Management Of Plant Genetic Resources Research Articles

Integrating in situ conservation of plant genetic resources with ex situ conservation management: Involving custodian farmers, benefits and their willingness to accept compensation

Compensation for custodian farmers to provide agrobiodiversity-conservation services in their farms (in situ) is an emerging global approach because it can generate public benefits when it comes to important plant genetic resources (PGRs) for food and agriculture. This review focused on: i) the integration of in situ conservation to the PGR management involving custodian farmers in a systematic conservation approach; ii) the private benefits obtained by custodian farmers to increase their willingness to actively participate in the conservation service; and iii) the willingness to accept (WTA) compensation of the farmers in providing conservation service relative to opportunity costs. The most recent approaches suggest the integration of in situ conservation with ex situ conservation management for efficient conservation programmes, especially in relation to governance of local agrobiodiversity. Involving custodian farmers in the comprehensive genetic-improvement system appears to be an activity that increases their willingness to participate in agrobiodiversity conservation schemes. Farmers receive private benefits, which are simultaneously reflected in the provision of public benefits. Therefore, WTA compensation, which employs mechanisms in the design of payments for better agro-environmental conservation services, controls the opportunity costs. Overall, farmers seem willing to participate in any type of compensation scheme that is proposed in the different countries. Furthermore, it is possible to capture the WTA, therefore significant progress requires more studies of primary schemes, indepth analysis to capture farmers' preferences on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental factors in scheme design, and the implementation of incentive policies designed with pragmatic tools.

Management and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for a Sustainable Agriculture.

Despite the dramatic increase in food production thanks to the Green Revolution, hunger is increasing among human populations around the world, affecting one in nine people. The negative environmental and social consequences of industrial monocrop agriculture is becoming evident, particularly in the contexts of greenhouse gas emissions and the increased frequency and impact of zoonotic disease emergence, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Human activity has altered 70–75% of the ice-free Earth’s surface, squeezing nature and wildlife into a corner. To prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide, the UN has launched a Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. In this context, this review describes the origin and diversity of cultivated species, the impact of modern agriculture and other human activities on plant genetic resources, and approaches to conserve and use them to increase food diversity and production with specific examples of the use of crop wild relatives for breeding climate-resilient cultivars that require less chemical and mechanical input. The need to better coordinate in situ conservation efforts with increased funding has been highlighted. We emphasise the need to strengthen the genebank infrastructure, enabling the use of modern biotechnological tools to help in genotyping and characterising accessions plus advanced ex situ conservation methods, identifying gaps in collections, developing core collections, and linking data with international databases. Crop and variety diversification and minimising tillage and other field practices through the development and introduction of herbaceous perennial crops is proposed as an alternative regenerative food system for higher carbon sequestration, sustaining economic benefits for growers, whilst also providing social and environmental benefits.

Latin America and its plant genetic richness: conservation, domestication and productive systems a policy-tecnical challenge

Latin America’s plant genetic richness and its contribution to the world's diet, are presented. Some acute problems of the modern world are described, namely genetic erosion and controversies on the appropriation of plant genetic resources. A diagram is proposed for the management of plant genetic resources, from collection to productive use. The current situation regarding the phases of this process is analyzed for Latin America, with emphasis in southern countries; this analysis indicates that the collection effort is disproportionately large in relation to the final products obtained (domestication and productive use of native species). The domestication of particular species is discussed, focusing on the historic case of yerba mate (Ilex paraguayensis). The plant genetic resources of Uruguay are discussed in detail; it is pointed out that the identification of species was completed several decades ago, and that cases of domestication of new species are scarce. Reflections and proposals are made towards the integration and speeding up of different phases of the process leading to plant genetic resource utilization. These proposals should be oriented by long-term regional goals, and applicable to specific sustainable production systems. Emphasis is placed on the need for cultural change among political and technical decision-makers, leading to a reappraisal of priorities, and the establishment of appropriate strategies. To be successful, these strategies need to gather strong support, both from the governmental sector and from farmers and local communities. It is concluded that bringing about change towards the successful use of Latin American plant genetic resources constitutes a major challenge to our political-technical creativity.

In vitro seed propagation of endangered Dendrobium - Dendrobium lituiflorum Lindl. and D. aduncum Lindl.

