floral characters. The plant leaves and quantitative flower characteristics separated the plant populations according to the differences in length. The current results have implications for plant conservation and management.

AFLP MARKER IN GENETIC DIVERSITYASSESSMENT OF FIG (Ficus carica L.) POPULATIONS IN KURDISTAN REGION – IRAQ.

In this study, the genetic relatedness of 12 cultivars of fig from different populations in Kurdistan region- Iraq were analyzed using eleven AFLP primers pairs combinations by using the technology of molecular analysis the DNA. Genetic similarity matrices were produced for the AFLP data to calculate genetic distances among their cultivars. Genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 0.1261 to 0.3905. The lowest genetic similarity was observed between Kola and Gala Zard (0.1261). The Hejeera Rash and Shela cultivars were most similar ones with a coefficient of 0.3905. Clustering based on AFLP data for the 12 fig cultivars was identified at the 0.32 similarity level. In the developed dendogram two main groups were found, the first one combined Ketek and Shela together, while the second group contained two sub group Shingaly and Benatty combined together, while in the other sub group cluster three other sub-group were identified. The results of this study may help in the formulation of appropriate strategies for conservation and cultivar improvement in figs, for which limited knowledge of the genetic diversity is available.

Morpho-molecular characterization of Bipolaris and Exserohilum spp. infecting various agricultural crops

The study was undertaken with major objective to differentiate fungal isolates belonging to various species of Bipolaris and Exserohilum infecting various agricultural crops. After routine isolation and purification of more than 35 attempts, 13 isolates were morphologically characterized into 8 species namely, Bipolaris cynodontis (IQBC-1 and DQBC-2), B. holmii (IQBH-1), B. micropus (IQBM-1), B. oryzae (DQBO-1, DQBO-2), B. sorghicola (DQBS-1, DQBS-2), B. tetramera (DQBT-1, DQBT-2), Exserohilum longirostrata (IQEL-1) and E. rostratum (DQER-1 and DQER-2). Molecular characterization of all the isolates using RAPD, ISSR and URP markers also revealed genetic variation. Out of 24 RAPD primers, only 9 (OPA-2, OPA-4, OPA-9, OPB-4, OPB-8, OPC-1, OPC-2, OPC-5 and OPE-5) could amplify the DNA sequence showing good polymorphism. Out of 20 ISSR primers, only 6 (ISSR 1, ISSR 13, ISSR 15, ISSR 17, ISSR 19 and ISSR 20) could show good polymorphism. Out of 13 URPs, only 5 (URP 4R, URP 6R, URP 9F, URP 13R and URP 38F) could amplify with a greater number of bands. In all the three makers, similarity matrix value using Jaccard’s coefficient ranged from 0.149 to 0.548 revealing genetic co-relation among isolates. Combined clustering of RAPD, ISSR and URP data showed relatively low genetic similarity coefficient ranging from 14.92 to 54.76 among isolates which revealed stronger co-relation among isolates. Cluster analysis based on UPGMA provided a clear resolution of relationship among all the 13 isolates belong to 6 Bipolaris and 2 Exserohilum species and confirmed the morphological characterization of the same. Further, molecular markers especially, RAPD, ISSR and URP have revolutionized the genetic analysis of plant pathogens including fungi and their application can greatly help in characterizing related genera and delineation of inter and intra-species complex of fungi.