Genus Dendrobium of Orchidaceae prized for their floricultural excellence, that have fascinated the commercial growers all over the world and attention has paid to exploit this group. Destruction of specific habitats encourage the species vanished and need attention to conservation and restoration of rare and endangered taxa. In vitro seed propagation is the most popular multiplication technique and indispensable components of plant genetic resource management. Present observation deals with the effect of different media on In vitro seed proliferation and growth of plantlets of two endangered Dendrobium – D. lituiflorum Lindl. and D. aduncum Lindl. for large scale propagation. In D. lituiflorum, the highest germination percentage (95.48%) was recorded in MS medium supplemented with yeast extract, otherwise, in D. aduncum, 90.43 % germination was recorded in medium supplemented with potato extract. Quick proliferation of D. lituiflorum by the use of banana extract exhibited 12.5±1.77 number of shoot and 12.5±1.77 length. However, maximum number of shoots as 14.5±1.77 and length 4.84±0.58 cm. recorded in D. aduncum. After 12 weeks of culture, the medium containing 1.5 mgL-1 IBA supplemented with 0.2% banana extract showed maximum root formation (5.9±0.95) in D. lituiflorum. Otherwise, in D. aduncum, the highest number of roots7.9±1.33 per shoot was recorded the medium supplemented with 1.5mgL-1 IBA and 0.2% potato extract after 9 week of culture. In green house condition the seedlings of D. lituiflorum showed better performance in the medium containing brick chips: charcoal: coconut husk (1:1:2) and brick chips: charcoal: sphagnum moss (1:1:2) is better for D. aduncum. Seed derived propagation is very easy approach for multiplication of these species and could be successfully applied for mass multiplication intended for future conservation, and commercial aspects.

Computerized System of Data Organization at the Philippine Plant Germplasm Repository

The National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory (NPGRL) serves as the national repository of important and potentially useful agricultural crops, including the wild and weedy relatives in the Philippines. NPGRL is committed to conserving for national posterity the endemic and introduced plant genetic resources (PGR) to provide a broad genetic base for crop improvement by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) plus national and international programs, as well as to coordinate with national efforts in the conservation and management of PGR. NPGRL practices ex situ approach in the conservation of seeds and live plants of different PGR. PGR conservation and management entails acquisition, characterization, conservation and management, regeneration, documentation, and distribution.

Genomic Tools in Plant Genetic Resource Management

Significant progress has been made in conservation of plant germplasm in last few decades. However, the utilization of genetic resources has remained poor. The reason for the under utilization of plant genetic resources (PGR) are non-availability of structured information and resources from gene banks. This was due to lack of characterization and evaluation data, and under usage of genomic tools in characterization. With the evolution of genomic tools, which get cheaper with discovery of newer technologies, it is pertinent to use these tools for management and utilization of PGR from vast germplasm conserved in gene banks throughout world. In this context the present article describes the tools that can be used in gene bank management and the way to utilize the germplasm with the examples from the Indian National Gene Bank.

Genomics-Driven Application of Plant Genetic Resources for Sustainable Agriculture

Genebanks preserve the valuable genetic diversity in the form of huge collections of plant genetic resources (PGR). Dr Raj S. Paroda has spearheaded the modernization of one of the world’s largest genebanks, the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, India, which currently houses nearly 462,466 accessions. Dr Paroda’s notable contributions in the field of PGR management have earned him the popular name of “Genebank Guru”. As Dr Paroda turns 80 on August 28, 2022, we commemorate the occasion by synthesizing an article in line with Dr Paroda’ forward-thinking vision for PGR management and utilization. The present article highlights how modern genetic technologies have expanded our capacity to characterize and exploit the unexplored genetic diversity from genebanks. Extensive molecular and phenotypic characterisation support efficient strategies to minimize large PGR collections to workable sizes, thus allowing targeted search of plant diversity for sustainable agriculture. As the technological innovations transform genebanks into “bio-digital resource centres”, availability of detailed genotype-phenotype maps and genomic predictions for large PGR collections will guide selection and breeding decisions in crop improvement programmes. Effective preservation and use of PGR collections is imperative to impart climate change adaptation to crop production systems and safeguarding our future food supply.

Networks and Partnerships are Tools for Efficient PGR Management

Agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges from a rapidly expanding human population and an unstable and changing cultivation environment. With the global system facing a multitude of crises across the social, health, environmental, and peace and security spectrum, there is an urgent need for scaling up international, regional cooperation and partnerships to find lasting solutions to ensure food and nutritional security. Plant genetic resources (PGRs) can be used for breeding improved crop varieties, providing food and nutrition for ever- increasing population of animals and human beings. An attempt is made briefly to discuss about the importance of network and partnership and key role, feature and challenges for sustaining the network and partnership on long-term basis for management of PGRs.

Reorienting the Plant Genetic Resource Management for Enhanced Utilization

Reorienting the Plant Genetic Resource Management for Enhanced Utilization

Germplasm Conservation as a Key for Food Security

Security of any country as well as the whole world can be ensure through the conservation of germplasm since they are genetic resources that can be used to prolong a population of an organism. Plant genetic resources (PGR) are the foundation of agriculture as well as food and nutritional security. The ICAR-NBPGR is key institution at national level for management of PGR in India under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. India being rich in both flora and fauna germplasm diversity also have challenge of protecting its natural heritage. At the same time, we also have mutually beneficial strategies for germplasm exchange with other countries. The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) activities include PGR exploration, collection, exchange, characteri- zation, evaluation, conservation and documentation. It also perform the responsibility to carry out quarantine of all imported PGR. NBPGR collects and acquires germplasm from various sources, conserves it in the Genebank, characterizes and evaluates it for different traits and provides ready material for breeders to develop varieties for farmers. At present, the National Genebank conserves more than 0.45 million accessions. NBPGR is responsible for identifying trait-specific pre-adapted climate resilient genotypes, promising material with disease resistance and quality traits which the breeders use for various crop improvement programmes. The prime focus area of research of NBPGR at present is is on characterization of ex situ conserved germplasm and detailed evaluation of prioritized crops for enhanced utilization. identification of novel genes and alleles for enhanced utilization of PGR; identification and deployment of germplasm/landraces.

Decentralized Seed Services in Africa: An Assessment of Tanzania and Uganda

The overall goal of decentralizing seed services is to increase the availability and accessibility of quality seed to farmers. The governments of Uganda and Tanzania have endeavoured to enhance access to improved seed for smallholder farmers. These efforts have achieved results and encountered challenges. The successes include an increase in the number of key players in the seed sector in general. In Uganda, the number of community seed banks (CSBs) has increased from one to five over the last five years (Adokorach et al., 2020). The number of Local Seed Businesses (LSBs)has increased from 27 in 2012 to 256 in 2020. In addition to the increase in actors involved in improved seed production, the interaction between them has also improved. The LSBs are developing strong links with the Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI), and the CSBs are working closely with the Plant Genetic Resources Centre. In Tanzania, the government has demonstrated willingness to support the production of Quality Declared Seed (QDS) through the enactment of the QDS Regulations in July 2020. The new regulations clarify hitherto grey areas and introduce fees for inspection, germination, and moisture tests, among others. In addition to introducing the regulations, the sector has also demonstrated steady performance over the years. QDS production has increased five-fold between 2015 and 2019. QDS farmers work closely with the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) and district agricultural officers to ensure that farmers produce quality seeds. Despite these notable improvements, various challenges affect the performance of the decentralized seed system. The two specific services that have yet to be fully decentralized are the management of plant genetic resources in Tanzania and seed testing in both countries. Even though other seed services have been decentralized, further challenges persist. For example, some of the system's key players, namely the CSBs, LSBs, and QDS farmers, are not yet financially sustainable. These entities are still dependent on external project support. Without it they may not cover some of their operational costs. It is important to note that the decentralized system's challenges may be, because the system and some of the players are still in their infancy. The regulatory framework for QDS is yet to be finalized and implemented in Uganda. In addition, most of the CSBs and LSBs are less than seven years old. The first few years of their operations were mainly dedicated to setting up their governance and operational structures. An evaluation of their performance over the next few years would provide a completer and more comprehensive picture of their performance and the viability of various decentralized services. One notable difference between the QDS system in Uganda and Tanzania is the presence of a coordinating entity. In Uganda, Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) Uganda has actively played the role of a coordinating agency to advance the production of QDS in the country. In Tanzania, such an agency does not exist. As such, many activities in Tanzania are less coordinated.

Screening brinjal (Solanum melongena) accessions conserved in the National Genebank collected from states adjoining Bangladesh for adventitious presence of EE1 event

Systematic management of Plant Genetic Resources (PGRs) is the key to sustainable agriculture for food and nutritional security and in mitigating climate change. The National Genebank (NGB) at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, acts as a repository of PGRs for future use. This study aimed at screening for the adventitious presence of transgenes in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) accessions conserved in the NGB. The study targeted the collections made during 2007-2016 from areas adjacent to Bangladesh (Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal), where field trials of Bt brinjal event EE1 were conducted during 2005-2012 and commercial cultivation of this event was permitted in 2013.There could be an apprehension of both unintentional introgression and transboundary movement through borders. Adventitious presence of transgenes was checked in a set of 96 accessions of brinjal employing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR assays. As event EE1 carries cry1Ac gene for insect resistance with Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) promoter (P-35S) and marker genes (nptII and aadA), so these genetic elements were targeted for qualitative GM testing. Based on the test results, transgenes were not detected in brinjal accessions conserved in NGB. Our study showed that brinjal and wild species collected from adjoining areas of Bangladesh, post field trials and release, do not contain the event EE1. The study presents an efficient and reliable method to ensure conservation of GM-free germplasm in the NGB.

Use of plant genetic resources in crop improvement–example of Serbia

Plant genetic resources are a link between agriculture, environment and trade, so their conservation requires cooperation from different sectors. The existing diversity in genetic resources is the foundation in breeding for new challenges or new markets in the future. The number of crop genetic resources in Serbia is obscure because there is no national inventory. It is thought that there are about 15,000 seed accessions and 3500 accessions of fruit trees and grape in collections of different national institutes and stakeholders. In the National Plant Gene Bank, there are more than 4000 accessions of nearly 250 plant species. Crops kept in ex situ collections are used in breeding programs and interspecific crosses, for selection and introduction of desired traits through pre-breeding programs. Serbia as a state participates in all national and international efforts for preservation, management and use of plant genetic resources. Additionally, Serbia has also established a set of national regulations related to plant genetic resources and their use in breeding. Since Serbia is one of Europe’s most important crop producers, especially in maize (11% of EU-27 production), soya (35%), sunflowers (6%) and sugar beet (2.5%), this paper discusses certain issues and achievements in the use of plant genetic resources in cereal and oil crops improvement in Serbia, as well as national and international regulations affecting their exploitation.

Comparison of structure analyses and core collections for themanagement of walnut genetic resources

The preservation of maximum diversity within the smallest number ofaccessions is one of the challenges of germplasm management, and the assessment ofthe population structure, the relationships between the accessions, and theconstruction of core collections are the key steps. The choice of suitable molecularmarkers is often the starting point. In this study, we analyzed a part of the INRAEwalnut germplasm collection, which is highly diverse and unique in Europe,consisting of 150 accessions from American, European, and Asian continents. Based ongenotypic data already available, using 13 SSRs or 364,275 SNPs, we showed that thefirst level of structure is detected equally. We also highlighted empirically thatapproximately 100 SNPs are needed to obtain similar clustering to 13 SSRs inPrincipal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA). We constructed eight core collectionsfollowing two strategies (percentage of total allelic diversity or number ofaccessions) and two construction methods based on different algorithms (“maximumlength subtree” and “entry-to-nearest-entry” methods). We showed that corecollections based on few SSR markers are able to capture at least 99.5% of the SNPallelic diversity, irrespective of the construction method used. Then, corecollections based on each marker type are highly similar, using both constructionmethods. All these steps are crucial to identify the suitable tools and methods toimprove plant genetic resources management.

In vitro propagation and DNA barcode analysis of the endangered Silene schimperiana in Saint Katherine protectorate

BackgroundAnthropogenic activity, climate change, pollution, and exploitation of natural resources are some reasons that cause threatening of plant diversity. Silene schimperiana is an endangered plant species in Egypt and is endemic to the high mountain of Saint Katherine Protected Area in southern Sinai. The purpose of the study was the ex situ conservation of Silene schimperiana through in vitro propagation and DNA barcode analysis. ResultsTo develop an efficient ex situ conservation program of the plant, in vitro propagation protocol has been achieved from shoot tip and stem nodal segment explants of in vitro germinated seedlings. Explants were established in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.89 μM gibberellic acid (GA3), 1.08 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 1.16 μM kinetin (Kin). The highest number of axillary shoots (9.27) was obtained when they were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 4.48 μM 6-benzyl adenine (BA). Hundred percent of multiple axillary shoots were rooted on quarter-strength MS medium supplemented with 4.92 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 10.75 μM NAA. Rooted plants were transferred to pots containing a soil-peat mixture (1: 2 v/v) and successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse. Plant identification is a crucial aspect to understand and conserve plant diversity from extinction. DNA barcode analysis of Silene schimperiana was carried out using two chloroplast DNA markers (cpDNA): 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) and RNA polymerase subunit (rpoC1) and a nuclear ribosome DNA marker (ncDNA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a successful identification of Silene schimperiana on the species and genus levels and supported the inclusion of Silene schimperiana in genus Silene. ConclusionsIn this study, a relevant in vitro propagation method was established to facilitate the recovery of Silene schimperiana, in addition to DNA barcoding of the plant as a tool for effective management and conservation of plant genetic resources.

Assessing genetic diversity and population structure of sugarcane cultivars, progenitor species and genera using microsatellite (SSR) markers.

Sugarcane is one among the most important commercial crops used to produce sugar, ethanol, and other byproducts, which significantly contributes in the GDP of India and many other countries around the world. Genetic diversity is a platform for any breeding program of a plant species. Estimation of the genetic variability and population structure play a vital role for conservation planning and management of plant genetic resources. Genetic variability serves as a source of noble alleles responsible for key agronomic and quality traits, which ultimately form basis for identification and selection of promising parents for breeding programs. In the present study genetic diversity and population structure of 139 accessions of the genus Saccharum, allied genera of family Poaceae and cultivars were assessed using informative microsatellite (SSR) markers. A sum of 427 alleles was produced using 61 polymorphic primers and number of alleles generated was ranged from 2 to 13 with an average of 7 alleles per locus. PIC values were ranged from 0.35 to 0.90, with a mean value of 0.66 for all the markers evaluated. Cluster analysis based on UPGMA method revealed three major clusters which were further subdivided into nine subclusters. Population structure analysis also established three subpopulations of used accession set, however there were no correlation of sub-groupings with that of place of origin. AMOVA analysis also confirmed that 83% and 17% of total variations were attributed to the within- and between-populations, correspondingly, demonstrating greater exchange of gene pool across places of origin. The principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated the distribution of accessions in the scatter-plot was substantially dispersed, revealing rich genetic diversity among accessions of different species. The findings from this study will be useful in breeding programs for introgression of noble alleles into modern cultivars by exploiting natural genetic variation existing in sugarcane genetic resources.

Plant genetic resources in India: management and utilization.

Plant genetic resources (PGR) are the foundation of agriculture as well as food and nutritional security. The ICAR-NBPGR is the nodal institution at national level for management of PGR in India under the umbrella of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. India being one of the gene-rich countries faces a unique challenge of protecting its natural heritage while evolving mutually beneficial strategies for germplasm exchange with other countries. The Bureaus activities include PGR exploration, collection, exchange, characterization, evaluation, conservation and documentation. It also has the responsibility to carry out quarantine of all imported PGR including transgenics meant for research purposes. The multifarious activities are carried out from ICAR-NBPGR headquarters and its 10 regional stations located in different agro-climatic zones of India. It has linkages with international organizations of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and national crop-based institutes to accomplish its mandated activities. NBPGR collects and acquires germplasm from various sources, conserves it in the Genebank, characterizes and evaluates it for different traits and provides ready material for breeders to develop varieties for farmers. ICAR-NBPGR encompasses the National Genebank Network and at present, the National Genebank conserves more than 0.40 million accessions. NBPGR works in service-mode for effective utilization of PGR in crop improvement programmes which depends mainly on its systematic characterization and evaluation, and identification of potentially useful germplasm. NBPGR is responsible for identifying trait-specific pre-adapted climate resilient genotypes, promising material with disease resistance and quality traits which the breeders use for various crop improvement programmes. The system has contributed immensely towards safeguarding the indigenous and introducing useful exotic PGR for enhancing the agricultural production. Presently, our focus is on characterization of ex situ conserved germplasm and detailed evaluation of prioritized crops for enhanced utilization; assessment of impact of on-farm conservation practices on genetic diversity; genome-wide association mapping for identification of novel genes and alleles for enhanced utilization of PGR; identification and deployment of germplasm/landraces using climate analog data; validation of trait-specific introduced germplasm for enhanced utilization. Key words: plant genetic resources; gene banks; wild relatives; biotic and abiotic stresses; marker-assisted selection.

Preface: The 1st International Conference on Genetic Resources and Agricultural Biotechnology: “Information system and exchanges of genetic resources for effective crop improvement”

The First International Conference on Genetic Resources and Agricultural Biotechnology (The 1st ICGRB) was held in IPB International Convention Center on 20–21 August 2018, Bogor, Indonesia. The theme of the conference was “Information system and exchanges of genetic resources for effective crop improvement”. This conference facilitated the share and exchange of ideas, information and achievements on the management and utilization of plant genetic resources supported by biotechnology among researchers and academicians. This 1st ICGRB was also expected to result in bright ideas that will trigger international collaboration to resolve global agricultural challenges, in particular Indonesian challenge toward a sustainable bio-industry agriculture. Twelve invited speakers (Indonesia, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, Iran, USA, UK, South Korea and Singapore) shared their knowledge and experience with interactive discussion. In addition to Indonesian scientists, this event was successfully attracted approximately 150 participants coming from around seven countries joined in the plenary and parallel sessions as well as two consecutive international workshops. A total of 80 oral presentations on many crops with varied research areas were delivered in the conference by participating scientists. This conference was very useful in promoting and enhancing the applied technologies and related regulations on genetic resources exchange for crop improvement.

Cytogenetic and pollen identification of genus Gagnepainia (Zingiberaceae) in Thailand.

Gagnepainia godefroyi K. Schumann, 1904 and G. harmandii K. Schumann, 1904 belong to the genus Gagnepainia K. Schumann, 1904 of the Ginger family. They have the potential to be developed as medicinal and attractive ornamental plants. To date, the knowledge on the cytological and reproductive aspects of Gagnepainia have not been publicly available. Therefore, the aims of this research are to investigate the cytogenetic and pollen characters of Gagnepainia species using light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopes. The regular meiotic figures of 15 bivalents are found in both species and presented for the first time. These evidences indicate that Gagnepainia is diploid and contains 2n = 2x = 30 with basic number of x = 15. The mean nuclear DNA contents range from 1.986 pg in Gagnepainia sp., 2.090 pg in G. godefroyi to 2.195 pg in G. harmandii. Pollens of all species are monad, inaperturate, prolate with bilateral symmetry, and thick wall with fossulate exine sculpturing. The pollen size of G. harmandii (74.506 ± 5.075 μm, 56.082 ± 6.459 μm) is significantly larger than that of G. godefroyi (59.968 ± 3.484 μm, 45.439 ± 2.870 μm). Both 2C DNA content and pollen size are the effective characteristics for species discrimination. The reproductive evidence of high meiotic stability and normal pollen production indicate that both Gagnepainia species have high fertility and seed productivity, which are in accordance with the broad distribution. The present study provides good cytogenetic and pollen characters not only for plant identification, but also plant fertility assessment through plant genetic resource management and improvement of Gagnepainia.

Genetic characterisation of autochthonous sweet cherry genotypes (Prunus avium L.) using SSR markers

The autochthonous local genotypes of sweet cherries, which represent a very important genetic potential for future breeding programs. Understanding of the molecular basis biodiversity is one of the most important factors for the proper conservation, management and use of plant genetic resources. This paper investigate the genetic variability of 14 genotypes of sweet cherries using 26 SSR markers. The study included eight autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherry taken from four different location and six virus-free reference varieties of sweet cherry. The average genetic distance between them was 0.43. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight. The minimum number of two alleles of polymorphic loci showed EMPa003 and EMPa002, while the highest number of eight loci alleles had PceGA34 and UDP97-402. Results of genetic analysis that were done show that between autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherries ?Biljur-Bjelica?, ?Barevka? and ?Aslamka? (Kriskovci) there was no difference, it is to have the same genetic profil, which indicates that is the synonym, it is the same identity group. Also the autochthonous genotype ?Crveni Hrust? and ?Nordwunder? cultivar had the same SSR profile on microsatellite loci tested. The remaining autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherry had a unique genetic profile.